Day 365: Happy sweet 16!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - Oprah Winfrey

Project 365: #365

With unplanned omissions through this project, it has lasted a couple of months longer than initially planned, but the timing was still perfect. This being day 365 of 365, and Nicole's 16th birthday! Certainly an exciting day to celebrate, we are proud of the beautiful, kind, and caring young lady she has become! The joy of making a wish and blowing out candles. Although we celebrate birthdays especially, it is important to celebrate each and every day, for in the gratitude of celebration we come to realize how much in life there is to celebrate, from seemingly mundane every day events to momentous occasions like graduation and 16th birthdays. We can find something special each day to celebrate, and share the joy with those around us. In this, we stop looking down, and look around, appreciating life around us. After this whirlwind year, I am looking forward to living life again, enjoying the simple things, and embracing each day!

Day 364: High school graduation!

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Project 365: #364

What an exciting day, and what an awesome end to a school career. It was such a proud moment for us when Caitlin walked across the stage, receiving her high school diploma. It seems just yesterday that she started Grade 1. What a journey, three continents, and three high schools! Despite all the challenges and changes, she has grown and developed beyond anything we could have imagined, and we are so proud of all her accomplishments, her drive for success, and the confident, caring and beautiful young adult she has become. She has used the setbacks to her advantage, and with her strong foundation has learned to think both intensively and critically. The goals of both intelligence and character have been achieved. This marks the end of a chapter for her, and the beginning of an exciting new one. There are so many things and people to be grateful for, including all her dedicated teachers each step of the way, in the classroom, sports fields, and extracurricular activities.  Each one has provided valuable input into who she has become, and molded the direction of her path. May she use the valuable lessons learned over the past 12 years in the next step of her education, and always remember the importance of education, intelligence, and critical thinking.

Day 363: Sit and rest a while

"As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest." - Nelson Mandela

Project 365: #363

This has been such a busy year, especially this last term, that when I went for a run this morning, this little makeshift bench caught my eye - just calling me to sit and enjoy the peace in the forest for a little while. Just a while, enough time to catch my breath. We cannot ever really just rest, since we must always do what we can for the world, to eliminate poverty, injustice, and inequality. We can all live in our bubbles, apparently unaffected by these things, but in our hearts we know this is not reality, and it is up to each and every one of us to use our talents to make this world a better place for those around us.

Day 362: Spruce Run

“The nation behaves well if it treats its natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Project 365: #362

We went on a little scout yesterday afternoon, looking for a nice waterway to paddle on, and found Spruce Run  Recreational Area. This was just a little peep through the trees at things to come.  This is the largest water body that this relatively close to us. The park was closed as it was after 4 pm, so we couldn't get too close, but sneaked a peep from the side of the road. It is very expansive at 2030 acres, and this was just one teeny arm. It is so exciting that there are protected natural resources close by. This park has a strictly bring in take out policy, so you cannot dump any trash! Every little step in conserving our beautiful resources means that future generations can also enjoy this great gift!

Day 361: Father's Day brunch

"A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets is our society" - Billy Graham

Project 365: #361

In celebration of Father's Day we treated Mike to early morning brunch. We are grateful for the role of our special father's in our lives, and for all they have done for us! Although we can't always be together, we still cherish them, and miss them! We are grateful for their gentle guidance,  belief in us, and continual support, no matter what!

Day 360: Church flowers

Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer. Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/annemorrow133382.html?src=t_flowers

"Arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet in a crowded day - like writing a poem or saying a prayer." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Project 365: #360

I had forgotten just how much I love arranging flowers. I had put my name on the flower roster for church for the first time, as I wanted to observe the system for a little while to see how things are done here. I was reluctant, as flowers just seem so expensive, but really wanted to do the flowers in celebration and thanksgiving of Caitlin's graduation this week. I tootled off to the store to see what I could find in a rather limited budget, and then merrily went around the garden finding all sorts of exciting foliage! While arranging the flowers, I did reflect on our many blessings. What a year this has been, and the culmination of Caitlin's school career...there is much to celebrate, as she has thoroughly enjoyed most of her school years, making the most of every opportunity presented to her. It was actually perfect timing, as we were also able to celebrate Father's Day, giving thanks to all our special father's and all they have done for us, as well as Mike and Nicole's birthdays! Grateful hearts all round!

Day 359: Relay for life

"Each lap gets us closer to a world with more birthdays"- Relay for life

Project 365: #359

I was asked at the last minute if I could help to chaperone a team at the West Morris Mendam schools Relay for Life, which takes place from 5 pm to 5 am the following day! I had no idea what it entailed or what to expect, and went a long rather reluctantly with Nicole, who was in a team. Well, I am so pleased that I went, it was such an uplifting and inspirational fundraiser by these kids, and a very well-run and organized program! With over 600 kids from both schools participating, the track was always  buzzing with activity as they completed their laps, and the surrounding areas were dotted with tents, sleeping bags, camping chairs, and kids playing a variety of ball games. There was live music played by the kids in bands, and acapella show downs, all led by seniors, committed to this cause for cancer.  Throughout the year these teams have raised well over $60 000 in the fight against cancer. What was amazing was the amount of people directly affected by cancer, and the commitment of these young adults to do what they can to make a difference in other people's lives.