Christmas 2012

After uploading the pictures, I see that this post is going to be quite heavily lopsided towards Faith.  That was certainly not my intention, but I suppose that Faith's antics this year just drew the camera lens more than any other subject.

As mentioned in an earlier post, all Faith asked for was a red motorcycle for Christmas.  Well, Santa seems to have heard her loud and clear.  The red motorcycle had a predominant location in front of the fireplace when we all returned from Christmas Eve mass, and from the moment it was spotted, there didn't seem to be much else that got any attention.

Faith knew exactly what she was supposed to do, and how this bike was supposed to work.  She had dreamed about it so long, that she took to it like a real natural.

How is it possible to look so delicate and yet be so tough?  This is quite the contrast: velvet and silk astride a flashing motorcycle.

If only Faith had an unlimited, wide-open space to go full-throttle:

Part of the look was a new pair of "shades" so that the rider can look really cool . . . or is that hot?

A little peek-a-boo to take a glance at the remaining presents under the tree:

Every biker chick needs to have a motorcycle jacket; and this one scores (even though it is pink):

Faith giving me her loving smile (taken from another cameraman).  She melts me every time:

Dear Austin was such a sweetheart, and didn't seem to mind all of the attention on Faith and the motorcycle.  Here, he is very happy with the remote helicopter that Uncle Travis and Aunt Carma had sent him:

 Lisa, THREE WEEKS out of surgery.  Beautiful and radiant, although still quite sore:

 

 There is something about this little elf that just keeps me captivated:

 Austin finally gets his chance for a ride, and gentleman that he is, graciously accepts a back seat:

This took real restraint on Austin's part; he was dying to have a solitary ride:

Me, draped in a Christmas scarf purchased in India:

Little Izzy, my constant companion, wishing that she could have some Christmas gifts, too.  Unfortunately, all of the photos from my camera were like this, because it had the "soft" setting on (unknown to me).

At the end of the evening, Izzy and I headed home together, grateful to have been included in all of the fun.

Night at the Nutcracker

One of my favorite traditions is to go to the Nutcracker ballet.  I was delighted to find out that Lisa's new beau, Jeff, was raised with the same tradition, and that it is still ongoing today.  Jeff's mother, Judy, kindly purchased all of our tickets this year to enjoy a Russian production of the ballet in Tacoma.

Austin and Faith all dressed up for the event:

Faith in her new cape:

The kids and I at the theatre, anxious to go in and see all of the magic.

 Lisa, TWO WEEKS out from her heart surgery, Wonder Woman extraordinaire.  No one would believe how painful the event was for her . . . like running a marathon:

Austin and Faith took in every detail of the event this year, and easily followed the story.  Faith amazed me with her ability to distinguish the characters from one another, even when there are two "Claras" on the stage.  She sat on my lap much of the time (oh, joy!), and danced with the music.

Austin was very impressed with the theatre, and was pointing out the carvings in the old building.  He is such a handsome guy, and a real gentleman.  I am so proud of these two!

We had a delightful time, and were grateful for Lisa's ability to make the drive and sit through the performance.  I feel so much gratitude for Jeff and Judy, who included me in their family event, and made it possible for me to go and enjoy a lifetime favorite!

Strong Sisters

One of the wisest things I've done this year is to invite some of my closest and most respected friends to join a "Strengths Group" with me.  We began our first two meetings based upon a book I had read by Marcus Buckingham called "Find Your Strongest Life."  I have been using the Marcus Buckingham teachings at work, where, together with my employer, we have taught branch teams how to work from a position of strength, while acknowledging weaknesses (this is a very simplified explanation).  The book I based the group on - "Find Your Strongest Life" -  is written especially for women, and applicable across all aspects of life: work, home, individual goals, etc.

I was fortunate that each of my friends accepted my invitation, and came forward to share their own strengths, and by doing so, strengthened everyone else in the group.  It was quite a surprise to discover that almost everyone is in the process of writing a book.  One of our most memorable meetings was when everyone took turns sharing their book concept, and some even read chapters that they had written.  Another surprise was the discovery that four of our ten had disabled children.  Wonder what this says about "strong women?"  

Just a few weeks ago, I was able to host the monthly event in my new home, where I cooked my favorite Miso Salmon, and welcomed people into my home for dinner for the first time.  It was a delightful and warm experience, and my home has been blessed as a result.

Eva Gremmert (published author, CPA, teacher, mother to a disabled son), Marilyn Springgay (author, teacher, and life-giving friend) and Jackie Boak (nurse, cheerleading coach, teacher).

Melanie LeFevre (Earth Woman, Master Gardener, Farmer, massage therapist, Sunshine Fairy) and Sharla Dance (author, teacher, Musician Extraordinaire, mother to disabled daughter).

Roxane Spring (midwife, author, volunteer firefighter, mother to disabled son), Dana Cardon (author, Musician Extraordinaire, published musical author, interior designer, mother to disabled son), Lyn Clare (teacher, Cook Extraordinaire, Homemaker Extraordinare).

Brandee Leafty (author, professional photographer, artist-of-all things, professional cake-maker, can-do-anything) and me (boy, do I need to lose weight!)

Roxane telling the story of becoming a volunteer firefighter at age 60 . . . Laughter filling my home with light and happiness.

The ever-present and supportive Brandee, who has come to my home every week for two years, even while pregnant, and with a new baby-in-arms.  She has seen me through many dark days and nights, and also encouraged me to make new goals, and to dream new dreams.  She is my decorating conspirator, my go-to movie Buddy, and trusted confidante.

Amongst all of the things I have to be grateful for, I am deeply grateful for this group of powerful and tender women, who have blessed my life so much and inspired me to be a better person.

Fantastic Faith

"Though she be but little, she is fierce!" - William Shakespeare

Lisa has had these words inscribed on a sign she is putting in Faith's new room.  Truer words were never spoken when it comes to describing our little power-house, Faith, who is just four, but has a spirit so dynamic that she sets off fireworks wherever she goes.  Equal parts imp, snuggler, motorcycle chick, lover of animals, daredevil and singing dynamo, our "Faithy" always has us laughing over her antics.

Faith had her first dance recital this December.  I can clearly remember her mother at the same age, delicately tiptoeing with her ballet slippers barely touching the floor, and shyly posing for the camera.  Not so Faith, more like her adult Marathon-Running-Mama than 4 year-old Lisa ever was, she is positively combustible!  Even onstage, Faith's exuberance spills over:

Shortly before the recital, Faith had decided that she didn't want to take dance anymore.  She wants to take karate, like her brother, and ride motorcycles.  All she kept asking for for Christmas was a "red motorcycle," and it is a good thing that the tutus for the evening weren't pink, or it is likely that Faith would have completely refused to show up altogether.  "I hate pink!" she shouts.  Give her camo pants, and a good pair of running shoes, and she is off!  The only time she is OK with mentioning "girly stuff," is when she shouts - at the top of her lungs - the lyrics to the Beyonce song: "Who rules the world?! - GIRLS!!" (only with Faith's 4-year-old lisp, it comes out "GRILS!")

Thankfully, Faith is always eager to bestow hugs and "snuggles" to all of her loved ones, which includes her Daddy and me, below:

Trust me, you've never been properly "snuggled" till you've been hugged by Faith!  She loves as "fiercely" as she plays:

Camera-shy Lisa didn't see me snap the following picture.  If she had, I'd be in trouble.  I was given strict instructions that no pictures were allowed.  This is Lisa ONE WEEK after her open-heart surgery.  Talk about willpower! Faith comes by it quite naturally.  Her mother is a heroine of the first degree.  Her doctors are in awe of her, and say that "she is a testament to willpower," as she does what none of their patients have ever done before, and sets her own standard for post-op care.  One doctor came in while Lisa was still in Intensive Care, and said "Get the idea of running out of your head."  But, a doctor who knows better followed shortly thereafter and said that Lisa "does not fit the norm," and  that the doctors learn as Lisa shows what a person with fierce willpower can do.  She is a marvel, and a wonderful example to our Faith of what a strong woman can be and do. All of her life, I've said of Lisa: "I want to be just like HER!"

The Comforts of Life

I feel so blessed to be in my new home!  I truly feel at peace for the first time in years.  Although I really miss the beautiful surroundings of the wild countryside of my former home, I feel a sense of "home" that is a deep comfort to me.

I didn't put up any Christmas decorations last year because Christmas was such a painful reminder of Brett's leaving (on December 16). But, this year, I determined to start things off early, if not for my own sake, but at least for Austin and Faith, who will spend a lot of time with me while Lisa is recovering from heart surgery.  As it turned out, the process was enjoyable, and not as painful as I feared, although it is certainly a form of defeat to have an artificial Christmas tree.  I thought I couldn't manage getting a real one on a car, in a stand, and out the door when it was dead, but I am missing the Christmas tree smell so much, that I will attempt to get a real one next year, despite the challenges.

Holidays have changed so much from what they were for me not that long ago!  Last Thanksgiving was spent alone, and I believe that Christmas Day this year will also be on my own.  In addition, there is the odd experience of only having Christmas Day off from work.  But, I am able to look back on life spent with the kids growing up, and feel a deep sense of gratitude for those magical times, and the ease and luxury we all enjoyed.

Izzy has really settled into our new home, too, and loves her new bed by the fireplace.  She has been very "chill," and the only thing remaining to do is to teach her how to stay at home in her own back yard while I am at work.  That is an endeavor that makes me quake, considering how bad her separation anxiety has been in the past.

Izzy and I love the nearby trails, and have found one we particularly enjoy.  During this time of year, we have to walk in the dark before or after work, but every Saturday and Sunday, we are off for a good wander!

The last few months have brought many changes to my life, and I feel that I am beginning to "breathe" again, if only slowly and cautiously.  The house - and certainly, Isabeau - have been a big part of that sense of turning a corner and committing myself to my new life.  While I am certainly lonely, and miss the companionship that Brett and I shared, I am feeling a new sense of "purpose," that, while not as grand as I felt as a wife and companion, does begin a little flicker of light within.  I have opened the doors to my heart to anything the Lord may choose to bring, including, recently, a resurgence in my design work, yet another important piece to feeling a sense of purpose and happiness.

Thankful at Thanksgiving

After spending last Thanksgiving completely on my own, I was delighted when Travis and Carma offered to buy me a ticket to visit them in Dallas to celebrate not only the holiday, but the birth of their new daughter, Ellie (Elisabeth).

Ellie was only four weeks old, and I enjoyed every moment of holding her!  There is simply nothing else in the world as precious and sweet as a new baby!

Spending time with Hinckley, and getting to know him better was a delight!  Hinckley is especially polite, and his vocabulary is extensive.  No short "Yes" or "No" answers from him! If you ask Hinckley if he enjoyed his lunch, his answer will be "Yes, I did!"

In typical two-and-a-half-year-old fashion, Hinckley is always on the move.  He particularly enjoyed using his new drill and putting together (and taking apart) the airplane I brought for him.  It's always a good feeling when I actually choose the right gift!

Travis, Carma, Hinckley and Ellie live on Christi Lane in Aubrey, Texas.  The street is on several hundred acres owned by Carma's family, and many of the family members have built homes there.  Hinckley and Ellie are surrounded by adoring family members: grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.  It's a family paradise!

Ellie, Carma and mother, Patty:

The view out the front door:

This guy is serious!  I was warned not to look him in the eye . . . not your typical front yard pet!

There were 26 for dinner, all comfortably seated around the custom-made dinner table that has been a generations-loved asset for the Martino family.  I felt like a beloved member of the clan, as I stayed at Patty and Trey's home, and enjoyed every moment.  Patty is a soul-sister, and a true friend.

I felt so blessed to be with Travis, Carma, the children and family!  It was so renewing and inspiring to see the love they all express and display towards one another.  If only they weren't so far away!

Three generations: George, Hinckley and Travis:

Hinckley's obsessions: trains!! (Also loves the Cars movie):

As an added bonus, Soren and Jasmine came for a visit and for Ellie's blessing. It was great to see them!