good memories.
Tying these shoes on this morning made me think of my Grandma Jumara. She had feet even smaller than mine and they often wore shoes like this.
It seemed like a good day to wear the pearl she gave me.
family, life,gametime.
We’re making a concerted effort to step back (even a half-step is good) from technology and the role it currently plays in our lives. Andrew and I had a great conversation about this on Tuesday, and it resulted in us turning the TV off and having not one, but two game nights at our house this week.
We’ve had game nights before, but there are only so many two-person board and card games that are actually fun. And while we love game nights with friends, they require planning ahead, and there’s something nice about impromptu games. Now that Melanie is back for school and can join us, game night just got way better.
If you haven’t played any board games with your family or friends lately, make time for it this week. It’s been refreshing to spend quality time together — in spite of all our competitive natures and Andrew’s ruthless Monopolizing.
Tonight, the trend continues.
Plan to be surprised.
Somewhere along the way this year, I realized that as much as I want to be in control of my life, if I really were, that life would be very dull and boring — and safe.
Erin & I last year at The Annual Christmas Soiree. (photo by Annie?)
2010 was full of unexpected things for us, and last year this time, I never dreamed:
Indie Craft Parade would come together
we’d finally visit our friends in Europe
our favorite college student would be living with us
we would still be in our current house
I wouldn’t be part of the new CoWork space
I’d have a brand new job
that we could be dog owners
we’d be attending a different church
every couple we know (pretty close!) would be expecting
that we would say goodbye to Mimi
It really is amazing how fast things can change. So much happens in a single year, and who knows what 2011 will be like for us, for our friends and our family. I used to wish for things to stay the same. But when I stop and think about how much I’ve changed and grown since last December, I know I would never want to still be where I was then.
The funny thing is that I’m sure I’ll feel the same way this time next year.
*The title was borrowed from one of my favorite movies, Dan in Real Life
life, family,holiday kickoff.
Thanksgiving is quickly becoming my favorite holiday. Heading to the mountains the last few years with (the local part of) my family instead of staying in Greenville has given the entire holiday new life.
This years Thanksgiving was:
pie made from pumpkins
a heritage turkey (brined!)
games on the iPad
an amazing view
never needing to know the time
a steady supply of food
magazines and books
Rook
Dutch Blitz
a giant puzzle
hiking to see a waterfall
naps and general laziness
taking photos
quality conversation
It was not:
football
a fireplace
Black Friday shopping
cell phone service
internet
emails
Riley
I’m so grateful for a relaxing start to the holidays this year. The next few weeks will fly by I’m sure, but it was wonderful to have a couple days to relax and take a deep breath.
cooking, family, local food, good ideas,Family.
There are times when ‘family’ doesn’t have anything to do with blood relations.
Mimi’s African Violets.
This week, I said goodbye to two very important people in my life. Neither one was technically related to me, but they were each a very important part of my life.
Uncle Bob and Mimi, I love you and will miss you both so much.
family, life,