January 1, 2009-Happy New Year

Well, how do you start a new year? There certainly is a lot going on in the lives of people around us, some triumphs, some struggles, some have resorted to resentment, some have let go of the outcomes, some have grown weary, some welcome the New Year with a shout, some with a sigh of relief. Whatever it is for you or I, the New Year still comes and goes, as time does. It never stops, it just keeps creeping forward, whether we are ready for it or not.

So here are some of the resolutions for 2009 for myself.
1. Speak less, listen more, make sure the words I am speaking will build life, not tear it down.
2. Be Aware of God, more often, not perfection, just progress, this is everchanging in my life.
3. Discover True Peace and Joy which can only come from spending more time with the creator of both
4. Trust God more than I trust anything else, including myself and just doing things my own way.

Now how I will do this, I don't know exactly yet all of the variables. Yet spending time with God on an ongoing intentional basis will be a good start. Learning to keep my mouth shut and living the proverbial saying, "I you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all." Also, Learning to listen without my agenda waiting to announce my thoughts on a situation. Listening for the sake of listening.

Thankfulness

I am Thankful for many different reasons this year. The one that comes to mind that bores a hole so close to my heart is for health. Health of my family. I know a grandma who just yesterday was in Portland with her 3 year old granddaughter getting a bone marrow transplant along with some stem cells. They found out she was sick towards the beginning of fall. My heart breaks for this family and this little person. It so easily could be any one of us going through what anyone else is going through. So pray for Annie when you are thankful for health this week. Also pray for Cathy, she is my nephews mom and she has stage four Melanoma. My nephew is 18, his younger brother 10. This may be the last thanksgiving with their mom.
Be thankful for Family. No matter what the differences, no matter what words have been spoken that have been hurtful, be thankful you have family.
Life is too short to live with hurt, bitterness, and regrets in our life.
Be thankful this Thanksgiving and beyond.

Shifting

Do you ever find it difficult to get the words out, to explain how you feel on the inside, how you are experiencing the world on the outside, and yet are finding the words not adequate to bring understanding?

I have been at a loss for words to describe the internal shifting that is occurring in my life. I am learning to be silent longer, speak less quickly, and try to understand the unspoken. Sometimes its hard.

So I try to keep the main things the main things, perspective outside of my own little world and bring in the larger picture, to better understand me, my experiences, and the choices I make.

Isn't there really more to this life than living and dying? Does everyone have an internal pressing drive to make a difference in a world that seems to get worse and worse everyday.

There are over 143 million orphans in the world. That bothers me on a lot of different levels. Each of those 143 million, are a person, a life, some of them forgotten, left to navigate the world on their own. Others may be brought into orphanages.

I joined some people who want to make a difference. Amani Life Project. Extend your heart, your passion to make this life something worth living for to someone who may not feel they have much to live for. This is something we all have in common, Knowing Hurt and having Dreams.

The Echoes of Familiar Voices

Have you ever just sat and listened, in the moment without contributing your own thoughts or spoken words for that matter. Is it eavesdropping? I don't know, I guess that all depends on the moment and the information, and the motivation behind listening in. Right now, I am listening to the banter of communication between the three boys in my family. The dad voice that is ever explaining and guiding, creatively defining in different terms so that there is mutual understanding. The ever present questioning of "why things are the way they are and how we know the things we know." I think the most difficult things to put into words are those things we're not really sure of the history or origin of understanding, just more of the "I know that I know because I know" kind of explanations. You know in your knower. Yet that isn't really clear, more vague and subjective, not linear and fact based.
That's how it seems to be even more as I learn to live as God as my guide. I know what I've experienced, I know what I know about God based on my relationship with Him. I know God through others telling me of their experiences and it resonating with a resounding, "I know what your talking about" from deep within. Then I guess there are more tangibles yet still subjective, the feelings of peace, love, calm, love, forgiveness, self-control, patience. It's more apparent when I experience these things when everything from my past experience has felt and acted otherwise, when typically it isn't my habit to feel the aforementioned feelings in a given type of circumstance, yet it comes in like God has pushed the override button, and shown me His ability from within me to respond differently. It's amazing when it happens,, makes you want to shake your head back and forth and smile. God is faithful to transform us from the inside out. It's a good day when there is a little bit more of God shining through with His love and compassion, His justice and mercy, than my way of living in the moment even with my best intentions.
So i am taking time to listen, for the familiar voice of My Father in Heaven to guide me into truth and be led with His intention and heart in our difficult world. So take the time to listen, to eavesdrop on God.

Family Hikes

Thankful for My Family

It is times like to tonight and actually every night that Jason is out of town or not home when the boys go to bed that I am thankful that he will be back again to tuck them in and spend more time with him. Cole seems to be the most affected when his daddy isn't there when he goes to sleep. He begins to cry, he genuinely misses his daddy. I remember not too long ago that I wondered in the back of my mind when one of these moments would happen, "What would I do to comfort my little boys if their daddy wasn't coming back to raise them and watch them grow." A little over two years ago now, Jason underwent open hear surgery, and the thought in the back of everyone's mind at the time was, "Will he wake up again to watch his boys grow up, grow old and ornery with his wife, and continue to be the fantastic son, brother, uncle, and friend that he is to so many." I am reminded at night when I can hear his heart valve clicking that it truly is an extended gift from God for him to be alive, living, breathing, and sharing his life with us. One of my greatest fears at that time was that I would be a young widow with two young babies 3 years and younger. I wrestled with God over this issue for months prior to his surgery. The memories of certain moments during the time leading up to surgery, the look on his face when we left him in the pre-op room, and watching his body being taken into the intensive care unit. Some I would never want to re-live and re-feel. The one thing I will never tire of feeling was the tangible presence of God, a loving God wrapping me with intense peace that was truly a feeling that surpassed all understanding. I thank God daily for my family, my husband, my kids, and our life which is truly blessed. It is difficult to live in the present moment with the truly important things kept in perspective at all times. I thank my God for giving me His Peace and His Love to understand the true purposes of the present moment. Here's to living with an eternal perspective of the present moments. I am glad that Cole and Spencer have a relationship with their earthly daddy as well as their heavenly father.

Listening to the Unspoken Words

They say that over 75% of communication is nonverbal, which means body language, gestures, tone of voice, facial expressions, and often just the unspoken words.
I have been trying to Be Slow to Speak, Listen More Closely, and Open my ears to try to understand the unspoken. It is really difficult, speculating, guessing, wondering what would be said if for some reason it could.
Listening without trying to come up with my two sense to add to the conversation is something I am trying to make a conscious effort to do. What are the unspoken words that others are often communicating without the spoken words. If I don't learn to wait, watch, and listen to my inner Holy Spirit, I often don't have a clue. I am learning to ask God to reveal to me how to listen with a compassionate heart, to look beyond what is directly in front of me, and uncover the mystery of the unspoken words.
I encourage you all to ask God, How can I be more aware of the treasure being communicated in between the spoken words.

Some of our favorite things

Well more stories from the boys. Sometimes I feel like I am a mobile personal Children's Thesarus. I am always trying to find other words for words I use while talking with Cole. I was trying to explain what and how the grooves in the pavement on our roads in Central Oregon were caused from. So what's a groove, umm an indentation, places where the pavement wears out in the shape of tires, uuh, you know like inverted speed bumps :). I don't know a hollow, shallow area of the road that causes tires going at fast speeds to get pulled around.
All I can say is, my brain synapses are not as creative as they used to be. Maybe when I'm back to work my creativity will once again flourish.
So on we go for more favorite things. Spencer decided that he was going back to school today. I asked him what his favorite part of school was, which was eagerly answered with a matter of fact, "Eating". Is there anything else you like about school? "I like listening to stories." So Eating and Listening to Stories are favorites this week, actually, if you knew Spencer, those are favorite past times most days, school in or out.

So here's to Eating and Listening to Stories. Any good ideas on other words for the grooves in the pavement are welcomed.

Summer Time Photos

First Day of School, Loose Teeth, and Maybe I'll go back Thursday

Well,
we survived. The first day of school. Both boys actually went right into their classrooms, followed the routine, and didn't even kiss their mom goodbye. Cole wanted me to get him settled first but I quickly told him that I would take Spencer to class first and then come across the hall to help him. Well Spence hung up his backpack and sweatshirt and was headed toward the trucks to play without even looking back. So on my way across the hall only to see Cole, closing his locker and heading through the classroom door without even knowing I was behind him. He was greeted with enthusiasm by his teacher, flipped his card to show he was there and proceeded to sit at his table spot. I tried waving to let him know I saw him and he was too absorbed to even notice. So back to the preschool class. I couldn't even spot my little own amongst the sea of three footers. His teacher pointed out that he was visiting "Speedy" the classroom turtle. I walked over, said hello, tried to take a picture or too, but Speedy was about to get breakfast so that was too exciting to miss let alone take the time to say goodbye to mom. So I walked out the door. I wasn't quite sure what to feel, a little indifferent I guess....Three whole hours to myself!!!!
Freedom sure does fly by when you're all alone. Off to pick up where the boys were placed back into the car. Spencer was told, "See you Thursday, you're coming back right?" Spencer just shrugged his shoulders, gave his little grin, and said, "Maybe" which was then followed by giggling and a tummy tickle by his teacher.
Now it is the afternoon, Cole comes running into the room. "LOOSE TOOTH" he cries with excitement. "Which one, let me feel." The middle one on the bottom, which one, oh, you have two loose teeth on the bottom. Maybe by Halloween, we'll have a real Jack O' Lantern smile.

Summer Time Closure

So as life goes, another season is coming to an end and another beginning is then just around the corner.
With the end of August comes my friend Tracy's birthday on the 30th. She used to brag for 30 days that she was 2 years older than myself when we were younger. Since we met when I was 19 and she was 20, two years older seemed like it should mean something important. Now however, I don't hear those tauntings for an entire month. So now I guess I can begin with the phrases about being almost 2 years younger than she is. She will reach 40 before I will. I will stay 35 for one more month. Why do we keep so close track of time and timing of things?
Cole on the other hand was asking if Spencer was 3 1/2 yet. No, Spencer just turned on July 30th. Cole on the other hand is almost 5 1/2, which in little people timing is very important.
So Cole is off to kindergarten and Spencer to preschool. School clothes are bought. Backpacks are ready.
Time. Time is defined in a lot of different ways but usually with I'm out of time, There is no time.
So I am trying to create time spaces to hold onto some of those precious moments with my husband, my boys, my family, my friends.
The weather is changing, the days and evenings are cooler. We are anticipating the changing of the colors of the leaves of the trees and the Saturday football games that we will gather around the tv to watch or trek over the mountain to watch at Autzen.
Fall is my favorite month. It is Cole's too. For different reasons. Mine is for memories from childhood of jumping in piles of huge oak leaves when I was 3. Waiting for the bus on cool crisp mornings. Spending time with my family on Sunday afternoons.
Cole is building his own favorite memories. Right now the Oregon Ducks and Autzen Stadium are favorite and important fall things.
So onward we go. And as Cole would say, "Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall." That's what he thinks God says to the seasons when it's the next seasons turn.

Do You Recognize God through only a Few People?

I was told I needed to write again. So I was reading an article on "Is Your Christ Too Small?" It challenged me in a new way. A realization that I often have a limited view of God based on the aspect of humanity that I choose to see in people rather than the God that is being revealed to me through them. What is God trying to teach me about Him through those that come within my path in life. Often times I focus on the aspects of their human character, or the rough edges, that are still in the process of refinement and attempt in my own strength to not be offended, show great patience, or grit my teeth under my closed lips so that I do not say something that I will regret. Throughout this struggle, my eyes become clouded to that which God is trying to reveal to me about His character and instead become ultra-focused on that which has not been perfected. Which ironically illuminates those areas that are not yet refined in my own character.

If we are being transformed into the likeness Jesus then there are a few things we must keep in mind. One is to know Jesus as he walked and interacted as a human. The other is to know him through the leading and transforming process that is a result of yielding to His Spirit within. How do we do that? I do know that this will be an ever changing process for most. One way will be suffice for a while and just when we become comfortable with a static way of knowing God, He will change the way. One constant way is through the word and through taking the time to seek Him through some method of communication. Still your heart and seek God. Meditate on a promise of who God is or who God says we are and see what is revealed. Most people make this too hard, too formulaic. Most children I know have an easier time talking with God, experiencing Him tangibly. For one of my children, I believe his faith continues to grow because he doesn't expect God not to show up. He doesn't expect God to speak to him.
So as a reminder, expect God to show up if you truly seek Him and want truth in your life. Pray that God will reveal Himself in all those orchestrated on our path of life. Don't focus on the human flawed characteristics that will undoubtedly be found if we focus on them. Focus on recognizing God in everyone you come alongside throughout your days.

Chillie

Chillie
Originally uploaded by montoyabre

Chillie is supervising the action. Spencer chasing OC (the cat), trying to pick her up. All Chillie wants to do is return to his nap.

Conformed or Transformed, You Choose

Ok, so I am trying to still get back into the swing of things after two nights and most of two days away from my boys, all of them, and going away to a retreat with other women. What a timely experience.
What an amazing God we love and follow. I was witness to many women who had been conformed into the pattern of this world and everything that has left it's mark on them throughout their life, and leave with healing and restoration from the hurt and betrayal this world leaves upon us over time.
One of the things we learned was the difference between Conform and Transform.
Conform is actually defined as "change in form", fashioned, formed after a pattern. The word picture is one of how they make coins. The metal is pressed with an image, from a mold. The substance or material is changed from one form to another. Same substance. This would be an external change.
Transform actually means to be changed into something entirely different. A change in the essence of something and that which we cannot do it ourselves. Something "supernatural" needs to take place. The word Transform has its' roots in Metamorphoo, which in our English language leads to Metamorphosis.
When I think of Metamorphosis, I picture the process of the Caterpillar which goes into the cocoon and is transformed into a Butterfly. Something entirely different.
Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed through the renewing of your mind so that you prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Only God can renew our minds into His character and image. We have to stop believing the lies that the world tries to sell us all. They are empty, unfulfilling, and fruitless. We strive and strive and even if we lack for nothing in our relationships and possessions, there will still be a sense of "there must be something more".
I challenge you to be transformed if you are discontent with this life. Allow God to transform your mind based on the truth of who He is and Who you are to Him. A relational God, He knows your name, He knows all that you have experienced and will experience in your life. It's up to us to take the step and choose to believe and then learn how He desires to relate to us in a very personal and intentional way. He won't force you to believe in Him. He loves you just the same but will not intervene in your life without your direct permission. I was reminded recently that "a touch from God doesn't cause harm to us". He is a Good God, a God of Justice and Truth, a God of Love.

Superman Capes, My Horse, and Cops

I must put in an update on the boys. We are in the full swing of life with two lively little rugrats, continually charming their ways into our hearts and out of trouble, and bringing a new meaning to "experiencing life to the fullest".
So as some of you many know we are very much into "Public Safety" in our home. We love fireman, policeman, state patrol, Army soldiers, and of course our Protector Angels.
We have police uniforms, fireman outfits, handcuffs, whistles, night sticks, flashlights, foam swords, superman capes, and guns made out of everything from fingers to toothbrushes. Little boys amaze me with the innate nature of the adventure they play out everyday. Spencer is our riskier, test the limits kind of kid. Cole is more of the cautious risk taker.
We have been playing cops in our home for months. Recently Cole showed me the new type of "cops" they were playing. Cole says, "Mom watch this." and proceeds to yell at the top of his lungs, "Spencer Run!!" Which Spencer, barefeet, pullup clad with socks and crocs, a "Go Ducks" shirt and hair sticking up on one side from nap, takes off like there's no tomorrow. All of a sudden, Cole yells, "GET DOWN ON THE GROUND, PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK!!" I watched, kind of perplexed and stunned at the same time, as Cole crashed into the side of Spencer, Spencer immediately dropped to the ground, put his hands behind his back and then Cole proceeded to put his knee in his back and handcuff him". Off to Jail they went, which was under the kitchen table, and then Spencer proceeded to escape. Then it was round 2 and 3 and 4 and 5. I was wondering, where did they get this from. I felt compelled to do my good mom job and inform Cole that cops did not chase the "bad guys", knock them down so roughly. He quickly turned to me and said, "They do on Cops mom." You know "Bad Boys Bad Boys whatcha Gonna Do, Whatcha Gonna Do When they Come for You."
Unbeknownst to me, on Tuesday nights when I have Bible Study, the boys are watching cops with daddy. I just shook my head and thought, of course, all of the people are fleeing from the police on cops, that's why it's on TV. So the song has continued, in some interesting settings, and I keep thinking "Whatcha Gonna Do?" So when Spencer started singing the theme song during church prayer time, I guess he was praying for the "Bad Boys". Kinda humorous, but a good lesson in what might not be appropriate for a 2 1/2 and 5 year old.
Spencer calls Chillie, our Golden Retriever, His Horse. He grabs poor Chillie under the collar and hauls him around the house, saying "My horse, My horse, Ride my horse." I think Chillie knows to avoid any of the furniture that Spencer could use to help him actually get on him to ride him. Oh well, the joys of childhood make believe and the things our pets endure. Although, I do think Chillie and Spencer have an agreement. It's the "I'll let you think I'm your horse as long as you continue to feed me when mom and dad aren't looking."
So off off and away, the capes are flying around our home as well. Cole looked out the window the other day and make the remark, "I need to get my cape mom, it's windy outside and I can't wait to feel like I'm really flying."
What would it be like if I showed up to work with the supermom cape on, it's kind of windy outside right now, it might be fun to fun and feel like I'm flying. When is it that we lose our ability to do things like that, without the fear of what others think about us. Hmmm, somedays, I would like to be that free again.
So I'm off off and away, to be Supermom for another day.

Cautiously Optimistic, Excited Anticipation

Well, let's see, the weather today, sunny, partly cloudy, mostly clear blue skies and getting warmer by the minute. Tuesday, we woke up to 1 1/2 inches of snow, with snow falling throughout the day. Winter has been long this season. Yet this weekend it is "supposed to" be in the low 70's. Of course everyone is cautiously optimistic, hopeful for the accuracy of the weather forecast, yet not completely ecstatic, not wanting to be yet again disappointed with the uncertainty of the "micro-climate" of the Central Oregon Cascades. So when Saturday arrives, the sun is shining, and the warmth of the day increases as the briskness of the morning wanes, the people will again come out in multitudes to enjoy the warmth that the sun and warm temperatures bring. People will peel off the layers of down clothing, long pants, wool socks, and flannel pajamas. Out will come the shorts, flip flops, bikes with bike trailers, frisbees, and lawn furniture. Ok, I may be getting a little ahead of myself. What I am looking forward to is hearing the sounds of the neighborhoods coming awake again after the winter hibernation. The sounds of kids laughter, people doing yardwork, skateboards and skooters rolling down the sidewalks, and eventually the familiar songs from the ice cream truck making its rounds through the streets.
Of course, it could snow again before the long term warm weather hits, but we like to think that we are over the hump and on our way to the months of leaves on the trees, green grass, and the beauty of the place we live. I think we may have snow that stays on the mountains this year throughout the heat of the summer. The river will be full, the mosquitoes will have not survived (cautiously optimistic), and Cultus Lake will be colder than usual.
Cole can't wait for summer and then football season. First game of the season is Huskies vs. Ducks at Autzen. I don't blame him for being excited for the warm weather and how each season leads into the next.
It's a lot like the seasons of our lives personally. Sometimes we feel like we've had a cold hard winter, heavy layers of snow that just keep stacking upon each other, and the desire to hibernate until the warmth of spring draws us out once again. We just have to notice the signs and respond to come out and take a look at what the new season has brought. So what are the signs we need to notice that there has been a definite change from one season to the next. It will always be gradual, small incremental changes, some obvious, others occur at the preparation of the soil stage. Which when you think about it, occurs throughout the different seasons, a layering of preparation, the necessary stages and portions of decay and growth. What are the areas in our lives, unseen to the visible eye that are necessary for the next season? Something to think about.
I'm sure I will continue to ruminate on these things as I go on a retreat this weekend. Some time away from the boys, some time of laughter, tears, and learning, some time to be alone and still with God, and some time of joining in with other women needing some transformation and renewal for the next season. I am anticipating receiving what it is that God knows I need for "now", the things needing pruning, the decay that needs it's nutrients tilled into the new ground, the seeds sprouting new growth that had been planted in seasons past. They were waiting for the timing of all the variables to come together for this moment in this season of my life. Unexplainable with words at times. I am experiencing the Joy of what God has created me for in this life.

Spring Time in Central Oregon?

You never know what type of weather Central Oregon will bring since we do live in a "microclimate" area. Whatever that means. So I am trying to update more often to let everyone know what's going on with our family....

Cole just turned 5 which I can hardly believe. I know everyone has always told me that time goes by quickly and to cherish the time you have because before you know it they will be gone on their own. Cole reminded me the other day that he wouldn't be living with me forever but he would definitely visit.

Spencer is just constantly on the go. He usually has a big smile on his face and running through the house. We are looking forward to spring time weather so they both can ride their bikes and spend time outside more often.

Jason will be finished working on the mountain in April and will be home with the boys, working occasionally until raft season gets gearing up again. I will be off for the summer in June.

I just recently read the book, The Shack by William Young. A fiction book based on some real life elements?? It's hard to know. It had some very challenging areas for me to take in. I am still digesting the elements around inner healing, forgiveness, and where God is when hard things, bad things, really horrendous things happen in life. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a non-traditional, even non-religious approach to having a relationship with God outside of theology, rules, laws, commandments, etc.

I am continually reminded of the miraculous of everyday life, whether it be the beauty of the snow capped mountains at sunrise, to the amazing wonder of a child as he grows and learns to love. I am blessed and continuing on this journey of life through being a wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend, family member to all those I encounter.

I am spending more time in quiet contemplation, listening more, and waiting in the presence of God before I quickly fill up my day with all of the expectations and responsibilities I think are required of me. God gently leads me to the important things and is teaching me, not only to let go of my expectations of how I think things "should be" but to allow Him to bring light to the areas where He needs me. I will learn to wait with the expectancy of God showing up and guiding me, if I will allow, to the moments, interactions, kind words, shared pain, and unspoken understanding He brings me into throughout each day. Not just so I can feel good about reaching out to others or allowing others to share something that may benefit me, but to know where His hand is in those moments so I can know Him, His love, and His Sovereignty. Only God will know how it all ultimately plays out. I have faith He will draw all those pursuing truth, to the Truth of His love, His Justice, and provide the divine revelation of who Jesus is and was, from the beginning to the end.

Spencer with his Goggles and bike helmet

Cole with his black eye after a sledding spill at Wanoga Snow Park

Winter in the Central Oregon Cascades

Winter is in Full Force here. The boys are now 2 1/2 and almost 5. Cole will be celebrating his birthday in early March.
They both enjoy playing in the snow. This picture was taken on one of our sledding outings. The only one missing in the picture is Chillie, who enjoys running after the boys on their sleds and even knocking them down now and then.
Cole has been learning how to ski and is ready for a longer beginner run now that he has gone down the little hill 4 times on his own. Spencer would love to ski although right now we are using it as a bargaining tool for a potty training reward. We're keeping our fingers crossed.
Jason is still working as a Supervisor for Ski School at Mt. Bachelor and loving all of the challenges that give him ample opportunity to continue to grow and engage his creative side of himself. His health is doing great and anyone who didn't know his past with having a surgery wouldn't even know by looking at him or watching the activities he continues to enjoy. I can't believe in a that it has been a little over a 1 1/2 years now. I continue to thank God everyday for how He has blessed our lives and given our family the gift of time and health to continue to grow, laugh, and thoroughly enjoy the life He has given us to share with one another and our friends.
Blessings to everyone in the New Year of 2008.

Fall 2007, Back in the swing of things

Well,
I can't believe summer is over and Fall has definitely hit Central Oregon. Cole is back in preschool this year and soaking everything up like a sponge. It was great to have some family and friends visit from California and Washington.
Spencer is starting to talk up a storm and seems to be saying some interesting phrases, like "bad boy", which I think is what he has picked up when we have caught Chillie eating the garbage and we tell Chillie he is a bad boy and then send him to go have a time out outside.
Very humorous days in our family. Never a dull moment. I told Cole the other day that he needed to get all of his toys picked up prior to going to bed or else I would pick up all of the toys I found out and throw them away or give them to kids who don't have toys. He promptly told me that "You better not come in my room then." I could only laugh because it was so matter of fact and really not in a sassy way.
Jason will be working as the Adult Ski School Manager up on Mt. Bachelor. I continue to do all of the safe school assessments for the school districts in Deschutes County and get an occassional client or two to keep me in the therapy realm. I really enjoy working with the kids and families trying to make our community a safer and more healthy place to live.
This weekend I will celebrate my 35th birthday. How did that happen? I still like to think that I am in my early twenties at heart, but my gray hair is telling me differently. Maybe it's just a sign that God is blessing me with more wisdom.:)
I will post some new pictures soon. But in the meantime, hit the link to the right and check out our family photos.