Brocade Home

I was just introduced to the new home and lifestyle catalog, Brocade Home. I saw the mirror and was hooked, then saw the ottoman and was double-hooked.

she's growing up...

I'm watching bedroom design for kids pretty closely right now because I'm in the middle of putting together Gabrielle's big-girl room and I seem to be unable to move forward. It appears I am stuck in a "used to be a delightful nursery-but now my changing table is gone, my crib is replaced with a delicious sleigh bed-and my mommy changed from white furniture to cherry-mode-and then just stopped". (did i mention i don't have adequate storage? you can imagine the stacks and piles....ahhhhh)

My usual sources as far as bedding goes seem a little been there, done that, or a little too sterile or just not quite what I'm looking for. Mostly this is because I don't know quite what I'm looking for. But Bombay Kids sent a mailer featuring the Gigi collection above and I was delighted. The ruffled bedskirt, the floral lights, the curtains, the chandelier. The whole thing is kind of messy and over the top. I love it all. Plus the prices seem fairly reasonable.

I don't know if it's quite right for my girl's room — and I'm not one to buy a whole-set-as-pictured-in-a-catalog — but it has me inspired to move ahead.
focus. Lisa. focus.

Hammock for baby...

This picture is beautiful.
And I like the idea of a hanging crib. I think I would like it even more without the tripod — just a simple bassinet hanging in the corner near a window. (Except that my older daughter would treat it as a swing!)

Happy New Year....2008 Here We Come!

Mary, Did You Know?

Without fail, every time I watch this video I get tears in my eyes.
The feelings these images and lyrics evoke are powerful, yet tender.
It is the perfect reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Give the gift of love this Christmas...

1 Corinthians 13

A Christmas Version
[ author unknown ]

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family ... I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family ... I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family ... it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choirs cantata but do not focus on Christ ... I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug a child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband, Love is kind, even though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens ...

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in the giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Amen.

Counting my blessings ...

Have you noticed that Jesus sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle of His birthday celebration? It's hard not to be captivated by gifts and glitter this time of year. Amid the toys and trimmings, how can you teach your child the true meaning of Christmas? To be able to create a tradition for your children is one of the best gifts you can give [and receive]. I love the classic Frosty & Santa & Rudolph as much as the next guy [especially while celebrating through the eyes of my 2 and a half year old over and over (and over!) again ] ... BUT... overall the meaning of Christmas has been lost and corrupted in our society. It is very sad. Below are some ideas on how to include Jesus while celebrating this year:

1. Start a family tradition of reading the story of Jesus' birth. You'll find the account in the second chapter of the book of Luke in the Bible. Even younger children will understand much of the story, and their questions can lead to family conversations about the deeper meaning of Christmas.
2. Listen to and sing Christmas music that focuses on the reason for the season. Kids will never tire of "Jingle Bells" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and songs about Santa are part of the holiday fun. But the simple melodies of "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" and the exuberance of "Joy to the World" will have your children singing about the Christ child and the impact of his birth. Make these songs part of a family sing-along for a tradition your children will remember all their lives. Or try the Cedarmont Kids' albums Christmas Favorites and Christmas Carols.
3. Involve your kids in displaying a Nativity scene. If you're nervous about exposing your heirloom Nativity to little hands, check out Fisher Price's Little People Deluxe Christmas Story. Consider combining this tradition with reading the Christmas story, having your children place each figure in the scene at the appropriate point in the story.
4. Light the candles of an Advent wreath during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent literally means "coming" and is observed in many churches in anticipation of Jesus' birth. The wreath includes four candles - usually three purple and one pink - that are lit in sequence throughout the Advent period. The first week, light one purple candle. The second week, light two. The third week, light two purple candles and the pink candle. The final week before Christmas, light all four candles. Light the candles as a family, and incorporate a song like "O Come, O Come Immanuel" or a reading from a devotional such as Let Every Heart: A Family Devotional for the Advent Season or my personal favorite: this charming book called The Adventure of Christmas: Helping children find Jesus in our holiday traditions.
   
5. Attend a Christmas pageant or concert at an area church. Your holiday viewing is sure to include classics like Frosty the Snowman and A Christmas Story. Consider adding a live performance that emphasizes the spiritual significance of Christmas.

Baby it's cold outside ....

Okay, I openly admit I'm sort of obsessed about Christmas stockings. Especially knit handmade ones.... If you're still hunting for a good idea for this year or next, here is another photo I found super inspiring.

I love the idea of collecting a variety of stockings. Some hand-knit. Some woven. Some simple. Some with texture. When you see and fall-in-love with a particular stocking you could buy one, instead of enough for the whole family. Maybe pick up one from Sundance catalog. Or something pretty in a Christmas clearance sale ... and if you really want to have some fun visit The Sterling Pear.

I also love the look of stockings as part of the overall Christmas decorations in a home. At our house, I know we can't hang 7 stockings legitimately [!]. But why not display a row of 11 or 15 that we've collected over the years? On Christmas Eve, the kids could each pick their favorite to have Santa fill.

Whew! Finished my Christmas shopping today!

Have child-like faith...

No matter our age, we should never allow childlike joy in Christmas to be stifled, because Jesus personally identifies with and takes pleasure in the feelings of children. "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me"
(Matthew 18:5)

Prayer for my child...

This prayer was emailed to me and I want to share it with all parents and grandparents. I hope you like it as much as I do!

I come to You in Jesus name and give (name of child) to You.
I'm convinced that You alone know what is best for him/her.
You alone knowwhat he/she needs.
I release him/her to You to care for and protect,
and I commit myself to pray for everything concerning him/her
that I can think of or that You put upon my heart.

Teach me how to pray and guide me in what to pray about.
Help me not to impose my own will when I'm praying for him/her,
but rather enable me to pray that Your will be done in his/her life.
Thank You that I can partner with You in raising him/her and that I
don't have to rely on the world's unreliable and ever-changing
methods for child rearing, but that I can have clear directions from
Your Word and wisdom as I pray to You for answers.

Thank You, Lord, for the precious gift of this child.
Because Your Word says that every good gift comes from You,
I know that You have given him/her to me to care for and raise.
Help me do that.
Show me places where I continue to hang on to him/her and
enable me to release him/her to Your protection, guidance, and counsel.
Help me not to live in fear of possible dangers,
but in the joy and peace of knowing that You are in control.
I rely on You for everything, and this day I trust my child to You
and release him/her into Your hands.

~By Stormie Omartian

how is it already mid-december?

“How did it get so late so soon?

Its night before its afternoon.
December is here before its June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?”
Dr. Seuss

Merry Christmas!

Don't send a generic Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Looky Here ...

Check out this great link to Looky Book. A great new site that lets you view childrens' books online — cover to cover. Seriously. Every page. What a brilliant idea and useful tool. Check it out. It's still in beta and I'm sure their collection of books is growing fast.

The Son of God became a man... So that men could become the sons of God.

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In the midst of a world living in spiritual darkness,
walk as a child of the light!

I just received some beautiful news today from one of my
long-time dearest friends concerning their salvation ...
I would just like to say (and you know who you are!)
may God bless you as you step out for Him!

It's by God's grace we accomplish anything; "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It's by His grace we have talents and abilities. It's by His grace we obtain direction and motivation. In fact, it's by His grace we take our next breath! If God provides all the tools, He certainly deserves ALL the praise. Let's never miss an opportunity to use the gifts God has provided. And when our lives produce fruit, let's never miss an opportunity to give Him all the glory!

Oh God, you continue to answer my prayers and are worthy of all honor and praise. You have done (and continue to do!) wonderful and mighty things in my life. You have poured out your blessings upon me. You have kept your promises and provided me with the way of salvation. Please empower and strengthen me as I continue to commit myself to bless, serve, and encourage others for your glory.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

TEN STEPS FOR THE NEW CHRISTIAN

The Bible is the revelation of God's mind to you. It's what He wants you to know and do. Not only did God give His Son-the Living Word-to save you, He gave His Book-the Written Word-to guide you...

STEPS TO PEACE WITH GOD

"I am the light of the world.
He who follows me shall not walk in darkness,
but have the light of life." (John 8:12)

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mmm Gingerbread Cookies....

Gabrielle and I made yummy Gingerbread Men and decorated them today, fun fun fun!

best life preserver ...

family snowball fight .....

Starring You! eCards on JibJab

Make every meal a work of art ...

Turn toddler meals into masterpieces with Skip Hop's Palette Plate. The splashy set includes three drop-in bowls in aqua, orange and lime that are big enough for lil fingers and microwave safe. Clear covers make transporting food simple and a large surface allows for kids to create their own concoctions. The skid resistant cup area and base makes stumbles and spills a thing of the past. This pretty plate is just the right size for any appetite.

fun and festive ...

These are so fun. I just love 'em. Who doesn't love cute pajamas that make you feel festive?!! J. Crew has some ($45) that are so cute you could almost wear them with a skirt and a sweater for a fashion forward look. Though I'd play it safe and stay cozy in the house.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Pancakes are a weekly treat at our house. [ If it were up to our daughter it would be every single day! ] If your house already feels like a zoo, one cage-free way to tame the chaos is with a fun breakfast And, the Animal Pancake Pan is the wild way to start the day and a good way for your child to brush up on their knowledge of giraffes, lions, monkeys, elephants, rhinos, camels and crocodiles. Lil ones can practice their calls of the wild while filling their stomachs with the most important meal of the day. The $40 skillet makes seven three inch hot cakes at a time making it easy for a mother to feed her pride.

Giving from the heart ....

Today, Gabrielle and I joined about 40 other people in our church singing Christmas carols to our elderly neighbors in nursing homes. They need to know they are loved and not forgotten. What a lovely win-win experience. These kind people in the winter of their lives brightened my life today as much as (I hope!) we brightened theirs. We will definitely do this more often through the years as our little ones grow. Having a lesson in giving from the heart this season is not only a teachable moment, but also a priceless gift for everyone involved. I believe kindness and unselfishness can be nurtured in children through example and encouragement. We all can also experience the simple joy of bringing happiness to others through donation of a little time and effort. My husband and I want to ensure our children recognize Christmas is way more about giving than receiving and this is just another way we will be able to instill that ...

"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:32

God Jul!

While Chad hung out with Zachary for a Daddy-day, I embraced my nordic roots & attended the Scandinavian Christmas Fair with Gabrielle (she has no idea she’s not Norwegian, ha ha). In this photo she is modeling her littls Santa Lucia crown she made. Had a fabulous time & brought back a ton of memories I cherish of my Gramma Hjordis who seemed to always give our Christmas Eve’s that special Norwegian sparkle, hope to make the ScanFair a holiday tradition for our little family. God Jul!

very cute...

this is a cute little story a great friend just emailed me...

My husband and I had been happily married for five years but hadn't been blessed with a baby. I decided to do some serious praying and promised God that if he would give us a child, I would be a perfect mother, love it with all my heart and raise it with his word as my guide.

God answered my prayers and blessed us with a son. The next year God blessed us with another son. The following year, he blessed us with yet another son. The year after that we were blessed with a daughter. My husband thought we'd been blessed right into poverty. We now had four children, and the oldest was only four years old. I learned never to ask God for anything unless I meant it. As a minister once told me, "If you pray for rain, make sure you carry an umbrella."

I began reading a few verses of the Bible to the children each day as they lay in their cribs. I was off to a good start. God had entrusted me with four children and I didn't want to disappoint him. I tried to be patient the day the children smashed two dozen eggs on the kitchen floor searching for baby chicks. I tried to be understanding when they started a hotel for homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours to catch all twenty-three frogs. When my daughter poured ketchup all over herself and rolled up in a blanket to see how it felt to be a hot dog, I tried to see the humor rather than the mess. In spite of changing over twenty-five thousand diapers, never eating a hot meal and never sleeping for more than thirty minutes at a time, I still thank God daily for my children.

While I couldn't keep my promise to be a perfect mother - I didn't even come close...I did keep my promise to raise them in the Word of God. I knew I was missing the mark just a little when I told my daughter we were going to church to worship God, and she wanted to bring a bar of soap along to "wash up" Jesus, too. Something was lost in the translation when I explained that God gave us everlasting life, and my son thought it was generous of God to give us his "last wife." My proudest moment came during the children's Christmas pageant. My daughter was playing Mary, two of my sons were shepherds and my youngest son was a wise man. This was their moment to shine. My five-year-old shepherd had practiced his line, "We found the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes." But he was nervous and said, "The baby was wrapped in wrinkled clothes." My four-year-old "Mary" said, "That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly. That's dirty, rotten clothes." A wrestling match broke out between Mary and the shepherd and was stopped by an angel, who bent her halo and lost her left wing. I slouched a little lower in my seat when Mary dropped the doll representing Baby Jesus, and it bounced down the aisle crying, "Mama-mama." Mary grabbed the doll, wrapped it back up and held it tightly as the wise men arrived. My other son stepped forward wearing a bathrobe and a paper crown, knelt at the manger and announced, "We are the three wise men, and we are bringing gifts of gold, common sense and fur." The congregation dissolved into laughter, and the pageant got a standing ovation. "I've never enjoyed a Christmas program as much as this one," laughed the pastor, wiping tears from his eyes. "For the rest of my life, I'll never hear the Christmas story without thinking of gold, common sense and fur."

give thanks...

Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you ....

In everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

our gabrielle singing ...

Our Gabrielle singing in just THE sweetest little munchkin' voice on the planet!

National Adoption Day!

Clearly near and dear to my heart two times over!

National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the 114,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. For the last eight years, National Adoption Day has made the dreams of thousands of children come true by working with courts, judges, attorneys, adoption professionals, child welfare agencies and advocates to finalize adoptions and find permanent, loving homes for children in foster care. National Adoption Day is celebrated every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. For the first time in 2006, National Adoption Day was celebrated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In total, more than 250 events were held throughout the country to finalize the adoptions of more than 3,300 children in foster care, and to celebrate all families who adopt.

enough said.

aaaaaaaaaah. the beach. what i wouldn't give to be at the beach today with sand in my toes and listening to waves .... okay.... back to reality!

Forget the kids... I want them!!!!

Finger Flashlights. Forget the kids... I want them!!!! LOL :-) I can't think of a single child who would not want to find these in their stocking. They let your hand be the flashlight. Very cool.

favorite song friday ....

"Undo" by Rush of Fools.
i love this song as it speaks to my hopeful heart.
always feel better after i hear it!
thought i'd share...

"it's my birthday too, yah" ....

A long, long (ahem) LONG time ago ---- A wee little Lisa was born.
November 6th, 1969 in the mighty Silverton, Oregon
well here's what 38 candles on a birthday cake looks like folks!
yipes, knockin' on 40 ha ha!

cool mom pick .....

Stylish, hip and incredibly quick. Not words one would typically associate with changing diapers, but the Ubi changing table is all that and more.

Both the basic and deluxe tables make changing diapers a breeze by always having a fresh diaper laid out ready for the next change, while the retro-mod prints and clean wood lines appeal to today’s modern parents.

Don't settle for traditional. Embrace change.

our tiny hands .....

[ i took this photo recently of G holding Z's tiny hands! ]

My little hands play patty-cake
they peek-a-boo and wave...
They catch me while I learn to walk
and splash me as I bathe.
My little hands reach up to you,
for hugs before I sleep....
and fold together when I pray
the Lord my soul to keep.
My little hands are tiny now
but yours will serve to guide me ...
And when I'm grown I'll still reach out
and know you're right beside me ...

a love letter from God...

i just never get tired of this message.

twick or tweet ...

Operation Trick or Treat 2007 with a disney princess and a 2 month old pirate was a success! However, my super-clingy princess turned fiercely independent once her little glass slippers hit the pavement and she saw her efforts directly resulted in massive amounts of candy in her little orange bucket! ha ha ... it begs the question: aren't we all just slightly treat-motivated in one way or another? [smirk] Hope you all had a safe and fun Hallowe'en.

In Loving Memory ....

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven't posted for a while. Many of you know my mom, Karen, passed away September 30th, 2007 after a terribly long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Our world as we know it is forever changed. Add to that, just three weeks prior, our son Zach was born (who continues to be a bright spot in all this). Celebrating this new life while mourning someone I love so dearly has been extremely difficult. Each day is brighter as I am comforted by our Heavenly Father. Thank you, all of you, for your kind words of sympathy, support, and prayers for me and my family. She was a cornerstone in our family and will be deeply missed. You can expect more regular posts from my little corner of the web soon ....

it's a BOY!

Today our son Zachary Evan was born!
He is our Gabrielle's biological little brother!
As much as i would like to, legally i'm not able to post a photo on here until our adoption is final :(

September 6, 2007
3:04 am
7 lbs. 0.0 oz.
19.5 " long

WELCOME ZACHARY!
WE ARE SO BLESSED!!!

enjoying the simplicity ...

Ah. The power of a good photographer. Showing you the beauty that lies in the ordinary. The strength of the mundane. Have you ever heard of Jennifer Causey? If not, visit her etsy store called photobird. She creates cards and prints from her Brooklyn abode that free the soul, stimulate the senses, stir the heart. And I bet for her, it comes so easy. I'm sure she's a natural, you can just tell. Jennifer comments, "These works represent my continuous journey to live simply." She adds, "To slow down and discover and celebrate the beauty in everyday life. I am inspired by nature, design, form and color." Jennifer stays true to her mantra, clearly evident in her photography. I can totally see her shooting for Real Simple or Martha Stewart Living. Maybe she does, who knows. I'm smitten by her style. Positively smitten.

It's a journey, but I am trying to learn that Less truly IS more :)

mmmmm ... cupcakes!

mmmmmm ... cupcakes! Perhaps even more yummy (and arguably the best of both worlds) cupcakes that look like ice cream cones! One of my all time favorite stores, Williams-Sonoma , has created a cupcake pan to make these sweet treats ---- no more paper cups. And take this a step further, they also offer a snazzy way to transport an individual cupcake, say .... in a lunchbox?!!! Oh how I love you Williams-Sonoma.

art supplies everywhere ...

We are getting over run with art supplies! I recently found these darling little buckets at Bread and Budder Buckets. These one's tend to be crazy-expensive, I'm guessing I can glue some funky fabric to a metal bucket m'self! I'll bet 90% of moms have had to deal with art supply organization in one way or another. Currently, it's our dining area that houses all little one's art supplies — Mom's art supplies are in a completely separate space however! I don't want to use those catch-all plastic bin/drawer things, but we need to come up with something to (A) tame the clutter of reams of paper, notebooks, crayons, markers, stickers, paints, googley eyes, et al, and (B) keep it where she can get into it without our help (in other words, store in such a way that it doesn't stifle her creativity). Not a huge priority, but we hope to address it soon. Wish us luck!

for those facing infertility...

On a serious note. For the second time, my husband and I are beginning the long process of adopting a child through foster care. (All prayers welcome!!!) It's an emotional rollercoaster for sure, but such a beautiful ending --- which then sparks such a beautiful beginning. I am caught off guard by the old emotions that come flooding back. A while ago, I came across this song "I would die for that". Unfortunately, this will hit home to many of you (like my husband and I) who faced infertility. It is a positively heart-wrenching experience. This song is all that (yet beautiful) at the same time. We are proof there are many paths through this pain. We chose adoption and by the time we traveled through our adoption journey (and met our darling daughter just a few days old), honestly, the sorrow we felt for years was just ... gone. Truly. Miracles happen daily. I believe there is a plan and purpose for each and every one of us. Please have faith and trust God keeps his promises. We know He was, and is, with us every step of the way and I cannot wait to see how He unfolds in the lives of our children. There is no doubt that our Gabrielle was conceived especially for us, we love her completely and she is our child through and through ... being a mom is the best, most rewarding thing I have ever done. I know my husband feels the same way about being a father, and he is such a great father. All children are blessings and we cannot wait to have another child to help grow and love unconditionally.

creat online baby albums ...

A fast and simple way to complete your baby book online at Big Day Books. Sure, baby books can look great - but not if you don't take the time to complete them! (as I stare at a closet full of blank books and a shoebox full of special mementos!) I love these books because they have beautiful covers to choose from and they REMIND you to stay up-to-date. With easy-to-use online templates for dozens of milestones. Log On, Fill in, Print out! Over 30 archival-quality printer-ready pages. Great for creative, tech savvy dads & moms. A monthly email reminder helps keep your book up to date. I especially love that it also has templates entirely focused on the adoption experience. :)

Wonderfully made ...

My little girl is getting to the stage where she loves sleeping on pillows "like a big girl". She is using a toddler pillow I recently found in my grandmother's old linens. Although simply adorable with a beautiful embroidered linen pillowcase... I would sure love this scripture pillow I recently found on Etsy for a backup. I wonder if you can get it without the pom-poms? I also think it would make a darling shower gift idea!

OH bebe ...

Do you love vintage inspired trinkets as much as I do? Do you know someone who is expecting? Well, a mommy-friend just emailed me the sweetest link to this beauty from The Present Past Collection. This exquisite collection originates in old Parisian workshops established over two hundred years ago. The elegant designs are rendered from the original molds that were created from 1900-1930. Pieces are made of "Old Silver" (a unique French process of laying sterling silver over 14k gold plate over a copper base.) All crystals are hand set and each piece exhibits a uniqueness that reflects the art and culture of the past and while holding a valuable place in the present. All for an affordable $45.

meaningful, colorful, beautiful and fun ...

One of my passions is photography. Make no mistake, I'm most assuredly a hobby photographer! I'm a life-loving person and hope my photos represent this. As an Art Director I've had the privilege of working alongside amazing photographers & stylists in my past. I'm drawn to the close-in-cropped-tight editorial style of photography -- pictures that make a statement & tell a story. Perhaps it's years creating print ads, (that and having an unhealthy obsession with my stacks of shiny, glossy home decorating magazines?!!) I don't know ... I just know what I like. These days, as a mommy of a 2-year old, I can relate to the artist who's images I am highlighting today. Her name is Rachel McGinn. I'm finding I love photographing children and everything associated with children. Whether it be an infant just waking from a nap, a jar of gumballs, a collection of muddy rain boots or a pair of sticky hands. To me it's all meaningful, colorful, beautiful and fun.

milestones .... oh how i loved the 80's!

Okay, so my 20th class reunion was this past weekend. For your morning dose of laughter (!) I am enclosing my senior photo (which at the time my friends and I referred to as My Floating Head Pose) a little 17 year old Lisa with huge hair. (can you almost smell the "Aussie Scrunch Spray"?) We didn't have ipods we had cassette tapes, boom boxes and finally sony walkmans, we didn't have Playstation, we had atari and frogger, we didn't text message but passed notes as fast as the mills could could make the paper. We didn't have cordless phones so we begged our parents for the longest cord possible to get some privacy. In my case, I would wind the phone around the wall to the laundry room and close the pocket door. During my years in high school I witnessed the birth of VCRs, Madonna, Leggings, MTV, Banana clips, cropped Guess jeans (that zipped at the bottom and even better if they were ripped), Breakfast club, 99 Luft Balloons and I'm not ashamed to admit I was an 80's rocker, ha ha, again ... see the hair photo. I am one of those people who positively loved the highs and lows and the friendships of my high school years. My heart full of love and often broken, but those were just the best of times. There's an unmistakable bond with the friends you make during such formative years. When I wasn't attending football games or playing volleyball or tennis, I was almost always on the phone with my girlfriends analyzing the latest drama in our lives (which there was never a shortage of, ha ha). If you could bottle the energy found in a teenage girl talking with her girlfriends it would be the best energy source on the market. All in all our Class of '87 reunion was a success. So great to see everyone after all these years, most I haven't seen since our 10 year and some I had wished to see were not there. Loved meeting my friend's children the next day and was also quite nice to spend time with some folks I didn't get the opportunity to know very well while actually in high school. I openly admit it was my loss. As predicted, our 20 year was very different from the 10 year and makes me wonder what our 30 year will be like? After ten years everyone is still trying to figure out who they are, they are climbing whatever ladder they chose and creating an image of themselves. By the 20th, I found that had all gone by the wayside. They understand they are who they are and who they are going to be....and most are comfortable with that. We were all able to go and say, Hey, this is me....take it or leave it! Much more liberating, ha ha. What stinks about being almost 40? What is good about it? Well, I don't like the slower metabolism, that's for sure. Sometimes I feel too busy for my own good. But I do like the age I am now because I know exactly who I am, who I was, and I don't make any apologies for that at all. I am better at not wasting my time and savoring the small joys and simplicities of life. My advice to current high schoolers? You're not the center of the world. Deal with it. Have fun, work hard, and welcome new experiences. Look beyond the person to your left and right and reach out to others. But most of all, don't worry about your hair. Trust me, it's not worth the time! ha ha Where do I want to go from here? What do I want to do? Who do I want to be? I want to be nice and be good counsel for others. I want to love people passionately. I want to feel vibrant and capable. I want to travel more and read more. I want to know God more. Most of all, I want to enjoy my family, be more active and laugh a lot.