OLD TECHNOLOGY

What wonderful weather we are having. I have been for many walks these last few days, complements of Lucy, and I LOVED it. I have been waiting for the ice to melt so we could walk and walk and walk.

Lucy gets tired after we walk through the mud and then she needs a mini bath.

I have been surprised 3 times in the last few weeks with phone call from family members I don't talk too often enough. Today I was thinking how often I send a message online but don't pick up the phone. I thought how Mom and Dad must feel if they get fewer calls because we are all keeping in touch via the Internet. I guess maybe the warm feeling I got from my phone calls made me think of calling Mom and Dad more for no reason but to say HI. So if you have time give someone a call and say Hi you might just make their day.
Have a great week!
Love, Julie

Ayden Singing

I just had to share this video of Ayden singing along with his giraffe. I hope it works!

Have a GREAT Day! Love you All!

R

OHHH HOW I LOVE THE SMELL OF A PUPPY!!!

We found our missing link. She has been here even 24 hours and yet all the kids changed their schedules just to come meet Lucy. I cannot express how blessed Ed and I feel this morning to sit and visit with Paul -he stays at hotel Doucette while attending guard weekends in Elkhorn- play with Lucy and count the blessings of our week past. I am Thankful for each of our kids and their open generosity to take the time to pop in yesterday. The comment still giving me a giggle this morning came from Ashlynn. "Hi Lucy, I'm Ashlynn. How's the weather today?" What little 2 1/2 year old asks hows the weather. Dawn made a great post on her blog and I want to share it with you. Well it is time to get on with the day http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com/2011/01/family-member.html or just click on Dawn Marie Designs on the side bar. Have a great Week I know I will. Love Julie

... and A Happy New Year!

Aloha Ohana and Mele Kalikimaka

I just want to say a simple prayer for all of you today. And that prayer is that you stop and appreciate all the wonders of our family. When I decided on the fantasy gift idea I had no idea what to expect. Noah surprised me with his idea early in the game and I realized I really that I really should not even have expectations, but just let the surprises show up – and they did! I was moved – and continue to be moved – by the gifts that were presented. Mine is proudly displayed on my bulletin board above my computer and I love sharing it with anyone who will listen. (Thanks Joey!)

And thanks to everyone who shared their fantasy gift. (And may I suggest that if you weren’t there to share yours that you share it with whoever you had. I think those people would still appreciate the gift even now.) I’m thinking about putting something together where everyone’s gifts are shared, but I’ll get back to you on that. (I think I still have a crossword puzzle to create )

What I really realized is that I have everything I need to become all that God intends for me. And so do you! There was so much talent and so many gifts present in that room that there is nothing we can’t do if we set our minds to it. And the truly amazing part of that is not just the gifts and talents but the love that permeates it all.

My gift to Katie was possibility – and, Katie I hope you don’t mind – I’d like to share that with everybody. What would be possible, if we shared and connected and reached out over the miles and days over the next year? No amount of sharing is too small. Every word of encouragement adds to the bounty and all of it will glorify Jesus our Lord and Savior whose birth we celebrate this day!

With God all things are possible and blessed as we are, my prayer is to continue to share with each other and call on each other for support and encouragement and to share it with each other when prompted to do so. How many times do you think about calling someone and decide to wait until you’re a little less busy? Or start an email but decide you really don’t have anything truly worthwhile or puposeful to share so you put it off? Well, cut it out!

I want to see connections like never before and I want to see a surge in sharing. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Be blessed and again - Mele Kalikimaka (and a Happy New Year).

‘Til I share again.
Diane

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

I hope you are all ready or almost ready for the big weekend. I took a walk and tried to plan the order for my Christmas brunch food prep. It is a beautiful day for a crisp walk in the sun and fresh air. Great day for counting my blessings.
I thanked God for each and every one of you and asked him to bring health and happiness to all in the new year. You are all Blessings to me and I wish you a Christmas season full of wonderment and memories.
Should you find time in your busy schedule feel free to write a special tradition you try to have each Christmas. My simple tradition is Bing Crosby "White Christmas" movie.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!