Thanksgiving 2007

This year we had the amazing opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with our dear friends Blair and Cara Jenkins. Blair's parents live in Greensboro, NC so we headed there Thanksgiving morning. We feasted on delicious food and enjoyed being part of another family this time. (By the way, this is the way to go for those of you already planning--or not planning--for next year. All of the fun and comforts of home without the drama and expectations and cleanup. It was so relaxing and enjoyable. So remember, this year "forget" and wait until the last minute to make plans then pick your friends that have the best sounding Thanksgiving traditions and make your case! I promise they'll feel sorry for you. PS--this works way better when you don't have family living close by.) The colors were incredible. In Asheville, they had already passed their prime, but in Greensboro--wow.

One of the cutest families we know!

We had an afternoon of picture taking, football, and improv gymnastics! (We realized that Chris needs a new barber after this was taken!)

The leaves were gorgeous.

I thought my mom would appreciate this picture. This tree was bright red and glowing.

Thanks Blair and Cara! We had a wonderful time.

Superhero 5K

Jane sent me some great pictures that she took from the 5K. Some people really went all out...and well, then there is me and my sister...

The ones to beat.

In action--watch out!!

Soup-er Man.

Medley of superheros.

Sisters and Chawcapaws

No, it's not an indian tribe. It's just a pet name we came up with for each other. Luci is the bawg chawcapaw and I'm the leetle cheekipoo, or something along those lines. I remember where we were in our old yard on Ave. C when we came up with this and how we couldn't stop laughing, but that's about it. It's evolved over the years, just like us though. My sister came down from Baltimore at the beginning of Nov. to see us. She stayed for a long weekend and spoiled us like always. She paid for many a good meal and made sure that we were doing okay--like the big sister she is!

We had the opportunity to take part in a local 5K. It had a superhero theme. Unfortunately, there is no picture of us in our sweet costumes, but basically we looked a little something like the Hamburglar with black masks on our face. Anyway, it was pretty entertaining to see everyone in their costumes, even though it was freezing. I really do need to post a picture of Jane in her wonder woman outfit (stay tuned).

We made it! So glad for this sister.

Going Home

This happened back in the middle of Oct., but I went home to Austin for a few days to see my folks. At the time, my mother wasn't feeling so well, so I hoped to spend some time taking care of her. As soon as I got my ticket though, she started feeling better and we ended up having a good ol' time. Here are some pictures from my time in Austin and Temple.

So, my mom became this incredible artist at the ripe age of 50, right around the same time she discovered that she has chronic lymphatic leukemia. I definitely think there was a correlation between the two things. I think that her artwork has allowed her to express some of the feelings and tangible evidences that have allowed her to deal with the prospect and reality of death as well as the value and preciousness of life. We have several of her pictures hanging in our house. They are a reminder of the beauty that this world has to offer, but also the hope, wonder, and expectancy of heaven. As gorgeous as things on earth can be, they will pass away and be replaced with a beauty, the beauty that never fades and cannot help but awe the beholder. Thank you Mother for showing us that there is more, and that this is not the end for those who trust in a mighty Savior.

We went to see my brother's new home in Temple, TX (about an hour north of Austin). He just got his first "real job" at Scott and White Hosipital in their pediatric oncology division. In some ways, it's like he just graduated from college. Woo hoo--10 years later! In other ways, he's this big scientific nerd that makes big decisions about life and death and does reserach that the average person needs a medical dictionary to understand (and even then....). Either way, he's smart and I'm glad he's doing what he is doing. He has an amazing moral sense about him that not many people have these days. He has a deep understanding of not only what is right and what must be done about a situation, but also a compassion and sensitivity for children and families dealing with such tradgedy. Ladies, this man is a keeper.