The tree

Not a tear was shed this year while picking out the tree. We certainly were close a couple if times but if you feed children enough marshmallows they simply do not cry! We made our way to Lenderinks on Friday afternoon. What a place! It has been a long while since our first visit and I had forgotten just how cool a place it is. "I mean they just have so much free stuff," remarked Hayden as we headed for the car. They had hot cocoa, marshmallows for roasting a hot bonfire, saws, greens and twine all for the taking until your heart's content. A far cry from the Klackle orchards of the world where there is a charge for everything. It was a fun hour at the tree farm and easy to find a favorite blue spruce. Hayden was such a bog help this year so once we made it home I found myself venturing into the kitchen to make a pie instead of holding the tree in place with Bob. We had a nice dinner, read the Christmas story out of two different bibles, donned new Christmas pajamas and reminisced about the meaning of our unique ornament collection. Bring on December. The Strobel tree is ready!

The other day I told someone that I have stuff I need to say. What exactly is that all about?

As I am rapidly approaching 40 (two week countdown) I am realizing that there is so much inside of me screaming to be said. Yet when I sit down to write my thoughts on paper, or computer, they often disappear as if they were stolen away in the night. 

I find my life to be so amazing and I am grateful everyday for the gratitude I feel about all the many blessings I have been given. I have an amazing and I mean amazing husband who is so unconditional, fun, real, smart, funny and the best role model to our children. I have three darling little men who are growing like weeds and require so much nurturing. The nurturing and teaching keeps me on top of my game and ever mindful of my responsibilities and duties as a citizen of the world. I am grateful for sisters, three, who are all so different than me. They crack me up, challenge me, make me proud and sometimes freak me right out all in one short conversation. I am reminded of my Dad and in-laws who are so selfless in their approach to being there when we need them. I am mindful of friends, so many, but a special handful who share with me, trust in me and listen to me. So I ask myself who could ask for more?

Life is just so funny. At forty (well almost) I have a house to keep (and unfortunately I do feel somewhat compelled to vacuum almost daily), children to deliver, chase and train, a husband to speak to at least on the weekends :) and so many projects that tempt me. I have irons in the fire to adopt a daughter from Nepal and so many places I want to see. I have creative stuff churning inside.  I have a strong pull to do more in the philanthropy department and on and on I could go. I can't help but wonder how I will fit it all in? There is so much left to do and I hope I am around many more years to continue trying to do my part. Like I said... I have things I need to say. 

I am so fortunate to feel blessed, supported, loved and respected. I hope that I can continue to pay it forward when it comes to service to others. Life certainly is what you make it!