I started posting daily on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and managed to keep it going until the Sunday after Christmas.
Now it's time to decide what I want to do next.
I'll get back to you.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
The day after...
Really? Has it just been one day since Christmas? I hate that anticlimactic feeling of the day after. It's the same with any big event, activity, project... holiday. I look forward to them so much, even with the pressure and stress, I love the excitement of something fun that is coming.
All that's left is to clean up. I read this morning on someone status that their neighbor had already put the Christmas tree out on the curb for pick up. I can understand that, especially for someone who decorated early in November. I'd be really sick of the decoration clutter by now. Since we aren't planning to have a New Years gathering I'll begin slowly putting things away over the next week. It's time to move on.
Then it's over.
All that's left is to clean up. I read this morning on someone status that their neighbor had already put the Christmas tree out on the curb for pick up. I can understand that, especially for someone who decorated early in November. I'd be really sick of the decoration clutter by now. Since we aren't planning to have a New Years gathering I'll begin slowly putting things away over the next week. It's time to move on.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Day
I grew up with the tradition of reading the Christmas story from Luke 2, then a feeding frenzy of opening presents. Greg and I kept the story tradition but decided to pass on the frenzy part. It is hard when you're getting all this stuff to keep remembering what is being celebrated.
When the kids were little we decided to limit the Christmas presents to three... because 'Jesus got three presents'. For several years we kept the presents specific, one toy, one artistic/musical and one educational. That has somewhat slipped away as they've gotten older, but we still try to stick with just three gifts. And there is no frenzy! One gift at a time and watching each other unwrap.
I do miss the joy of having children open presents. Truth is, now we have so much, nothing is really a surprise anymore. Not that I'm not grateful and very happy with the paraffin wax bath my family gave me... VERY thrilled. But there is a special joy of sharing that time with a child. It almost works with golden retrievers. They are thrilled to be allowed to rip up wrapping paper and find a new toy inside. And the toy lasts just about as long as a toy given to a small child. =0) Christmas with grown children is a new and different season of life.
We also don't do the big Christmas dinner thing. I feel like I've been eating since Thanksgiving! Instead I make a good breakfast after gifts are exchanged and we spend the day chilling out playing with our new toys and making phone calls to grandparents. Then for dinner a simple pasta meal. A quiet, peaceful day. Not every year works out this way, but this one was nice.
We do have another tradition for the holiday season. A few years ago the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings movies began coming out in theaters during Christmas and we were always the first in line. After the third one finished we felt lost... what do we do now? We began watching the DVDs a little at a time during the week between Christmas and New Years. One disc at a time... the Director's Cut. Takes about the whole week to fit it all in. This evening we started with the first disc. Great movie, great story, great cast... though my favorite is still Legolas.
Now Christmas has come and gone, but the celebrating continues for another week. Greg will only work for a couple days this week because of New Years. I'm going to continue posting daily until New Years day. Might as well, I'm on a roll!
When the kids were little we decided to limit the Christmas presents to three... because 'Jesus got three presents'. For several years we kept the presents specific, one toy, one artistic/musical and one educational. That has somewhat slipped away as they've gotten older, but we still try to stick with just three gifts. And there is no frenzy! One gift at a time and watching each other unwrap.
I do miss the joy of having children open presents. Truth is, now we have so much, nothing is really a surprise anymore. Not that I'm not grateful and very happy with the paraffin wax bath my family gave me... VERY thrilled. But there is a special joy of sharing that time with a child. It almost works with golden retrievers. They are thrilled to be allowed to rip up wrapping paper and find a new toy inside. And the toy lasts just about as long as a toy given to a small child. =0) Christmas with grown children is a new and different season of life.
We also don't do the big Christmas dinner thing. I feel like I've been eating since Thanksgiving! Instead I make a good breakfast after gifts are exchanged and we spend the day chilling out playing with our new toys and making phone calls to grandparents. Then for dinner a simple pasta meal. A quiet, peaceful day. Not every year works out this way, but this one was nice.
We do have another tradition for the holiday season. A few years ago the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings movies began coming out in theaters during Christmas and we were always the first in line. After the third one finished we felt lost... what do we do now? We began watching the DVDs a little at a time during the week between Christmas and New Years. One disc at a time... the Director's Cut. Takes about the whole week to fit it all in. This evening we started with the first disc. Great movie, great story, great cast... though my favorite is still Legolas.
Now Christmas has come and gone, but the celebrating continues for another week. Greg will only work for a couple days this week because of New Years. I'm going to continue posting daily until New Years day. Might as well, I'm on a roll!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
Almost forgot to post!
Great, quiet and peaceful day.
This evening we went to the zoo to see Zoolights.
Saw it last year and decided it was a good tradition to continue.
I'll write more tomorrow, but it's late, so for now....
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Finally!
I started this blog off in January with the statement that this year I would be turning 50 years old. Today was the day. Finally, made it to the top of the hill. I started to say it was a long hike, but the truth is it really didn't seem that long. I guess as they say, when you're having fun...
I've never really dreaded birthdays. I've heard people talk about how they had a hard time with turning a certain age. Seems like to me it's better to get older than not... really! Fifty does seem pretty old though when you say it as a number like that. It is half a century!
I've had several friends who I truly respect and admire go 'over the hill' ahead of me. They've scouted it out and tell me it's okay. Some of the best conversations I have are with those ladies. There is something about living a little life that gives the freedom to be transparent and real with others. I just crave the opportunities to share life with friends in that way.
There are also those on the journey ahead of me that have shown me that age does not limit accomplishments. When Lydia and I hiked the Appalachian Trail last year we walked with our friend Soaring (trail name) who at the time was 58. She is the strongest, fastest hiker I have ever walked with. This year she went back alone and completed the sections we missed. Age makes no difference.
So tomorrow I begin the second half of my life here on earth. There are so many opportunities I haven't gotten around to yet, so many places I still need to see, friends to be made, so many mountains to climb... Now, what to do first...
I've never really dreaded birthdays. I've heard people talk about how they had a hard time with turning a certain age. Seems like to me it's better to get older than not... really! Fifty does seem pretty old though when you say it as a number like that. It is half a century!
I've had several friends who I truly respect and admire go 'over the hill' ahead of me. They've scouted it out and tell me it's okay. Some of the best conversations I have are with those ladies. There is something about living a little life that gives the freedom to be transparent and real with others. I just crave the opportunities to share life with friends in that way.
There are also those on the journey ahead of me that have shown me that age does not limit accomplishments. When Lydia and I hiked the Appalachian Trail last year we walked with our friend Soaring (trail name) who at the time was 58. She is the strongest, fastest hiker I have ever walked with. This year she went back alone and completed the sections we missed. Age makes no difference.
So tomorrow I begin the second half of my life here on earth. There are so many opportunities I haven't gotten around to yet, so many places I still need to see, friends to be made, so many mountains to climb... Now, what to do first...
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
That's My King
One day last week I decided I wanted to post something on my facebook status that had a little more meaning than my usual posts. What came to mind was a recording I had heard some time ago. It took some searching but I finally located the text and several Youtube videos of "That's My King" by S. M. Lockeridge. As I read through it I couldn't decide which section to post, it was all so amazing. I decided to do the whole thing, one section at a time. I finished up the end of it today and posted the video. I thought I'd share it here as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE2jZV43dl0
The late Dr. S.M. Lockeridge, a preacher from San Diego, California who said these words in a sermon in Detroit in 1976
My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.
He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . .but He's indescribable. He's indescribable. That's my King.
He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the 'ever's, then . . .Amen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE2jZV43dl0
The late Dr. S.M. Lockeridge, a preacher from San Diego, California who said these words in a sermon in Detroit in 1976
My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.
He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . .but He's indescribable. He's indescribable. That's my King.
He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the 'ever's, then . . .Amen.
Monday, December 21, 2009
More snowboarding and Christmas movies... sort of
I tried something new today.
We drove to Breckenridge to check out their green slopes.
Wow it was so crowded ...and confusing ...and exhausting.
Maybe I need to try it again after the holidays when it's not so busy.
I felt pretty good about how I did on the one slope I made it all the way down.
Connecting my turns pretty well.
Now if I could just get over my fear of those lifts.
Highlight of the day was coming home, ordering a pizza and crashing.
We don't order pizza often, but it's a Godsend after a day like this.
With pizza and soda in hand and fireplace burning we all decided on a Christmas movie.
But how to pick a movie for everyone... including the guys.
This time the guys got their pick, the all time classic Christmas movie,
Die Hard.
Wow, I forgot how bloody that was!
Next movie I pick.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Quiet day
It's been a peaceful day for a holiday weekend. Maybe because it's not REALLY a holiday weekend yet. It's strange having Christmas on a Friday. Our church doesn't have a Christmas Eve service which means that this morning was the Christmas service. Somehow it really didn't feel right, it was just too early, Christmas is days away.
Both kids had their own things going on so Greg and I went out for lunch after the service. It occurred to me that this might be a foreshadowing of our Sundays in the future. After lunch we went home, picked up the dogs and headed over to Red Rocks. It's a real challenge to walk the steps at Red Rocks with the dogs. They just don't understand going back and forth over and over. If we separate them it's really hard because they pull to be together. So today we walked and ran side by side on the steps. It took a few rows but they finally got the hang of it and we had a good workout.
The rest of the afternoon was quiet. Caleb came home and watched some TV. We have a whole new selection of shows playing now that Caleb is home. I don't know where he got his weird sense of humor! When Lydia got home the three of them, Greg, Caleb and Lydia all headed out together to see a movie. I passed. Sometimes I just like to be alone for awhile... make the introvert in me happy.
So nothing big happening today, which is pretty nice for a Sunday.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Parades and Parties
This morning we went to the Christmas parade in downtown Golden. I love this parade. They do it three Saturdays in a row in December, which means you have a chance to pick which weekend to go, but every time I've gone the town has been full... but not too full. It's just a nice old fashion small town parade. I will say though, if I had small kids I would have a hard time explaining why there was more than one Santa in the parade. I'm not sure what that was about, you would think only one Santa per parade would be allowed. Nonetheless it was a lovely parade.
We took the dogs along with us. It's the Colorado thing to do. Also, it's good for MacGyver. He would just as soon stay holed up in the house and not be around people. So every now and then we like to take him out in crowds to let him see it's okay. He did great. After the parade we crabbed sandwiches at D'Deli and ate on a picnic table on the bridge over Clear Creek. Right now it's completely frozen over and very cool looking.
This evening Greg and I headed out to one last Christmas party. I didn't know a single person there, but still had some great conversations. I wonder why this is... in groups like this evening I can walk in not knowing anyone and have conversations with several people and walk out feeling like I've made some friends. But... I have this one particular group of people that I get together with once a month, every month for a year now and each month I walk away feeling like I haven't connected with anyone. Why is that? If I could nail down what the difference is... I would do something to change it. ...I have no conclusions yet, just a thought.
We took the dogs along with us. It's the Colorado thing to do. Also, it's good for MacGyver. He would just as soon stay holed up in the house and not be around people. So every now and then we like to take him out in crowds to let him see it's okay. He did great. After the parade we crabbed sandwiches at D'Deli and ate on a picnic table on the bridge over Clear Creek. Right now it's completely frozen over and very cool looking.
This evening Greg and I headed out to one last Christmas party. I didn't know a single person there, but still had some great conversations. I wonder why this is... in groups like this evening I can walk in not knowing anyone and have conversations with several people and walk out feeling like I've made some friends. But... I have this one particular group of people that I get together with once a month, every month for a year now and each month I walk away feeling like I haven't connected with anyone. Why is that? If I could nail down what the difference is... I would do something to change it. ...I have no conclusions yet, just a thought.
Friday, December 18, 2009
snowboarding
Today we continued a tradition that Greg would love to be a big part of our holiday activities... a day on the slopes. Greg and both kids are amazing snowboarders. They've been at it for years. I began learning last season. I'm not exactly a natural, but I'm getting a little better all the time. Today was the second time we've been on the slopes this season and I'm thrilled that I can remember the basics... standing up, not falling and I can even still remember how to connect my turns. Hopefully before the season is over I'll feel comfortable calling myself a snowboarder, but not yet.
This evening our friend Rich came over to spend some time playing guitar. It's been awhile since Greg and the kids jammed together and I really miss it. Tonight Greg, Caleb and Rich played guitar while Lydia broke out her fiddle and Uke. It was nice. And frankly, after a day of snowboarding, it just about lulled me to sleep. I'm beat.
This evening our friend Rich came over to spend some time playing guitar. It's been awhile since Greg and the kids jammed together and I really miss it. Tonight Greg, Caleb and Rich played guitar while Lydia broke out her fiddle and Uke. It was nice. And frankly, after a day of snowboarding, it just about lulled me to sleep. I'm beat.
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