For One More Day

Mike, Scott and I missed you a lot this Christmas. (You too, Denny.) We had a few conversations like the ones we had with you in Seattle, this time more holiday-oriented, but every bit as cathartic.

One of the things we said more than once was how nice it would be if we had had the foresight and the maturity to "dig deeper" with family members while we were still lucky enough to have them around. Somehow it feels like so many mysteries would be unlocked with just a little more information.

Along that theme, I just finished listening to an audio recording of Mitch Albom's for one more day. I've avoided his books because they appeared to hold emotional pitfalls, which I avoid religiously. But it wasn't so bad, and although a little maudlin, it did hold an important message for me. It's about a down-and-out man who is trying to end his miserable life when his dead mother appears and they spend one last day together. The end's predictable, but I like it. Maybe you will too.

Have a happy new year, you guys, and I love you all. Let's spend the year cherishing the happy moments.

Merry Christmas to All

It's close to time for the after-Christmas quiet to descend. It's been a hectic day, full of noise, laughter, tears and food. We're all tired and each looking for a way to wind down after the day's excitement. Christmas stories have been read, at is hoped that little eyes will soon close for the night. And it's time to reflect on what kind of Christmas we had. At our house we had much to be grateful for: a bit of healing for Rosanne, some fun evenings with Scott, a couple of chuckling phone calls with Mike, a Christmas dinner like we haven't had in a few years.

The year past has not been an easy one, for more reasons than any of us want to recount. We've had Christmases in the past where we've had sorrow, disappointment, or worry to overcome, but this year has kind of topped them all. But we're strong and not a family to be brought down by life. I love you all, and am grateful for all you give us. Echoing Scott's New Year's wish, here's to 2010!

A Crossroads

As most of you know, Matt is being released today and should be back in town tonight. Our plan is to let him stay with us for seven days, using that time to help him get back on his feet, as best as we are able.

Emotions are running pretty high, and they run the gamut: happiness to dread. It's so hard to hope when hopes have been dashed so many times. I was talking to someone yesterday, trying to explain how I felt. I miss the funny, playful Matt of about third or fourth grade. He has the capability to love, he showed it then. I'm so sorry for the turn his life has taken. We tried so hard to guide him in the right direction, but couldn't save him from his own decisions.

I guess it's safe to put my wish out there among you, those whom I love and who love me best: my Christmas wish for Matt is to find a peaceful, productive life, surrounded by his family. He says he's changed and I hope he has, especially for his sake. So the next few days are a crossroads for him and for us. He can do the work he needs to do to achieve the life he says he wants. Or he won't. Send prayers and good thoughts our way.

No Complaints

The last few days have felt like something's different - either our stars are in alignment or there are a raft of guardian angels gracing the house, because the word to describe the last couple of days is "content." The Halloween hubbub is over, the candy is almost gone, we're on a relatively normal schedule, and everyone's pitching in to make the load lighter. So I have to give thanks and remember that life isn't like this very often.

I love you all and hope you can have days like this too.

Homesick

It all started this morning as I risked being late to work by finishing Shannon, by Frank Delaney. Irish friends are not fond of him as an author - he "talks too much." But in this book and one of his other books, Ireland, he manages to give words to the feelings I have about Ireland. There is a scent in the breeze and a sound of soft wind and rain that makes me feel more at home there every time I visit. Anyway, in many ways I was reluctant to finish the book because it felt like I was closing the door on a special place in my heart.

And then on the ride to work I listened to a CD that only made the feeling stronger. It was the first Celtic Woman CD, not one that I usually warm too. But there's a whistle/fiddle piece near the end that lightened my heart and made me yearn for dark pubs and good music.

And that's why you get a picture of the Brazen Head, reportedly the oldest pub in Dublin. We never expected it to be anything but touristy, and it is that, but still with the feeling that it's a local. The music was wonderful and the atmosphere magical. Wish we could all be there together.

Is It Fall Yet?

The Halloween decorations are up. There are pumpkins everywhere. We're watching baseball playoffs. This all says it must be fall.

So why is it still so hot? I want to wear cardigans and clothes with sleeves to work. I want it to be cold at night. I guess at the moment I just want to live in Washington or Ohio!!

Family Dinner

Tonight was one of those nights that will be a watershed night for us - we had a family dinner. No filling plates at the counter and sitting down piecemeal to eat. The table was set. The food was placed on the table. Everyone was served and we all finished at the same time. Not a big deal, you say? Well, it is in this house. We've been hoping for it. We've been working toward it. We've had to argue with Rosanne who thinks the whole thing is too much trouble. We did it. And we had a nice dinner. And the kids ate; Christian even had seconds. I had to make sure I would remember this moment in years to come. Just in case it was because of the food, I'll include the link (Denny will want it). So celebrate with us; we're almost a normal family!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/the_best_lasagn/

P.S. I don't know that this is the world's best lasagna; it's not Mom's. But it's easy and it's good.