family

This is a family picture from a few weeks ago. It's my Mom and her family (dad, sister, brother-in-law, and 2 nephews) and Mom's brother and his family (aunt and 5 cousins).

One of the reasons this is such a cool picture is that Mom and Uncle's parents passed away several years ago. Grandpa Glen passed away in 2002, and Grandma Annie passed away in 2004. We were very close to Gram and Gramps when we were growing up - always had Christmas there, went to their house about one weekend a month, always was there for at least a week in the summer. Even when I was in college, I went to Gram and Gramps house over the summer and stayed with them.

We hung out.

Like we were friends. Which we were. I don't know many people that have as close a relationship with their grandparents, outside of those that were raised by them.

For the past 15 years, we haven't had much contact with Uncle and Aunt and their kids. They had, until recently, lived in a part of Northern CA that wasn't close to any of the family, so there were occasional calls and letters, but not much regular contact.

Recently, Uncle and Aunt and cousins moved near where we live - about an hour away. My mom was excited to get together with them, and have a restored relationship. So, a couple weeks ago, we did. It really was a fun time. I'm so grateful that we can see them on a more regular basis.

Here's to family.
K

day of my birth

So, today is my birthday. It's been pretty low key, because the family all celebrated last night. We all went out to dinner, then to a game of Putt Putt golf, with my 6 year old nephew learning for the first time that there is scoring in putt putt, and what those scores mean. Needless to say, he did not win. Mommy and Pop Pop tied for the win. Brother-in-law beat me by 1 point. Then the 6 year-old cried when it was time to go home.

After that was dessert at my sister's house, and the opening of presents. My adopted sister sent a present from TX, where she is living now, along with presents for the nephews.

It was such a cool night.

I have no desire to go out and "party" tonight, even though it is my actual birthday today. I realized that hanging out with family, enjoying each other, and getting to spend time together is all I need. I feel like I've had a fairly complete birthday.

But when that new dishwasher is installed, I will enjoy it very much!

K :)

Mozart

Well, this little video makes me smile. Much like the drawing for the I chord.




Hope you enjoyed!
K

the hearse

Last night, as I was driving home, I looked in my rear-view mirror and a hearse was following me. Not the one above, but I couldn't take a picture last night as I was driving and all.

I had the weirdest feeling, because this hearse stayed right with me, all the way until I turned into my driveway. At that point, he kept on going, and I was so relieved that he was going to get someone else.

I just got to thinking that life is kinda like that. Even if we don't think about it all the time, there is a (metaphorical) hearse in our rear-view window. I don't think that death is imminent, or coming to get us at any moment, but shouldn't we live with the end of our life in mind?

When that hearse comes to pick you up, will you have done everything you wanted to do? What will your friends and family say about you? Will you have any regrets? You never know when that hearse will actually show up, and I want to have been happy with my life up to that point.

I'm just sayin'...
K