I have never been one who has be ungrateful for the things she has the place I live or the people that are in my life. So when I moved to Whitefish some 5 going on 6 years ago I knew that I would likely be giving up spending and celebrating the holidays with my family. For those of you who don't know me I come for a huge extended family on my Mom's side and a family that is growing and growing on my Dad's side and the holidays are a time we all get together and have family time - a time that I truly cherish and is best part of Christmas if you ask me. Over the years of missing out on these family gatherings I always found comfort knowing that somewhere they were all gathering somewhere the traditions that I know that make a Koch or Goldmann Christmas-Holiday gathering were taking place. Even as I was hundreds of miles away I found happiness because they were together. But this Christmas I got a piece of that family christmas again. My cousins Travis Jill Sabrina Sadey Sharlotte and Luke came to Whitefish... and I have realized something major last night that I have been focusing so much on the glass half full when it came to missing out on the holidays that I truly forgot how great it was to spend the holidays with family....just how much I have missed it. My christmas gift this year came in the form of my family(part of it any ways) being with me to share in everything that is Christmas.
Too add to that joy it was a christmas with kids - which always makes the holidays more magical. Sharlotte who is 2 the day was spent learning on to ski with her Moo How (her godmother who happens to be me)...after we went down the bunny hill a couple of times she had a enough on Moo How's Mountain and wanted a chip break...so chips it was just her and me...While eating chips I asked Shar what did you ask from Santa? She replied... a piece of gum....later that night we attended the mountain's santa parade that ended in Santa handing out gifts to the kids by calling out their name...you can imagine how exciting it is to get a gift from Santa on Christmas Eve....well the Koch's were called and Shar and her siblings got their gifts...we left Shar open the gift right there and man oh man her facial expression was something when she oped up that gift and found gum...."OH MY GOSH GUM!!" Santa brought her just what she wanted. Later that night a gift bigger then her was given from her Moo How - she opened it up and that was it....her attention was focused only on playing with her zoo refusing to open up the mound of gift that awaited for her and even missing out on eating christmas dinner because she just was having so much fun. Lots of laughs and smiles were had while we took in christmas eve together. Luke the almost one year old was so thrilled to have boy toys no more playing with girlie toys that were once his sisters...oh course Shar had to play with and when I say play with I mean steal his dump truck but we fixed that issue by giving her my gift to open. We topped the night off by watching Its a Wonderful Life. Oh and it snowed on the mountain so it truly was a white and merry christmas.
As the night ended with everyone gathered at my place tucked up in the mountains I couldn't help but smile part of my family gave up the traditiona family christmas we are so use to having to spend it in whitefish with me...I realize the gift that just is and was to them to give to me. And how grateful I am to have them here.I am not sure what I ever did to be blessed to have such people in my life and to call those people family. So my place is an utter mess stuff everwhere its loud its noise clothes tossed everywhere a kid crying someone yelling something getting spilled one too many on the couch food on all the countertops toilet paper constantly having to be put on the roll a line for the bathroom and yet its the happiest I have ever been to have FAMILY with me for the Holidays....I am so grateful for the mess it means they are here. I know the blessing it is to have such family and I know what its like to spend years without family on Christmas...so I can only hope the mess gets bigger and bigger and more fun is had more laughs are shared more memories are created....LIFE is GOOD.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
PRAY FOR SNOW
The stockings are hung CHECK the garland up CHECK the ornements on the tree CHECK christmas tunes playing softly in the back ground CHECK home smelling of pine and spice CHECK watching tv be with only christmas lights on CHECK...walking in a winter wonderland with snow all around....um.... uncheck....OK whats up Santa... did you give Jack Frost the winter off?? Because up here on the mountains we barely have the white stuff... and well I am not liking it.....so if you could please full fill this wish by this week so i can CHECK this off the list and be ready for Christmas that would be great. .... DeAr sANta pleez mAke it nsow....Love little shelley... ps...if you dont NO COOKIes for you!! pps i even wrote it like i was five in hopes it comes true
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Thankful in November
23rd - for my mom's fighting spirit and to simply have her here Stage 4 cancer is quite a scary thing to hear and know your mom has but she's a fight and her will to live is quite the life lesson. Thank you Mom for never giving up the fight.
24th - for a family to be a part of and being able to gather with that family for Thanksgiving. To have people to share this holiday with as well as for the family that isn't here in person today.
25th - I am thankful for employment that allows and supports my photography business so I can actually make money and not go into extreme debt doing the thing I love most.
26th - for my life's journey to lead me to Whitefish Mt, what an amazing place that little skiing town is. To have paradise right out my door to be living breathing and having fun in God's country is quite the blessing. People all over the world come to Whitefish and fall in love with the Last Great Place and I am one of the lucky to call this HOME.
27th - for the life that I have I know so many go without so many not having enough its a life that I have never known but I know is out there. People who are jobless homeless foodless. I have never known what it takes to live such a life and the things you have to do to simply live and stay alive during such trying times.
28th - during this uncertain time I am thankful for employment to have a paycheck.
29th - to simply love to recieve love and to give of that love...loving someone truly loving them is quite the thing to be thankful for. it truly is!
30th - to have such a life that I do. To have it filled with people that bring laughter smiles memories faith hope strength support joy and love into my life whether these people are always by my side hardly by my side or its been years since they have been by my side. Thankful in November has come to an end but I have come to realize its an eye opener if you find reasons everyday 365 days out of the years to be thankful....because I believe its a thankful life that leads to be a happy life.
24th - for a family to be a part of and being able to gather with that family for Thanksgiving. To have people to share this holiday with as well as for the family that isn't here in person today.
25th - I am thankful for employment that allows and supports my photography business so I can actually make money and not go into extreme debt doing the thing I love most.
26th - for my life's journey to lead me to Whitefish Mt, what an amazing place that little skiing town is. To have paradise right out my door to be living breathing and having fun in God's country is quite the blessing. People all over the world come to Whitefish and fall in love with the Last Great Place and I am one of the lucky to call this HOME.
27th - for the life that I have I know so many go without so many not having enough its a life that I have never known but I know is out there. People who are jobless homeless foodless. I have never known what it takes to live such a life and the things you have to do to simply live and stay alive during such trying times.
28th - during this uncertain time I am thankful for employment to have a paycheck.
29th - to simply love to recieve love and to give of that love...loving someone truly loving them is quite the thing to be thankful for. it truly is!
30th - to have such a life that I do. To have it filled with people that bring laughter smiles memories faith hope strength support joy and love into my life whether these people are always by my side hardly by my side or its been years since they have been by my side. Thankful in November has come to an end but I have come to realize its an eye opener if you find reasons everyday 365 days out of the years to be thankful....because I believe its a thankful life that leads to be a happy life.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Thankful in November
NOV 18th - for my two godchild - Mady and Shar. I am utterly honored to be your godmother. I am so proud of both of you and I am grateful for the memories I have with you both thus far and look forward to a lifetime of those to come. You both make me smile and laugh. Always know I love you!
NOV 19th - for my godparents. Uncle Bobby and Aunt Karla. I have always felt spoiled and loved by you and that is something that has not changed as the years go by. Thank you for always making me feel important and showing me that I matter to you.
NOV 20th - for Janelle and Jami... thoughts that lie too deep for words. My bond with you two is a bond that can never be broken nor can it ever fade. You are stuck with me just as I am stuck with you two. No matter where this life takes us I find comfort and strength that I can always find you two by my side. I am more simply because you are apart of my life.
NOV 21st - for spending this week in Beulah with my parents. I always love how simple everything is - just living is simple. And I realize its because of the way my parents live their lives is a direct reflection on how I live my life...its simple to just be...to be grateful. to be thankful. to be happy. to laugh. to smile. to just be. I am so honored to have two amazing people to call my parents. They are still teaching me the greatest lessons about life...simply how to live it...I am thankful for all the memories, lessons they have brought me and the endless love they always give.
NOV 22nd - today I am grateful to have spent most of the day with my niece Taylor. Being able to take your pix Taylor is quite the honor for your auntie...I love how you follow the camera and smile for me...you are the perfect little model and you know just how to doll up the nikon. But as much as I love taking your photos I LOVE YOU even more. I think you are just simply perfect and you always will be. I am so blessed to have you in my life I love you even thou you suck your toes.
NOV 19th - for my godparents. Uncle Bobby and Aunt Karla. I have always felt spoiled and loved by you and that is something that has not changed as the years go by. Thank you for always making me feel important and showing me that I matter to you.
NOV 20th - for Janelle and Jami... thoughts that lie too deep for words. My bond with you two is a bond that can never be broken nor can it ever fade. You are stuck with me just as I am stuck with you two. No matter where this life takes us I find comfort and strength that I can always find you two by my side. I am more simply because you are apart of my life.
NOV 21st - for spending this week in Beulah with my parents. I always love how simple everything is - just living is simple. And I realize its because of the way my parents live their lives is a direct reflection on how I live my life...its simple to just be...to be grateful. to be thankful. to be happy. to laugh. to smile. to just be. I am so honored to have two amazing people to call my parents. They are still teaching me the greatest lessons about life...simply how to live it...I am thankful for all the memories, lessons they have brought me and the endless love they always give.
NOV 22nd - today I am grateful to have spent most of the day with my niece Taylor. Being able to take your pix Taylor is quite the honor for your auntie...I love how you follow the camera and smile for me...you are the perfect little model and you know just how to doll up the nikon. But as much as I love taking your photos I LOVE YOU even more. I think you are just simply perfect and you always will be. I am so blessed to have you in my life I love you even thou you suck your toes.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thankful in November
NOV 9th - I am thankful for the people I met in Australia - who took me in right away and made me feel at home in a place where I didn't know a soul. For those mates that helped me find myself and become myself in the land downunder. YOU ALL hold a special place in my soul - oh how I miss you ALL and look forward to the day where I see ALL your faces again.
NOV 10th - I am thankful for the childhood I was blessed to have. Years where I was allowed just that a childhood that was filled with laughter, smiles, memories and love. One where I wasn't forced to learn hard life lessons, one where I wasn't forced to grow up because of hate-death-crime or abuse. One where I could run the streets with the neighborhood crew without fear. One where I was allowed to play dream discover learn explore grow...what a gift it is to have such memories to think back on.
NOV 11th - I am thankful for all those who serve this country, have served, will serve and those who have gave their lives for this country. We are American because of the strong and the brave that protect and serve this country. THANK YOU just doesn't seem to be enough.
NOV 12th - I know this is kind of a strange one but that I can listen to Cities 97 out of Minneapolis via the internet... YOU HAVE NO IDEA how obessed I am with listening to this radio station whenever I am in the cities and now I can listen to it ALWAYS...LOVE IT.
NOV 13th - I am thankful for a weekend spent with my family bonding out in the middle of nowhere just us 6 plus Taylor and the dogs-bonding, eating, drinking, laughing, smiling and making memories. HOW GREAT it truly is to be with my brothers, my parents, my sister, my niece and the boys....a time we truly needed.
NOV 14th - For the teachers I have had in my life from K thru 12 to college to grad school. Those special people that invested their time knowledge and energy in me because they thought I was worthy of such a gift, that I was worthy to learn the lessons they had to teach. My foundation was laid with solid frame because of such great people that taught me, a foundation that i can build up from and stand strong on.
NOV 15th - For the medical world that continue to gain knowledge and growth to find cures - treatments to heal those who are sick and ill and to provide comfort for those who are terminal ill. I pray we will some day find a cure for AIDS and a cure for cancer. Thank you to all of you who are doctors, nurses and play a role in the medical world. ESP those who take care of my mom.
NOV 16th - For my friends - those near and far who always make me feel like I matter. who always go above and beyond to let me know they are there for me always. To have such friends is a gift that I can never truly describe. THANK YOU FRIENDS.
NOV17th - For roof over my head and warmth on such chilly days as winter creeps in. I realize this is something that no everyone has even in American. I have such things as heat and can pay the bills to turn heat on and leave it on to keep my home warm at all times. I realize its a thing to be grateful for because its something that not all have.
NOV 10th - I am thankful for the childhood I was blessed to have. Years where I was allowed just that a childhood that was filled with laughter, smiles, memories and love. One where I wasn't forced to learn hard life lessons, one where I wasn't forced to grow up because of hate-death-crime or abuse. One where I could run the streets with the neighborhood crew without fear. One where I was allowed to play dream discover learn explore grow...what a gift it is to have such memories to think back on.
NOV 11th - I am thankful for all those who serve this country, have served, will serve and those who have gave their lives for this country. We are American because of the strong and the brave that protect and serve this country. THANK YOU just doesn't seem to be enough.
NOV 12th - I know this is kind of a strange one but that I can listen to Cities 97 out of Minneapolis via the internet... YOU HAVE NO IDEA how obessed I am with listening to this radio station whenever I am in the cities and now I can listen to it ALWAYS...LOVE IT.
NOV 13th - I am thankful for a weekend spent with my family bonding out in the middle of nowhere just us 6 plus Taylor and the dogs-bonding, eating, drinking, laughing, smiling and making memories. HOW GREAT it truly is to be with my brothers, my parents, my sister, my niece and the boys....a time we truly needed.
NOV 14th - For the teachers I have had in my life from K thru 12 to college to grad school. Those special people that invested their time knowledge and energy in me because they thought I was worthy of such a gift, that I was worthy to learn the lessons they had to teach. My foundation was laid with solid frame because of such great people that taught me, a foundation that i can build up from and stand strong on.
NOV 15th - For the medical world that continue to gain knowledge and growth to find cures - treatments to heal those who are sick and ill and to provide comfort for those who are terminal ill. I pray we will some day find a cure for AIDS and a cure for cancer. Thank you to all of you who are doctors, nurses and play a role in the medical world. ESP those who take care of my mom.
NOV 16th - For my friends - those near and far who always make me feel like I matter. who always go above and beyond to let me know they are there for me always. To have such friends is a gift that I can never truly describe. THANK YOU FRIENDS.
NOV17th - For roof over my head and warmth on such chilly days as winter creeps in. I realize this is something that no everyone has even in American. I have such things as heat and can pay the bills to turn heat on and leave it on to keep my home warm at all times. I realize its a thing to be grateful for because its something that not all have.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thankful in November
NOV 5th - Today I am thankful for my grandparents. Tillie & the late Jacob Koch and Florian & the late Miranda Goldmann. Through out my life they have given me so much - support, encouragement, understanding, patience, their time, of themselves and most of all their greatest gift they have given me - their love. I have memories of holidays, birthdays, weekends, vacations, school programs and sporting event....I am so blessed to have had all four of these people in my life and in such an important role as my grandparents. I can only hope that the life I live reflects back on them in such a way that they are proud of the person that I am - the way that I lve my life - treat others that they are proud of the role they have had in my life and that I have used the gifts and lessons they have brought into my life and taught in the greatest way possible...that I am more today because they were apart of my life. I never want to find a day that I am not thankful blessed and grateful to have such amazing people in my life...I love you Gramps Granny Granpda and Grandma. Thank You for all you have done to make me feel special and loved...for showing me with your love that I matter.
NOV 6th -I am thankful for my big mama....Rebecca...its her birthday today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECK...she was my roommate for two years in college and I am utterly grateful for your friendship. Thank you Becky for simply being YOU. I love ya, mate
NOV 7th - I am thankful for the Kochs (Travis - Jill - Sabrina - Sadey - Sharlotte and Luke). For opening up your home to me and giving me a place to be while I am in Fargo. I have never felt like I am burden to you guys you have always made me feel wanted - that you want me here and when I am gone in Montana you miss that I am not here. I love being here and apart of your everday lives. I am so blessed to have such people like you as my family. I love laughing smilng and just being with all of you. You have brough so much life into my everday world. Its sometimes chaos and a zoo - circus at home but that's just the way I love it...all of us together just living life... thank you for letting me be apart of your family.
NOV 8th - I am thankful for my aussie mates that are downunder... I miss you all! Know that not a day goes by that I don't think of you all and realize just how blessed I am to have you in my life - to have met you all during my time in Austraila... You girls changed my life by simply being you and welcoming me to the land downunder. I wish you knew how you gals changed my life. I look forward to seeing you all someday soon.
NOV 6th -I am thankful for my big mama....Rebecca...its her birthday today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECK...she was my roommate for two years in college and I am utterly grateful for your friendship. Thank you Becky for simply being YOU. I love ya, mate
NOV 7th - I am thankful for the Kochs (Travis - Jill - Sabrina - Sadey - Sharlotte and Luke). For opening up your home to me and giving me a place to be while I am in Fargo. I have never felt like I am burden to you guys you have always made me feel wanted - that you want me here and when I am gone in Montana you miss that I am not here. I love being here and apart of your everday lives. I am so blessed to have such people like you as my family. I love laughing smilng and just being with all of you. You have brough so much life into my everday world. Its sometimes chaos and a zoo - circus at home but that's just the way I love it...all of us together just living life... thank you for letting me be apart of your family.
NOV 8th - I am thankful for my aussie mates that are downunder... I miss you all! Know that not a day goes by that I don't think of you all and realize just how blessed I am to have you in my life - to have met you all during my time in Austraila... You girls changed my life by simply being you and welcoming me to the land downunder. I wish you knew how you gals changed my life. I look forward to seeing you all someday soon.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thankful in November
Happy Friday Peeps...its a beautiful late fall day here... Can you believe its already November...i am sure some of you already have the christmas count down doing...not here...i have a turkey day countdown...my favorite holiday...a holiday that we celebrate being thankful...no gifts. just simply gathering together eating and being grateful and thankful for the life we have been given and get to live. Oh and eating lots doesn't add to it or anything... The month of November I decided that I was going to be be grateful and thankful everyday ... I slacked alittle but just because I didn't post doesn't mean I failed at this task...I thought it and said it out loud so thats all that counts...now I will bring you all up to speed...
NOV 1st....I am beyond thankful actually I am blessed for the family I was brought into this world to have. To have the last name Goldmann...I am honored. To have Koch genes and traits in me....I am honored. I realize how grateful I am to have such an amazing family my parents my brothers (Paul and Jacorian) my sisters (Shonna and Jami) my niece (Taylor) my boys (Kobe and Gauge) and then my extended family filled with aunts uncles grandparents cousins...Its a zoo when we are all together but I am so happy and honored to call them all family and to spend time with them. I know my greatest gift in this life is the family I have been given.
NOV 2nd...breathing...I am grateful and thankful to simply BE HERE. To be ALIVE. It is a gift to have simply days to live. each day I get is an extra. Living is earned is a gift...because not everyone gets to have another day. Breathing in itself is something you should feel honored to simply do...being here. living...its something to be thankful for each and everyday day you get.
NOV 3rd....my freedom...the fact that I can live my life how I want and think I should live it. That I have no limits to my goals. to my dreams. to how I picture and live my life. That I have the freedom to speak my mind. that I can lead or follow in this life. That my voice matters. That I can vote. That I have the same rights as everyone else. Being a woman today is not like being a woman back then....I am thankful for this changes in society... BUT by no way are we done making the changes we need...Much progress still needs to be made to recognize and legalize marriage simply as uniting to human lives together. to end racism. to end abuse. to end hatred. to end judging and just allow people to live their lives. To realize our voice doesn't out weight another. that just because we don't think its right doesn't mean its wrong....we have a long ways to go but i believe we will get there...until then I am grateful and thankful for the changes we have thus far.
NOV 4th...Military Forces...I am thankful for their service to this country. I am thankful for their sacrifices for the things they give up for you for me for their families and friends for this country so we can live free. without worry. That they are out there protecting us and this country. For those you enlist. those who re-enlist those you gave their lives. THANK YOU. This country is what it is because of people like you who step up. For such a huge role you play in this country I feel like Thank You doesn't begin to cover how grateful thankful blessed we feel. I am honored to be an American because of people like YOU.
NOV 1st....I am beyond thankful actually I am blessed for the family I was brought into this world to have. To have the last name Goldmann...I am honored. To have Koch genes and traits in me....I am honored. I realize how grateful I am to have such an amazing family my parents my brothers (Paul and Jacorian) my sisters (Shonna and Jami) my niece (Taylor) my boys (Kobe and Gauge) and then my extended family filled with aunts uncles grandparents cousins...Its a zoo when we are all together but I am so happy and honored to call them all family and to spend time with them. I know my greatest gift in this life is the family I have been given.
NOV 2nd...breathing...I am grateful and thankful to simply BE HERE. To be ALIVE. It is a gift to have simply days to live. each day I get is an extra. Living is earned is a gift...because not everyone gets to have another day. Breathing in itself is something you should feel honored to simply do...being here. living...its something to be thankful for each and everyday day you get.
NOV 3rd....my freedom...the fact that I can live my life how I want and think I should live it. That I have no limits to my goals. to my dreams. to how I picture and live my life. That I have the freedom to speak my mind. that I can lead or follow in this life. That my voice matters. That I can vote. That I have the same rights as everyone else. Being a woman today is not like being a woman back then....I am thankful for this changes in society... BUT by no way are we done making the changes we need...Much progress still needs to be made to recognize and legalize marriage simply as uniting to human lives together. to end racism. to end abuse. to end hatred. to end judging and just allow people to live their lives. To realize our voice doesn't out weight another. that just because we don't think its right doesn't mean its wrong....we have a long ways to go but i believe we will get there...until then I am grateful and thankful for the changes we have thus far.
NOV 4th...Military Forces...I am thankful for their service to this country. I am thankful for their sacrifices for the things they give up for you for me for their families and friends for this country so we can live free. without worry. That they are out there protecting us and this country. For those you enlist. those who re-enlist those you gave their lives. THANK YOU. This country is what it is because of people like you who step up. For such a huge role you play in this country I feel like Thank You doesn't begin to cover how grateful thankful blessed we feel. I am honored to be an American because of people like YOU.
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