Merry 2009

Happy New Year

2009

Faithful Friends

I am grateful for faithful friends, old and new....

“A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter,” says Sirach 6:14, “he who finds one finds a treasure.”

Yesterday I had a few conversations with some wonderful old friends, who encourage and sustain me, and made a few new friends with the ladies of the local running club that Sean belongs to. (Don't worry, I am not becoming a runner.) We went out for dinner, and saw "Mama Mia". And we laughed. And I needed that.

And in the 15 minutes between my leaving and Sean getting home from work, Mr. Frodo Baggins managed to take everything movable in the living room and put in on the floor, and drag a brand new bag of flour, now with puppy teeth punctures in it, across the floor, spilling expensive King Arthur flour everywhere. I wish I had a picture, but my dear husband had it all cleaned up by the time I got home. What a star.

So, if you ever need to have some fun, invite Frodo over. He can have a party going in just 15 minutes.

Gifts

What I've been up to while the boy is gone....

Evan Wiley

Your prayers are requested for the two month-old son of Kami Karcher Wiley, a classmate of mine from high school. Evan is in the intensive care unit of CHOC. His blood vessels are under-developed which is causing extreme strain on his heart.

The specialists have not determined a cause. The family, in addition to requesting prayers, is asking that if you know of anyone who had a condition like this to please refer to the below website to post or e-mail that information.

Also, please get the word out to any one else you know that might have an idea of the cause or courses of action.

A website has been developed for Evan. On this website, it will be possible to send prayers, words of encouragement, and any information. The URL is: http://www.prayersforevan.com.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the Wiley family.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy on the birth of baby Wallace! He's beautiful!

Friendship

I have been running around like a crazy woman for the past few days helping my son prepare for a week away at Boy Scout camp--for the first time ever. I've never been away from him this long--and especially without talking on the phone or any contact at all. I'm sure he'll be fine, but this is a big step--for both of us!

In the midst of this temporary insanity (Did you pack your toothbrush? Soap?), and worry about Cinnamon, a few dear friends managed to pull me away for some "girl time". And, it was wonderful! I am blessed to have such wonderful, godly friends in my life, and I'm so thankful for all their support through so many years.

A friend is one to whom you can pour out the contents of your heart, chaff and grain alike, knowing that the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keep what is worth keeping,
and with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.

~George Eliot

Celebrating...

1000 Visitors!!!

Congrats!

Happy Engagement, Calivalley Girl and Fiance!
Can't wait to see the secret-decoder ring!

Snowball Express

An on-line friend of mine, whose husband was killed in combat while serving in Iraq 2 years ago, and her darling son will be participating in a wonderful event. The Snowball Express is giving them and other families who have lost a parent in the war a wonderful trip--airfare to So. Cal, hotel, a trip to Disneyland, the Glory of Christmas production, and a Christmas party. They will be able to meet other families coming from a similar situation, and have a wonderful weekend together. It's so good to see such kindness in the world, especially at Christmas.

Riley's Farm

James and I went up to Riley’s Farm with C’s family and Iris. We picked apples, learned about the Gold Rush, fed the goats, donkeys, sheep and pigs, threw tomahawks (yes, really--that's little K with a tomahawk!), panned for gold and picked pumpkins. All in one morning! Whew!

It was so beautiful up in the mountains of Oak Glen. The air was crisp in the morning, but the sun was shining, and we quickly warmed up as we walked the trails and picked apples. Everything seems crystal clear up there—colors seemed brighter, the air smelled cleaner. The Rileys’ are blessed indeed to wake up to mornings like this each day.

With four boys, we were constantly laughing. This is what happens when you give a boy a basket.

There is something about fresh-picked apples right off the tree--so crisp and delicious! They seem to make one a bit silly, too!

For lunch, we enjoyed chicken pot pies, fresh apple cider, apples and cookies for dessert. James and I had to dash back home after lunch to make it to his late afternoon soccer game, but I’m so glad we were able to escape and spend this time with good friends and the wonder of fall and fresh air!

If you are looking for family time in the great outdoors, fantastic hosts, good food, and perhaps a bit of education to boot, there is something for you at Riley’s Farm!
--L

P.S. It wasn't quite a perfect fall weekend, as Sean couldn't be with us, but he will post about running the San Jose 1/2 Marathon soon! He's been busy with tile!

Congratulations, Tom & Jessica!

August 4, 2006

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
And rich in blessings.
And may you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.

And congratulations to them also on becoming aunt and uncle to baby Cristiano Martins, born at 1:48 a.m. on August 5th. His mother, Christina (sister of the groom and bridesmaid) went into labor in the limo on the way to the reception and so was escorted by the entire bridal party to the hospital. What a wedding to remember! I think that's a double blessing! :)