Happy New Year!

Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Here's a photo of JT checking out the scenery from Paradise Point on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

We decided to go on a cruise just before Christmas this year. We haven't taken a vacation all year and just needed to get away and have some quality family time together. This was also a year that we decided that we were just not going to stress over everything that comes with celebrating Christmas... because after all, celebrating Christmas really isn't about buying presents for everyone and decorating inside and outside.

I like this photo I took - it looks like a postcard.

We had a very relaxing week and alot of good quality time together. Of course, being together 24/7 for 9 days did take it's toll on us a couple of times and there were occasions when one or two of us would get a bit cranky, but all in all we had a good time.

Here's a video of JT dancing on stage during one of the shows on the ship. That's him just to the right of the woman dancer.... at last for awhile, then he gets hidden behind her. We were surprised that he actually did the dance, and for a few moments, seemed to even have some rhythm! He had a blast and that's what was important!

View more photos from our trip by clicking here.

Watercolor Paintings

I was asked by a friend of mine from church if I would paint some lighthouses for her to give to her husband for Christmas. To be honest, I didn't really think I could do a good enough job that someone would actually want to hang them on their office wall. I was really afraid of being embarrassed so I thought about it and made her promise that if she didn't like them she would let me know and if I didn't like them - she wouldn't get them. I've only played with watercolors a little so I really wasn't feeling very confident as I picked up the paint brush and started painting. In the end though - I was pleased with the outcome.

Here they are - each painted at 11 x 14" size...

Chicago Harbor Lighthouse

Michigan City Lighthouse

South Haven Lighthouse

St. Augustine Lighthouse