Happy New Year

Yes indeed, it is a happy new year. And we wish you the very best for 2008. We continue to enjoy doing things with the kids -- both big and small. Korak and I have spent time (lots of time because we aren't too bright!) fixing some wiring in his utility room. A simple little fixit project turned into a major rewiring project that spanned parts of three days. But we finished it and the wiring is a lot safer now. I should mention that their house was built in the early 50s and the wiring is old and sometimes brittle.

Last Thursday we went to Knotts Berry Farm for the day. While the sun was out, the weather was nice and warm but after it went down, it got cold. Ginger bundled up for it like a true Oregonian. The next picture is Lilly and I on one of those little train rides. The kids really enjoyed everything so grandpa and grandma enjoyed them as well. Ginger and I did go on one adult ride -- the Ghostrider Roller Coaster. It was fun but a little bumpy (read "rough road") for my old bones. Of course the park was all decked out for Christmas and they had a 30 minute "Disney on Ice." It was Excellent! Snoopy, Charley Brown, and the gang searched for the real meaning of Christmas. And... get this! ...they found it in Jesus being born as the savior. Amazing! On top of that, it was free with our admission.

This morning we got up at some ridiculous hour and went to the Rose Parade. Korak got us really, really good seats in the grandstands right under the ABC broadcasting booth. These came, courtesy of his work. We drove to Union Station, rode the train to Pasadena, then walked about a mile to our seats. For the trip back we used a bus because of the crowds but it was as slow as waiting for the train. I didn't realize so many people would fit in Pasadena. After it was over, we discovered that coffee and donuts were included with our seats. Oh well. I don't need donuts (want, yes; need, definitely not). From this photo you can tell we were just faces in a huge mass of people. This is Jana, Josiah, and Korak. We four were the parade goers. Grandma and Ginger stayed home with Lilly.

It seems time is going by so fast. Just a few months ago we were at Newport, now it is 2008. This last year has been fantastic. None of us know what lies in the new year but we know Who holds the new year so it is okay. Last Sunday we worshipped at Marina again. I officiated at communion at both services. The Pastor joked that it was old timers Sunday because his dad was preaching and I was part of the worship. His dad just retired as the pastor of a Nazarene church in Spokane.

Each week brings changes. Most good, some not so good. But observation will reveal that God is present in all of it and will bring good when we let him. So you see what's in my world. Let me know what is in yours.