Joy to the World

This picture shows the Joy my sister Kathy had not only at Christmas but every day.  

 Christmas 2010 could be viewed as bitter sweet. While it was Kathy's last Christmas here with us on earth, it was also a joyous Christmas for Kathy and those around her.  Christmas Eve started out with singing in the church choir.  She loved to use her beautiful voice to worship and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Her family finished the evening with dinner, opening gifts and a friendly board-game competition.  I still recall the joy in Kathy's voice when she told me our Aunt Irene (Kathy's Godmother)would be joining her family that night.

As you all dive into your Christmas celebration may you remember to focus on the Joy of the season.

Whether you're with family, friends or even by yourself, I pray you find Joy knowing that Jesus was born on Christmas for YOU.

Because of Kathy's Joy, 

I find Joy in making Kathy's bags.

Wishing you all a very

Merry Christmas.

and a Joyous New Year!

It's That Time of Year To Give Thanks

I am very thankful that 29 years ago this Thanksgiving day Erin Rivet blessed our lives.

As times passes I realize that the relationships we develop and the time we spend with others are things to cherish. One of my most cherished and thankful events of 2012 was this past summer when I was blessed to have three of my nieces and my two daughters join me for four days of fun and celebration at my home in Spokane.   We dedicated those four days to Kathy's memory and our kathy's bags were along for all the adventures. Here are a few glimpses of some of the fun we had over those 4 days.

Off the back deck of my home, Erin and Mary watched the sunset. 

These two are very thankful to have each other in their lives. 

Mary is a loving, caring and a supportive sister-in-law to Erin.

Kathy was not known to drink alcohol.  

But if she did, margaritas would be the drink of her choice. 

So, we made sure we did a little margarita-drinking and toasting to Kathy.

      

Ok, maybe we did more then just a little margarita drinking...

We also enjoyed four days of friendly croquet 

competition in the back yard. 

Ok, at times it was not friendly:
a Lululemon gift card for the winner was at stake!

We took a break from eating, drinking and competition, strapped on our kathy's bags and set out to see the sites of Spokane. 

A little silliness in beautiful Manito Park...

Downtown the girls joined the Bloomsday runners
for a jog in Riverside Park.

We took a stroll over Spokane Falls

I made them all climb into the world's largest Radio Flyer,
but none of them would go down the slide.

It's best not to tell Erin's dog, Corby, that our dog, Delilah, was happy to take Corby's place while Erin was  at Aunt Debbie's

As you look back on 2012 I pray
that you too will have fond memories to reflect on.

And please join me in wishing Erin a very 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Erin, you are a blessing to us all.