2014: God's faithfulness in our lives...

The year is not quite over, but I just recently finished putting together my annual year end photobook, so thought I would post a few photos.

It was a year of blessings and challenges; a year of seeing God's faithfulness in big and little ways! Here are some pictures in random fashion of some of the ordinary and the extraordinary events of our year!

Definitely the extraordinary includes new grandbabies, Miss L (above) with her big brother, and Mr. E. (below) with his big brother.

 

May and June became a blur with Bob's heart surgery and resulting complications. Praise God he is doing well today!

We had visits with my family, both in Canada (above), and in California (below).

 

A visit with Bob's parents in San Francisco while Bob was in the hospital.

Lots of everyday outings like enjoying the fair with our grandson...

...a boat trip around San Francisco bay...

...and a few trips to the zoo.

We celebrated birthdays.... Bob's 60th....

...Uncle Henry's 90th...

Mr. A's first...

...Naomi's 12th...

...and these brothers' 16th and 26th... and many more than didn't all get recorded in photos!

We said an earthly farewell to Uncle Henry.

We worked on yard projects...

...and had tea parties...

...and baked cookies...

We had swim lessons...

...and drank coffee in airports...

...and enjoyed grandchildren playing in the yard.

Our growing families! (above and below)

Our world travelers, Timothy and Jessica, who enjoyed France and Italy for the month of September!

Well, that was a quick, "hit and miss" journey of our year. We thank God for his faithfulness, for our health and family and for the abundance of blessings He bestows on us!

We wish you all a Happy New Year and a Blessed 2015!

Gratitude...

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough"

Today we express gratitude for God's many blessings and abundance to us throughout this year.

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 11...

In Canada it is Remembrance Day. In the United States it is Veterans Day, and lesser known, it is also Mayflower Compact Day. In our household it is Naomi's birthday. All of these events hold their own significance.

Both Canada and the US, have designated this day as a day to honor and thank our veterans, all those who have and are serving in the armed forces. We attended a Veterans Day parade today in a neighboring community. It was our first time at this annual event and it was a beautiful  parade and ceremony, honoring all those who have selflessly served to preserve our freedoms.

The signing of the Mayflower Compact in 1620, was a significant event. The pilgrims, finding themselves landed outside of the jurisdiction of their charter, gathered together on the ship to draw up and sign this document. It was created to set up a government from within themselves and was written by those to be governed. It has been considered the foundation of the American Constitution.

And last, but definitely not least, on November 11 we celebrate the blessing of Naomi to our family. As her dad always says, she adds "sparkle" to our household! We are thankful for her 12 years and pray that God will bless her and use her to His glory!

Some photos from our day.

Staking out our spot on the curb.

The parade had representatives from all branches of armed services as well as veterans from wars back to WWII.

Lots of military vehicles...

and marching bands...

and flyovers of military aircraft.

The birthday girl...

and Lucas.

We met up with Jordan and his family at the end of the parade.

Little Man waving his flag!

The parade was followed by a ceremony in the park that included the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, tributes, music, prayer and it concluded with the playing of Taps by this very young man, maybe 5 or 6.

And here is the beautiful birthday girl!

Happy Birthday, Naomi!

Family...

It was so great to have Dad, Mom and Aunt Mildred down to California for a 10 day visit. Traveling by air is no easy undertaking these days. I was able to travel with them on their journey down, but they made the trek back on their own. The whole process of airport check in, dealing with baggage, customs, immigration and airport security is a little daunting for any of us, but throw in 3 octogenarians and a wheelchair and it becomes a little overwhelming! Fortunately we did have a few very helpful people along the way.

Most of their stay was spent visiting with all the family, taking walks, reading and in general enjoying the pleasant weather. I must say I regret not taking more photos, but it never seems to be at the top of my priority list, so when things get busy I usually don't get to the camera. Here are a few photos of our visit, some collected from my family. Sadly I have no photos that include Timothy & Jessica; they were with us for our first family get together but then left for their trip to Europe.

The first evening was a family BBQ, this is the only photo which doesn't show much of the family, but everyone was there, all 20 of us!

Sunday lunch at Carrows

picnicking in the redwoods

hugs from great grandma and great grandpa

meeting the newest great garndbaby, just 3 weeks old!

puzzles with Aunt Mildred

playing "peek" in the back yard

Grandpa after receiving fashion advice from Lucas on how to wear his plaid shirt and sunglasses!

...and of course there were lots of cups of coffee to tie together all the outings and visiting!