An Unexpected Christmas Meeting

When I was growing up, my "Aunt" and "Uncle" and their daughter lived around the corner. Aunt Mamie was somehow related as a cousin somehow to my dad way down through the lines. She was a character. She was the most jovial person in the world. She had a laugh and smile that would melt even the coldest of hearts. My Uncle Dale was a Studebaker worker and he was the opposite of his wife. She was warm and cuddly and he was stiff and very uncomfortable on the outside with demonstrated affection. On the inside though, he melted like butter with any kind of attention. My mom didn't drive so when we needed a ride home from school or we were sick and needed to be picked up, Uncle Dale was right there to give my mom a ride. Aunt Mamie was my mom's closest friend.

Every Saturday night, they would come over to the house and play a card game called Blitz....and pennies were the prize winnings. We loved it when they came over as we would always have the treat of a glass of soda and a bowl of chips.
On my son's Ej's graduation day from Kindergarden, Aunt Mamie died. It was a painful and sad loss for our family. What was suppose to be a happy evening of celebration turned into a painful one with the news.

On the morning of May 31st in 1985, my sweet mother passed away and oddly enough, that evening my other son, Jon, was due to graduate from Kindergarden. A happy day in so many ways (parents wedding anniversary also), turned to a deeper loss than I could ever explain.
Tonight, as I was coming home from work, I was about to pass the restaurant my dad usually eats dinner at. I had the urge to stop so I did. I found my brother and Dad in their usual spot. I sat down and realized they had been chatting with the ladies at the next table. I sat there for a few minutes and then turned my head towards the three ladies at the table. One was staring right into my eyes and I realized that it was none other than Aunt Mamie's daughter and her two life long friends. I became all teary eyed as I haven't seen Betty since her mom's funeral in 1983. Though she showed the years on her face, the warmth and love in her eyes came shining through. Hugs and lots of conversation followed. We talked about the days of me growing up and we exchanged all of the things we remembered about those days. I proudly showed pictures of my children and caught them up on what my sister, Bonnie, was doing. During a moment of me talking to my dad and brother, I over heard the most wonderful thing. They were talking amongst themselves and were saying how much I looked like my mom. There hasn't been anyone around that would ever be able to say that but these three sweet ladies. I could only fight back the proud tears upon hearing their discussion. It was such an honor and compliment for anyone to compare me to my mom. She was loved so much and admired so much for the sweet person she was. I always thought my mom was the most beautiful woman in the world....and to be compared even in the slightest bit to her was a gift from the past. I could feel my mother looking down on me tonight. I know she was smiling and realizing the impact she made on many lives...especially mine.

It was an early Christmas gift to me. I was able to bring my mom to life in our memory sharing and with any thought that I might resemble her in some way. All girls think their moms are beautiful. My mom was beautiful inside as well as outside. It was a blessing seeing those that surrounded me as I grew up.

Merry Christmas, Dixie!

I sit and wait, does an angel contemplate my fate

and do they know the places where we gowhen we’re grey and old‘
Cuz I’ve been told that salvation lets their wings unfold

so when I’m lying in my bed thoughts running through my headand I feel that love is dead,

I’m loving angels instead

and through it all she offers me protectiona lot of love and affection, whether I’m right or wrong

and down the waterfall wherever it may take me

I know that life wont break me when I come to call

she wont for sake me I’m loving angels instead
when I’m feeling weak and my pain walks down a one way street

I look above and I know ill always be blessed with love

and as the feeling grows she breathes flesh to my bones and when love is dead

I’m loving angels instead
and through it all she offers me protection, a lot of love and affection

whether I’m right or wrong

and down the waterfall wherever it may take me,

I know that life wont break me

when I come to call she wont forsake me

I’m loving angels instead

Dorothy Virginia Waters
8/30/1922 - 5/31/1985

It Has Never Been Clearer!

I have heard the story for years and years. I grew up in both a Catholic and Methodist church atmosphere as my parents were each from one of them.

I have heard about it, sang about it, and made yearly family visits to church with your holiday outfits.

You come home and celebrate the presents, baskets of eggs, etc.

I attended church at five o'clock on Saturday this week. It was a good service. The theme of the this year's series is "Simple Christmas". The service was very simple. The music was good. The setting was good but very tasteful and simple. The songs were traditional and simple to sing. Then it came time for the message. The message was very simple about how we should celebrate the birth of Jesus while also remembering the end of the story as it personally has something to do with each of us. Jesus was crucified so that our sins would be forgiven. I get that. I have "felt" that for a while now. I thought I had it all together until.............. Mark Beeson's one statement that changed it all.

Mark's one statement changed the vision and the meaning to Jesus being up there on that cross and for His suffering and journey of pain leading to that cross.

Mark said, "my sins were up on that cross."

It all of a sudden became extremely personal and that whatever I have done, said, thought, or acted on were up on that cross and Jesus shed his blood and lost his life in a most tragic, slow, and painful way JUST so that I could be forgiven. My sins and transgressions were right up there with his pain and suffering so that with my relationship with Jesus would allow the grace of forgiveness and He paid the price so I wouldn't have to.

This season has been one of self discovery for me. My little home is empty of little footsteps and the company of loved ones. I have found solitude however, in the silence that was spoken about in the service. I still have all my loved ones. I haven't lost anything but after the service, I realized how very much more I have gained.

God speaks through radio stories.....

Luke 2:7

7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

While driving home from a great afternoon with a very good friend, I was listening to Christmas stories told by callers. One story really touched me and I wanted to share it with you:

A family of ten got ready for church on Christmas Eve. The eight members of the family ranged from tiny all the way up to the oldest, a teenage boy. All were ready to leave except the 17 year old. He had chosen to not accompany the family. The mom thought it best to "pick your battles" and this was not one of those. They all left and attended church and then the drive to look at the neighborhood's lights. When they arrived home, the mom discovered a strange young man sitting on the couch in the living room. She asked him who he was and the boy explained that he was a friend of her son. The mother heard her son in his downstairs room and went down there to get a further explanation of the stranger in their home. The son explained that the young man had left the area a few years before and when he returned to see his dad, his dad informed him that there was no room at his house for him to stay, leaving him on the street. He turned to his old friend out of desperation. The son asked if it was ok if he stayed there for the night. The mom agreed and then realized that the young man would be there for Christmas morning and present time. She looked in the closet and found some extra things that she wrapped for him so he would have something to open. The next day after the festivities, the young man approached the mom and thanked her for letting him stay and that he had never had a family Christmas in his lifetime. He was moved and touched by the experience and conveyed this with his heartfelt thank you.

Oddly enough, at this particular time of year, when a story that defines the season also had strangers that found there was no "room at the inn".

Had the son gone to church with the family, he would not have been home to let this poor young man know that there is always room for one more and that as Christians, we should always be open without a "no vacancy" sign up. The open door gives way to sharing the Word and the story of mattering to Jesus, no matter who you are or what story you are living!

Thanksgiving, 2008

Let the holiday festivities begin. It is my tradition to decorate before Thanksgiving so that everything is festive and full of atmosphere.

We gobbled up Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Scallop Potatoes, Corn, Rolls, Turkey & Noodles, Pumpkin Pie, and cake.

There is something about candles flickering and the soft glow of white lights that makes the house cozy and warm feeling.

Add a little family and then it is complete. Lindsay, Dawson, Uncle Bill, Grandpa, and me.

Dad and I

Linz and I
Dawson & Liquid Energy
Christmas Tree, 2008
Grandpa, Lindsay, and Dawson

My Fantastic Vacation with Dawson & Taya

Life throws you changes and you either crumble or pull yourself up and move forward. My usual traveling partner could not go this time (tears)and the news came very last minute so my vacation plans were in a whirl.....but..... I was able to take my little Grandson, Dawson, and my very good friend Taya came as well so off we went on this adventure. I was so proud of myself as I was a pro at navigating my way around Orlando and to and from the port for the cruise.

The cruise was picture perfect and the time before and after were so fun. I sat on Disney's private island in a beach chair that sat in the turquoise water and thought that I had never been as relaxed as that very moment ever.

Dawson is seven and was the best boy ever. We laughed and had so much fun and after all the prior week's transitions, it was fun to laugh and have fun with him. I know his mommy missed him and he missed her but I think he felt safe, secure, and loved so that was good. Here is the link to a sampling of the many pictures I took. I hope you enjoy them.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dixiewasik/DixieDawsonTayaSVacation2008?authkey=qSqOJQLKLA8#

From the Eye of My Seven Year Old Grandson - Vacation with Ga Ga & company!

My little Dawson took his first vacation pictures with a digital camera. He did an amazing job capturing all of the images he thought were important or eye-catching. He was so responsible with the camera and diligent about turning it off and keeping track of it. he as incharge and felt all of that responsibility.

I wanted to show you some of his pictures he took. He was a complete angel and I loved every minute with him. It was a very special time!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dixiewasik/DawsonSVacationPhotos?authkey=vFss8rw1IiU#

This is MY now

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Take these broken wings and learn to fly

All your life

You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Black bird singing in the dead of night

Take these sunken eyes and learn to see

all your life

you were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly

Into the light of the dark black night

Children turn into adults. Mothers know this is coming however, if a child and mother are friends too, this launching can sometimes be delayed. Oh it is inevitable that paths will split and take the mother and child into different directions.

This is my now!

I have had the joy of sharing life together since my marriage ended with my daughterand my grandson. What fun and adventures we have had. We have laughed, cried, argued, disagreed, and shared lifelong memories that no one can take from us.

We also have shared her little boy. I grew very dependent on those morning kisses and nighttime hugs. Seeing those precious eyes brightened each and every day I lived. The reality of not being a daily part of his life is difficult to say the least. I don't always express the foundation to a lot of my emotions. Sometimes i just try to act like a tough guy and that I can get through anything. Reality check. I am struggling.

The house that was once filled with music, the wii, has silenced to a deadening empty sound. I am sitting now and all I hear is my computer fan running. The happy seclusion of my bedroom is now everywhere. It isn't so happy. I am thinking of Christmas morning and Thanksgiving where we together used to do what we did. I am thinking of Halloween....a favorite time of year when the three of us, the Three Muskateers...would go all out to enjoy the spirit of dressing up. Our Disney trips have always been our thing. That was our special happy place. Looking at it now....its not so happy. I am and will get through all of this....

God has made me strong somewhere in here and I need to search for it and cease it. All of my life transitions are coming into view and I look at where I am and for the first time ever, I don't know where to go. It is a scary feeling.

I know that my daughter will be happy and will make a life of her own as it should be. She deserves to have a place to entertain and decorate and make a home for her son and herself and a future person too and who knows....many more little people to love. All I know is that right now....I am searching for the right things to say and how to feel and how to get up each day and the rest of the story.

That is my reality.

This is my now!

Sweet Carolina.......

I recently took a weekend mini vacation to Charleston, South Carolina. My sis and her husband winter there in their fifth wheel. They invited me down and I took them up on their invitation. Though it was a quick trip....I was able to see the ocean, downtown historic Charleston, and a 1400 year old live oak tree called "Angel Oak". I have included some highlights of my trip. I loved their fifth wheel....it was spacious and the bed was so comfy. The campground provided some (clear throat) adventures and surprises.....

The first surprise was the camp ground's most famous resident, "Charley the Alligator

Angel Oak is so huge that just one of its many outward stretched limbs doesn't appear large until someone stands by one (sister, Bonnie)

Charleston is beautiful with its gardens and historic buildings.

Arches, gas street lamps, and cobblestone streets adorn the city.

My visit to the ocean on the first day was my chance to get some prayer and solitude. The sounds, sights, and smells of the ocean open the doors to my soul.

Life on the beach is amazingly beautiful.

My sister and I .....just love her to pieces!

This was taken after about 10 pictures....my silly sister started making faces and it snowballed into the funniest picture session.

My nephew AJ, moved to Charleston and is a policeman downtown Charleston. I enjoyed his insights as we walked around.

ARE YOU IN CONTROL OF YOURSELF? Or ..doe someone else have the remote control over your life?

Dr. Bob's message this week has stuck! Do we really think about what we are saying before we say it or do it...usually not. Do we take the time to be "our own steward of thoughts, words, or actions" or do we let someone else dictate to us who we are, what we like, who to be friends with, and who to be? There are a lot of young people especially that first of all, believe whatever they are told, are obedient to someone who has a strong personality and to keep peace, follow their lead to make them happy, or who choose actions towards others because someone told them to even if those people were good friends before. Sounds like jr. high doesn't it? Unfortunately, people that do these things are adults who are in their twenties and thirties and beyond. They are too shallow of individuals to think for themselves or to look deeper than the surface.

I spent the majority of my life with a strong personality. I, over the years, learned to not think, feel, and live for myself but for his thoughts and feelings and it kept peace. After years and years of it, I changed and for the past five years almost, I have been discovering who I am and who I want to be. I, during all those years, De-friended people because "he" didnt' like them or had issues with them. I didn't make new friends because he didn't like to go through that new friend awkwardness. I took his word on "how the story went" and didn't open my eyes to the real story....all sides...and I misjudged others and didn't give them a chance. He was very convincing and could make sense of anything that manipulated things his way. I was gullible and narrow minded for a very long time.

That was then and this is now. I am who I am and I choose to be the way I am today. Dr. Bob said that we need to make a conscious effort to honor God with our words and actions. He made reference to a bracelet to remind him not to complain or dishonor God with what we say or do. It is a shame that we need something like that to remind us not to be that way. His message was dead on. He is amazing.

You have to ask yourself these questions: Am I being a good friend to people I have claimed to be friends with? Am I honoring God with my actions, words, and thoughts? Am I a follower of someone who manipulates and paints pictures so that others do and act how they want them to? Do you call yourself a Christian and then choose purposely to hurt others with your actions and words because it was the "in" thing to do? Does this person who is so manipulative honor God with his or her actions and should this person have so much influence over your life? Following God is the right way.....following someone else and letting them think for you is the wrong way.

Think before you speak....think before you do.....think before you act.....FOR YOURSELF. We aren't clones of each other...we are individuals.

The funny part is that most will read this and discount it as they aren't like that...but there will be a few readers that will know that this pertains to them. Isn't it funny how that works?

Happy Birtday Ej

It was 31 years ago today that my first born came into the world. He made a very dramatic arrival. I was actually due on my birthday. Ej's dad and I went to the movie, Rocky, for a treat. I really got into that movie even going as far as throwing a few punches myself during the fight scenes. I must have tensed up pretty good because as we exited through the lobby, my water broke. It broke so much that I was standing in a puddle. We left promptly for the hospital. Five hours later, they put this darling little guy in my arms. He was perfect. He had enormous eyes and a head full of black hair.
Ej was known as his middle name, Justin, for all those years. It was when we moved to Indianapolis that on the first day of school...he changed his name...and has been called Ej ever since.
Ej grew up to be quite a talented drummer. He left home and traveled to Florida where he worked at Epcot as one of the premiere drummers in the Tapestry of Nations and Dreams parade. He was amazing.
He followed his heart to California where he presently lives in Redondo Beach. He is in the Underground Orchestra, a very cool band that won two LA Music Awards two years ago. I was lucky to go out and watch my very talented son walk the red carpet as seen on tv. I met Bruce Jenner and Leeza Gibbons during the festivities. It was very cool.
Today is his birthday. I celebrate his integrity as a man, his talent as a musician, and his love of his family. Though we aren't together today, we celebrate each other's birthday and that is very special.
Happy Birthday, Son, I am so very proud of you and love you with all my heart!

Hearing a Who

Every once in a while a movie comes out that seems to have a very childlike message such as in Dr. Seuss books. Sometimes, however, within those simple easy to understand stories, there lies a more indepth story that impacts many people. Horton Hears A Who is just such a movie. The popular children's book has hit the big screen complete with big names such as Jim Carry (Horton) and Steve Carrel (as the Mayor of Whoville). Beautiful animation style enhances the story of Horton and the small speck that carries the little town of Whoville on it. Horton finds a way to communicate with the tiny inhabitants much to the disgust of his friends and critics who simply do not hear the little Whoville members as they communicate with Horton. The town matriarch (Carol Burnett) leads others to overtake and destroy Horton and his seemingly ficticious friends on the puffy flower because "if you can't see it, feel it, touch it, it must not exist". Apparently she does not attend church and have a relationship with Jesus. In the physical sense, many might doubt His existence because of these ideals but Christians know different. I love how the media and the arts can sometimes reveal some pretty deep thoughts through the entertainment it can produce.

We are all different...and some are giants and really out there with sound and actions and some seem somewhat insignificant because they aren't. Never underestimate the worth of the small and meek...as what they can bring to the table is sometimes monumental.

Through my jobs, I have always sought out the ones that needed to have a "Horton" in their lives. Someone that believes in them and "listens" to them caring about what they have to say. Inclusion means everyone is important, is heard, and is significant. This movie summed that all up in a delightful way.

Now the question remains, are you a Horton......a Who.....or the part of the crowd that doesn't take the time to believe and listen?

My hair dresser calls me "Dixie Lou Who" and I always thought it was cute....but now....it takes on a whole new meaning..... CAN YOU "HEAR" ME NOW?

Happy Birthday, Lindsay

You may wonder why I would chose a black and white picture of Lindsay in my birthday salute to her life. It is because what puts the color in Lindsay and helps her spread color to all she encounters is what is inside.

She has a pretty face but there is so much more to her than those fun filled eyes and that contagious smile....and here are a few of the things that she colors the world with.....

Did you know:

She loves politics and is well versed in our world and what is happening both past, present, and future.

She is a great debater and most of the time I would say she is dead on....now I say most of the time because it is the most comical thing when she realizes that there might be another angle and she is the first to embrace it all.

She is the funniest girl. She has a quick sense of humor and can make me shoot liquid from my nostrils with her brand of random humor.

She was shy when she was a child...to the point that she would hide behind me in most cases.

She used to be very involved in community service and embraced every opportunity to help others.

She is the Queen of hearts to me...and I won't go any further with that....she knows.

She laughs at what she isn't suppose to....it is hysterical.

She could lead others around Disney World with her eyes closed and blindfolded!

She is the only mom I know that can fold her son up in a stroller not once, not twice, but three times.

She likes her cats fluffy....need I say more!

She loves her job and her team.

She wouldn't hurt anyone for any reason.

She is the most loyal person I know. She is true blue and loves unconditionally.

She is an awesome, fantastic mom.

She is a great friend.

She is the wind beneath my wings........literally and I know that is a cliche' but it is true.

She is 28 today...and I remember the minute she was born. She has my mom's middle name as hers and is the only Grandchild to honor this great lady with her name. Did you know that her hair color determined her name so, with that, this what you might have called her: Bald, Brianne; Redhair, Sarah; Blond hair, Heather; And you guessed it...black hair....LINDSAY!

I love this girl much more than I could ever express. With my wonderful sons and this amazing daughter, friend, mentor, motivator, and encourager, I thank God for the gifts he entrusted to me and the extension of all that in an awesome grandson.

Happy Birthday, Lindsay!

Happy Birthday Jon

It was twenty nine years ago today that I met an amazing young boy. His name was Jonathan William and he had red hair and beautiful blue eyes. He was a great baby and a cherub looking toddler that used to always look inquisitive causing people in the grocery store to stop and gawk at him. As he grew, so did his smile and it was captivating to all that were the recipient of it. He didn't always have an easy time finding his place in our family. He also didn't know how deeply his mom's love for him was. The middle child always feels that confusion about where he stands in the family. Not the oldest and not the youngest.

Jon, as a man, is amazing. His heart has grown over the years and he has discovered his inner strength and his gifts with people. Someone having the worst day in the world can easily think it was the best after encountering this man. He leads people in his job and holds dear his wife, Elena. He has worked hard to get where he is. He truly shows what leadership is. Not always perfect, as he is human, but he does grasp life as a journey and what needs to be done or undone, he is man enough to do it.

Some have tried to destroy and usually those that try are lacking something within themselves. The important part is that they did not succeed and our family has come through a storm intact and strong.

How proud I am of this man. He can still melt me with his smile and warm me with those eyes that seem to twinkle with mischief. I love my son. I am so proud of my son. I look back at the day he was born with pride and thankfulness that God entrusted this little life into my care.

There is a prayer under the rug in the auditorium at church asking God to care for his heart and to guide him to church so that he may have a relationship with Jesus and the support that only He can give.

Jon and Elena have been attending church. Aren't prayers amazing! Every time I walk on that carpet, I think about my children's names underneath my feet and they all are raised up in prayer that they may see how very special they all are. Thank you God for all of them and today, thank you for the opportunity to celebrate Jon.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Beauty and Disney....The Message

The message at church was about finding the beauty in life that is fulfilling. Mark talked about the word shalom saying the meaning of it was: Completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Isn't that how we want our world whether in the broad sense or closer to home.

He gave a great example of "beauty" in his eyes. He talked of a family vacation together and in particular a meal they all sat down for. He spoke of how he gazed over his family reminiscing, laughing, sharing, and spending quality time with each other.....that was beauty to him.

People wonder why we go to Disney all the time. Mark couldn't have said it better. It is a place where families come to do just what he talked about. There is a lot of love and beauty to take in there. Families laughing, coming out of their professional shells, making memories together is what you find in Disney. I always tell everyone that I have more God moments while I am there. I can concentrate and close my eyes and see and hear my children's faces and voices when they were little. I can look at pictures at home but there, I relive it and more importantly I "feel" it over and over again.

I know that some go and never find that kind of magic and some never experience that beauty that Mark talked about. Some expect the "attractions" to do it all. I saw the attractions a long time ago and enjoy seeing them but the real attraction to me is what surrounds those attractions. I soak up the loving energy there and my soul refills with those surreal images, smells, sights, and the renewed love of family and renewed hope that somehow families will take home with them the incredible togetherness and fellowship they experienced there.

It was a great message. You can hear Mark's message at GCCwired.com.

Side note: in order to experience what I described, I believe you must first have the love of Jesus in your heart which opens your heart to the ability to feel things deeper and in a more dimensional way.

Debates

I really do not like to talk about my politics and my choices. I do want to touch upon some impressions and thoughts that I have about the debates as of late.

First of all, anyone running for office is doing so based on some merit of success in their political and leadership experiences. I think sometimes when one is very successful with one campaign or one initiative, they sometimes think they can succeed based upon that success. Being President of this country isn't about being strong in one area but being versed in many different areas. The most important is in foreign policy because we aren't just making nice with our neighbors, we are fighting for our lives against people that can't be reasoned with. In that case, sometimes brute strength has to be used. No one likes our young people being over there and being in danger, but the alternative to this is having a bunch of people without consciences and fairness running around killing people just to do it. So, those things we need to defend ourselves against sometimes comes from unpopular decisions. Ask yourself if you would want to make those critical decisions and then be responsible for their outcome. It is easy to say that "they" should do this and that but in all fairness, there is more to it then that. The one statement that came out that has stayed with me is this: "We don't want a person in the White House that has to do on the job training especially with foreign policy". I agree with this. Just because you have been a congressman, or a leader of a state or city, the fact remains that while doing that, you haven't had to do anything about foreign policy.

Here is what I know. I went to New York as a representative and was a guest at the United Nations. This was before Rudy Giuliani became mayor. I then visited New York after 911 and saw the difference in the quality of the city and the cleanup of the aftermath of the tragedy, I had nothing but respect for the Mayor, not only for the condition of the city but for the way he handled the entire situation. People say they don't care for him personally because of his marriage situation. I say let's turn the light on and realize that there is more of that in Washington D.C. then is ever discovered.

One of the democratic candidates tolerated public humiliation from her husband and now wants him back in the White House for another round. I would have respected her more if she would have bid him farewell after his term. I feel she put her political aspirations ahead of what is right or wrong in marriage.

To end all of this I would say this. I am not running for office. Everyone of the candidates have strengths and weaknesses and experience. Our job is to elect someone who can address with confidence and experience all of the negatives facing our country in the time ahead. Who might that be? I don't know but whoever he or she is, we as the electing body need to stand behind and continue to try to improve in our own little way making a difference so that positive direction can take over the negativity we all face living in this country. We must pray and listen and take the time to be open to elect the best person and not a party affiliation.

The Blessing of Friends

As 2008 begins, I find myself being very "blubbery" according to my daughter. I call it being sentimental.....she is so funny. I am so blessed to have a God that loves me, a family that I love and loves me back where everyone counts and everyone matters, and friends that have come into my life by chance, association, and out of intentional actions. I thought I would honor my friends by describing something I love about them. These are just a few of the special people in my life:

• Lindsay: for always being the positive seeking light for me and my fave Disney buddy!


• Jon: for being not only an awesome son, but also a great work mate as well.
• Ej: for being an awesome son and an example of what determination means.


• Bob: for always considering my feelings and for being a great example of "marriage" with Lori as it should be and for watching over me.


• Lori: for always caring about what is happening in my life and in my heart.


• Shanti: for being genuinely loving and supportive and a true Christian in every sense of the word.


• James: for being a great sense of humor but also showing strength as a man in this crazy world.


• Deb: for being a life long friend that no matter how little or much we see each other, she shows she cares all the time.


• Alison: for being a concerned friend and also wearing a great "boss" hat with the same drive as our friendship


• My teammates: Denise and Leigha who help drive me and support me in my job and in my faith


• Friends in general who lend value to my life: Jami, Lisa, Jeanna, Tony, Josh, (awesome friends and neighbors: Josh S., Mike, David) Pat and John, Chuck and Lorna, Joanne and Terri, Courtney, Scott, Josh, Allison, Brent, Patrick, Terri, Lamart (all from work) more to come!

These are just a few that I interact with either on a daily basis or who have made an impact on my journey.



I have many more that I will talk about in the Blessing of Experiences.



I am blessed!

Amazing neighbors!

What great guys we have for neighbors. They always look out for us. I thank them with hot cocoa and a little pizza and they are all smiles.

We love em!

A Date with a Six Year Old!

Most were out hobb-nobbing for New Year's Eve. Me, I snagged a most handsome date for the evening. He is much shorter than I but it didn't matter. He was thoughtful, kind, funny, and wanted only to laugh and have fun. I had to do some persuading to get that guy in his pajamas but finally, we made a race out of it and he returned in his plaids and car slippers. Yeah, it took my breath away. We played with the Wii and ate popcorn. We watched a little TV and munched a little more on Doritos. We drank a lot (pop) and the later it got, the more giggly we became. We decided to take some pictures to show off our "crazy" side. I thought I would share these pictures of our very special evening together. By the way, he had lots of energy until four minutes before midnight and when I turned to ask him if he was ready for the big moment (2008), yeah, the main picture is what I saw. Isn't he just the most handsome thing????

Meet my date, Dawson!

We started with lots of energy!

Sad faces

A little catnap for energy.

Almost 2008!

Can we keep our resolutions?

Nahhhhh!

Maybe....ya think?????

Let's play some Wii

This means war!

I think he is serious!

It's a friendly war!

EEEKS - Get Jammies on!

Gettin sleepy!