Thursday, December 31, 2020

Top Ten Photos of the Year

Its that time...when I go through my photos and pick my favorite ten. Since I've lived a while now, I already know this to be true...the sweetest, most important moments in life are usually not fancy. They are usually wrapped up in everyday, ordinary life.

Here they are, chronologically:



Its inconvenient and extra work to have Dakota. It means more driving, less sleep, etc. But the joy we receive when we give is undeniable.


This photo, taken at Fine Arts, represents Avery and Amanda doing things afraid, pushing past the fear that loudly lies. Amanda sang a solo and duet and both she and Avery were part of a drama ensemble. We were so proud of their bravery.

Also, Shaun is such a great dad and works hard at relationship with the kids. We make so many mistakes, but we care deeply and are intentional in our parenting.


This represents hours and hours and days and weeks and months at home. When life came to a screeching halt in March because of Covid, we embraced the time to be together. We did puzzles, played games, read books and enjoyed a serene pace of life.


Our very first family 5K run at the high school track. There was much grumbling about being forced to do something so terrible but we pressed on. After every run, we'd drive 30 minutes to get Chick-fil-A. It became a treasured weekly ritual.


In the early part of quarantine, my dad retired, something he'd planned six months prior. All my life he's been a pastor, and I've watched him serve and love people with a genuine heart. It was special to be waiting in his yard with my siblings and their families as he drove in after preaching for the last time. 


This robin's nest was built right near our front walk in a low bush. It was a delight to us all to discover the eggs, see them hatching and watch, as the last one toppled out of the nest and tried its legs and wings for the first time. I can't explain why it was such a special thing for our family. Because it was not a "normal" year, our lives slowed enough that we got to be eye-witnesses to this miracle.


Our very first foster child, who came to us when he was nine, graduated from high school and we got to be there. I'm so grateful to still be part of his life and I'm thankful for "wins" in this whole system that can sometimes go a while without obvious bright spots.


I hesitated to include this, but its a big part of 2020.  For years I walked closely with two families who had been affected by cancer. This year, both people passed away, one in February, one in July. So much hard, so much holy.


Days after Jay moved out, we took a family road trip to Maine. We went to the cabin, the boys fished Moosehead and then we spent a couple nights in Acadia National Park, our first time there. After having our hearts bruised and battered, it was time and space for the healing we needed. The kids are at such fun ages for hanging out with...we're aiming to be lifelong friends with them.

This blurry timer photo was taken at Cadillac's summit. We made it, even after experiences doubts and setbacks along the way. I think there is something inside us that shifts ever so slightly at the top of a mountain climb.

Not for the quality of the photo but for what it represents....a typical weekend morning. Teens and toddlers milling around the kitchen, coming to or from a soccer game, happily being together.


Again this year, I choose us.


 “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live” (Mark 8:35)

Project 365, Week 52

Christmas and more Christmas! 

December 21
The sweetest!! All on his own, Aiden decided on a gift for his sisters that he was sure would have a huge impact on them. For days and days he thought about it, counted his money and schemed with his cousin Maddy to do the actual shopping. She's a dance teacher so she gets a little discount to the store with the overpriced leggings. I picked him up early from school and they went shopping together. With Maddy's guidance he put in so much care and thought to picking out just the right color and size. He came back beaming, just SO happy to have these gifts for his sisters. He couldn't have been happier to spend over $200.

When he came back, he opened his Bible to Ezekiel (?!?), researching a conversation he and Maddy had. 


December 22
Two days before Amanda had done such a great job being responsible for her little cousins during our family Christmas. When a neighbor asked if one of the girls could watch her 7 & 9 year old boys, I knew Amanda was ready. As I spotted her walking to their house, excited and nervous, it struck me how grown up shes getting.


Aiden and I worked on wrapping gifts.



December 23
"Go time"! I hit the grocery stores early and spent the day in the kitchen baking and preparing all that I could do in advance. The kids had a half day and were very helpful.


December 24
Shaun spent most of the day trying to fix our boiler that had given out. Very unhandy timing but I'm so thankful he can put on his work clothes and take care of it.


And then...Christmas Eve service. With our pastor's encouragement, we went ahead and registered our group to sit in the actual service. It was overwhelming to stop and take in God's great love for us, that He would choose us to be a part of His story.







Then we were back to Amy and Colombo's house for our traditional dinner and birthday cake for Jesus. Great food, great company, even though we were missing a few VIPs.





I caught the girls all huddled around the island being silly and happy to be together.


December 25
Christmas morning! For so many years, my Christmas mornings have been spent with my Uncle Lee, sipping coffee, catching up and greeting those who sneak downstairs two-by-two. The New York family did not travel down this year and they were sorely missed. Instead we texted each other before anyone else was awake and I drank coffee and enjoyed the sweetest squeals and whispers and Secret Santa guesses. It was very special.
 

New, for the first time ever, a Christmas morning workout. Impressive!


The day quietly unfolded....stockings, brunch, presents, appetizers, presents, dinner, dessert, playing, laughter, cuddles, young adults in and out and a FaceTimed game of Scattegories with Melody. It wasn't flashy but it was perfect. Literally grateful to be alive for another Christmas, grateful for the families God placed us in. Especially thankful for the message of Christmas...Hope has come!




































'06 Club still growing!






This guy.


December 26
Christmas night after everyone had gone home, it was just the five of us. We lingered in the living room, talking about life, hearing the kids hearts. It was slow and special. During that time, we also made a plan to de-decorate and clean and pack for our upcoming trip. The kids gave a great team effort. 

Shaun went to check on one of the apartment buildings and discovered 21" of water in the basement and the boiler no working. He waded in freezing cold water to fix the pumps and spent hours there. He came home frozen to the bone.