Another Surprise

As I reflected on the wonderful birthday my family had gifted me with, my husband reminded me that he had not given me his present yet. I looked at him and could not imagine what could make this day more wonderful...

He shared with me that he was taking me away on a trip, and, would not tell me any more but to pack and be ready by the morning. I had been surprised yet again!

I began to wonder how I would survive this trip, not feeling in the best of health, but I packed my bags and we set off on our adventure. My wonderful mother was left for the weekend with the children to love and care for them. I had nothing to worry about.

As we began our journey, I learned we were headed to San Jose, to embark on a long weekend of California coastal living...

My husband rented a convertible for the weekend... in hopes of sunny weather. We did enjoy the top down several times... very fun!

We found our hotel just outside of Santa Cruz and after we got settled, we enjoyed a lovely drive up California's famous coastal highway 1 and found the Ritz Carlton just south of Half Moon Bay. Of course, we pulled up like we owned the place and stopped for a drink to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Off Highway 1 North of Santa Cruz

My husband checking out the tide pools...
(He fell in just after this.)

The next morning we spent time exploring the southern end of Santa Cruz, a little town called Capitola. We found this town to be just the perfect place to sit, sip coffee and watch the ocean, the surfers and the locals enjoying the beach...

The bright colored houses of Capitola reminded us of the Mediterranean

After a long morning of exploring Capitola, we headed back up into the mountains to drive the winding roads of the Red Woods. On our journey we found an interesting covered bridge in Felton.

We also happened upon Beauregard Vineyards Winery in Bonny Doon. We took the opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoyed a tasting...

On our way back through Santa Cruz, we took some time to explore some of it's famous sights. One of our favorite spots was West Cliff Drive, with a walking path running right along the coast line, up high on a cliff.

Natural Bridges, State Beach

Flowers in January are just wonderful to behold!

Walking along West Cliff Drive

We were here together!

Our last stop was the old Mission where there is a remaining adobe structure that was used to house Native Indians Neophytes (new Catholic converts) in the early 1800's. We toured the buildings and learned a great deal about the History of the Mission Santa Cruz.


Our last day of sightseeing was a bit overshadowed by a large storm that was coming in off of the Coast... we did not let that stop us from enjoying the beautiful Big Sur Coastline just south of Carmel. We braved the winding Highway 1 down the coast for the afternoon. The surf was amazing as the storm churned the water below.

Bixby Bridge

View From our Lunch Table

What a lovely weekend to remember my 40th Birthday!

40 Years!

Today I turn 40 years old.

It seems strange to identify with that number and realize...
I am in my 40th year of life!


I am so blessed and thankful, recognizing that each day is truly a miracle, a gift from God.

God has been growing and stretching me over the past few years... I am hopeful that this decade will be no different... but, perhaps that I can learn from lessons past and find joy in ALL circumstances... not just the smooth sailing moments of life... finding more moments of faith when I am weak... recognizing that the tapestry of life is sewn with threads of both joy and adversity... I am still climbing uphill, learning more each day.

In spite of a nasty case of bronchitis, which has rendered me voiceless for over a week now, (whispered words still flow...), this has been a memorable Birthday...

A gift from the Lord, the sun came out for me (the first time in days, its seems)... the air was warm enough to open a few windows...

I was gifted with the presence of my very own mother! My husband surprised me with a visit. It's a good thing the guest bed was ready and waiting... She just walked in the door and I was completely surprised.

The Best Surprise, My Mother...

I was gifted with lovely books as well as a beautiful serenade on my front porch last night by precious and dear friends who came to cheer and love me even with my sickness threatening...

The simple things that cheer one's soul and warm the heart...

The things he does to get me to laugh!

Phone calls, e-mails and cards in the mail from dear ones far... reminding me that they remembered my special day and honored me with their thoughtfulness...

My sweet family gifted me with a beautiful new bird feeder to enjoy in the garden.

Another week and the birds should find out we have the best bird seed in town!

My Mother made me a beautiful quilt...


It is a labor of love and an heirloom to be treasured...


I feel blessed beyond words...

Going Through the Motions

This week has been pitiful!

My children were recovering from a virus that took us by storm after Christmas, and then I fell ill just as the week was picking up steam...

All my plans for putting a strong foot forward in the New Year, faded away as my brain was dull with congestion and pain. I did not want to get up...I felt like just being in a quiet room, alone...

Yet, life must go forward... food needs to be prepared, horses need to be fed and watered (a mile away), laundry must be done... schooling must go on. So, we went through the motions as best as we could... a lot of things did not get done.

No big deal... It just always makes me a bit downhearted, when I know exactly what I want to give, the needs I want to fulfill, the character I am purposefully challenged to shape on a daily basis, and... I am unable to give because I am weak. It is troublesome for me when we just go through the motions... I get a bit discouraged.

Yet, God is much greater than all of this... I remember this as the night grows quiet...yet there is a struggle in my heart...even that wonderful soft pillow does not take away the worry...worry that I have not been a good mother today...that I have failed. Yet, I remember that God is greater than all of my effort. He reminds me, He can, and will, shape the character of my children. He will fulfill each and every need... even when I fail... and am too weak to be of any good to anybody.

But he said to me,
"My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Yes, the gift, of grace, and the ability to be used to honor Him is sweet.

I rest in His sovereignty and wait.

A new week is before me... I will try again to be thankful for what each day brings... good or bad, it really is not about me and what I want, but rather it is all for the Glory of God.

"And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

Happy New Year!

I always try to begin the New Year with cleaning...

I clean up the Christmas decorations... and spend the day vacuuming and dusting and re-arranging furniture in attempt to create a fresh new start!

This is my own way of preparing my heart and clearing my head...

As it is a New Year, I have been reflecting...

On Christmas day we spent some time talking about giving. Yes, Christmas is truly a time or "season" of giving... but we discussed the idea that the "spirit of Christmas" (or message of Christ) should be spread throughout the entire year. The poor need to be fed... the sick need to be healed... the lonely need to be comforted every day of the year.

We started thinking about how we as a family could be even more giving. We talked about giving as more than just gifts purchased at a store...or money given to the church...or mission organization, but also gifts could include our free time and resources... it is sacrificing what we could have, or want for our selves, for others. It means thinking outside of ourselves instead of focusing inward.

We are waiting to see how God uses our willingness to look around and meet more needs as a family.

This year will be filled with lots of activity, stress, travel, and more... but we are hoping that we can see with eyes of giving this year as we live out each day...