In keeping with this theme, I want to write today about a pursuit that has taken up a lot of our time and energy. Our careers. That Rachel and I find our jobs satisfying would be an understatement. More accurate would be that we both feel a sense of responsibility and calling in what we do, and from that is derived meaning that goes way beyond mere "bread-winning." And although the day-to-day triumphs are by far the most important thing, we have both had our chance in the spotlight in the past month or so. As for me, I gave a presentation on treatment planning at a well-attended dental meeting. For Rachel this came in the form of Broadway theater that required multiple hours of preparation and has provided an opportunity for her to learn and grow in her profession. Both of us felt confident in our deliveries and were well-received by our respective audiences. Both of us enjoy what we feel are hard-earned reputations in both our professional and lay communities. Both of us work hard to support and give opportunities to the other, walking the tightrope everyday with professional responsibilities on the one side and family on the other. And we both love it.
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| The shoes and dress go together, right? |
These pictures are from one of the most delightful dates I have been on in a while. It began at an outdoor concert for a local band that we both enjoy (The Powers). Alternating between good conversation and allowing ourselves to be carried away by the music, we were already off to a good start. While there, we got a text from some friends that they were going bowling later that night and would we like to join them? Why not? So we headed over for some good socializing and friendly competition. Finally, we said our goodbyes and drove off to a country-dance club where, with another live band, we danced like nobody was watching until we were both too tired to continue. What a night!
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| Evelyn's hair! |
These are from a family trip we took to Palouse Falls. We all hiked down the canyon to the top of the falls, and then Jackson and I continued along the more treacherous trail down to the base.
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Addy had her gymnastics meet. She did great!
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The nice weather has us outside more often than not lately. One day we decided to go find a private beach on the lake for a picnic. It wasn't long before the kids were shedding shoes and clothing so they could wade- or in some cases swim- in the freezing cold water. As we ate we saw several boats already out on the lake and I smiled as I listened to the kids getting excited for our own trips.
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Maren's class did a concert for the parents. Both Rachel and I were able to go, and we took her and Lindsey out for milkshakes afterwards (the other kids were in school).
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Rachel organized a "palate party" with the ladies group she started at our church. "The lake is calling and I must go" (lake CDA in the background) now hangs at the top of our stairs. I love that she puts herself out there to make stuff like this happen.
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Life is good! Careers that you love, being married to your best friend, wonderful children, boating, hiking, gymnastics, concerts, and the ladies organization . . . yes, life is good because you guys make it good!!
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