karalea

A picture is worth a thousand words…I will try to sum it up in less.  This photo totally, completely, unequivocally defines my family.

Let me explain. First, it shows Tim, wearing the backpack (though I did my share of backpack carrying too). He carries the load for the needs of our family.  He is our provider of food and drink and first aid.  In our family he happily carries that load and generously gives us all we need.  He also wears a smile while doing it….and a knit beanie hat that I made for him (he wears that to make me feel loved).  He also has a hand on Quin’s shoulder.  Quin is the oldest son…and like Tim (the oldest of three boys), Tim knows what it’s like to be Quin and he is there to help him.  Tim is fantastic.

Next, is Quin.  Quin refuses to wear jeans.  No matter how rough the terrain, he goes for style over sensibility.  That’s just who he is….wants to wear his hair long so he can look like the Beatles, wants to wear his Vans because they are easy to slip on.  I’m sure he also proudly chose his bright blue Cub Scout summer camp t-shirt because we were going hiking…and that is a very “Cub Scout” thing to do.  He is an individual, sensible or not, and he is fantastic.

Cole comes third.  Cole is daring and dangerous, smart and strong.  He chose jeans and shoes with laces, he even wore a jacket (which is tied at his waist) just in case he needed it.  Cole stands strong in this picture.  He doesn’t hold onto mom or dad, he stands strong and smiles for the picture, before racing off to explore uncharted territory.   That is Cole.  He is fantastic.

I’m next in line.  This is me at my most happy.  Outside in nature, vigorous exercise, spending time with my family and my dear old dog.  The sun is shining and I am happy.  Even when Ewan is going super slow and I have to carry him on my back uphill.  I am happy.  I feel fantastic.

Then there’s Ewan.  He is my baby.  He clings to me.  He is often touching me, even if it is just a finger to hold.  He still needs me, he isn’t Coley, who stands to independent and strong.  He also isn’t Quin, who chooses for himself regardless if you told him one thing.  Ewan still listens to mom and dad.  He still wants to be piggy-backed up the hills.  He still wants to stop and throw rocks, pick flowers, play Indiana Jones and pose for multiple photos.  He is fantastic.

Last, but certainly not least is Duke, our trusty dog.  Duke sits, panting happily for the picture.  He is an obedient dog.  He is nearly 11 years old and has been through everything with Tim and I, the births of all three sons, moving homes and even cities, good times and hard times, Duke has always been there with us.  He shows the signs of his age, with his gray hair and his limp, but his happy countenance and obedience has never waivered.  He is fantastic.

This photo was taken on President’s Day 2010.  Behind us…you can’t see it, but it’s there…is the Hollywood sign.  However, as I look at the photo now, all I see is a very happy family….on top of the world.

All I need is love.  A few things in February that I have found to LoVe.

A quick trip to Disneyland made me find LoVe for silly boys posing for photos, a husband who can always make me laugh with his silly antics, and a beautiful flower and the miracle of the bee while taking a snack break on Main Street.  I LoVe that.

I found LoVe in the temple.  We have been blessed with many days of rain this month, which I greatly appreciate…but when driving…by myself…to the temple in LA traffic…I wasn’t feeling “appreciation,”  I was feeling the fear.  But the Lord blessed me on that slippery wet 20 miles to get to my destination safely…He blessed me to feel the Spirit while serving in the temple…and He blessed me with a great burger and piece of pie at The Apple Pan with friends.  I was feeling the LoVe!

I felt the LoVe in friendship.  I felt the LoVe at an impromptu birthday lunch for/with friends.  I felt LoVe at a 4 hour block of time laying in the sun…at the park…with a picnic basket…with friend.  I felt LoVe at a favorite food spot in Manhattan Beach…eating a spicy burger…with friend from Arizona.  I felt the LoVe in friendship.

Oh, the LoVe of food.  Delicious, wonderful, tasty treats.  First, the LoVe of sweet potato french fries.  They are my favorite.  I LoVe them.  Next, the LoVe of a tiny bakery in Santa Monica (see the discreet little box held so delicately in my hand?), Vanilla Bakeshop (the lemon raspberry cupcake is my favorite).  Last, the love of making, decorating and eating a thick sugar cookie with pink cream cheese frosting.  I LoVe them.   Feeling the LoVe.  It’s all I need.

We are well into January 2010 and so far, so good.   It seems that this will be a great year, full of interesting adventures, culinary experiments and even strange outfits.  Ewan is kicking off the year with some headstrong fashion statements.  I think he is fantastic.  He is daring and self-confident.  He is fun and silly.  He is caring and excited to learn.  He is humble and teachable.  As I stand next to him in this photo, I wish to be just like him in the year to come.

Dear 2009,

I wanted to tell you how much you have meant to me.  You have built my faith.  You have introduced me to new and strong friendships (priceless).  You have helped me with body image/weight loss/exercise (Mud Run).  You have put me to work (Cub Scouts & Primary).  You have nurtured a successful garden and have hosted many interesting parties (a service birthday, multiple kid’s parties, baby showers).  You have allowed for vacations (Arizona & Colorado).  You have place great books to read in my shelves.  You have kept my husband busy at work.  You have allowed for healthy bodies and cavity-free teeth.

You have been good to me and I just wanted to say, “thank you so much.”  I really do appreciate it.  It’s not to say that trials haven’t been part of the greatness (eye surgery, injuries, emotional struggles, faith tests, sleepless nights), but you have helped me deal with these things and pull through with a good attitude.  So, thank you 2009, please tell your replacement about me and my needs.  Let him know that I will work hard and be happy.  Can’t wait to meet 2010.

Cheers,

Karalea