Bruchetta, Guacamole & an Arbor Crest Syrah....Happy New Years!

First of all ~ Check out my newest favorite songs on the top of my playlist...I am always so EXCITED to find new music that you just can't help but shake-it to and my top 3 are just that!!!!

My friend Michelle introduced me to "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night," by The Black-eyed Peas, a group that I'd love, but with 3 little pairs of ears in my car, I keep tuned into AIR 1, rockin' to Christian music most of the time. I love this song because it expresses my hope and excitement for the new year!

One thing I've struggled with this year is perspective. I've had none, or one, I guess would be more accurate! I am catching myself experiencing new things with a tad-bit of it, but one thing that gives good perspective is a good-old-fashioned-butt-kicking-of-a-year! 2010 WAS BRUTAL!! Two years ago, TODAY, Brian was laid-off and then it went downhill fast, but, God is in the business of making Beauty From Pain! PRAISE GOD!

Now, employed since August, he grumbled a bit today from work..."I'm so bored," he texted. Oh No You Didn't...so I quickly reminded him how thankful we are to have a job to be bored at!!! He thanked me for the words of encouragement! (You're Welcome.)

After 4 months of having a job and some hope for our future and rebuilding, the anger is beginning to fade and I am able to see The HAND Of GOD and how HE carried us and blessed us during this most difficult time. One of the biggest blessings was Relationship! Both Brian and I are hardcore, deep and intimate relationship people. We want to talk about the grit, struggles, hurts and experience true-ness alongside other people. God knew this and orchestrated our path to Lakeside Church in Folsom, CA...into Tony & Ratha's homegroup...and into the lives of so many AMAZING couples' lives!

Let me introduce you to Tony & Ratha, the people that became our best friends.

Ratha is honest & frank, a giver like I've never met, Fun & Crazy, an amazing cook and lover of Great food, a devoted mother, athletic and competitive, a hard worker & fully gives of herself to the point it hurts! She taught me so much about things that I knew little-of, and for this I am eternally grateful! Most weekends we made the drive down the hill and became "Regular's" at their house and they graciously invited us and welcomed us every time. I cannot count the hours/days/weeks we spent around their kitchen, cooking, eating, drinking & mostly talking...about EVERYTHING! No matter how much time we spent together conversations never lulled, it was never work to talk, it was just the easiest thing ever! Tony & Ratha taught me how to laugh and have fun...I took life and myself way too seriously and they showed me how to really ENJOY LIFE! We had a boat for about 3 years in Spokane and I tried a few times to ski & wake board, but to no avail, so when Ratha challenged me to wake board, I graciously declined...or obligatorily agreed, knowing, this butt wasn't gettin' up on the water. However, somewhere in that competitive heart of mine, I decided I would get up-and I did! Ratha & I spent the summer learning, together, and it was AMAZING! I was never brave enough by myself, but two are stronger than one! I don't know when I fell in love with Ratha & Tony, but somewhere I did and now my heart hurts because they are not near!

Tony's Story ~ Tony is not like any man I've ever met...he is sensitive and concerned about your feelings, deep and intimate by nature, open & transparent, giving and has a contagiously happy and fun nature. Tony is a pilot and you might expect someone with such a prestigious job to be arrogant and unapproachable, but that is not Tony. Tony is a rock-star! He is focused and intentional, but knows what is really important in life. He truly doesn't sweat the small stuff...he's 200% dedicated to his family, brings his wife flowers and cards an embarrassingly amount of times & has friends everywhere because he cares everywhere he goes! (And he drives a sweet boat to wake board behind!!!!)

Thank you Jesus for these amazing friends...please ease the pain of missing them!

~Gretchen

Remembering Mei Mei, 12.17.2009 - 9.2.2004

I want to start by bringing attention to a precious little girl who has been on my mind non-stop this past week. I realized that little Mei Mei passed away almost 1 year ago, on December 17, 2009

http://bgscottfamily.blogspot.com/2009/12/fly-to-jesus-and-live.html &
http://bgscottfamily.blogspot.com/2009/12/fly-to-jesus-and-live-contin-memory-of.html

and my heart still aches for this precious child that was for nought! I can't bear for her to be forgotten, having lived without a family, never wholly well or will a properly functioning body, specifically heart...and yet with the ability to touch so many! How do I help in giving significance to Mei Mei's short life? Fears of if we had been able to adopt her and bring her into our home? When one of the boys at The Philip Hayden Foundation became close to "aging out," or being too old to be adopted into a family, a statement was made on his behalf, that he had not a traditional family found, but a acting-family through the orphanage. Although there are Ayi's/Nanny's to care for the children, Missionary's who love and volunteer, a Director who loves and knows each child by name and disability....I found myself cringing and pulling back to think that an institution, no matter the quality, could remotely replace a loving, nurturing, safe...I'll always be there for you, FAMILY! Splenda will never be as good as the pure sugar cane and probably even will cause harm to our bodies in trying. Trying to replicate something God made by design is Never good enough. Now, this is in no one a slam on those who love God and therefore His children in orphanages, but substitutes are never done better than the original.