A Beautiful World Where Bad Things Happen

Yesterday's terror attack in Boston was not just tragic, but it was evil...yes, evil. It takes an evil mind to plan to kill and maim innocent people who are simply enjoying a day with family and friends at an athletic event. I personally don't want to dwell on the evil in the world, but instead would like to remind others that this is a beautiful and wonderful world in which bad things happen. We cannot go through life focusing on the bad. We need to realize that there are bad things, people, beliefs, etc. but that generally we have so much more to be grateful for. It is our responsibility to recognize these blessings daily and keep a proper perspective. If we live our lives in fear, hatred, envy and pride, then we will find ourselves in a cycle of  never trusting, seeing goodness, and being able to enjoy life. We will give away our freedom as individuals to live happily. Yes, terrible things happen that are disturbing, hurtful, and unfair, but if we chose to wake up each morning with a heart full of gratitude for the beauty in the world then when bad things happen, we will see them with better eyes.....with compassion, hope, charity, love, the ability to cheer on others who do good and have good things happen to them. Though what happened yesterday was beyond comprehension, it was also a day of heroics, people coming to the aid of others, people mourning with those who mourn, outpourings of love and even miracles. Unfortunately, I believe that bad things happen sometimes to wake us up as individuals...To force us to feel, care, come together and turn to God. Some would curse God and ask why??? while building up their feelings of hatred believing they have been forsaken, but many will turn to God for comfort and to gain the strength they need to go on and put their faith in Him who created us. Life is about choices. How do we choose to handle our tragedies, trials and challenges? Yes, we have moments in our lives which are hard to bear and we grieve....that is normal, but we need to allow happiness back into our lives to survive and feel peace in our hearts. My heart goes out all those who have been affected by the horrendous act in Boston. I pray they will find the comfort and peace they need to move on and once again see the beauty in the world.

Spring Break Get-Away

This past week was spring break for our area. It has been a while since since George and I have been able to get away for a few days, so we booked a place on the coast and invited Andrea, Jeremy and the girls to join us. The previous weekend was gorgeous, I wish I could say the same for this weekend. It may show spring on the calendar, but I tell you, I don't think I have ever seen it more windy and rainy on the coast! We managed to have a good time anyway. Just being away from home was nice. We left Friday morning and first headed to Tillamook to the cheese factory and the outlet for Tillamook beef jerky and pepperoni....oh yum! We sampled cheese...and bought some varieties, had ice cream then down the road couldn't resist the pepperoni and loaded up on the beef jerky. Once at Tolovana, the wind really kicked into high gear. That night the chairs on the decks of the Inn were being bounced all around and the sound of the wind hitting the side of the building and the windows was enough to keep one from getting a good nights sleep. Thankfully, even though Saturday morning it was still windy, we were able able to enjoy a trip to Seaside. The bumper cars were a hit with the girls and we also played miniature golf. Once we got back to the Inn, there was a break in the rain and wind died down a bit, so George, Andrea and the girls walked the beach to Hay Stack Rock. Jeremy and I stayed behind as I was having some neck and shoulder issues and Jeremy didn't really want to venture out for the long walk in the cold weather. The indoor swimming pool at the Inn was a great way to finish both days and tire the girls out.

Say CHEEEEESE!

Jeremy with Ally

Andrea with Kaitlyn

Go Grandpa!