Happy Birthday Shannon

Christmas morning at my house, before the kids woke up.

Happy Birthday to my sister Shannon today! For 27 days each year, we are the same age. Happy Birthday old lady, I love you.

Preparations

We've been busy preparing for the big birthday party (thanks G). This weekend was the annual "baking day" at my sisters house. They made something like 580 cookies. I don't care if I see another cookie for months.



If I don't talk to y'all before Christmas, have a great one!

Peace-
Matt

Aurora Borealis

the icy sky at night...

I saw the northern lights for the first time ever last night. At first I thought "man those clouds look funny". I couldn't really see the green color too well with my eyes, but the camera picked it all up. Very Very Cool. Sometimes it pays to live in a small town. I'd have never seen these it the city lights.

Both of these were taken in the soccer field behind our church in Elkhart, IA. I was there dropping Alex off for the Christmas Choir practice.

Peace-
Matt

Catch up

It's always so busy this time of year. I like spending time with loved ones, but I could do without work parties, choral concerts, shopping, and so on. It will be over soon though, and life will become normal again.

I don't have time to write much (choral concert tonight) but want to attach some photos from the past week.

Peace-
Matt

Balance

Falling


Husband - Father - Homeowner - Provider - Brother - Friend - Individual

I'm sure there are more, I just can't think. They all overlap somewhat. As Mr. Miyagi taught us, balance is essential for a healthy, happy life. It is difficult too.

Thursday I photographed my sister Kym and her three dogs. Kym's relationship with her dogs is one that I haven't been able to completely understand. I just can't comprehend why/how someone can elevate a pet to such importance in their lives. When I think about balance though, I can see it. In my life, I don't have room on my "scale" for pets. Kym does. Kym doesn't have children, she has dogs. Her life has more balance when she can be a caregiver. When I think about it this way, I do understand.

Friday, Angie and I had another date night. We had dinner at the North End Diner (yummy & cheap) and then did a little Christmas shopping. It's always nice to spend time alone with her. I look forward to more and more of this as time passes by.

Saturday, I spent some time with my brother Tom. Of all my siblings, I'd say that I am closest to my brother. Tom and I are always completely honest with each other. I can't say that about most people in my life. Tom has been having a rough go of it in the past couple weeks. Damn women.

I finally finished the new bathroom Sunday. Yes, I'm completely done. This may be the first time ever that I've completely finished a project at home. I usually get very disinterested towards the end of the project and leave just a few minor details unfinished. Not this time. I worked on the trim both Saturday and Sunday and finished it in the bathroom. I still have to finish the laundry room trim though.

That left no more time for the rest. I feel I shortchanged my children this past week. My balance feels off.