Friends Who Feel Like Home

So many of my teen years and my early 20's I spent worrying about whether people liked me. It was a long, painful struggle that I often felt tortured over - obsessing over whether I was "ok" with friends and loved by others. Ugh, approval addiction.

Now, into my adult life, I feel more at peace with myself. I don't know if it's that I love myself better or that I've learned to let things go. Yay for growing up and growing into my own skin!

Luckily, along with growing up, I have found a treasure in friends who make me feel like home. These are people in life whose hearts I've connected almost instantly with. They are people I've known for years, and they're also people I've met recently along life's path. They may live a million miles away, or just down the street. What all of these friends share in common, they are like family. Nothing stops. Nothing changes. They are like home every time I see them.

I'm blessed that I get to visit a couple of friends just like this tomorrow. Jake and I are off to Austin, Texas for the Memorial Weekend to see our sweet friends Jon and Cassandra Moton. Today I'm blogging to celebrate friends like them. Thank you sweet friends for loving me for me and for always making me feel like home.

My New Baby

Meet Moo.

Jake's boss has been pressing him to adopt her last kitten and we caved. He's the cutest little button... white with black patches, just like a cow. We started talking about "adopting cow kitty" and when we brought him home we named him Moo. Moo is a rambunctious little guy, getting into everything, including under Spike's skin. My 1st born is having some "issues". :) The hissing match is on.

I've actually had some introspection by adding Moo to this family. I've watched Spike be intensely focused on Moo - keeping him from enjoying his own life - as if Moo took it from him. Spike is angry, paranoid, and jealous. I've gotta say, I can relate. I've become paralyzed in life at times by focussing on negative things and negative people. I've allowed others (people who have hurt me, purposely or inadvertantly) to become my only focus. I've allowed my fears and pain to keep me from enjoying life today. I'm watching Spike hide and not get along with Moo and can see from the outside what a waste it is - if only Spike could shift his focus. Poor kitty.

Who knew I could learn a life lesson by watching cat drama. :)

Aloha!

Jake and I are off to Waikiki tomorrow for a much needed week-long vacation in paradise. There are no plans yet except to sleep in, eat well, shop, and hang out on the beach. Well... If you know my husband, he's been "researching" some things - visiting North Shore, surfing (I've never done this before), snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, Pearl Harbor, getting some "shave ice", hiking, Dole Pineapple Plantation, etc. We'll see what we get to. :)

Here's a pic of our hotel on the beach.

Grandma Erma

My recent focus has been the loss of my Grandma Erma. Lately I've been pretty introspective about her and this change for our family. This is the first big death for us. And really, it isn't tragic at all. She lived a long, wonderful life, and we're glad to see her finally at rest.

I will always have memories of times spent with her...

Hanging out in her and Grandpa's motorhome, playing board games like Skunk, Yahtzee and Pit, watching the original Alice in Wonderland (with the Jabberwocky) while fighting with the twins about who can pull the string attached to the music box on the wall that played "Edelweiss" (I now have hanging in my kitchen), sipping orange juice out of the Strawberry Shortcake glasses she kept for us girls, enjoying her famous fat-free oatmeal cookies, picking lemons from her tree in the backyard and playing darts, enjoying her love for piano just like me, and going to the Shriner's Circus. I remember there was a time when her and Grandpa would send me $40 a month when finances were tough. They always wanted to help and be there for us grandchildren.

She was a strong working woman in a time when it was uncommon. She raised 2 amazing children, my Dad and my Aunt Elaine. Her legacy lives on through us - 5 grandchildren - Kimberly, Heather, Me, Ryan, and Christopher.

Grandma, I remember your laugh - that sweet, quivering voice. I remember your love. You will be missed, but we'll see you again.

Cruise to Ensenada 1996

My 19th, Grandpa's 80th & Grandma's 75th Birthday 1998
Come on, who's grandma do you know does "WestSide"?

I Hate My Job, I Love My Job

We had an amazing time at Winter Camp. I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my life with the pics below...

I Always Think This Will Be The End Of Me

I think there's a special kind of regular amnesia that youth pastors have - probably like the amnesia moms have after giving birth and then wanting to do it again - It's called CAMP. Planning camps is like giving birth (like I know, right?). This week has been hell week with creating, planning and final touches - labor pains. I feel like a Zombie, I'm addicted to Monster, and I'm hoping everything goes great --- It always does, but like I said, it's amnesia.

Jake and I will be heading up to Show Low, AZ for Winter Extreme with our High Schoolers for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and fun. Wish us luck! :) I'm hoping that God does amazing things through this camp and our speaker. I'll have pics to share when we get back.

Christmas Decorations

Over Thanksgiving we got things nailed up and the Christmas decorations out. Things have been so busy lately that I forgot to put these up and share. Plus, Karen you were right... that hot chocolate Starbucks cup has been up way too long! :) Just an FYI... these decorations are still up. It's Winter Camp madness month so they might not get taken down until February. :)