yes papa?

maragogype/maragopype

happy winter

well, it's cold in Kansas City, and we had our first real snow.  It's been quite nice.  I enjoy driving in control with the Subaru in snowy conditions.  

We are enjoying watching Pela grow and learn new things.  She's taking many steps, and the cats seem to be Pela's best motivator to walk unaided.  

Not much to say here, other than we love all of you.  We miss those we don't get to see often anymore, our NC families, and IL families(Portland we love you too).  We hope to see you all in the springtime.  We pray you have a safe and enjoyably observant wonder filled winter.  

Christmas time is here

It's our first Christmas in Kansas City.  It's the first tree we've had for all three (5 including cats) of us.  We'll see which cat knocks the tree over.  I have my money on Owen.  He already drinks out of the tree feeder.  

happy 13th day of Christmas...

on choosing to think positively

I have been working to choose to think positively at work starting mid-last week.  It seems like a simple concept, and it is.  It always surprises me when I motivate to change my thinking, how much better I feel.  Happiness is relative, and you can only do so much to squeeze happiness out of your situation, as if it even comes from you. 

Thinking positively certainly brings more contentment, and I know it makes those around more happy when they see not the brooding self we can portray when submerged in the mire of workplace drama and inefficiencies.  That is what it is, and it's not going to change.  We can only make the best of it, and be the best we can be within our realm of influence.  ['we' is used in the proverbial wenessense]

Anyone with me?  Any tips?  How we think is a choice, yeah?   

cheers, 

grk

ideas in motion

well, my first print job is in full swing. The basement has been converted to a print shop.  The cats have been now banished to the upstairs.  I knew they couldn't handle the temptation to explore with wet ink everywhere.  I wish I could have seen the moment when BJ jumped on the table and discovered he couldn't walk between the lines, and freaked out as the cards stuck to his paws.  He's okay, the job's okay, and the future is not so far away as it was before. 

seriously

Who gets away with wearing an outfit like this, besides Bootsy?  I guess Pela does, this morning's superstar.  

sleepy smile

true

Good point, Brad.  I need to choose to be inspired. Please pardon my negativity.  Inspiration is all around, but cannot take responsibility for one's lack of determination to see the mundane through to the other side.  

squidhead=inspiration

coffee relevance [sarcasm warning]

boy, if you would have told me ten years ago, where I would be today, I wouldn't have believed a word of it.  This may be the pinnacle of my career in coffee.  I just never imagined I could be burning so clean on pure coffee passion that I... I... would be leading a pack of webelos around the roasting plant.  I don't mean to brag, but come on... Little Frankie's troop, and his mom baking cookies for the occasion?  Why would I ever want to leave a coffee job that has nothing to do with coffee?  dunno.  

someone call in a bomb threat.

peladose

Everyone got a little time with Pela this past weekend.  Grandparents on all sides had a fix.  It's fun to see Pela react to them all with love.

cuties

pals

Pela did well traveling with us to Iowa over Thanksgibbing.  Sarah's brother, Nathan & Emily, his wife of a few days got married.  It was a beautiful ceremony, and reminded me sharply of a husband's need and vow to honor, protect and cherish the Godgift he has received.  

Thanks Sarah for your beauty and wisdom you display every day.  

step it up creative dads & moms.

keep your skills sharp make lunch fun.  Pela is not there yet, but the bar has been set for yet another way to bless one's kids.  

Check out more here.