Season's Greetings

As this year draws to its inevitable end, we look forward to the new one with hope and anticipation of all it will bring... not only to our home, but to our family, our friends, our community and our nation! We face the unknown secure in the fact that we are not alone - that Jim and I have each other and, the abiding love and respect that has seen us through both highs and lows in out 14 years together and will most assuredly be the ever constant we can rely on from this day forward.

Reflecting back over this year it is all the good things we see with clarity and joy while the "not so good" things grow dimmer and dimmer. In 2008 we relished and rejoiced in my return to better physical and mental health, aided greatly by my new job at Oregon State University's Memorial Union. A job that brings me tremendous joy and satisfaction! While old friendships grew closer and deeper, new friendships developed bringing more laughter, love and promise into our lives. On October 24th, we celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary, while November 12th marked our 14th year together.

And, 2008 brought healing and a greater understanding and appreciation of personal growth, forgiveness, acceptance and love as I (we) reconnected with my parents, my younger sisters and their families. With a shared willingness to move forward came opportunities to revisit and renew those relationships with email, Facebook, blog entries, phone calls and even a couple of visits. I am indeed grateful to not only get to know my parents, Barry Jay and Margo Clift again, but also my six younger sisters: Lisa Clift, Chrissta Clift Hinze, Brandi Clift Devericks, Andrea Clift, Tara Clift Morgan and Jensine Clift Hall!

Love IS magical and miraculous. It warms hearts and homes. It heals. It brings light, laughter, joy and knowledge. It is a gift that is forever and without limitations or conditions. We just have to be willing to accept it.

Bright Blessings!

My Baby Sister's Baby

My baby sister, Jensine, and her husband Kevin had their first baby - Clark Ryan Hall - on June 10th, 2008. To see just how cute he is, please visit Jeni and Kevin's blog.

Welcome Clark and Congratulations Jeni and Kevin!

Happy Birthday A.J.

Austin Joseph Clift (on right)

Today is my nephew Austin's 21st Birthday! Happy Birthday Austin! I can hardly believe it's been 21 years since you made your first appearance in this world. What a wonderful day that was! May this new year be filled with love, joy and prosperity!!!

Happy Birthday Mama!

Today is my mom's birthday and I want to wish her every happiness she deserves on this wonderful day! Happy Birthday Mama!

May all your Birthday Wishes come true!

May is a Very Happy Month in My Family...

with lots and lots and lots of birthdays. And, since I have been such a slacker w/ sending cards this month, I thought I would take a moment and acknowledge all those I love who are celebrating this month!! May the new year ahead be full of love, joy and prosperity for each of you and may all your Birthday Wishes come true!

May 1st Sadie Clift, niece (daughter of Joe and Mariam)
May 7th Tara Clift Morgan, sister (wife to Byron Lynn; mom to Phoenix and Zion)
May 9th Benson Hinze, nephew (son of Chrissta and Josh)
May 13th Brandi Clift Devericks, sister (wife of Eric; mom to Amara, Sully & Finn)
May 15th Natalie Hinze, niece (daughter of Chrissta and Josh)
May 22nd Sully Devericks, nephew (son of Brandi and Eric)
May 30th Phoenix Morgan, nephew (son of Byron Lynn and Tara)
May 31st Xander Hinze, nephew (son of Chrissta and Josh)
May 31st Curtis J Cole, bro-in-law (husband of Peyton)

(Whew! I hope I didn't miss anyone and I got all of the dates right! LOL!)

NOTE: Thanks Mama for helping out with the "holes" in my list - I had inadvertently left Mr. Phoenix off the list on the 30th and had Mr. Xander's b-day on the wrong date. Now, I think it's correct!!

I'm it...

My sister Chrissta tagged me on this survey and since it’s been awhile, I thought what the heck… so here goes…

10 YEARS AGO: I was recently engaged and planning my October 24th, 1998 wedding to the love of my life, Jim Seeley.

FIVE PLACES I HAVE VISITED:
1. Seattle WA
2. Santa Fe NM
3. Arlington TX
4. Salt Lake City UT
5. Hollywood CA

FIVE THINGS ON MY TO DO LIST:
1. MAKE ART!
2. Laundry
3. Call Qwest about a phone bill discrepency
4. Posting more to my Blog
5. Clean house

LIFETIME GOALS:
1. Have my own art gallery show
2. Get and stay healthy and fit
3. Serve others
4. Live a joyful life
5. Continue to be the best wife, aunt, friend, sister, etc. that I can possibly be.

THREE BAD HABITS:
1. Smoking (I know, I know – I thought about not posting this and letting the “cat out of the bag” to my family and friends… but, by being honest, I now have to be accountable.)
2. Tardiness
3. Avoiding uncomfortable conversations and situations that need to be addressed

FIVE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME...
1. I am terrified of clowns
2. I will only enter a movie theater via the right entrance
3. When I was younger I had a mad crush on Prince
4. I adore Freddy Mercury (RIP) and the band Queen
5. I can laugh like Betty RubbleAlright, that’s it for now.

Thanks for tagging me Chrissta. I think I will tag Tania, Genie McChane, Rani, Mama and whoever else would like to have a go at it.

It’s never too late for delight….

They Say It's Your Birthday...

Happy Birthday to my sister, Lisa!!!

I hope that her day is just SPECTACULAR...

because, SHE is!

Happy Birthday Steve-a-rino!

Today my favorite cousin is celbrating his 46th birthday! Happy birthday Steven... and, many moooooorrreeee!

Love, Nene

Easter Brunch Casserole

I thought I would share one of my favorite recipes with you this morning. I got this recipe from my cousin Susie, years and years ago. I only make it once a year - for Easter Brunch. It's so yummy! Enjoy!

Easter Brunch Casserole

10-12 slices of bread, buttered and cubed
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 lbs. cooked bulk sausage
10 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
6-8 large eggs
3 cups heavy cream
3/4 tsp. dry mustard
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Sprinkle cubed bread with garlic powder; place in 13" greased baking pan. Cover w/ sausage and sprinkle cheese over all. In separate bowl, beat eggs; add cream, mustard, salt and pepper and beat well. Pour egg mixture over bread, sausage and cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for appx 1 hour or until knife blade comes out clean.
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Let me know what you think about this recipe. If you have any questions, just let me know. For the bread, I now use a loaf of italian bread (which I get from Fred Meyer Bakery) which makes it even scrumier! Yum, Yum!

Happy Spring!

Thought for the day...

Today's thought comes from my mom, Margo Clift. Thanks Mama!

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...

It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Keep dancing!!!!!!!!!