November 21, 2010

Cousins ...cousins and more cousins

So many of my posts from year to year, season to season seem repetitive, I guess that is because they are. Napper and I decided early on in our parenting lives that we wanted to have traditions for the kids. Neither of our families live close by so we wanted to create other special memories for Brian & Bonnie to always hold dear from their childhoods. Many of those traditions have centered around the holidays. Well this year we are shaking things up. We have handed off the turkey roaster to our Colorado family and are heading out there for Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to a rocky mountain holiday. The guys are hoping to do a little snowboarding, and me some cross country skiing. We also look forward to visiting with my parents, the O'Connells and our friends the Driscolls. Sooo grateful.

Our next big adventure will be shaking up our Christmas schedule. Of course we will still make our traditional anise cookies... the kids wouldn't tolerate skipping that for any reason. But we will throw in some extra travel. On Christmas day we are leaving for Tahoe and will be there through New Years Day. When my husband asked what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday, I said "I just want to be in a cabin somewhere with snow." So that is our destination. Bonus for Brian because he has always wanted to ski Heavenly.

I am extremely grateful for these opportunities to be with my family. Watching Brian & Bonnie grow and mature these past five years are prayers answered. It has been such a privilege to be their parents. So many moments, both wonderful and difficult, over these past years where I have thought to my self..." wow, I'm so glad to be here for this.." Having lung cancer has given me a heightened awareness of just how fragile and precious life, and love can be. As much as that vulnerability used to scare me, I now know that with God's love we can endure.

Our past months have been filled with life. It all goes by so quickly, Highlights of the past months have been our vacation to Mishawaka in June, summer visits from Napper's sisters Mary and Colleen with their children and grandchildren, Brian's confirmation into the Catholic church, Brian's soccer season, Marching band, and Bonnie's dance activities. I have added some photos from these life events. Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Denise