Welcoming a new year, a new beginning

Silvas x 4: Kathy, Kristi, Matt, Ron

We visited by Kristi and Matt in Atlanta for Christmas this year, and were joined by Matt's parents from Escondido.  We visited their church, St. John's Orthodox Church, literally right next door to their apartment.  There was an old=fashioned feel to scrambling through the puddles in a downpour to enter the candlelit, incensed church at midnight to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

St. John the Wonderworker Orthodox Church in Atlanta

beautiful sunset

Glenn & Ron model Designs for Dymphna earrings

Diligent dad-to-be

My daughter posted this pic of my son-in-law engrossed in reading a parenting book the other day.  So much emphasis is put on the changes a woman goes through in becoming a mother - we never hear much about the transformation of the father.  I know my sil Matt will be a spectacular dad - I have seen him with children before, and he is so attentive, respectful and caring.  I feel priviledged and blessed to have him as the father of my first grandchild.  I love you, Matt!

Gabby is bringing me up to speed

My dear friend and Malawi companion, Jen, and her daughter, Gabby, are bringing me up to baby speed.  You know, all those little things like supporting the head and the itty bitty size and funny faces - and the milestones.  I give you ..... first picture with Santa!  I love you Jen, John and Gabby - Merry Christmas to your beautiful family.

Rest in peace

My dear friend, Jennifer, lost her beloved husband this morning in Mangalore, India.  I had the pleasure of meeting Noel and his entire family in November, 2005 to celebrate his mother's (Mercy)  90th birthday.  It was a joyous time for all and Mercy just basked in the love of her family.  My deep condolences and prayers go out to Jenny, Rohit and Leah, and all the extended family during this time of loss and mourning.

I'll always save one for you, Noel!

My revised life philosoply

Ode to my home town

DEFCON - defense readiness condition

We watched Body of Lies with Leo and Russell Saturday night - feeling a bit of paranoia now.

DEFCON 5

This is the condition used to designate normal peacetime military readiness. An upgrade in military preparedness is typically made by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and announced by the United States Secretary of Defense.
DEFCON 4
This refers to normal, increased intelligence and the heightening of national security measures.
DEFCON 3
This refers to an increase to force readiness above normal. Radio call signs used by American forces change to currently classified codes.
DEFCON 2
This refers to a further increase in force readiness just below maximum readiness. The most notable time it was declared was during the Cuban Missile Crisis, although the declaration was limited to Strategic Air Command. It is not certain how many times this level of readiness has been reached.

DEFCON 1

This refers to maximum readiness. It is not certain whether this has ever been used, but it is reserved for imminent or ongoing attack on US military forces or US territory by a foreign military power.

I see ...

tea parties in my future.

etsy cuties for Christmas minis

CariKraft

studioflowerpower

PaperEclectiques

urbanexpressions

webercrafthouse

Life in the spirit ...

We were so blessed to attend this amazing gospel concert on Saturday at the spectacular Paramount Theater in Oakland. The music just flooded every inch of this theater and we were all spiritually drowning, raising our voices, clapping our hands, stomping our feet and lifting our hearts up to the One above.

I heart paul

  

The Long & Winding Road

by McCartney/Lennon

The long and winding road that leads to your door,

Will never disappear,

I've seen that road before It always leads me here,

Leads me to your door.

The wild and windy night the rain washed away,

Has left a pool of tears crying for the day.

Why leave me standing here, let me know the way

Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried

Anyway you'll never know the many ways I've tried, but

Still they lead me back to the long and winding road

You left me standing here a long, long time ago

Inspirational Christmas Minis

I love "mini albums" - small, scrapbook-style books that usually focus on a particular theme.  This year I am doing my first Chirstmas Daily mini album, chronicling the 31 days of Christmas 2009.  The following are a few of the many inspiring books from 2009 Flickr Gallery.