Merry Christmas!

Christmas is now over in Indonesia. And I've barely been up for a couple hours. I can always count on my brothers to wake me up on Christmas morning. C= What a memorable Christmas Eve. After our delicious Chinese dinner, my family explored the desserts of various countries, particularly the Philippines. We had jack fruit and purple yam tarts, durian ice cream and durian fruit: I was surprised, but most of my family likes durian. I still think it smells absolutely horrid, but most of my family didn't seem to think it was *that* bad. It will be a fun reminder when I'm in Indonesia next year. I made my very first gingerbread house with my cousin, Heather; my grandma, a former professional baker, and my brother, Ben! And last night, I even started reading The Christmas Box! I'm halfway through!

Sunny and Bright

KidsMosaic morning: a sunny Sunday. Katie baked cookies! She's in Kindergarten. Seven of our kids who went to Ensenada wanted to share about their experience. And a few more have more stories to share in their small groups. I can hardly wait! How delightful to see the parents watch their children grow! What an honor to be a part of the experience. A favorite different thing for a couple of the boys was the ship yard. And how grand to see! A favorite thing of the adults were the tacos. And, yes, they were delicious!

Perspective

Currently, preparing for a lot of changes: ones that started long ago, ones that I haven't realized just yet, but particularly the ones I'm barely understanding. It's refreshing to look forward to a weekend of relaxing. Somehow, it feels like the rest of the world has passed my by this week. It's already Friday night and there's so much to DO. Yet, so little I really *should* be doing. Not carrying the self-imposed weight brings a great freedom. Power, love and a sound mind. My hope is in Him who gives me peace that surpasses all understanding. The biggest things I need to focus on, are exactly that - Big. Things I can't control. Things I long to know the endings of. Things that I simply have to release. Still terrified. Surrounded by love. Still hopeful. One day at a time. Stronger than yesterday. Still stronger tomorrow. And the trip to Ensenada: absolutely fabulous! The night before, I didn't want to go. While we were there, I didn't want to be there. Yet, when I heard the kids in the hall and when I saw their faces - I couldn't help, but LOVE being there! We set up craft booths and even had facepainting! I actually used the little Spanish I remember. They actually understood me! Even the kids responded to me in Spanish! What a thrill!!!! We enjoyed the show 3 times, including once in the middle of the city! Without the help of the kids, we wouldn't have been able to finish the lunchs or the gift bags in time! Moments like that totally empower and encourage me to live and thrive. What an honor.

Road to Ensenada

This week, we're preparing to go to Ensenada for a weekend with kidsMosaic: 23 adults, 21 kids!!! Crafts, gift wrapping, salsa dancing and a show. Food, of course, too! We'll see what this brings!

A Week of Rocking Out

Coming up this next week: Thursday night (Dec 7), just thought it'd be fun to perform again. It's been quite a while, but what freedom there is in creative expression, singing being one avenue. And I'm just doing backup, so as to spare you from severe angst. C; But what an adrenaline rush this week will be! I've totally missed having weekly band practices, working through songs and just jamming. Practice, practice and hopefully enough practice. You'll find out Thursday when you show up if I got enough. C= If anything, I'm totally stoaked. This past week: Tuesday (Nov. 28), I was nannying for a family of 8. Totally fun! Love the kids. Ages 4 months to 12 years. Totally fun to be a part of it! Didn't know if I could hack it, but we had a blast!!! Anyone going to Disneyland in the next 5 months? Let's go on weekdays! Current departure date is potentially in April, more likely May. With so many internal processes, I have peace about waiting til the Spring. In the mean time, many experiences to enjoy and opportunities to embrace: including singing backup on Thursday and a weekend trip to Ensenada in 2 weeks - wrapping gifts, serving food, special program, and crafts! Keep an eye out! Thanks for checking in! See you Thursday night in Pasadena! (*hint hint*)

Home for the Holidays

Traveling from 1) California to 2) Orlando, 3) Jacksonville, Florida to 4) Snow Hill, North Carolina (encountered my first tornado while on the train), 5) back to Orlando (a seemingly long flight back) and, at last, 6) returning home. Love Autumn leaves and the cool, crisp air. Just the right weather to wear t-shirts with a coat or scarf. At least for a Californian, it's great. And, I can still go to the beach. Looking forward to the company of this next week. It will be busy, but a good buzz around the holidays. Stay warm and cozy!

Autumn in Snow Hill

My new friend Victoria is 6. We did a huge puzzle of Snow White and watched the Strawberry Shortcake version of Cinderella. She loves princesses. We watched Over the Hedge and Napolean Dynomite. Tiffany and Doug have a beagle named Oscar:

He actually sits when I tell him to. It's great! A cozy home. Nice to feel like I'm home again for a few relaxing days. Including the plenty of 3 cough syrups and 2 cough drops to choose from. I'm on the road to recovery - again. Ahhh, Autumn in N.C. is so refreshing. Absolutely love the red, orange and yellow leaves! Today I'm taking a walk down to the local cemetery, just a few blocks down the street. Light rains here and there. A little chilly coming from Florida's beach. Jacksonville: The Crosbys had 8 dogs, 8 cats, 50+ birds, 7 rats, a few guinea pigs, 3 turtles, 4 ferrets, a few fish and something else I can't remember. We had pumpkin pancakes, drove over a couple bridges, went to the art museum (think I saw pieces that I studied in college) - where they have a beautiful, little garden overlooking the river, visited the beach, walked a couple miles around the ultimate frisbee course, the lake and through the forest! How great!!! And they have banana trees lining their driveway! Reminded me of Indonesia.

Art Astronaut

Hello from Orlando! A little rain today. Train ride to North Carolina next week. And California the week of Thankgiving! Thanks for coming by! More to come...