Christmas 2013
Seasons Greetings!
New beginnings. It sounds like a (and most likely is) the name of one of those modern churches where everyone brings mochas to the service while the band looks and sounds like a rock group, or it could sound like the name of a rehab center (and again, it most likely is). This year new beginnings is how I describe 2013 for the Waiss family. New adventures were went on, new friends made, new lives began, new places became "home", new beginnings were begun. So grab your non denominational mocha, or your non alcoholic glass of wine and get caught up on our lives, and enjoy our...new beginnings.
Early spring found Cameron and I at the beach, hosting my parents for a weekend of relaxing and exploring the shops and restaurants of the Oregon Coast. After years of saying 'we should do this' we finally did. Hopefully this becomes a yearly thing, as everyone had a good time, and the house we rent while there is plenty spacious enough nobody is tripping over each other. Plus, the ocean view is awesome. The beach always is a place of comfort and relaxation for me, and I hope this year to get there more often. In May, in anticipation of their upcoming graduation (and yes, i checked with the school to verify they were on track) Justin and Jacob chose their senior trip adventure as one we had never done before- we flew to Florida and caught a cruise ship through the Carribbean. Our days in the sun were spent exploring Mayan Ruins, enjoying a very cool tour of Pirate-settled Key West, and swimming in the dark blue bathwater warm Carribean Sea in the Gulf of Mexico. We wrapped up our trip with a tour of Miami and South Beach courtesy of their grandparents who spend the majority of their year there in the warmth. Unlike every other vacation I've ever taken, i discovered its OK to RELAX. While onboard the ship, there was alot of downtime, time to just read and rest, and people watch. Lots of guy talk was done, and I was happy to spend those days one on one with my boys before they headed out on their life journey (more on that later). Upon returning home, 10 days later I fullfilled my promise I made a few years prior to the boys to chaperon their Lewis and Clark class on their 5 day kayak trip down the Columbia, retracing the explorers final leg to the Pacific ocean. I did this journey a few years ago with Kaylee, so I was prepared and knew what to expect. Wet all day, Camping (as in use the outhouse, eat in the dirt, no showers style camping) for 4 nights and 5 days. In a matter of days I went from a luxury ship with a bed, to a damp sleeping bag in a campground. The growth I saw the boys undergo on those grueling 125 miles spent kayaking in the rain, sun and wind, up to 10 hours a day is something I will always treasure. But thankfully wont have to experience again. And just a few weeks ago, Cameron treated me to a long weekend in San Fransisco, a city I've always wanted to explore. The 8 hours I spent there several years ago allowed for a quick jaunt on a cable car and enough to give a taste to know I wanted more. So, using our Boutique Hotel on Sutter Street just off Union Square as homebase, we explored the beautiful city by train, taxi, and yes, the original Cable Car. We ate amazing food, shopped at the fancy (and some not so fancy) shops on Mission Street, and took a ton of pictures of unique buildings. Fishermans Wharf provided Irish Coffees and good people watching, but the highlight for me personally was crossing item 4 off my bucket list and finally touring Alcatraz Island and prison. The history there...the stories...just an amazing place. I came away from the island in a totally different frame of mind than I had been in, in the months leading up to my journey to Alcatraz. I will blog soon about it (shameless plug for troywaiss.blogspot.com) but suffice to say Alcatraz and the feeling i had when i was standing in the small cell, and looking out at the city from across the bay through a hole in a tall cinder wall made me realize that my personal issues and problems were nothing compared to what others face and endure. Watch the blog, for this is a happy letter dammit!!! And now...the kids.
Ashley and Brandon made sure they kept the year exciting for everyone. This past fall, right about the time they broke ground on their property to build their new home, Ashleys water broke too. On October 4 in the mid morning hours Grady Michael was born. His uncle Jacob luckily was home from college that weekend and was there to be the first one to hold him. After his parents and grandmother of course. He is a handsome little guy, and very alert. He watches everything around him with great interest and has the same full face smile his sister Macie had (and still does). Macie has been great with him, and is constantly showering him with love. As if a baby and house were not enough, a puppy, Eaton, was added to the Schultz family. What was a tiny white ball of fun is now a huge creamy Lab with pink highlights due to alot of food and Macie with fingernail polish....Brandon continues as a shop supervisor in the mill, and works constantly on the land they own getting it ready for their children to have a place to play and grow up. Ashley just started back to work on a limited basis after a short baby hiatus and is anxious to decorate her new home that will be done in the next month or so. When she is not doing hair, or feeding, changing, bathing, cuddling Grady, she works and plays with Macie constantly in her discovery of all things around her. Macie is now "twoooooo....no TEN (giggle giggle giggle)" and her energy and happiness is contagious. Only...her energy lasts longer than her poppas. Much longer. She is beautiful little girl who quickly captures all those around her in delight at everything. The Schultz's have alot going on and a busy life, their new beginnings are a great source of pride for me.
Kaylee has taken her independance and ran with it. She decided that college was something she was not wanting to do right now, so last spring she choose to enter the workforce full time. She now works at Costco as kind of an "everything" person. She comes to Stevenson once a week and is in charge of the Bulk Foods section at A&J Select, a task she has taken too quite well. I think the few hours in Stevenson are just an excuse to come to town to see her niece and nephew..but whatever gets her "home", I'm not going to question! Early this year she was set up on a date by a friend who "has a cousin..." well, the date went fairly well as it lead to a few more. And In July, Curtis found out just how many shoes Kaylee has when he tried to move his clothes into her closet in what is now their shared apartment. He proved his usefulness this summer when Kaylee's car became unreliable and unsafe, and he helped her find and negotiate the deal on her very cute Suzuki that she loves (and I'm actually envious of). He proved his devotion this fall when she had to have oral surgery and grafting done in her mouth, and stayed amped up on painkillers for a few days. Like a good spouse, he is quick to share "kaylee high" stories. I have asked him if his job as a Pastry Chef at a fancy bakery-coffee bistro will get us a discount when it comes time to order the wedding cake that is going to be needed in August of 2015 when Kaylee becomes Mrs. Ogden! Good job Curtis' cousin on matchmaking!! The next 19 months will be an exciting and fun time for them. I have been through this before, i know to ju$t $it back and keep quiet.
Justin worked much of the year at Multnomah Falls Lodge earning his spending money for countless midnight video game release gatherings, snowboarding, longboarding, and gas for the car. He finished his high school career on the Soccer Team, wrapping up almost a countinous 15 years of sports. He proudly wore Honor cords at his graduation from High School in June where he also was rewarded by earning some local scholarships. A few weeks post this crowning acheivement, he road tripped to Mexico with some friends for a building project with a local church. Unfortunatly he got an intestional infection shortly after crossing the border and was sick most of the trip and several days once he got home. He still saw this as a good experience his positive attitude has him thinking maybe next year....And of course, theres college. Wrapping up his first semester at Central Washington University next week, Justin loves higher education so far. He is active in campus and dorm activity planning, and is constantly "out with friends" when i try and call him. He just last week became a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and is hopeing to move into the frat house next school year. At his new home 3 hours from the watchfulness of mine, he is becoming an independant young man and I'm very excited and proud to see him grow as a person. But as his father, sad to see him grow away from me. New beginnings....
Jacob rode along in the car to the falls for work also this past year. Spring he surprised everyone by taking a starring lead in the schools theater performance of "Mousetrap" where he not only nailed a British accent, but got huge laughs and cheers as he lost himself in the role. As Senior Class president, he closed down the graduation ceremony with a huge smile and a toss into the air of his cap. Summer was spent swimming and boarding, and he was in the van of Mexico builders also. In my mind I'm sure he was holding his brothers head while he was so sick...most likely soothing him in his British accent...Shortly after beginning classes at Washington State University in Pullman, Jacob realized that his career choice he had as a child and up until a few years agos once again is what he wants to do. His stunning work he shows has me convinced he will indeed one day be an incrediable art teacher. Football games at Cougar stadium, comedy clubs, coffee shops and hanging out with people who I only know through facebook updates keeps him occupied when not studying or creating masterpeices. He says the hardest part of his new beginnings is not seeing Macie and Grady all the time, but he is quick to turn on Skype when his neice calls her "Unka jay jay".
And now, to wrap us up. So much more happened and was said and experienced this year. So much growth. It is with great pride I look at my legacy and can say "good job dad". I also say 'good job kids', for they are the one who are forging ahead. they are discovering themselves and the world around them. Whether its Grady seeing the lights and twinkle of the Christmas tree for the first time, or Justin confidently walking the pathways of his college, eager to continue exploring his newfound grown up world. They are all doing it. They all are having their new beginnings. And for me, I am remain in the background. No longer needed on a daily basis but never more than a phone call away (or, a 6 hour drive in Jacobs case).Ashley drops in with her children, and kaylee calls often for cooking tips. But for the most part, they are doing it and figuring it out on their own. . They make their own path, and I no longer am carving the trail, and making sure theres nothing in the way to trip them. The Waiss kids' are doing well and are confident in their lives. And I am learning to make peace and accept.....My new beginning.
Merry Christmas!!
