The Bolingers at the End of the Year

So, here we are, as the school semester ends for me and Christmas holidays begin. Mike took a break from the woodshop to make the other kind of music.


Santa made a surprise visit to American Literature.

Life is good here. May you and yours find the joy in the season.

A Few More Little Things

For daughter Allyson, a maple desktop organizer.
This is similar to the one we gave Janelle for Thanksgiving except hers was built of cherry.



A work in progress, about a week ago.






Now on its way to San Antonio.

Then, just to 'dot the eye,' Mike made a pencil holder for Janelle.

Busy with Projects

The most recent creation: an oak sideboard to compliment the table at the cottage. The Craftsman at work.

Glass from Kokomo's own Opalescent Glass Company.

Details, details, details

Pegs.

Out of the shop, on a frigid morning, and on to its new home.

Mirror/table/sideboard: made to last.

Wife of the Year Award

Christmas 2011: Living the Miracle

Greetings from Kokomo, Indiana, once again. This afternoon, I sit here, warm and snug, and watch the snow whipping across the roof of the garage. "They" say there’s a possible blizzard headed this way. Around here, you often hear folks decrying those Snow Birds who flee to the south. Hmmm. As I age, I’m falling out of love with the ‘change of the seasons’ and all.

Daughter Allyson, dug in in San Antonio, says that yes, she’d like to see some autumn colors but “there’s nothing I miss that a weekend trip can’t fix.” We will be headed her way shortly. They swim outside in December down there.

Speaking of Allyson, she has been selected as Chief Resident at Brooks Army Hospital so looks forward to regular hours and more time with her boys. And those boys! Drew is half way through first grade. He signed the Christmas card all by himself, with excellent printing. Noah is learning his letters and colors in preschool. He already has the ‘spin a story’ skills down pat.

Son Zach is closing in on his degree from IU. We have a date for celebratory dinner next weekend.

I am closing down this first semester at Kokomo High School and am looking forward to the next one.

And Mike. Well, he remains the miracle man. In November, he received another clean bill of health from his oncologist and his blood work, in her words, was “pristine.”

So as you have been praying for a miracle, let’s celebrate the season by sharing in this miracle.

Lately, I’ve been reading in Romans. I find it comforting that when I don’t know how to pray, the Spirit helps me by taking my confused yearnings and prays in my place. (Romans 8:26,27)

Join us also in praising God for His amazing gift to us all, His Son, Jesus Christ. With God’s arms around us, we lift our faces to 2011.

Christmas 2011: Mike's Addition

This is the first time I have been permitted by Lynne to contribute to the Christmas letter, probably for fear that I would write something embarrassing. I would, too, if I thought I could get away with it, but I know that this brief note will be censored of any inappropriate content.

As most of you are aware, I was supposed to be dead 20 months ago. I like to tell people that "I decided not to die on schedule." The truth is that I had nothing to do with it. I think that I am still here because literally hundreds of people, including fifty nuns in a convent up north, pray for me regularly. I also like to think that my usefulness on this earth is not yet over. I think the Lord still has something lasting for me to do, although I am not sure what it is. We shall see.

For what it is worth, I have had the best year of my life in 2010. I do not play lawyer anymore. Yippee! I spend my days working in my shop, flying airplanes, riding motorcycles, and hanging out at Winona Lake with my dog, Iverson. I still swim a mile most days and have taken up bicycling on the Nickel Plate Trail or at the Boy's Club at the lake. I teach one class at Ivy Tech, which is fun and a challenge. I've taken up cooking and housekeeping. I am still trying to play the guitar and practice every day. After 33 years of unrelenting stress in the legal world, I delight in each day.

Lastly, I have not lost sight of the fact that I have been given a second life. I do not deserve it. I know that. Each new day is a treasure for me. I try to live it like it is the last one I am going to get, because that will be true all too soon. I am still hopelessly in love with my wife. She just gets better. A good day is any day we get to hang out together. I still love it when I can make her laugh, which seems often these days. I am continually amazed at the number of friends that "just drop by the shop to see what I am building." We are both so proud of Allyson, Zach, the grandchildren, and Joclyn, too.

Like I said before, I do not deserve this, but do not think I do not appreciate it. Mike out.

Favorite Chrismas Song

Buddy Green and Mark Lowry collaborated on a very special song, that has bccome a Christmas standard and, as Green said, has paid for his kids to go to college. (link below)

Mary, did you know?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1oHJR2g7Tw&feature=player_detailpage