I want to introduce you to our first grand daughter, Caroline Elizabeth!

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Caroline was born November, 16th.  She is the sweetest little thing.  All cuddly and warm! She is going to rule the roost and make her brother and boy cousins bow down to her!  I can’t wait to see what wonderful things she does.

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Other great news, my dad finished his chemo and is on the mend.  He has battled cancer before and beat it.  I am confident that he will do so again.

Dad came down and participated with me in the Harvest Festival of Arts in October.  He made and sold most of his very unique lamps and clocks!  It was very special to me to have him here.

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As this year comes to an end, I am grateful for all the lessons, blessings, hard knocks, love, jubilations and tribulations that came my way.

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I have learned that it is best, for me, to stay on an even keel.  To be in the present and see things through other eyes every once in awhile.

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I (try) to practice self control and awareness.  I (try) to be patient and kind to everyone.  I (try) to give the benefit of the doubt, and I (try) to love without haste or judgement.

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But what it all boils down to, is LOVE, without haste or judgement.  We are all capable of it.  Even if you have had hard knocks, resentment or mistreatment. I have, and I still love.  It is just part of my fabric, roots that go way back has taught me to believe the good in people.  Even the ones that are bad, there is good in them somewhere!

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My grand kids have taught me a lot about love, fun and being excited about life.  They see things without animosity and judgement.  They see a stick and get excited. It becomes a sword, a digging tool, a toy for my dog to fetch.  So many things are imaginable to them.

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They live for their goals and work hard to achieve them.  Not for adding to their 401K or climbing the corporate ladder, (that will come later) but it is what they love.  Willing to work hard because it is fun and enjoyable.  The fight for their team and shake hands with their opponents, win or lose.

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I know I have learned from this simple attitude.  I have become more excited by life.  If there is an obstacle or unexpected detour, I make it my sword, I battle on with an open mind and heart.  It is tough sometimes, but when I see things though different eyes, it is all good.  Win or lose.

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So swing high! Become excited about the little things in life that we take for granted.  See others at their best, be good to yourself, rest, play, imagine, talk, be quiet and still or run as fast as you can.

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Life is short and we only get one shot.  Do whatever brings you joy!  Even if it is for a moment.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all!

Much love,

Cindy

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable…think about such things.  Philippians 4:8