FERRY Cute Family

Every year I stress about family pictures so I can get our Christmas card made. I want to get it designed, ordered, and ready to be sent at the beginning of December. (I am a bit insane, I know.)

And I keep the pictures to myself, until the Christmas cards have been sent out, because in my head, it's like a special magical surprise for the recipient. I picture you being so happy to open your mailbox, find a card from the Westra family, because it makes all the bills (if you are still not paperless) and junk in the mail just disappear for a moment. It is what you have been waiting all year for, that exact moment. You know the whole angels singing, clouds parting kind of magical experience. HA! (Is this not true?)

Well, whatever. In my mind, it is. (Basically, this is how I feel about opening your Christmas cards. It really does bring me so much joy. Be sure to send them to our new address please!)

But, I decided to share a little cheer earlier this year, by writing this post filled with all of our great pictures, taken by the fabulous Julie Sarchet (another Westra sibling roped into becoming our family photographer). Because we could all use some angels singing and clouds parting, right?

So, you're welcome. 7,000 pictures taken during a 54 minute long ferry ride for your enjoyment. They have yet to be edited for better lighting and what not, but I don't care. I kinda think they are perfect with eyes closed and crazy wind blown hair. (I wish I was tech savvy enough to have angelic music playing as you opened this post. It would make the moment just a bit more magical. You know what I am talking about, I hope.)

Family History

At church yesterday, during Sunday School, the teacher spoke of the importance of doing your family history. Knowing stories from your ancestors, making connections to where you have come from, finding the time to complete this important work.

And I sat there frustrated and annoyed. Really annoyed.

Annoyed because I don't know these important things about my past. Annoyed, because I am missing out on so much of my heritage and the blessings that could come from doing my research. Furthermore, annoyed because I felt like that is just one more thing I am failing at. One more thing to add to my load. "Complete your family history. Do your genealogy work. It is so easy. The church has so many resources." Blah, blah, blah.

I sat there getting more and more irritated, until finally I took a deep breath. I said a little prayer, while rolling my eyes, and most definitely, not closing them.

And this feeling came over me. "There is a time and a season."

Right now, I am not doing this important work. I honestly don't even know how or where to start. I am letting others do it for me, and at this point in my life, I am okay with that. I know that one day I will do it. I do have a desire, and that is enough for me right now. It is okay.

I need to not be disappointed in my efforts of finding out my history currently, because I do my best to document my little family's history through this silly little blog. I put in the time to help keep our special memories alive, in hopes that one day, my babes will appreciate it. They will applaud my efforts, and hopefully forgive me that I was not the best at genealogy.

I hope that they will know of my love for family, be it our little one, or all of our extended, extended, extended family, from generation to generation. I am thankful to know that families can be together forever. I am thankful for that peace I feel because I have that knowledge. I am hopeful, that my ancestors will forgive me for not doing this important work right now. That someone is picking up where I slack, and I will, in time, do my part. My family history will be done.

Funny how our Heavenly Father will answer your prayers, even when you are saying them with an attitude. He must really know me well. There is a time and a season.

All Kinds of Seals

On occasion we might spot an aquatic harbor seal down by the water. For a special treat today, we saw blue plastic ones sliding on ice. But, the kind we see most often are the Navy Seal type all around Bremerton. To be honest, I love all 3 kinds of seal.

This Veteran's Day, I'm so very thankful for all the brave men and women who have fought and continue to fight to protect our country, no matter what branch of service. Your love for this country and willingness to serve will never go unnoticed or unappreciated from our little family.