word of the year

I read a book last year where the women in a book club picked a word to set the tone of their year. This is the word I pick for 2009. Yours...?

so, this is Christmas...

So many firsts this Christmas. I need more time to post pictures and write bits about them. But tonight my puppy bit my finger that she mistook for a biscuit and I cannot not type properly. So I will have to wait til the swelling goes down. But til then , enjoy this photo of my new favorite ornament.

and to all a good night.

We were lucky to have seen this tree which is totally decorated by the artwork of school children. It was really something. And what was an added extra was they were building the stage for the inauguration right behind the tree. Not very Christmassy, but amazing none the less.
As Tiny Tim would say, "God bless us everyone."

Fun in DC

Emma and I are in DC this weekend and while driving to church this morning we noticed all the flags at half mast. We were all making guesses about who may have died (I know, a bit morbid) the rest of the way to church. Someone there mentioned it was the 67th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, duh, Dec. 7th (dates have a way of becoming lost when you are on holiday).
The Navy Memorial is right around the corner from Grant and Brit's condo and we walked over in time to watch an old bent sailor, a Pearl Harbor survivor, lay a wreath at the memorial. Complete with band and color guards, it was a wonderful place to be and of course I cried.

Over heard while standing by the statue: Two old sailors, probably in their late 60's or early 70's; one speaking to his friend, "No, you were never that good looking!"

A Special Kind of Gratitude

I can truly say that in all my years that this is a new sensation of gratitude and wonder. I am so blessed to be included in the anticipation and preparation for my first grandson. What a beautiful time to be alive.

Oh, remember, remember

3 things I forgot I knew.
First, never get involved in a land war in Asia.
Second, never buy sheets at a street fair.
And, third, it does rain in California.

DC or Bust

So, did you know that in the 5th grade you study about the United States of America? How many 5th graders have a sister living in Washington DC? In two weeks Emma gets to go to Washington and see things first hand and of course she needs her mommy to tag along. Which is really a sacrifice on my part when you consider the weather here is still in the low 80's and the weather there is, well, its not!
But we can't wait to see Grant and Brit and the Pencil!!