"May you never forget what is worth remembering, or remember what is best forgotten."

Last weekend, we took a trip to Florida with our very dear friends.  Much to Christie's chagrin, I don't much care for vacations.  The transitions between leaving children and work behind to going someplace to have the time of your life is always stressful for me.  I always wonder what burden I am creating in my absence.  Also, I like to know what environment I'm going to be spending my time in.  The vacation was a fine time, though, we saw some sights, and also did some relaxing.  Everyone on the vacation liked to take naps.  Naps stress me out too, so while they were doing that I did the thing that relaxes me, I walked as far as I could go, on the beach with my headphones on.  I tried to walk the entire beach that was within walking distance of our condo over the course of two days, but I think I missed out on a mile or two.  These walks weren't all that memorable in that not much really happened, I enjoyed the music I listened to (Chimes of Freedom by Bob Dylan, live in 2000 and Brilliant Mistake by Elvis Costello stand out), I enjoyed the scenery and as I found a shell or two and saw a snowman made out of sand, I missed my kids.  That being said, I will always remember these walks, just as I remember the walk I took at Rosy Mound in Grand Haven the morning before Christie and I went on our first date.

On the last night of our trip, we went to this kitschy restaurant on the water where there was a Christmas boat parade going by.  When we were seated for dinner, being the sentimental dork that I am, I asked what life would look like for all of us on December 10, 2017, and I hoped that we would remember that we sat at this restaurant (the food was okay) and watched the boats go by.  I hoped that Christie and I will be able to maintain our sanity as we have another child.  I hoped that our child would bring us as much joy as Lillian and Emmett.  I hoped that our friends would have another child by then (if they want one).  I hope for so many things, knowing full well that I don't always get what I hope for, but if there is one thing this year has taught me is that God gives me unexpected gifts that are greater than what I hoped for.  Merry Christmas, friends. 

Five Favorite Songs of the Day

Brilliant Mistake-Elvis Costello

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfTZl3eRW_g

Christmas in the Room-Sufjan Stevens  The surprise hit of the Christmas season!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vd9F-xDIbgg

Good Christian Men Rejoice-Joseph Pensak

https://josephpensak.bandcamp.com/

In Dulci Jubilo-King's College

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z24EMr1DKNE

Rise Up Shepherd-Nick Lowe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqz_s3RBsVc