And You Thought I Was 'Kid'ding

Get it, kid....goat? I am well on the way to collecting valuable information to buy a goat to help a needy family in another country. I have contacted some people and found out that this might really be a viable idea for my grandchildren and I to participate in for Christmas. We have family and close friends who are missionaries and these people really do live this way. Having a goat, sheep or other farm animal is essential to their life. Enough about that. If I find another cause I'll let you know.

I don't know if I have ever told you about DJ before. He is my other cause. Several years ago, our church started a van ministry to bring children to Wednesday night services/class that would never come without this offer. I was teaching the 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders at this time and I had a class of about 10 or more on most nights. Most of them came to church hungry because no one was home to feed them before the van ran at 6:45. Actually, most of them had no one that would have fed them anyway. Unless, it was cereal or chicken nuggets they fixed themselves. Because no one was home but them. So, my class ended up eating supper I had brought while we had a lesson. At least I had their undivided attention! Our church offered lots of love, food from the pantry to take home, and have been able to minister to their families and to the children. I knew all of the kids of course from school already. Most, if not all of them, were from troubled and empty homes. They soaked up Wednesday night Bible stories. They have grown alot since the van wheels started turning. Some members wanted to stop the van because the children were trouble. Oh yes, they didn't know how to sit still and they didn't know how walk quietly. But, we kept it up and going. Probably more than half of those original "riders" are still coming. My little DJ is one of them. He is my "adopted" boy. I pick him up every Sunday morning and he helps us at the nursing home service. He goes to worship with me and sits by us. I give him money for the collection. And he eats Sunday lunch with us at Nana's. He calls me when there is something special at school and I go as his parent. He knows my cell number too. He calls me when it is storming and he is alone because he is afraid of storms. He is always alone. Sometimes he just calls me. He has written his birthday in my purse calendar so I won't forget. He loves to get mints and gum out of purse during church. Not too long ago he was baptized. Even though I thought he might be too young I couldn't let this opportunity for a pure and innocent heart to "fall through a crack in life" by telling him, "Why don't you wait until your older?" . I don't plan to let him fall through any cracks ........but he has a long road to haul down in life. As long as I can be there to help him I will.

Let me interject and say that I have an awesome family. They have all 100% supported me on making Christmas more about helping and giving than receiving this year. We all have come to realize that just life itself is such a gift. Being together and our endless love for each other. Our family has been through some tragedies in the past 6 years that have bonded us as tragedy does to families. This year we are celebrating the two precious little girls that were born into our family. They are both healthy, growing and strong. They each have precious personalities as do their cousins Rooster and Lulu. They are loved so much by their older cousins. I am so totally smitten with these four children, my grandchildren. Just as I am totally smitten and in love with their parents.

Before my children were grown I used to pray that God would give them each someone to marry and love and share life with. To share a life that would be easy but not perfect. That would be full of laughter and sorrows washed over with mercy and grace. That somehow that seed I was trying so hard to plant, despite my own faults, would take root and grow in their hearts. My prayers were answered there and more. So, today I thank God for my family. For the gift of them is more than anything that could be wrapped and under a tree.

HO HO HO HMMMMMMMM

Since last May, my financial status has changed significantly. My children and friends were aware this would be happening and so was I. But nonetheless, I was willing to retire after 30 years and just not make enough money to be able to keep giving and living like I had grown accustomed! I won't say it's been it's easy either. I have had a couple of calls from the BANK like, "You need to get some $$$ down here pretty quick." But all in all these last few months have been like a test run. I repeatedly have to ask myself..........Do I want to spend it or do I want to go back to work? Do I really really need that? HMMMMMMMMM.

Now, that Christmas is here I want the money. I want it bad. I want to start shopping. I want to start buying. But, I have 0 ...zip....denada....money coming in. And, I want to keep giving to my family like I have always done. But, it just ain't gonna happen unless I steal a car and hold up a convenience store and I really don't think that would look right. There has got to be another way.

I know that my grown ones will understand that things are cutting back drastically. I've always said it but now it's true. I made this decision to stay home. But, it's hard to tell the little ones. I went from 2 grandchildren last year to 4 this year. They are the ones that matter. They are what Christmas is about! I just hope that whatever is under the tree that everyone knows that my love for them will never change. Broke or not. That if I could I would give you the moon. So, just be ready for a very laid back and easy Christmas on this end.

I would like to see Rooster and Lulu clean out a box each of "still good" toys and take them down to Blue Santa for some kids who won't get anything. That would be my gift! I would be so proud. There will be plenty in this town who won't even get one present. Even though they write a letter and think, "maybe this year Santa will remember me." . Our family is so lucky to get to be together. We just won't have the millions of gifts that we usually do. But if I have all my babies in my nest I'll be happy enough.

OK...... Rooster, Lulu, Possum, and Tiny Princess, I would love to be able to help this little boy who is hungry and sad. Maybe we need to collect our quarters and dollars and send them to him to help him for part of our Christmas. Wouldn't that make us happy to help someone else have a Merry Christmas? Or that someone had something to eat while we have a fridge full? That would make us happy. I just want us all to be thankful that we have each other and we have so much to be thankful for. We have clothes, food, warm beds, and lots of toys and things that we need but don't even think of as not being normal. But, mostly we get to be together. We get to live in a free country where we can love God and proudly be Christians.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Don't Say You Didn't Know

I think I have even posted these before but they are worthy of hearing again. Note the last one is from personal experience.

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The hardest years in life are those between ten and seventy.
-Helen Hayes (at 73)

I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I think of them as stray eyebrows.
- Janette Barber

My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first one being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.
-Erma Bombeck

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart.
-Caryn Leschen

If you can't be a good example then you'll just have to be a horrible warning.
-(Unknown)

I'm not going to vacuum 'til Sears makes one you can ride on.
-Roseanne Barr

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.
-Eleanor Roosevelt

Never walk around on the damp bathroom floor with a q-tip dangling from your ear, you might slip and hit the wall. Similiar to running with scissors. WHAT DID YOU SAY?????

Just some great advice to think on ....... this blog is on vacation for awhile enjoying family, friends, weddings, shopping, babies, and holidays.


ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other. THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want. FOUR. When you say, 'I love you,' mean it. FIVE. When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye. SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married. SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight. EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much. NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely. TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling. ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives. TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?' FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk. FIFTEEN. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze. SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson. SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions. EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship. NINETEEN When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice. TWENTY- ONE. Spend some time alone.

Whatever you do......wherever you go........JUST BE THANKFUL and thank the GIVER of all.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

I AM WOMAN...Hear Me Roar

One Flaw In Women

author unknown to me

Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have the compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

A Love So Deep

OH MY. Could you just fall in love with this face too? I am absolutely smitten with my grandchildren, as if you didn't know that already. The four of them have brought joy to my life that I can't even begin to explain. But, I got to spend the last few days with the youngest of the beautiful granddaughters. We enjoyed the crisp night air of a Texas High School football game. We got to watch her Daddy help coach the Eagles to a victory. For awhile it could've gone either way so it was an exciting game. But, can you tell she likes the band and cheerleaders? They had her total attention! She slept through the first quarter in my lap and was awake the rest of the game just being adorable. Then on Sunday we all worshipped together and Tiny Princess received a special blessing and prayer at church services. She looked like a little angel on the stage with her mommy and daddy. With a big smile for the audience and Mike Cope. Lots of family was there to watch and join the prayer that we all continue to be a guidance in her life so that she can reflect the love of the Heavenly Father who blessed us with her! We didn't see much of our son due to coaching and work schedules but Tiny Princess and her mommy gave me the royal visit. We had so much fun. We always do. We talk, shop, eat, drink coffee, watch movies and shop!




I got to see my sister briefly while on our journey to A-town but she ended up getting sick and sent to bed for the rest of the weekend with flu-ey symptoms. We love her but we avoided her after that! No time to be sick. We did get to love on ACU's star soccer player and visit with our bro in law. Here they are with all their grandbabies. A handful huh? I am still ahead of them by one. But, in this family it could change at anytime. they don't get to see their babies as much as they'd like either.

Monday I met Ash and beautiful little Av at a halfway point and picked up my hairiest granddog so he could come to Camp Neena for the week. They were going out of town and he couldn't go so guess where he wanted to stay? Of course, he did! I really wanted to bring Av home with me and let Tater go with Ash. But, due to feeding complications that couldn't happen!

The rest of my week should be pretty calm. Tomorrow at BOOKWORMS we are talking about the seasons and falling leaves and reading a story called, " A Leaf Blew In ". Next week is the big wedding and we will have a houseful of guests for that. I can't wait to have ALL my babies together for several times in the next few months. There is no doubt ever in my mind that God is good to me. Have you looked around lately and counted your blessings?