We didn't keep Christmas the usual way we traditionally do this year, with sending out the Christmas cards and pictures. Instead of sending our thoughts and wishes to you in your standard mail box, we thought we would send it to you electronically. For the record, this won't be standard, but just a modification for this year only*.
Having the blog, we feel it is a lot easier to keep people updated with our happenings and events. With that said, there are other thoughts and feelings that are not expressed. Loving the opportunity to do so now and having it recorded to look back on. Whitney, my sister-in-law is terrific at expressing her emotions on their family blog. I'll follow her suit.
Last Sunday, as we sang "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day" in church I was struck to discover that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was the author that wrote the text for this classic carol, he is one of my favorite poets. So wise are his words and his understanding of complicated things in life. He writes in the third verse,"And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men." We live in conflicted times where fear and loathing is all around us. With the elections behind us, we still experience the after shocks of voicing our rights. My neighbor was the Grinch this season who almost stole my Christmas spirit. He loves to hear himself yell and display profanities at me and our children all because our paradigm on life is different than his? Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writes on in the fourth verse, "Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men!" Unfortunately, life goes on with peace or not, but as for me and my kin we will let peace govern our thoughts, words and actions and always have good will towards our fellow men!
Beyond the nauseating Grinch, we love having Ilene and Morgan so close to share the joy of Christmas with. Their presence and genuine interest in Calvin and Oliver's life is priceless. Wouldn't trade it for anything!
It's a new dawn, it's a new day......a new year and WOW the sky is the limit!We are building the foundation to our sand castles in the sky! With J-P selling his half of the cabinet business to his partner this last year has given J-P the opportunity to explore all his options and possibilities. He desires to go back to school and merit his masters in Family/Marriage Counseling. Currently, he is selling windows and pursuing a new business called ACN. I have to say this new business has turned J-P into a whole new man. He wakes up with a smile on his face every morning even when sometimes the kids get him up in the middle of the night. His outlook on life is so bright, he reads (which if you know J-P, that's not usual for him), his heart is lighter and he wears button downs with cardigan sweaters! My mountain man has met GQ, a little rugged mix placed with a little debonair style makes a whole lot of hot Dadda! Pleased? Oh yes! Beyond work, J-P is still Elder's Quorum President at church and stays very committed! I don't have to mention but will how much his children love him because of the wonderful father he is to them.
The boys? Thriving and well! Calvin loves to dance and do karate moves all around the house. He wants to take Kung Fu lessons all inspired by Kung Fu Panda. I have to say some of his moves are impressive. Checking into lessons as soon as possible for Calvin to spar with other Kong Fu comrades. Oliver is not liking being the subject of Calvin's experimentation. Calvin is also learning a lot at home and school. He knows his letters and is beginning to read some words, but definitely loves to play more!
Oliver our baby is not a baby anymore! Tenaciously two, talks and is house trained! Still training nights, but hopeful! Oliver is very delightful and a lot easier than Cal in some regards. Oliver goes with the flow and especially goes along with Calvin's shady schemes! These two are such great pals that J-P and I feel such a deep satisfaction creating the two for each other! Our prayer is that they always stay so close! Oliver wants to go to school with Cal and can't wait til he's older!
Me, holly house frau in our Holly little home is pining for Hollywood! Annie my writing partner is in her first year film school @ USC and doing a excellent job! I visited Annie in LA and got to meet one of her highly esteemed Professors who read the screenplay! He loved it and gave it the double thumbs up! Needs some polishing, but according to her Professor would be a great "indy" film! Very excited is an understatment, but it inspires me to greater heights of productivity! After this one is DONE, I want to start another!
Loving my eternal role as mother and the days never slow down. And so it goes, sometimes wondering what my life would be like without them? Meaningless, abysmal, and with no color at all! My boys are my vigor and my will to succeed. I hope that my life will inspire them to be GREAT people one day! Here's to another year, I hope that this one doesn't go by so fast as the last four!
Love to you all and bid thee a fantastic, fancy-full and fun New Year!
