Thursday, November 29, 2007

What's Up, Goofballs?

Last night was the KPMG alumni reunion and it was such a joy to see Rick, Carol, Lori, Chris, Todd, and Bob (in particular) and many others from my life in the 80's :~) When I walked into the Lakewood Country Club, I had a missing in my heart of Mike Betts who passed away from cancer at such a young age (he was another of my favorite partners and it was after the Peat Marwick / Main Hurdman merger that he joined our firm and we started having events at his club in Lakewood). Everyone has had different experiences in the same places in their career histories, but my memories of KPMG are filled with lots of fun and challenges. All in all, (with the big) exception for the 7-days a week from new years to about April 1st (I left when Drew was born because I just couldn't do those hours anymore), I would have to say this has been my favorite job in my life. So last night was a hoot, although it would have been great to see some other alum who were missing ~ Carleton, Senko, Rick & Michelle, Jennifer, Kent, and many others... maybe next year.

It's Thursday and I'm looking forward to seeing Ryan, Kelli, and some of their friends for lunner (lunch or dinner) as is our weekly tradition. It's a great joy to participate in their lives as they continue to grow and become all that God has gifted and intended for them. Ry was just invited to be the Resident Assistant at his house of 36 people for this upcoming Spring semester and is excited about the single room and free rent that goes along with that. Those things are great, but I'm more pleased about his great character and leadership that have led to this invitation.

Friese and Britt were over last night to visit with Drew ~ it's so good having the friends around again. We really missed seeing Britt during her 1st trimester at the University of Denver but with its different schedule, she is actually now on break until January. Friese and his daddy also joined our family for lots of football and big eats on Thanksgiving and that was lots of fun, too. We are really hoping Kelli & Brittany will be able to join us on Christmas Eve for the annual italian dinner :)

Thanksgiving night we had a dessert buffet. Dave, Ryan, Drew, Trey, Sean and I were joined by Jules, Brian & Jake; Ken, Colleen, Austin & Trevor; Henry from up the street (the girls were downtown at a foofy ballet event from what I understand); Britt and Rocky. The adults played Tripoley, the teens watched movies, and kids played on the computer, and we all had too much fun until the wee hours of the morning ~ so much laughter and hooting ~ what a blast!

Trey's doing great in 8th grade. For one of his classes, he is currently working on a travel documentary project through China with 15 stops using google maps which is very cool. Technology and it's monthly advancements are so wow. Trey is enjoying his friendships with Brian & Jake, the "other" Jake, and several others from church and school as well as wrestling and hanging with dad. Last week, he just hit 5' 5.5" and is now as tall as I am. Undoubtedly, I'll be tilting my head upward to make eye contact very shortly.

Sean has had a longer-than-usual off-track time these past few weeks and has really been enjoying time with his best buds Sam & Brett along with visits from other neighborhood kiddos, too. They have been playing airsoft, jumping on the tramp, and doing lots of skateboarding and scootering outside. Their inside time has seen a lot of computer games, hide & seek, and many sleepovers. Of course, there have been several great trips to the skatepark with Brian and Jake :)

Dave's as great as always ~ he's still working out about 10 hours a week and has a heart as strong as an engine with a great physique, loving on me and boys, and taking care of the business and work and at home. Today's he's taking a break from the gym after work and running errands for us which is always so appreciated.

A very nice family came to visit us from Louisiana last weekend to look at the Eagle. They decided not to buy as they are only interested in a coach that has been full-time garaged and ours has only been full-time garaged for 4 of its 6 years of life. Meeting and enjoying them was great (what a delightful family with awesome kids :) but the whole issue with the potential sale was rather stressful. Using a dealer sure is easier albeit financially quite a loss.

Robyn is not only home from the hospital but has also ventured back to work this week. We're so glad she's doing well enough to be working but of course worried that she's doing too much too soon. She was so funny when I told her it was okay with me that she didn't take my advice about working from home longer (as I was used to my advice not being used) ... she replied, "But the real question is Sherrie, do YOU listen to YOU?" Ha, ha ~ I had to confess that she had a point there!!

As for me, lots of work, lots of family, lots of ministry, lots of friends, and lots of house continue to be my life ... it's a good life. We have chosen skis, snowboards, and lift tickets as christmas gifts for Dave, Trey, Sean and I and are debating taking off the bows and going for an early run this weekend. The adventures continue!

So here are some recent pictures from our lives ...

Skatepark adventures ...

Pranking Jules with Henry's old toilet ...

Washing up before bed ... not sure why Sean snapped this :)

Thanksgiving and Thansgiving Dessert ~
What a precious day to celebrate the gifts of our Lord ...

Chuck, Glenda, Shira, Jason, Kade & Layben from Louisiana and our
"Small" family of four (after Ryan & Drew were back at school & work) ..
.
My favorite trees with a touch of snow ...
A beautiful and perfect sight for the Christmas season!

Much love, Sherrie

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Tennyson McCarty ... Going Home to God

Whatever time you can spend at this site,
you will be blessed by the celebration of Tennyson's life ...

www.tennysonmccarty.com

Monday, November 26, 2007

Ryan's no longer a teen ...

20 big years for our fun Ryan!
Happy Birthday Ry !!

We had a fun dinner at Red Robin in Boulder ...


Kelli and the new northface jacket and buffs sign ...Reeeedddd Robbbbbin!Can you believe it's his birthday?The classic ~ click the little arrow for 3 seconds of joy ...


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....

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving ...

Psalm 100 ~ A Psalm of thanksgiving.

MAKE A joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!

Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God!
It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]!
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise!
Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting,
His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.


Verse 1
When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.

Chorus:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.

Verse 2
Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.

Verse 3
When you look at others With their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings Money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven Nor your home on high.

Verse 4
So amid the conflict Whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all.
Count your many blessings Angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you To your journey's end.

Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897

Friday, November 16, 2007

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

My grandpa recently moved from San Diego to Alamogordo
To live with his daughter and son-in-law
~ the famous (or infamous ?!) Aunt Cris & Uncle Charlie ~

We've been itchin' to get down to see Grandpa, Cris & Chas
To enjoy a great journey and to do some golfing
So we chose the weekend of Grandpa's 94th birthday!!

We simply love the house, view, weather, and ambiance...
But its the hosts that just MAKE the event!
It is a such a treat to spend time with Cris & Charlie
And now there's the added bonus of seeing Grandpa, too :)

And a surprise treat ~ Uncle Bob came for the weekend!

(but boo hoo that Keri & Tom had other obligations!)


Cris arranged for golf lessons for Trey & Sean

and the next day Dave, Trey, Sean and I played a 9-hole scramble ...
We had a blast!
We played raging rounds of Tripoley
Which, much to the surprise of all of us,

Grandpa won hands down (without cheating!!) A full prime rib was barbecued outside for a celebration dinner
That included incredibly loving and honoring toasts

And luscious food and memories...
And we were able to see the new artistic painting throughout the house,
It is really gorgeous ~ this first wall looks like turquoise...
Overwhelmingly ... this was voted by all the family
As a great, great, great trip!
Grandpa wants to have a four-day birthday celebration next year :)
Thank you Aunt Cris & Uncle Charlie
for being such
gracious hosts and loving caregivers!!
and ...
Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!!