With all the excitement swirling around the holidays, it’s hard to believe another year has gone by. I have been blessed beyond measure having added two men to our family  this past year. I sometimes have to stop, right where I am, and realize how blessed I am, with the men in my life.
Next month marks 40 years of dating my best friend. He is my rock, my strength, my mind as I lose it more each day, my personal chef, chauffer, creator of canning concoctions beyond belief, and so much more. Yes, he’s still my Mr. Incredible, my Hero, The Hulk. But most of all, besides the father of two great kids, and now a grandpa, he is, as he promised when he knelt on one knee almost 40 years ago, my best friend,  all with God’s help. The yellow kitchen in the gray house on 11th street has been torn down to be part of the sports complex at our alma mater, University of Puget Sound. Fitting, won’t you say, since it was in a sports class where we first laid eyes on each other?
Son, dear son, what would I have done without you? Even when I relentlessly asked “how will we know?”, you already had a place deep in my heart. Your sense of humor and sage writing advice more than makes up for your lack of being able to smell or feel pain. So many days I have wondered how you had the strength to keep going on, defying the odds of circumstances, how can you be so incredibly smart, talking circles over my head, turning into a man, respected and loved. While your wit kept me laughing, your antics wore my knees out – at least now when I go to God in prayer for you, I know the words will be Tim titanium tough.
Jeff patiently and lovingly waited, and we are blessed for his tenacity. I am slowly becoming a Packer’s fan, besides a 12th man! I love how you honor and respect Jamie, and tenderly adore her. I love it when we get to see you, (although it’s never enough!) We are proud of your career achievements and the strength you bring to others. It’s been fun watching you as a new dad – especially as you rock your son in your arms.
And Scott. I made it. I didn’t think I would be around to see you grow – which you are doing by leaps and bounds. Your grins, your giggles; your discovering your toes – what fun it is to get texts and photos as each new milestone is met. Your strong body and alert HUGE eyes show how much you are like your parents! Your parents agree with me, we wish kids came with a ‘manual’, but you are teaching us all well, and reminding us of lessons forgot; like take one moment in time and live it for then.
No, Bubba, I’ve not forgotten you. My slobber-puss, kiss giving, snuggle boy, who thinks he’s still a lap puppy who weighs a ton!  What would I do without you to keep me company during the day? Whether lying in front of the fire or chops flapping as you hang your head out the car/truck windows, you are a protector and lover, all rolled into one! I’m glad you play so well with Wriggley, our ‘grandog and love. Two dogs who adore me, and share shedding is fun. Thank goodness for lint rollers when I forget and wear black!
Yep, the men in my life! Aren’t I blessed?!

While all of my “Lower 48” friends have been grousing about the weather, the snow, the colder temperatures, Alaskans around our area have been grousing about NO SNOW and WARM (like 45F) temperatures. But patience does have its virtues.
I just finished reading the newsletter of a person who impacted my life greatly this year at Instigator’s Experience, Jon Wilkening (check his work out – it’s AWESOME PHOTOGRAPHY and more!). One of his points was about a weekday Sabbath – a time when we shut our office doors, turn off our computers, turn off our brains, and go out and enjoy what is REALLY important in life. After all, that’s often when our best and most creative works are birthed.
My husband and I have talked alot recently about relationship…..relationships.
Not denominations, not groups, not meetings, but relationships – like one on one. When is the last time that you REALLY spent time with someone that is important in your life, but maybe not let them know? (OK, I’d let you fudge and do face time or Skype if they are far away but other than that, IN PERSON!!)
It’s a lost art, relationships. Think about it – our society has become so “instant” and “recyclable” and often indifferent, that we barely notice a friend, a family member who may need us. They may need us to laugh with them; maybe they need a listening ear, someone to bounce an idea off; maybe they need a confidant, maybe just someone to walk in the quietness of freshly fallen snow.
What about it? This month of various holidays for various faith beliefs bring a great time to gift the gift of T-I-M-E. Yes, it ‘costs’ – but in the end, I would hazard to guess that you couldn’t put a price tag on the time – no matter how brief or how long you would get to have RELATIONSHIP……caring….sharing…eye to eye, heart to heart.
The stillness the calming and swiftly falling snow outside my window brings me the peace and stillness in my heart that I know you too can have. How about that weekday Sabbath? Even if for 15 minutes? I know the person you connect with will be warmed like the cocoa and “smashedmallows” I am drinking, and it will last with them all season long.