passing through

I can't get my mind wrapped around death. Especially the death of a young, vibrant, talented girl... and her sister and father... all of who had so much to give in this world. I have to have faith that God knows the big picture. All I can see in this is one little tiny pixel - if I can even see that much. God knows all, sees all, cares for us all. I can't grasp the loss. Not just the loss for us, which we are definitely saddened by, but the loss for the community as well. I can't grasp the loss for her mother and younger brother.
I do know though that the reality of it all is that we are all just passing through this world. None of us are going to stay here forever. Our forever is going to be spent on the other side of this life. When that day comes, I know I will be praising God, dancing and laughing along side of many others that have gone on before me. I am passing through this world.
It is still hard to grasp though. Good-byes seem so final... especially unexpected ones.

Favs

Here is one of my favorite pics. I am not a photographer, but I must say, I was proud of this one. :-) I took in Cambria, CA this summer.

Anniversary Memory

Back in the day when Dave and I were first married with very little income, we used to do creative projects together. We have always enjoyed being creative together, we just don't do that as often anymore... work, kids, busy life. This year for our anniversary (#16!) we decided to spend it creating together. Back in February (during a snow day from school) we painted one wall in our bedroom. We left a space for a special piece of artwork, which we didn't own, nor did we have one in mind to purchase. An idea came to us on Thursday to go get a blank canvas a create a special piece of art.
We painted and we were so proud of what we came up with. It is fun to be able to work together to craft not only projects, but memories as well. We are a great team!

Reunion

I had a reunion of sorts with some of my college buds. I flew to CA all by myself and met up with six of my close college friends. It is great to see these friends and know that it doesn't matter how much time has passed... we can pick up where we left off and it feels so natural to be with them. These are all wonderful people and I am blessed to have them in my life.
We spent the weekend in Cambria at a great house near the ocean. Our time was spent talking, walking, shopping, eating and laughing. It was a relaxing time away and a great 40th birthday celebration for all of us. :-)


Here I am getting ready to get on the plane...

The "Gang" (minus Rachel)
Robyn, Marcia, Wendy, Heather, Jen, Melissa and me

Our ocean view. :-)

On the way back to Orange County, we stopped at Westmont to tour around, take a few picutres and shop at the bookstore.

We just had to get a shot by the fountain.