Christmas Continued

 Christmas at grandma and grandpa's was for the most part, just us.  Celebrating the holidays with only my brothers and their families means so much to me.  It's so nice to have the cousins together, running wild (in pajamas this year), tamales for dinner, and a mint and chip pie for dessert.  An Uncle and Aunt came by for a little bit, but for the most part, it was hours upon hours of us celebrating Christ's birth together.  As usual, Grandma went overboard with the presents.  I know she finds joy in giving, but so much stuff just messes with my senses.  I automatically get a little anxiety wondering where everything will go. . .or worse yet, knowing the next couple days will be spent purging unnecessary and outgrown goods.

We celebrated a newly engaged brother with a toast.  I am so happy to see him happy.  It has been quite a year, but as usual, God's plans are so much greater than our own. I might not realize the greater joy in this celebration, had there not been so much distance and quiet to work things out on their own.  

 We had some cool hats to wear for good measure.

We watched the kids open gifts, and then we savored the slower opening of our own.  My mason jars and trays were my favorite gifts by far!
We laughed around the table with a fun game called, Pie Face.

It was definitely a crowd favorite!  But most of the time was just watching kids interact, and conversations among siblings and spouses.  It was easy and quiet, really.  Papa's presence was missed, but felt, I think.  At least it was for me. . .and at the end of the day, all that remained was the newest cousin, our baby niece, Monroe Marie. . .and I could only thank God for the peace she had brought to this gathering on so many levels. Christmas 2015 was in the books, but in many ways it felt like an invitation to live a bigger, simpler life.  How, you ask?  I'm praying over how I might be able to show you.  Peace.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Sorry we aren't there to celebrate with you!  Hope you have a great day.  We love you so much and are thankful you got to celebrate early Hawaii style: )  Wishing you a year full of peace, good health and opportunities to make happy memories!

Love,

Your Doll
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo

Dare to Live Your Life

Dare To Life Your Life

"If you long to live a life of excellence,                                                                         

overflowing with love and perpetual happiness,                                                                                                              

do so boldly, bravely and enthusiastically!                                                

Be tenacious in your endeavor.                                                                                

Face down your fears and be set free!                                                                                  

Dare to live your life...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

If you long to live an extraordinary life,       

purposeful, passionate and blessed beyond measure.     

Live selflessly,                                                                                                                     

Love unconditionally.                                                                                                    

Laugh loud and often.                                                                                                                

Learn to see the beauty in the simple things of life.                                              

Dare to live your life...

If you hope to live your life to its fullest potential                                                            

Walk with the Spirit,                                                                                                             

Live by the Word.                                                                                                                             

Be an inspiration!                                                                                                                             

A living example of goodness and gentleness                                                                          

all the days of your life...                                                                                               

Dare to live your Life...              

Dare to love your life...

                            John S.  2014

This poem was written by my dad, your grandpa. Let it always serve as a reminder of how I hope you will live. In raising Kingdom Kids, my prayer is that you will always seek God's will for your life, live it boldly, loudly, wildly and without fear. You were created for such a time as this! Dare to LIVE your life!

Desert Delight

Me: a really long time ago

A couple of weeks ago, I did something I don't care too much for.  I took one for the team and said, "Yes" to a day trip to the desert.  I am not a desert girl.  I may have grown up going there with my grandparents, but eventually when the dust settled, I realized the desert was not for me.

Our 1st trip out in the Polaris

One of the original desert trips

It must have been the experience of being with my grandparents that made desert life so appealing when I was a kid.  My grandma always had a stocked pantry in the trailer and there was always plenty to do with the cousins.  My grandpa would take me out in the dune buggy and not try to terrify me.  We would go at a safe, sane speed and he would point out rocks and trails and things of interest.  The wind and dirt in my face might have been considered fun then, because I was with the greatest grandpa on earth.  My grandpa was so kind, gentle, funny, and such a good husband.  He was easy to be around and when I think about it now, I could see Jesus through him.  He was always offering help, attending assemblies and such when parents couldn't, he would drop off and pick up so visits could happen. . .and he treated my grandma like a princess. He loved her and it showed.

Arlene and Shelby Gaul: your maternal Great Grandparents

My grandpa was the gentle one; the one we went on walks with looking for aluminum cans. the one who watched us play at the park. He was the one with the loudest laugh and the happiest heart.  All I remember is love.  That guy. . .in the yellow Volvo until it was no longer safe to drive was such an easy man to be around and love.  My first ride on the Amtrack train was with him, a trip to my first trout farm, and I remember a metal dingy boat on some water I think might have been Salton Sea.  His snoring was fierce and comforting, his presence loud and known even in slumber.  Grandpa Shelby was a good man.

I'm so happy Bean got to know him.  He got to love her. . .even if it was only for a little while.

Grandpa Shelby at Lene Bean's Baptism

 This man whom Ernie called, "Chief"  meant a lot to me.  I don't know that I even realized how much until he was already gone.  He was always in the background. . .I realize my grandma performed actions out of love, but in such a way that sometimes she was impatient or rough around the edges.  My grandpa; however, did what he did out of love: with gentleness and pure enthusiasm.  We were never a burden.  I always felt like I was a gift.  And therein lies the greatest gift I long to leave my kids.  The legacy of love colored brightly by our love of Christ who loved us first.

Great Grandpa Shelby Gaul and me on my wedding day.  He got out of the hospital THAT morning!