Memorial Day

In light of today being Memorial Day, I thought I'd post a couple of pictures from my time in Hawaii.  Specifically of the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the site of my great-uncle's grave.  His name was William Curry, and he is listed on the memorial wall, as you can see in the picture below.

My grandfather was supposed to arrive at the naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941.  His ship was detained leaving San Diego and due to the attack on December 7, they arrived on Christmas Eve 1941.  He was issued a torch cutter and locker upon arrival at Pearl Harbor and sent to begin salvaging right away.

My family has proudly served our country for many generations, and I hope that I will never forget the legacy that they have left.  During World War II, one grandpa served in the Navy all over the Pacific during many different campaigns.  My other grandpa served in the Army in Europe.  My Dad also served, which allowed me to grow up experiencing different cultures and meeting people from different walks of life.

One of my favorite quotes in regards to freedom and remembrance is one from John F. Kennedy, "The cost of freedom is always high - and Americans have always paid it."  Remember that as you read this post & think of our service men & women who have paid that price.

lately

I have been a delinquent blogger lately.  I keep thinking about it and then realize that I really have nothing new to say.  So here are some pictures of life lately.

I went to Kansas City in April to see family & dear friends.  Here's one picture from our dinner at Lidia's.  I love that restaurant so much and the women I was there with even more!

Next came Easter lunch.  I woke up to snow on Easter morning.  At the end of April.  Thank you, Colorado, for the reminder that I no longer live in the midwest, but in a place where winter lasts 6 months of the year.  Fortunately the buds on the trees and the flowers don't seem to have been terribly affected, although the grass is still dreadfully brown.

 We had amazing Curry Chicken Salad with hummus, veggies, fruit salad, mimosas and a lemon meringue pie for dessert!

 The roommates that were around for Easter!

In preparation for the Royal Wedding, my roommate, Lauren, and I decided to pretend we were on the balcony at Buckingham Palace waving to the crowds while they cheered for the much anticipated kiss.  Mr. Higgins (the llama) humored us by being our prince.  Sadly, he did not turn into a handsome prince! 

Lauren also decorated the mantle with Union Jacks and all other kinds of British decor.  My Paddington Bear is the only thing missing (any idea where it is, Mom?).

 Finally, the Royal Wedding party day!  I made chocolate hazelnut biscotti, maple scones, tea & coffee and bought McVities chocolate digestives (cookies) to serve too!  I got up at 2am to start watching the festivities, and other people joined me about 3am.  I thought Catherine's dress was breathtaking!  I'm really not a big fan of the strapless dress, and her dress was so elegant & timeless with the French Chantilly lace sleeves.  My dear friend, Dustin, was actually in London at Buckingham Palace watching all the people go by in the cars & carriages.  He took some awesome pictures.  Here are a few of the party that I had at the house.  Seven people got up super early to attend! 

 I think this was when the Bishop of London was giving his amazing message.  He preached the Word for so many billions of people to hear!  I also loved that Romans 12:1-2 was read.

Eva stayed the night and humored me by wearing her tiara too.  Don't we look amazing for 3am?

All of this to say that life has not been dull in the past month.  I've been reading Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book Life Together for the second time, but doing it with my Navigators City Life team.  I was really struck this week by a quote that says "The church does not need brilliant personalities, but faithful servants of Jesus Christ."  When I'm feeling inadequate or like I fall short, I hope to return to this principal.  God uses sinners!