Memorables

Hey everyone, welcome back. Yes, in case you were wondering by the long absence, we are still alive, and in good health! I've been so busy with life that blogging just hasn't been a priority. Tsk Tsk! In that time, Andrea has discovered blogging and is doing so in her own blog now. Anyway, I'm going to tell you a lot of what's happened in life in a ridiculously short amount of space, because I know you and I both don't have that kind of time or patience.
We got over our sickness (viral meningitis) and are all doing well. Ellie never got it. What she has had these past months is double ear infections and a mouth full of new teeth!
The biggest and most exciting news is that my sister, Hilary, is now a married woman. She married Tyson Trible in Knoxville, TN on November 10. It was such an amazing experience to watch my sister get married! Growing up, and even three years ago, she swore she'd never get married. I guess it just took the right guy. And I believe Tyson is the perfect man for my one and only sister. While Hilary has always looked wonderful, she looked absolutely beautiful as a bride! I couldn't believe the happiness and joy I felt as I held back tears throughout the short ceremony. Beautiful setting too--outdoors with all the fall leaves in brilliant fall color, some floating down gently behind them. Cody, their rescued German Shepherd mix, was freely roaming the grounds during the ceremony, which was such a Hilary thing. It was great, all of it. Mr. and Mrs Trible, I love you guys and can't wait to hear about your honeymoon in Mexico!
The second biggest most exciting news is that Ellie stood up by herself yesterday and took her first steps, with both Andrea and I there to watch! O.K., so I was at work in Telluride when she first stood up unassisted, but I was there at the Nelps house in Montrose when she stood up and took three or four steps before coming down gently again. I was amazed at how balanced she is! She stands there like an oak tree--doesn't waver. Solid as a rock. Even her first steps were smooth and sure. Amazing! Today she's not walking much...you can tell she's continuing to take her time!
I finished all of the Harry Potter series in one fell swoop this summer/fall. What a great series! I'm glad I read them all at once--the wait for one to come out each year would have been unbearable to me.
And now a phenomenon that you too will have a hard time believing at first. Andrea, my beautiful wife, yes, Andrea Trenda, likes a video game! She and I are now Guitar Hero wannabes. Thanks to my Grandpa Stan's Christmas gift, we are rocking out here at 8 Reisling Court, living out our rock and roll fantasies. Who knew? Now if I can only get her hooked on Halo 3...
So I was going to the Northwest this upcoming spring to take a one week glacier mountaineering course with two of my best friends, but it has been postponed. It was to be weeks before one of the participating trip members, Erik Wessel, got married. Due to that timing, coupled with my inability to produce money out of thin air, and the fact that the initiating party leader, Jon White, is still getting settled in Auburn, WA with his wife of one year and a month, Kara, we decided to postpone to the spring of '09. Anyone want to go on our Man Trip? Start saving, and get your gear now. If you want a gear list, I'll send you one.
Can you believe that it's almost Thanksgiving? Christmas is just around the corner. If you're like me, you've probably already been hounded by family members for a Christmas Wish list. And if you're like me, more stuff is just more stuff. So ask for a gift that will actually make a difference, and reflect the Reason for the Season. World Vision has an amazing selection of gifts in their Gift Catalog that will bless those who actually need a gift of food, water, animals, shelter, and love. Check out the Gift Catalog at the following address for gift ideas, both for yourself and your friends and family:
http://www.worldvision.org/donate.nsf/child/gift_catalog_learn_more?Open&campaign=1015253&cmp=KNC-1015253&source=goog&keyword?=gift%20catalog
There was one part of the last Harry Potter that's been resonating through me the past week. There's a part when Harry realizes that he is to die soon. He suddenly becomes aware of life around him. The breeze in the air, the beating of his own heart, the friends in his life. As a believer in Christ, I too realize that my days are numbered. I may not know the when as Harry did, but I do know death's temporary sting is coming. And although I'm heading to paradise afterwards, I don't want to miss anything while I'm in the here and now. I'd like to encourage you to so the same. When the sun shines in your eyes, accept the warmth and illumination. When the wind blows your hair out of place, feel the unseen presence of our God. When you stub your toe walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night, thank God you can walk to the toilet yourself. Embrace it, friends, drink deeply the gifts our good Father has given freely...

In His Peace,
Graham