Independence Day

When I was younger we would drive the family vehicle (at first a navy blue Jeep Cherokee, then a white Ford F350, then a beige Chevrolet Suburban, then another white Ford F350) down to the county fairgrounds in the early afternoon of July 4th. My dad would ensure we had the best possible parking spot for viewing before pushing play on the Phil Driscoll cassette tape of patriotic tunes. For hours we would wait, listening to God Bless America on repeat, until the sun finally set behind the snow capped mountains of Central Oregon. And then again we sat, in complete awe, as the sky erupted into colors and designs of sheer beauty. I know I was small and my knowledge of freedom was limited, but I remember feeling lucky to live in a place that had such beautiful fireworks.

Today it’s been nice to be home again on the fourth of July. Instead of driving down to the local fairgrounds I met up with my parents on a quick camping trip in the mountains. While we will most likely miss the stunning fireworks that once caught my six year old heart (and being completely honest I’d likely get annoyed if my dad tried to play any Phil Driscoll), I’m still feeling extra lucky to live in a place that has such beautiful people, places, and freedoms.

Happy Fourth of July, Friends. Michelle

A Post for My Father

Dear Dad, I know you're reading this. Actually, I know you've already checked the blog upwards of five times today. Waiting, watching, hoping to see something new. Well today, Dad, this post is just for you. It's a post for you to remember that on this day, as well as every other day of the year, I'm proud to be your daughter.

Thank you for teaching me everything you know. For showing me how to drive a tractor, read a compass, play the harmonica, shoot a gun, change my oil, build a snow cave, catch a fish, ride a horse, downhill ski, cook a turkey, build a fence, and, finally, make Grandma's chicken dumpling soup. I'm especially thankful you taught me how to love people and to give freely with an extra joyful heart.

Happy Father's Day, Pops. I think you're absolutely great.

Love, Your favorite daughter

Conway :: Four Legs of Awesome

I've dreamt about this post for the past four years. Colton and I have been longing to add to our family since college (and far before we were ever married). And as the months and years passed all we could do was dream about the day when the timing would be right for an addition. Days and weeks we spent discussing breeds and names and oh.the.adventures we would have together. With each new move we found ourselves one small step closer to expanding the Cross home. And then, finally, with the move to California we knew the time had ultimately come to bring our baby home. On Saturday Colton and I drove to the Westside German Shepherd Rescue of L.A.. After spending time with a handful of other shepherd puppies we saw Conway (named Samson by the shelter) across the lot and knew we needed to meet him. Two hours later we left the rescue with bursting hearts and a slobbering canine in the back seat.

World, it is with such great joy that I introduce you to our new love. Rest assured he'll be making regular appearances on the blog - most likely too many. While his full name is Conway, we like to call him Connie. I think it's a particularly dapper old man name and perfect for this handsome new boy of mine.

{Thank you, Emily Scott, for our first family photo}

Don't be thrown off by Connie's size, he is still very much an eight month old puppy. He's even expected to gain around 50 additional pounds, making him roughly the size of a small Great Dane!

I'm sitting at my desk with Connie curled up at my feet as Somewhere Over the Rainbow plays on Pandora. It's sunny outside and the windows in my office are opened to the morning's singing birds. The air is chilly but my feet are warm as Conway stretches out across my toes. I didn't know it was possible for me to love something this much.

...and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

M.