Cousins...that look like brothers and sisters. Their blue eyes...that have an ethnic look...outside of their very Swedish and German heritage (That is a scrapbook page i need to consider creating.) stand out in most photos. They love being together .
We worried that being opposite sexes, they would not be close. We did our best to make sure they saw each other as often as life permitted. When we are together- it almost always a huge slumber party...with very little sleep! We used to joke that "someone always ends up sick" due to the exhaustion that came trying to squeeze every minute out of our time together. It was worth it- to see them now!
They are now teens and young adults. They still savor the time together. They still stay up later than they should - but I wouldn't change a thing.
I wish the guys were able to spend more time with their Smith cousins...but they are stretched out from Michigan to Florida including Alaska and Hawaii. When they do get together - it is always a great time- but there is simply not enough time.
Our dear friends, the Vastine Family, were home from Belgium for the holidays. They spent most of the time with family in other place and their Morton time was very "appointment" heavy - leaving only a few spare moments for them to see the many people who love them here. I thought that I might not have a chance to see them but God intervened and we had a delightful breakfast in their company at Cracker Barrel. What a sweet treat it was for Jill and I.
Certainly...the unexpected blessings are the sweetest.
Happy New Year...can't believe 2013 is here!
Savor the sweet moments and count the blessings...especially the small
ones. Taking them for granted is where the seed of discontent takes
root. Happiness is not something to be chased after and caught. It is a
byproduct of a grateful heart. I hope to count a little blessing
everyday...365 of them.Jan 1st - "new beginnings" is a reason to give
thanks. that clean slate of a new
year.
Jan 2nd...a good furnace tops my list. Special thanks to my little
brother and Robbie's crew from Clifton on that one...they made the trip
to Morton when the locals had no time for us. I give thanks often for
the gift of heat. As I always tell Matt to tell Robbie- "I love my Carrier".
Jan 3: Today I am grateful for the technology
that allows me to keep up with my family and friends. Staying connected
and reconnecting with the people that have been my companions on life's
journey is priceless.
