Looking back on 2014...better late (I mean, REALLY late) than never!

Oh, my God. I have become one of those people who don't get their holiday cards out until spring (you know who you are and I love you)! But I am not one of those people! And yet, this year I am...which has made one thing perfectly clear to me. Given that it is APRIL (!!!), I am obviously 1) TOO freaking busy and 2) writing this annual update for ME! If you, dear reader, gain any enjoyment or inspiration from it, so be it, but I am the one who is desperately in need of slowing down, looking back and seeking meaning from 2014. But what can I say...

Yep, that pretty much sums it up...

2014 was a year filled with sacred highs and lows. The year started off with a visit from my dad and his wife, Elizabeth. We always appreciate that our dear family makes the effort to come all the way down to Texas, but then again, I'd want to get the heck out of Indiana in January too. :) Unfortunately, Texas actually gave us winter last year and the weather wasn't much better here! 

Enjoying snow accumulation on the trampoline!

 On February 1st, Will and I went to our annual mother/son KU vs. UT game. We outfitted ourselves appropriately and got as loud as we could at the Irwin Center. Unfortunately, UT squeaked out a victory, and I made Will leave about a minute early. He was indignant, reminding me that I had once said, "You NEVER leave a KU game early!" I really can't stomach victorious UT fans, though. (Again, you know who you are, and I love you!)

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Also, in February, Billy conquered a huge ultra running goal! He ran the Rocky Raccoon Tejas Trails race at Huntsville State Park, a 50 MILE trail race through the hilly, piney woods of East Texas. I went with him and cheered him on for over 8 hours. It was one of the most amazing mental, physical and spiritual feats I've ever witnessed in my life, and I felt so overwhelmed and proud. So did Billy.

Half way there...

Feeling overwhelmed...

Feeling proud...

At the end of February, we celebrated Billy's dad's 70th birthday with a family trip to Rincon, Puerto Rico. We spent a week on the beach, eating rice, beans, tostones, and enjoying family time with Billy's PR familia. This was such a special trip, and made me realize, once again, how blessed I am to have married into one of the most loving families I know. The week was filled with laughter, and precious memories of yoga on the beach, stargazing on the rooftop, cousin time and home-cooked meals.

Beach time!

COUSINS!

The best yoga studio ever!

In March, I got to celebrate my dad's 70th (belated, but definitely worth the wait!) with a trip to Oahu. I presented research at the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma's Hawaii Conference, and I invited my dad to come with me. We stayed at Ala Moana Bay, where he had spent a summer surfing 57 years ago! He shared these special memories with me, as we retraced his steps, and ventured out on the island to visit friends, kayak, eat delicious seafood and even take in a surfing lesson. Since I'm an only child, my dad and I always spent special time together when I was growing up, skiing, traveling, eating, going to movies...mainly DOING things together. This trip was no different, and it was such a special thing to have father/daughter time together as an adult.

Kayaking out to the Mokulua islets off Lanikai Beach

It was no coincidence, that 2 weeks after our Hawaii trip, my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma. It's crazy how God prepares us for things, and also gives us gifts, like this special trip to Hawaii, to cope with the pain in life. I mention this now because, despite having almost 80% of his bone marrow attacked, my dad, with the daily love and support of his dear wife, Elizabeth, has been looking cancer in the eye every day since and telling it to bugger off. He has radically changed his diet, and has been finding naturopathic ways of healing himself. His latest report (remember, I'm writing this in April 2015 is that his cancer has been cut in HALF!). Praise God! We continue to keep him in our prayers, and I cherish these photos as reminders of God's promises to us.

My dad, age 70, taking a leap of faith!

By His stripes YOU are healed.

April in Texas not only brings wildflowers, but also our yearly neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt, our annual Easter winery celebration and the sweet sounds of Hill Country bluegrass at Old Settler's Music Festival. Each year, we gather with friends from far and near to camp, relax by the river and share in the simple pleasures of life. This was our 4th year going, and we are happy to continue this tradition each year--CaCaw!!

Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people never thought you would. 

Still not too old for an Easter Egg Hunt!

Mommy at the winery = happy place.

 May and June brought lovely visits with family and friends...my Uncle Bob and Aunt Pat visited, and we enjoyed catching up after too many years apart.  Billy also traveled home to NYC in May for his cousin Michelle's wedding and a family reunion. I traveled to Asheville, North Carolina to present at all staff training at the North Carolina Outward Bound School and catch up with dear friends. Though we have always done a good job staying in touch with friends and family, as we both get older and experience the vulnerability and aging of others who are close to us, we realize that right NOW is all we really get with one another, so we tried to cherish these times together even more in 2014.

My mom, my Uncle Bob (her brother) and my Aunt Pat visiting Austin!

Buckley returns to Texas: The three amigos!

High school reunion!

With my soul sister, Jenn Fieldman, right after running up and over a MOUNTAIN in NC!

A quick visit with my maid of honor and childhood friend, Rachel Werner LaHue.

While you are probably used to hearing that the Norton's took a 3000 mile road trip, during the summer of 2014 we did not travel. Why? We bought a HOUSE! So instead of caravanning all over the country, I taught two summer classes, Billy picked up some extra work and we got down to the business of paying a mortgage again. We haven't owned a house since our painful short sale in Denver, so this was a big commitment and we spent a lot of time questioning the "why's" of home ownership (and dealing with banks!). In the end, Billy and I both agree that our home is to be a place of love and respite for our family, but also a place of hospitality and joy for YOU! As my friend Jenny Guy (who experienced a miraculous healing from a 10+ year battle with cancer in 2014!) reminded me, "You are blessed so that you can bless others." So, come visit and let us shower you with love (or at the very least, delicious rice and beans!).

First day at 6118 Negley

Long live Plum Creek! :)

Mahalia helping paint Wendell's new room--yep, Wendell finally moved out of the closet! :)

Though we love our new house, I'd be lying if I said we didn't miss the alley behind Mather.

 My dad and Elizabeth came to visit again for the 4th of July and Wendell Jane's 4th birthday! We survived the summer heat on the River Walk and enjoyed our annual Plum Creek July 4th parade!

Boat ride on the River Walk (you cannot imagine how hot it was!)

Annual 4th of July Parade: Plum Creek

Happy 4th Birthday to Wendell Jane

In July, Will and I took our annual mother/son camping trip. This year, we went to Huntsville State Park because we wanted the shade of the tall, piney woods, and we wanted to be near water (lest we die of the Texas summer heat!). We arrived after dusk and set out for a late night paddle, completely unaware of what lurked in the water. It wasn't until the next day, as we were swimming in the lake, and we saw an 11-foot American alligator swimming around us, that we realized that we were in GATOR country! Complete with mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, s'mores and swimming with alligators, this may have been the best mother/son camping trip yet!

"Mom, the alligators can't get us in the canoe, right?"

Checking the trail map before we head out!

Hiking with his walking stick!

Watching the park ranger try to scare away the alligator with his boat!

Souvenir!

Mahalia and I also had some fun adventures together this summer, including stand-up paddle boarding on Lake Travis. Neither of us had ever tried it and it was a windy day, made even more difficult by all the boaters that kept blowing by us, forcing us to balance amidst their giant wakes. Not surprisingly, tears were shed--but there was also a lot of laughter too!

I am so lucky to have this kid as my daughter!

During Labor Day weekend, I presented research at the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council's Wilderness Therapy Symposium in Park City, Utah. Billy and I decided to make this an early 15-year wedding anniversary trip, and took full advantage of the fun to be had in the mountains! Billy and I feel very blessed to have been able to enjoy this shared adventure of life together for so long, and trips like this reaffirm how great it is to be married to your best friend in the entire world (and still think he's cute). ;)

Stand up paddle boarding on the Jordanelle Reservoir

White water rafting on the Weber River

Hiking at McPolin Farm

October brought a wonderful visit from Uncle Andrew and Aunt Brie. Then, a celebration of Mahalia's 12th birthday at University Camp, once again! Her group of ten 12 and 13 year old girls roamed around the woods playing hide and seek, kayaked and canoed the river, and roasted marshmallows instead of eating birthday cake! This is the 3rd year in a row that Mahalia has chosen a camp-out for her birthday, proof that we are raising her right! :)

At the Gristmill in Gruene

Time spent paddling a canoe will not be deducted from one's life span.

I was finally home for Halloween in 2014 for the first time in 3 years (bad mommy!). This year, Billy's parents came to visit and we enjoyed roaming around the neighborhood with family and friends. While the kids get candy, we always run into friends who give beer to the adults (God bless them!).

She was so excited that her jack-o-lantern had a tongue!

Will was "Dead Man Rockin'" and I was his #1 fan (though Mahalia wouldn't let me use the term "groupie.")

It could happen...

In November, we went gathered with friends to celebrate Billy's 40th birthday! His sisters, Tara and Deirdre, came to visit, and we filled the house with music, food and laughter. This celebration was followed by our 1st Annual Hoo-Wee Jamboree at Bastrop State Park with a whole host of good friends! We continued Billy's birthday celebration, along with celebrating our dear friend Stacey's 4oth! Let the wild rumpus begin!

Mis hermanas!

Billy at 40!

Hoo-Wee Jamboree...life in Texas, y'all. You know you want some.

Sadly,  the fall also brought the news of the death of my grandfather, John Lynn, who died peacefully in his home, cared for until the very end by my dear Aunt Judi, at the ripe old age of 97. Though we were all so sad, we were blessed that he did not suffer, and we were even more blessed for our children to have been able to know him for so long. In November, we all drove to Indiana for an early Christmas with my dad and Elizabeth, as well as for an amazing Thanksgiving family reunion hosted by my Aunt Cheri. While we were there, we had a very special memorial service for my grandfather, comforted by our memories and our faith, so we "sorrow not, even as others which have no hope."

A loving tribute put together by my dear cousin Abigail...my grandfather was the kindest man I have ever known, full of gratitude and joy, and these photos capture his essence so well.

Pretty much the only good thing about losing your great grandparents is that you get their hats.

At Christmastime, we flew to NYC for a wonderful Christmas celebration with the Norton's, making the most of our time in the Big Apple by having tea at the Plaza, catching a Broadway show, going ice-skating in Prospect Park, visiting the Natural History Museum,  and seeing many old friends! We also celebrated the baptism of our newest niece, Amaya, for whom Billy is the proud Godfather!

Grandparent time with all the cousins!

Tea at the plaza!

On Broadway!

Baby Amaya!

As you can see, collectively, we've had a year of blessings and sorrow (but, let's face it...mainly blessings), because through it all, we have each other. Still, as much as a family is a unit, it's also an odd collection (in our case, VERY odd) of individuals trying to pursue their passions, dreams and interests, both to grow as people and also to contribute to the greater good.

Billy took a leap in this way by transitioning from teaching in the classroom to working as a teacher coach this year. In his new role, he spends a lot of time helping teachers with curriculum and instruction ideas, as well as helping them work together in teams to share ideas and best practices. Though he's thrilled by not having to grade 164 sophomore essays every night, he has certainly had to face the challenges of working even more closely with an educational system he doesn't always agree with. But in true Billy fashion, he is always there for others, working as a team player and problem-solver. He often wears this shirt to school, just to reassure people that he's there to help in times of need.

Dress code?

 Though Billy is not in the classroom, not to fear...he still finds time to interact with students through his weekly ultimate frisbee games, in which he has begun to include Will! Often, they come home regaling us with stories of how Will hucked it to Billy in the end zone or vice versa. On top of his 50-miler, Billy continued his trail running, completing a 30K in the spring and a 50K in the fall. He is still most content with a pair of binoculars in his hand, playing with our children, going out for a run or writing down his thoughts on life and education in his little black moleskin journals.

At the Great Salt Lake

At the "creek" in Wimberley...another favorite place of ours!

With McGimsey and Tapscott at Wild Hare! #shirtoff

2014 also brought the COUSINS to Texas! Billy's cousins Marc, Tom and Kevin (and their families) all moved to central Texas, which means cousins poker nights, more PR food, cousin time for Mahalia, Will and Wendell, and a little bit of New York in our neck of the woods!

Cousins!

I continued teaching Social Work at Texas State University, but 2014 was a big year because I got TENURE!  Though tenure today is less about the integrity of academic freedom and more about politics and job security, it still felt DAMN good--especially sharing it with my colleague and one of my best friends in the world, Mindita!

Success is better when it's shared.

My professional highs were my teaching and mentoring students--they gave me gifts this year to thank me for the lessons we learn together and to remind me of how wonderful social work really is! I also enjoyed presenting my adventure therapy research at various conferences around the country in 2014, yet also made time for my own adventures while traveling for work (I mean, come on people!). I also continued to grow and develop FACES, the program I help run for former foster care alumni on campus. Even though my first semester after receiving tenure was a kick in the teeth ("Hey Christine, can you be on this or that committee?"), I still continue to feel at home at Texas State (especially with my new office--see below!) and know there is good work to be done here!

So true...

I love this!

My new office! (We have a frisbee golf course out back! )

Practicing on the climbing wall with my AT class! (Seriously, I'm working here, people.)

Rapids selfie with my AT class! (Working even harder in this pic!)

Surf lesson with Kimo in Waikiki (took a break from the conference!)

This year, I made the decision to really try to focus more on my health, lose weight, get in better shape and push myself. I did the Austin 1/2 Marathon in the spring (remember that, Mike Tapia?!) and then did a Sprint Tri in the Fall. I was also blessed to find a wonderful hot yoga studio in San Marcos and have been able to sustain a regular practice. Though I'm not breaking any records in my races, working out in all forms continues to make me feel much better physically and emotionally. Plus, I just think I look cool with numbers on my arm and calf muscles. ;)

Mahalia is growing like a weed (yep, I just said that), and she had a busy year with theater, sports, Girl Scouts and National Jr. Honor Society volunteering. This child likes to stay busy (I don't know where she gets that from?!), and she also likes to take on challenges (again, apple/tree). In 2014, Mahalia finished 6th grade with perfect STARR test scores (that's all Billy genes) and moved on to 7th grade. She is firmly in the throws of middle school and her bawdy sense of humor reflects this! You can't say the word "balls" around her without her tittering. ;) (Same with Billy.) I took her to see "Rent" this year, so I kind of blame myself! :) Mahalia started volleyball for the first time in 7th grade, gave basketball a shot, but decided to wait to do spring track. After one final season of Girl Scout cookie sales in the Spring of 2014, she decided a Girl Scout she is not (which means I no longer have boxes of GS cookies in my house every February!). A theater nerd she is, however. She was in so many performances this year I lost count, and she was selected again for Zach Scott Theater's pre-professional company. Probably the biggest news of all is that Mahalia got BRACES this year...there's come a time in everyone's life, eh?!

Singing Matilda in Broadway Rocks

In What Happens After Happily Ever After

Singing a solo in High School Musical

Victory Cry!

Mahalia setting at volleyball camp

Will turned 10 this year, and he also kept himself busy. He continued with tae kwon do and worked closer to his black belt. He works very hard in school, always proud to bring home his report card with straight A's. Sometimes, however, he takes his Texas history lessons a bit too seriously (see photo below). What we were most proud of this year was when Will won the GRIT Award in recognition of his character. He is a kind and sensitive young man, who does things like voting for his opponent in the Student Council election because "he actually gave a better speech." Being book-ended by sisters can't hurt (if Billy Norton is any indication)!

Sitting in his Great Granddad's old chair...with much love in his heart!

Testing at tae kwon do graduation!

Davy Crockett...sociopath?

Grit: Perseverance of effort, which promotes the overcoming of obstacles or challenges that lie within a gritty individual’s path to accomplishment!

And then there is Miss Wendell Jane...she embodies spirit and she literally skips EVERYWHERE she goes. She never stops talking and she loves to both snuggle with and annoy her siblings! The annoy part may have to do with the fact that she will commandeer their toys/games for her purposes, as seen below. She is 4 and will begin kindergarten in 2015. She continued at daycare with Miss Ashley in our neighborhood, and learned how to write her name and read her letters. Exciting times! She also did dance and gymnastics, and does both with exuberance (if not, minimal talent). :)

Running after Easter eggs (pure spirit!)

Gymnastics!

Please forgive the Texas pageant look of this photo! ha!

Pocket Polly commandeers spaceship

It is Gadie that deals with the madness of this household the most...still giving of her time to help watch our children, do our laundry, cook us delicious meals. (#spoiled) But this year brought a lot of stress relief to Gadie and gave her more time for herself because she retired from the Home Despot! After over 10 years at HD, we threw her an Orange Party and celebrated retirement, only to find out that she had already taken a new job working as a personal helper to our friend Barbara! That lady just can't sit still. (Ok, apple/tree moment #2!) We are so happy Gadie is no longer 'working for the man' and now has more time...to work for us! ha! You thought I was going to say time for herself, didn't you?! Ha! Let's be realistic...we would be LOST without Gadie!

Gadie and her grandkids on the 4th of July! (Only my mother wears jeans in the summer in Texas!)

Congrats on retirement!

With Mahalia at Wicked in San Antonio

The big, black dog keeps kicking. She had some health issues this year, but nothing a quick dip in the creek won't cure (unless she gets some nasty flesh eating bacteria, in which case, so long old gal!).

This year was busy (duh), but it was also a time of reflection. I did a 10 day silent Vippasana retreat in August and in September, we changed to a new church where our former pastor now preaches. These were small, intentional acts to try to ground ourselves in the things of the Spirit, to learn to breathe through stress and anxiety and to learn to be truly compassionate. The words of Thich Nat Hanh ring true now more than ever:

Though we experienced sickness and death in our family this year, we stay ever focused on the miracles that are all around us IN THE MOMENT. It is so hard to do...but I have come to believe (even though it feels truly unattainable to someone as hyper and irritable as me) that mindfulness is the key to a well-lived life. That, and the utter regard for small things that seems meaningless...oh, how many of these have I missed. In case, you too have missed these precious moments (weren't those like some porcelain statues, or something?!), I will leave you with Billy Collins' poem "Shoveling Snow with Buddha" to ponder:

n the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wok
you would never see him doing such a thing,
tossing the dry snow over a mountain
of his bare, round shoulder,
his hair tied in a knot,
a model of concentration.

Sitting is more his speed, if that is the word
for what he does, or does not do.

Even the season is wrong for him.
In all his manifestations, is it not warm or slightly humid?
Is this not implied by his serene expression,
that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe?

But here we are, working our way down the driveway,
one shovelful at a time.
We toss the light powder into the clear air.
We feel the cold mist on our faces.
And with every heave we disappear
and become lost to each other
in these sudden clouds of our own making,
these fountain-bursts of snow.

This is so much better than a sermon in church,
I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.
This is the true religion, the religion of snow,
and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,
I say, but he is too busy to hear me.

He has thrown himself into shoveling snow
as if it were the purpose of existence,
as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway
you could back the car down easily
and drive off into the vanities of the world
with a broken heater fan and a song on the radio.

All morning long we work side by side,
me with my commentary
and he inside his generous pocket of silence,
until the hour is nearly noon
and the snow is piled high all around us;
then, I hear him speak.

After this, he asks,
can we go inside and play cards?

Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milk
and bring cups of hot chocolate to the table
while you shuffle the deck.
and our boots stand dripping by the door.

Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyes
and leaning for a moment on his shovel
before he drives the thin blade again
deep into the glittering white snow.

With all of our love and gratitude for the simple joys of knowing YOU. xoxo Los Nortons