Highlights of 2018

2018 was a spectacularly good year. I got to go to Florida twice, to Victoria, to Powell River, on two different weekend retreats, my brother from Thailand visited twice, I got to sing in Good Noise, the kids new K-12 school opened...the list goes on. But really, when I try to sum it all up, it comes down to having a fabulous husband who lets me do all these things. I know feminists would probably take offence at my using the word" lets", but there is no other word. When I went to Florida (alone) in March, he was the one who stayed with the kids. When I went downtown every Monday and on concert weekends, he was the one left behind running things. I know I've blogged about him before, but without him, a lot, if not all, of the list would be impossible. So, I'm super grateful for him; he's a gem.
As for all the details, it's so hard to try to capture all of it succinctly. Since I've already blogged about most of the things on my list, I'm just going to mention other previously unmentioned highlights. I already blogged about Florida in March, so I won't repeat here, but I got to go again in November. This time I took Joonas along (because Emmi refused to come on account of a school field trip...lol). It was the perfect set up because Joonas spent all his days with my dad, golfing and swimming. We did spend time together as well, but Joonas loves my dad and he much preferred hanging out with him over shopping with my mom and I. I'm so grateful that my parents are in fairly good health and able to spend time with my kids. My dad turned 75 this year, so I do often feel like time is running out. But, we spent a fair bit of time with my parents this year and I know this is a wonderful blessing.
The kids new school opened in September. It is brand new and sparkling and all the kids get to attend the same school. But what stands out for me is the sense of community there and the feeling I get when I leave them there. No, the school isn't perfect, but my kids are learning the curriculum through the lens of the bigger story, which is the God story, and I love that! There was an incident in Joonas' class with the so-called mischief makers club, which Joonas was an active part of. I won't go into details, but the grace and the love and wisdom that the teachers used to deal with it all was beautiful.
My brother Henry. He came to Vancouver twice and it was so great!! Powell River in particular was amazing and unforgettable. What stands out to me is morning coffee on the beach and wine on the deck with Ruut. And so much conversation! My family are all big talkers, so conversation isn't surprising, but something about the beach and the fresh air and the whales (!!) and the food made all the conversations take on a golden hue. Also, I love how much my boys love Henry and how he invests time in them.
One of the highlights of both retreats was the personal connections made. I blogged about them before, but in particular the courage it took for me to get to know people. This fits in with my word of the year for 2018 which was STAY. My first instinct when things get uncomfortable or risky or emotional is to run. This year I had to stay. Seems silly and incomprehensible to an extrovert, but true nevertheless.
Speaking of connections, I attended a party for 7 of my Finnish friends who turned 50 this year. It was a huge party at a mansion in Maple Ridge and it was great! Those friends from my childhood who know my family and my grandparents and my whole story, you can't make friends like that at 45 anymore. The bonds are special and unbreakable.
So, on to 2019. I already know some fabulous things in store for the new year and I can't wait!!

Golfing: grandpa, Joonas and one of the MANY Finns

 Our beachfront view in Powell River.

 The 50 yr olds...

WCC ball hockey tournament.