As we have been preparing for this wonderful season, I find myself pondering the very first Christmas. I am finding the story come to new life after our birthing experience this past winter. I think of Mary riding to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey 9 months pregnant. Whereas I rode 2 hours in a nice, warm car with seat heaters. Mary was in her late teens. I was 30. Jeff and I were expected and welcomed at the hospital, where the Inn had no room for Joseph and Mary. They were alone in a cold, stinky stable with barn animals all around them. We were surrounded by nurses and doctors in our warm, comfy suite. But through all the major differences, I can relate to the sheer JOY of bringing a healthy baby into the world. And although Finley definitely is not Jesus- I can only imagine Mary and Joseph’s first year as parents- as it has been a blessing like none other for us- minus the not so Silent Nights! Our lives have been a little flipped upside down or right side up…but for the better. First, for those who have not yet met Finley, he is what most refer to as a “busy” boy. Now at 10 months, he loves people- especially the ladies! He glows with glee when he is outside-no matter the temperature. And yes, he loves SNOW! He loves to crawl, climb, dance, wiggle, high five, and smile (with his 2 teeth- although he is hoping for his 2 front teeth for Christmas). The only thing that we have found Finley does not like is sleep.
For Jeff and me, this year was full of adventure- besides the baby! First, Finley, Porter, and I had the great opportunity to head up to Beyond Malibu Base Camp for 2 weeks this summer with Jeff. Instead of waiting and wondering at home how the training the guides was going, we were right there- listening to nightly radio calls, meeting the amazing staff and helping where ever we could. Soon after we returned home to the Washington Family Ranch, my sister and her family came down to participate in Family Camp! Many, many memories made. We also had the rest of my family visit in July, and then we went to the Kuhlmann Lake Cabin for a weekend in August! Finishing off our summer, we took a family vacation to Black Butte Ranch with the Milstens, where we all hiked, played in the pool, rode bikes, and hung out! An ideal vacation for sure.
This past winter, I left my throne as the Queen of Clean and took a new part time position as the Intern Coordinator for our Year Round Intern Program. I love having the new flexibility and variety from working at home- although some days it’s hard to juggle the many hats I wear. But overall, I am very blessed by the new roles and new friendships with other moms in the community.
Jeff continues to serve in the Maintenance at the Ranch. In the spring, he leads the training of the Beyond Guides- ending with the final 10 day training in the mountains in June- this was his 7tth year. This January, he will be heading down to California to take a month long Wilderness EMT course. We are both excited for this great opportunity for him to learn new skills- although bummed to be apart for a month.
Overall as we reflect on our year past, we find ourselves to be thankful. Thankful for our families. Thankful for our friends. Thankful for nearly 8 great years of marriage. Thankful for the start of our little family. Thankful for jobs that we both enjoy. We can only hope you have many blessings in this year to come!
Merry Christmas!
Jen
And lastly a few days ago, my parents had this crazy idea to go to the pool here at the Ranch. It was AWESOME! Swimming in the giant bathtub was super cool. Just call me Fin the Swimmer. But after doing a few laps, I had to grab a little shut eye. Ahh.
