He Is Your Guy

In a world where no one can count on anyone to be honest and get a job done, this is your guy. He is dependable. He works cheap. He is a laugh a minute. He sings while he works. If he can find dependable transportation he is there when he says. He works long hours. He is a light eater but does pause for anything Mickey Mouse.

This is my great nephew. And yes, I think he is the cutest thing ever. He has been partnering with his dad and a bunch of others in their own version of EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER. His mommy is very sick in the hospital and has been there now for 2 months. During her hospitalization her sweet hubby found a house that he thought she would like. So, digital pictures and contracts started flying back and forth. Soon, it was a done deal. But, there was quite a bit of work to be done. So, now paint swatches, carpet samples, knobs, granite, and bathroom fixtures are being drug through the hospital for approval. She has some wonderful girlfriends who she is trusting with details that she can't be there for. Not to mention the most wonderful mom/dad and in-laws to help. Hoardes of friends show up nightly and work is ongoing in every single room. I hear it is already a show place. Her family and friends want her to be able to come home and sit down and not have to do anything. Even the unpacking will be done. It is very possible that she will be hospitalized for the duration of her pregnancy. Now she is only 23 weeks, I believe. She is expecting a little brother who will also sign on to this crew. Please please please remember this remarkable Christian family in your prayers. Storm the gates of Heaven for her speedy recovery and a healthy baby. They are always the "givers" so it is hard for them to be on the "receiver" end, but it just shows how much they are loved and respected. I am proud to be their auntie~

FEAR TAKETH OVER

First let me say, I DO NOT LIKE TO GO THE DENTIST. However, I think good teeth are essential. It is one of the first things that I notice about a person. I think your teeth tell alot about you. I know successful people that have the nastiest, yellowist, rotten and gross teeth and they just go through like nothing is wrong. My parents spent some good money on my teeth. I should have realized I would have to keep it up to keep 'em good. I made sure my children alwasy had their regular check ups, cleanings and we did the braces things for all three of them. Teeth are important. Just ask a horse. But, I don't like the dentist office and it's smells, it's weird utensils, the long needles ( have you ever looked?) and the fact that my mouth has to hang open and drool . So, uncouth. I do not like the dental theory. But, I like my dentist. Now, that I have that out of the way you will be suprised to know that I did, indeed, go to the dentist today. It had been put off longer than I thought. According to their records it was in this decade but still longer than I should have waited. I meant to. I really meant to go alot. I meant to call and make an appointment almost every month. But, something always got in the way. Like having some other hideous procedure. Or, banging my head against brick wall, or sticking bamboo splinters under my fingernails, or having my eyebrows waxed. Any excuse to not follow through and go.

You are probably thinking, "Oh girl, put your big girls on and go." Certainly after all I have been through a trip to the dentist shouldn't be frightful. To top it off, I have a wonderful and compassionate dentist who is so high tech and dental savvy I have nothing to ever worry about. So, today I went. I kept my appointment and I am very proud of myself. I am not sure why I am proud because I don't have a clue what went on. They strapped me on to the nitrous oxide machine and for 2 hours I didn't hear drilling, feel needles, or smell that gross tooth grinding smell. That nitrous is some good stuff. It was a wonderful ethereal and relaxing visit. I couldn't believe it was over. Until I wrote my check. Then I remembered why I was scared of the dentist. IT COSTS TOO MUCH.. they need to give your nitrous at the check out desk. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Everyone Needs A Sallie

Some things just make me happy. My Sallie is one of those "things". She is a character as you can tell my the pictures. There are about 8 of us from our local congregation that hold Sunday morning Bible class at the local retirement home. When I volunteered to participate little did I know the joy and the happiness I would soon find. It's been over 2 years now that we have gone. Like "clockwork" we are there every Sunday at 9:30 AM. They are watching and waiting for us. They are up, dressed, and "wheeling" themselves, or being wheeled by one of us to come to Sunday School. Sallie usually seeks me out but we can't always sit together because I get tickled or she gets tickled. The world is a playground to Sallie. She walks around, pretty much unmonitored, but comfortable in her surroundings. She carries around an unlit cigarette. She doesn't mind it isn't lit. She "pretends". She whispers things in my ear that to her are all too clear and vivid. I know though that those things never happened. She imagines to see people. Oh there are some really good stories about Sallie. Some you wouldn't believe. She is my partner though. I look forward to seeing her everyweek. The only negative thing about this ministry that I have been able to find is that almost each week we come to find that someone has passed away. It is so sad for us. We have gotton to know them so well. I still look for one friend I called MamMaw and I still miss holding her hand during service. I know I'll miss Sallie. I hope God keeps her around here for a long time.

IT IS OFFICIAL

What started out as an I might turned into a great big IT'S TOO LATE NOW. I officially turned in my intent of retirement effective June 10th. I plan on being done and closed out before that though. I couldn't be any more excited or scared. I spoke yesterday with my principal and we had a good talk. Then when I got home last night I emailed my "office matey" because I knew I couldn't talk to her without crying. We have worked together side by side for over 20 years. When I got to work this morning I had an email from her. So, we emailed all morning because we both agreed we'd cry if we talked about it. Then around lunch, I went over to the superintendent's office and told him. He was suprised but very understanding. I came back to the office and wrote a personal letter to each of the staff who have been my "family" for 30 years. They began flooding in all afternoon and there has been alot of shock and tears. But, it is done. No turning back.

I mentioned in my letter that I had been getting gentle heavenly nudges for some time now. Not really ignoring them and very aware of where they were coming from. It is like a light just came on and I said, ENOUGH. There are too many things I want to do. Right now I am young and healthy enough to do whatever I want. I even know what that is.........I want to wake up and think, "Hmmmm what do I want to do today?" I want to throw a suitcase in the car and head to Abilene or Houston to rock one of 4 babies. I want to sit with my mom and dad on the porch and drink iced tea. I want to pack up and go stay with my sisters and shop, and eat, and shop. I am going to rest and rest and rest. I am going to get my house in order and my health. I am going to clean out closets and cabinets. If I want. I want to volunteer to do things I like to do. I want to take lots of pictures. I want to take some road trips to visit friends who have moved away. I might even take an airplane flight all by myself !

When I started to work 30 years ago I was 25 years old with 2 precious little girls. Soon after a son was born. Since that day my life has been full of changes and responsibilities that I wouldn't trade for anything. I have been in fast mode and never looked back. All I know is that in the fall when the school bus runs by my house I won't panic and think I'm late. I'll just pour myself another cup of coffee and put in a good movie.

It's In the Water

All of these beautiful young women are somehow part of my flesh and blood....and if not flesh and blood then they are part of my soul by having married some of my flesh and blood. Got it? I claim them all and love them all dearly. This is but a small group of the immediate family cousins that gathered at my home over Christmas. They are a special group.....chosen for this pictures because they are all pregnant just weeks apart from each other. It has been so fun to watch them each change and grow. For 2 of them it is their second time around but for the other 3 , my daughter, daughter in law, and niece namesake included , it is a first. To say we are excited is an understatement. The first place prize went out to Hollie and Justin for the first arrival of this group of 5. Brooks came in February and is absolutely beautiful. So, one down. Four to go. There have been a few scary moments along the way. One of these precious "moms" has been very sick and is spending her 2nd time in the hospital since this picture was taken. She spent almost the entire month of February there and wasn't home long before she was back. And there she remains. She has a pregnancy related condition called, hyperemesis. She is very, very sick and in alot of pain. We are so worried. Please remember her in your prayers everytime you approach the "throne of God". So far the baby is doing great and seems to be growing and for that we are so thankful. We have got to Christine well so that she can enjoy this wonder of pregnancy and enjoy her husband and little son that need her too! I know that worries her because she feels so helpless. She is a very courageous young woman. Everyone around her is pitching in and helping........Then Jenna Lynn....we are waiting any minute to get a call from her that she is headed to the hospital. We were hoping our newest little girl would come last week for SPRING BREAK but she had other ideas......so we still wait. Then next is my Ashley. We are ecstatically happy about this birth. It is a big healthy girl and she is due to arrive around the end of April if not sooner. If you have read my blog then you know the miraculous journey she and B have been on to become parents. Then my little precious , DIL , J.D. is giving me another granddaugher the end of June. I am counting the days for school to be out so I can go rock baby Jaxon. It's going to be a very busy next few months. Please pray for my family and all my little mommies. We will be forever grateful!

Red High Heels and Gameboys

I spent a wonderful spring break doing the things I love the best. Being with my children and grandchildren. A trip to Houston to ready the nursery of our much anticipated Possum in a few weeks then it was on to Abilene to get Jaxon's room ready for her in June. We got a great start on the room....painted the walls, the cribs together, and some other basic plans in action. I have so so much to look forward to. The kids decided to let mom return to Houston and spend the week with Neena. It was like wonderland. We played Disney Yahtzee by our own made up rules. Macy ran an Easter Egg store in the front room. After watching a morning of CMT and seeing Kellie Pickler's RED HIGH HEEL song she wore my red heels the rest of the week. She knows all the words too! She was mostly worried about why Kellie pushed that boy in the video. I "bought" lots of plastic eggs for a million dollars but she always gave me a receipt in her own 4 year old handwriting. Reid stayed nestled between GAMEBOY and Playstation 2 and no one told him to go to bed or take a shower. Okay, on day 3 I did ask him to take a shower. Macy and I put on makeup together every morning. We talked about when she grew up Neena would buy her some makeup of her own. Two make up mirrors side by side every morning. We played outside, shot some hoops, visited Nana and Poppi, went to the rec center, watched movies, went to Walmart and visited friends they've made in the 'ville. I made pancakes from scratch, "nutrious" suppers with bomb pops for dessert. Even more than one if you wanted it. We ate whatever we wanted whenever we wanted. We caught doodle bugs and put them in plastic containers and punched holes in the lids. We snuggled alot. We had no schedules. We stayed up late and slept late. Then, of all things.......their mother made them go home. I was sad. I still am. It's too quiet in this house. I need some more Easter Eggs from the Easter Egg store and those heels just don't look right on me anymore.

Ahhhhhhhh Spring

The wildflowers are popping up everywhere. Spring is close, I can smell it. I can feel it. I NEED IT!

A Flat Iron and a Rat's Nest

First of all let me say, if you have a bad hair day it is down hill from there......In my teens I was queen of long straight hair. This was the 70's and I could roll my hair in 20 seconds......with orange juice cans. It gave the flatest and straightest look with a little poof of body. Sometimes I would even iron my hair. With the iron! After the birth of my first child, I felt the all too common urge for a new and sophisticated young mother look. I cut my waist long hair into a short and layered shag. It was total impulse and I really did not like it although I wouldn't have admitted it back then. I sorta started a craze around here and everyone started cutting their hair so I didn't feel so alone. I let it grow out shoulder length and got a swing cut. This was my 20's. Then in my 30's I tried for up to date fashion again and went with the perm. I loved it....so easy to take care of and I could get ready in a blink. I wore my hair long and permed for that decade. Great ponytails, great hair pulled back.....or great just wild. With a few occasional trims and highlights for changes, I kept it that way. Then in my 40's I was confused. I still sported a ponytail, wore my hair up in a clip alot, hair pulled back ( bows were in BIG time and the girls and I had every color ), kept it rather shoulder length and straight. Towards the end of my 40's I started feeling a little like I needed to act my age and wear my hair accordingly. So, I went for a "Faith Hill" shorter cut. Like the one she has on her CD Breathe. I loved this cut and it still let me fluff and rat and make big hair. Lots of hair spray. I love big hair and the older I get the more I love it. Texas is all about BIG HAIR. BIG BIG BIG....rat rat tease tease poof poof spray spray. I grew up watching in admiration at my older cousins tease their hair. But, it passed all my decades not in style so I never really got the knack for it. From about middle 40's to present I joined the rat, tease, poof and spray club. I swear that someday they are going to find out women's lungs are coated with hair spray. But, it wasn't alot of fluffy and it wasn't tacky but I got the hang of it. I found out it even gave this 5'1" girl some heighth! Yet, everytime lately I have gone in to get a cut, she has used this flat iron thing on me. She says, "quit teasing your hair." I walk out flat haired and get in the car, go around the block and dig my brush out of the console and tease, tease, poof poof. It is just comfortable.

And then it happened. The girl that has done my hair since the beginning of all this is trying to get me to go straight again. "It'll make you look younger," she said! She slapped a flat iron in my hand and said " try this for a few weeks. " I am all about looking younger. But, I am totally uncoordinated with that thing not to mention it burns at temperatures that I expect it to ignite my side of the bathroom. There is a technique to it for sure. Opposite of anything I have ever tried. I am trying but I am not good at it. I looked great when I left her shop that day but for some reason when I leave my house I look like I was attacked by 50 slobbering St. Bernards. It's not working out. I'll give it a few more weeks. Maybe another lesson in the shop. We'll see.

I totally see why older women cut their hair short and go blue. Not gray but blue. Then they go to the beauty shop every week to maintain it. They don't sell flat irons at their salon. They still roll with plastic rollers, give perms, rat, tease and poof. I am so scared that I am fixing to break down and make an appointment there. I feel like I did when I was 12. Not old enough for lipstick . Yet........ But now, I am not old enough yet for permed blue hair. I just wish I could find a style that would grow with me into the golden (er) years. Men have it made. They do not have to worry about their hair. They don't even have to worry if they don't have any hair. They can get ready to go somewhere in 5 minutes flat. So, I'm sitting here today with my flat hair. Worrying about trying it again tomorrow. I feel much shorter, I know that.

Are You Sure It's Only Tuesday?

I can NOT believe that it's not Friday yet. I don't even remember last Friday. I think I need a vacation. My mom has been sick and in the hospital. Good thing....she's home today. Feeling weak and coughing but at least it was not pneumonia. She got out this morning just in time to accompany Daddy and I to his Dr. appt. After waiting 2 1/2 hours to see this Dr. I think we were all ready to go. There is absolutely NO excuse for a Dr. to keep his patients waiting that long with no explanation. I finally had to open the door because I was starting to feel claustrophobia coming on! Plus, I wanted to see what was so important out there that he was not in with us. After leaving there with really no more answers but a few more explanations I started to compose myself again.

Ashley had a wonderful baby shower on Saturday. It has been a long time since I have seen so many people turn out for a shower. There had to be over 100 people there. I think she can now officially open her own BabiesRUs. What wonderful friends! Then the lovely part was that at least 8 of her best friends, all the way from Kindergarten were there. I got a picture of them all together......all grown up but all still gorgeous. They had a great time remembering when. BA's mom came and brought a friend and we really enjoyed getting to meet her. Both great grandmothers were there. Now, we are ready to get Possum here. That is what I call her.

Speaking of vacations........several weeks ago during one of these "funk" days like I am having today, I called a made reservations for our entire family at the beach this summer. It is at a very nice resort style hotel and I booked the penthouse overlooking the pool with the balcony overlooking the ocean. I could not afford it all but I did it anyway. Somehow, I will have the money when the time gets here. We are all super excited about it. By that time, Possum will be here and her new cousin, Baby Duck. Baby Duck isn't due until just a few weeks before we go so she better be on time! I plan to rock babies on the balcony for a week. It'll be a great opportunity for the new mommies to get some rest and sun while they are at it.

In the meantime, I'll dream of ocean waves and babies and count off the days until then. I have to have something to look forward to in order to make it through. It's just an earthly vacation and an earthly goal. I do have loftier ones and that includes an all expense paid trip to Heaven. I don't even need a reservation for that one. I think it is already made.

There Was A Little Girl

TODAY IS MY SISTER'S BIRTHDAY. We share February birthdays and growing up we always shared a party. Usually right in the middle on Valentine's Day. I wish I could share a party with her today. I wouldn't even compare presents! I don't really think she knows how much she means to me. That's her in the cheerleader pose lurking over me. And yes, we have octopus toys on our heads. And yes, again, I have on TURTLENECK pajamas. What's the deal with putting a claustrophobic child in turtleneck pj's! HA. Love you MOM! They are cute. And yes, this was before I was able to get my eyebrows waxed!

Her Kindergarten class calls me each year on my birthday and sings to me. This year after they sang, they counted my age out by 5's! You know, 5, 10 , 15, 20.......I didn't know 5 year olds could count that high! So, today I called her and wanted to know if she wanted me to count by 5's for her age. She's witty like me and quickly responded, "My age can't be counted by 5's! " She meant without a remainder of some numbers. But, I am the oldest. So, I couldn't really argue with that. I am just not mathematically inclined like she is.

Not only is she mathematically inclined she is just durn smart. I mean seriously smart. She used to get upset stomachs if she made a 99. She never procrastinated. She always did her homework by herself without help. While I whined in the background because I didn't get it. This probably explains why she was VALEDICTORIAN in high school and VALEDICTORIAN at ACU with a 4. ++++ who knows how much more GPA. I majored mostly in social skills which if there was an award, well I would've won that.

She was precious too. And well behaved. And polite. And never any trouble. She was even a middle child yet did not fit that stereotype. She had a million friends. Teachers remarked, " Are you sure you are Lynn's sister?" She still is precious only now she is also beautiful. She is a remarkable woman. She is looked up to by everyone she encounters. Everywhere I go someone knows her. Someone adores her. And rightly so. She's a woman full of integrity, self confidence, and love. She is a woman of God. She lives that. She walks the walk and talks the talk. Which makes her also beautiful on the inside. Or as my sweet Ashley would say, "She's going to Heaven magna cum Laud." And she is. Her children all fit right into her mold and are carbon copies. Her husband adores her. And likewise. She is even submissive! Our "baby sister" is just like that too~ and NO, my parents swear I am not adopted.

As we get older, our relationship, love, and concern for each other just seems to deepen and deepen and deepen. I adore her children/grandchildren and she does mine. When my kids were at ACU she finished raising them! THANK GOD, for Aunt Jody. She did their laundry, "rocked" them when they were homesick, and nursed them when they were sick and too far to come home. When they wanted homemade chocolate chip cookies they knew where to go. For that I can never repay her. Or her husband.

I seriously can not remember a memory that she is not a part of. Although, I still do not remember Lake Whitney. We still love to be together. We still love to talk on the phone. We still love to laugh together. She's dropped everything and rushed to my bedside several times when I was sick. She's a phone call away when I need her. She's prayed for me ( for a long long time, I might add) and still does. Prayed for my health, for my kids, for my marriage, and for my soul. Do you realize how much that means to have a sister like that? And I have 2 !

I have now rightfully earned my place as HEAD SISTER. She and Kathy ( baby sister ) both let me boss them around again in this stage of our lives. I certainly take every opportunity to do that. It feels good since my kids are grown and I can't boss them anymore. I like to be the boss. Does that surprise you? Seriously, HEAD SISTER means nothing.....she is my strength.......she is my soul mate.......my confidante.......my conscious........my counselor.......my precious sister. Who I love with all my heart. HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear SISSIE, happy birthday to you.

Friends Are A Gift From God

Tawana, Becky and Lynn
We think alike. Sometimes we show up in things that are the same color, without planning. We send each other the same cards. We laugh at the same jokes. We need each other. We share history. We share the same faith. We share the same Savior. Although, we don't share the same blood, and are not really sisters, we share the same families, children, and parents.

I heard once that if you have one true friend in life then you should count yourself lucky. I count myself very lucky. There were four of us at one time until cancer came and took one of us way too early. We stood at her casket and couldn't believe she was gone. We comforted her children who were without a mother and later were honored to be the three mothers at the weddings when those children wed. We have been through so much together. We met as teenagers, young newlyweds. We have coached each other through labor, through children in the terrible two's, through the teenage years, and watched each other's children get married. We have become grandmothers together. There is not one remembered memory that I have that they have not been a part of.

We love the same music, movies, and books. We decorate our homes the same, we like the same paintings. We sometimes think each other's thoughts. We are different yet we are the same. When one of us is weak the others are strong. We are accountability partners, prayer partners, and sisters in Christ. We have sung in a trio for over 20 years. Our voices are so in tune with each other that we rarely have to practice. We have sung at weddings, funerals and church functions.

They have sat by my bedside in the hospital and prayed for me. And questioned the doctors when my own family couldn't find the words through fear and grief. We have walked through shadows together. There have been marital problems, children problems, divorce, and death. We have laughed together, cried together and grown together. I don't remember angry words every passing between us. Constructive critiscm yes, but only out of love! And points well taken. There are certainly things that I could not have survived if it had not been for them. For their unfailing love, their unconditional love, and their hope that we will all be in Heaven together, I'll always be grateful.

I have 2 beautiful real life sisters that I share the same things with too and they are my greatest joys and strengths. However we don't live in the same town. We though have the same parents, the same ancestory, the same blood. They are remarkable women of Christ. My personal strength. I love them dearly. I'll share them with you soon. Yet, these 2 remarkable friends are my sisters too. And I love them too. It's hard to distinguish what God has given me. How lucky can I be?

And someday if someone asks me how long we have been friends I'll say, "Oh us? For as long as I can remember."

Congratulations.....It's a Boy

In the 1980's sonograms and knowing the sex of your baby before birth was pretty much unheard of. That is unless the little elderly black woman with magical powers passed you in the grocery store and leaned in close to whisper. And to me that day she said, "Congratulations, it's a boy." Sure, I thought. In my world of pink, purple, Barbie, Pretty Ponies, Strawberry Shortcake and Friends, and pink Huffy bikes......there was no absolute room for a boy. I had not ever been around boys that much. I had 2 sisters. I knew more about girls. I had never purchased a football or didn't even know how to keep score. The only men that had ever been in my life, that I loved deeply, was my Daddy and my husband. But, there was no denying when they placed that little almost 8 lb bundle in my arms that I was in love with another man. OH MY. My mind could not contain all the dreams I had for him that day. He was a most delightful baby. He bouncy, happy and all boy. Most of our friends nicknamed Mitch "Happy Boy". That was how he always was.....happy. Since, I was already in the work world by this time I had to find a sitter for him. My mother and grandmother kept him almost all the time. They were totally in love with him. My grandmother was in her very late 90's and she doted on him from sun up to sun down. Years later when we were forced to have her live in the rest home, Mitch went everyday with my mother there. He loved the old people. And they loved him. He helped the orderlies hand out supplies to the residents everyday. He rode on the cart and gave each resident a hug. To this day, he has a most special place in his heart for elderly people. We visited her everyday in the nursing home. When she lost her eyesight, she would run her fingers over his face and smile. She passed away at the age of 104 and Mitch was 6. At the funeral home he asked us to lift him up so he could see her. He stroked her hair and touched her hands. Then he wanted us to raise her up so he could see her angel wings. There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't think of her. He is kind and tender just like she was. My mom and dad adored him too. He took trips with them. He loved to go to the air base with Poppi and get a soldier haircut. They used to make contracts up with each other for school grades. Daddy liked to make sure that he applied himself educationally as well as athletically. And he was quite the entertainer. He always had us laughing. We used to say that he was born with orange blood because from the minute he could talk, gesture, or choose his wardrobe he had on TEXAS LONGHORN gear. Don't even ask me where he got that from. We had never been major sports oriented. Remember we went to ballet, tap, and had tea parties. He would wear those little football uniforms complete with helmet until the shirts and pants pulled at the seams. Then we would buy the next size and so on and so on. Every Halloween for his entire life, he was a football player. When he was 3 and could sign up for soccer he was ready. Then it was on to tball, football, and Little Dribblers. We spent the better part of 18 years in the bleachers either at the field or in the gym. I learned to keep score, I learned plays. I learned when to yell and when to shut up. Since we lived in the country he learned to entertain himself. He would kick the football across the pasture and run get it and run the other way to score. Sometimes, he would use his stopwatch and time himself in races. Then, for hours and hours he would shoot hoops. He slam dunked every door frame in this house. He dribbled the ball over every surface and ate with it in his lap. When his sisters would practice cheerleading stunts and dances he would join them in the yard. One year when he was the quarterback he was benched with an injury, he donned the TIGER SUIT and cheered with the cheerleaders. Multi talented, wouldn't you say. It wasn't long and he was back out and running down field. But, basketball was his love. He loved basketball. He was the three point man and one night during his junior year he brought the team a victory by popping 6 - 3 pointers in a row. He normally scored the highest points each game....sometimes 30 +. Yes, this mother was on her feet! And, I wonder why I have a heart condition! Slowly, the girls began growing up and one by one left home. By the time he was 9 they were both off at college. And he was an only child. But, our house by no means was quiet. He was such an easy child and I loved to be with him. We would make cookies, go to ball games, watch movies, and host all the boys out for bonfires and basketball tourneys. As well, as ATARI tournaments. He'll be the first to admit he is my baby. My favorite baby! It was so hard to pack his duffles for ACU. His high school career had been awesome. His whole school experience had gone just way too fast. I had the biggest lump in my throat the day we pulled up at ACU and so did he. I knew though that whereever he went or whatever he did he would be a success. And he is. He was a proud and handsome young man, full of positive self esteem, full of God, and full of BIG dreams. He wasn't on campus long when he noticed a beautiful and talented athlete. A softball player. That is now his wife and my daughter. They are expecting the first member of their team in June and I am assuming I am going to have to dig out my old collection of baseball shirts, etc. I don't want to be the only grandmother not supporting that team! I am so proud of him. Of his example to others. I am proud of the way he is patterning his life to be a Godly father. I love that he can cry. I love that he is so forgiving. I love how he loves his beautiful wife. I love how he calls me on his way home from work just because. We don't get to see each other very much because they live 6 hours away. But, I think of him all day and we talk almost every day. I pray for him and all my children in breathless whispering prayers all day. He will always be the best 30th birthday gift I ever received. I love you Bubs.

FESTIVITIES OF RED

GO RED day was a great success in my hometown. The mayor signed a proclamation that all day yesterday was GO RED DAY. I think I had more fun all day than I have had in a LONG LONG time. It wasn't all about me.........I am certainly not the only person in the town to have had a heart attack or health problems. But, everywhere I went yesterday people had on the RED SHIRTS that I had designed. What started out with only about 25 ended up to be everywhere. Not only my table was covered in shirts for weeks but so was everyone of the rooms of my house. One of my good friends had made mine with the heart in the center covered with sparkling crystal rinestones. I told her I was going to feel like RAINBOW FISH ( read the famous children's, RAINBOW FISH by Marcus Pfister ) when my heart was so pretty and sparkly and the others were so plain. So, I began to glue one sparkling crystal onto every single of the 300 tshirts I sold. They turned out awesome. I attached a little handwritten thank you on each tshirt explaining the single crystal. I made my final deliveries yesterday morning before school for "late" orders and when I walked into the hospital the shirts were everywhere......the same at the bank......the same all over town. Then when I got to school it was a sea of red. We had an awesome assembly by this TALENTED woman who sang us through the history of legendary BLACK AMERICANS in music. WHAT A VOICE.....We rocked with Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holliday, and on and on. She told stories of BLACK HISTORY along with her vocal presentations. It was unbelievable. When she said rock, we ALL DID. You couldn't help but feel the beat. I told one of my friends it made even an old church of Christ girl want to get up and dance! The children were in awe of her as we all were. They behaved perfectly and she praised them for it. It was educational and entertaining. But, as I stood at the back of the auditorium, all I saw was red tshirts. For sure I know that heart awareness was alive and well in my town yesterday! They talked about it everywhere I went. I even had people tell me they were going to start taking better care of themselves! The kids too!

This is the picture of my favorite middle child, Ashley that went with the earlier post entitled the same. I have tried unsuccessfully to upload it since I posted about her. Major technical difficulties at neenasnest that have now been resolved thanks to DELL online support!

But, with her being a middle child, it is important that I did not leave out such details of her life story. Her sister had a "picture" and by golly now she has one! In all seriousness, she is as beautiful on the inside as out. Feisty, but beautiful. Can you see she has her husband literally "wrapped around her fingers"? God bless him.

LOVE YOUR HEART

Ever since being diagnosed with heart disease in 2001 I have pretty much educated myself, in between doctor appointments, online with the American Heart Association or the AHA. If you want true facts and statistics that is the site to find it. No mumbo jumbo.....This Friday will be the first time I have actively participated in the GO RED FOR WOMEN DAY. This day is observed nationwide to create awareness of the # 1 KILLER of women ( and men too ) which is heart disease. One in every 3 women will die from HEART DISEASE. Isn't that unbelivable? If it can happen to me ~ it can happen to you. Do whatever you can to prevent it! After suffering 2 massive heart attacks I am arming myself with information, education, healthy eating habits, exercise, and educating everyone I know and love. And that is you! On Friday, February 2nd find something in your closet red. A t - shirt, a dress, a jacket, a hat, a tie.......anything. Support this cause by wearing red that day. Get mad about heart disease.....SEE RED!

Take a minute. Close your eyes. Put your hand over your heart and think about each beat of life. The power of life beating under your hand. Do you realize how important your heart is? HELLO.......... I do know! I know you are only a heartbeat away from finding out yourself, so, make yourself a promise today to do something for yourself and your heart. Eat smart. Exercise. Don't smoke. Have regular well check appointments. Know your cholosterol numbers and your blood pressure. LOVE YOUR HEART. Wearing red is only the beginning of a healthy lifestyle for all of us.

MY FAVORITE MIDDLE CHILD

1976 - Being maternal and all I was worried about having another baby. I couldn't believe how much I had loved another human being as I did FAVORITE FIRST CHILD, from here on out referred to as FD1. To be real honest, I was afraid that I wouldn't or couldn't love another baby as much as I loved my FD1. She was such an easy child. Well mannered, smart, and beautiful. Our life had been almost complete it seemed. But I always knew I never wanted an only child so there were no choices to make. Little did I know how much we had been missing. How could I have ever doubted what joy that little gorgeous brunette could bring us. Ash.....AshieBoo.....Baby Ashley......Hornet........ When Ashley entered the world on that Thursday night so long ago ( well 30 years is a long time ago! ) no one was ready! I still had much to do to get ready for her. Her daddy was still at work. My FD1 and I had had a busy week at our church's VBS. I was trying to finish my Vacation Bible School awards for the next day. Even Dr. B was inconvenienced. He said he had just sat down to a fried chicken dinner. Nothing stopped her then and nothing has stopped her since. She arrived on the scene in about 4 hours with those big brown eyes wide open. Her dark eyelashes drooped almost on her cheeks. I gasped. I knew I was a goner. She had dark olive skin and jet black hair. She had a very fine downy covering of baby hair on her shoulders that soon went away but at first I called her my little monkey. I'm not lying or bragging but I make beautiful babies. Ashley was no exception to FD1. She was beautiful and her big sister adored her. Years passed so quickly and FD2 learned everything in one try. She followed right behind her sister and never missed a beat. They were buds for sure. FD2 started out early exhibiting her one of a kind personality, temper, humor, expressions and talents. Rarely, could we get mad at her because she, even at 18 months, knew how to get out of anything with her quick wit and expressions. Nothing has changed in 30 years in that respect! She had an answer for everything. She still does. There were times when we would quarrel that I would tell her that she made me madder than anyone could make me . That was how we loved each other too. More than anyone could! There was always a herd of little girls giggling our house. Ashley never did anything alone. She always had a large following. As she grew, little children were mesmerized by her. She babysat so much she almost had to have a secretary. When she used to cheer at games little girls would sit all around the fence rails and on the ground by her so they could watch her every move and mimic her. She was a wonderful role model.

It wasn't long until the boys started watching too. She hadn't been at college long when we started to hear, "B.A. this and B.A. that." "B.A. is so sweet." Now, B.A. has been in our lives for 10 years. I told him when they got married to make it work because I didn't want her back! I love that boy to pieces. He is a wonderful husband. He is a precious son to us. He is kind, hardworking, compassionate, and sensitive. All qualities that are hard to find in one guy. Big guys do cry. I love that in a man.

Her love for children has never stopped but her journey to being a mother has been a difficult and hard road. Soon after they married they were told that they would be lucky if they could ever conceive. Ashley was diagnosed with a condition called polycystic ovaries and pregnancy was rare. She was heartbroken but decided to pursue all the options she had at the time. Our entire family learned alot about infertility. Actually, more than I ever wanted to know. We learned about drugs you could take, shots you had to have, ovulation, egg follicles, eggs being harvested, invitro, hospitalizations after hospitalizations. She took a beating literally. There were lots of complications to her little body. B.A. stood by her and honored every dream she ever had. Then one day we were ecstatic to learn that she had indeed gotton pregnant. Then we learned it was twins. Then we learned it was boys. Then we learned they were identical. Then at 24 weeks we lost them. They were beautiful and precious little brothers who I will never forget holding. One of the hardest and most traumatizing experiences I have ever had was watching my beautiful daughter lie weeping in the arms of her big, strong, and weeping husband. How do you tell your child it will be okay? You don't. They grieve. You grieve too. And it hurts so deep.

And then God smiled on Ashley and B.A. and all of us. With no magic pills, no harvesting, no egg follicle counts, she was pregnant. At first, we said it quietly almost whispering among ourselves. We kept it very quiet. Careful to not show any excitement or emotion. Cautious. Very cautious. No one mentioned April 2007. No one mentioned maternity clothes to borrow or a nursery to paint. We had done all that before. To use Ashley's own words to me......"Mom, I'm scared. I am scared to be excited. I am scared of sympathy cards and little caskets." I knew she what she meant. 26 weeks have now gone by and we have marked each one off and thanked God everyday. It's a girl. She's healthy. There is a new twinkle in Ashley's big brown eyes and B.A. calls the baby Little Princess. We know we have a ways to go but we are talking paint colors for the walls. We are looking at strollers. Life is good.

It's amazing as a mother to step back and look at your daughters after they are grown. I sometimes stare at them and wonder who they are. And then I remember those little girls. Then I remember......oh yeah. They are my best friends.

***P.S. I tried for hours, honestly, to upload a picture and blogger won't let me. Check back for a picture later.

MY LITTLE MARATHON GIRL

You Are My Favorite

I WAS BORN TO BE A MOTHER. Being a mother of 3, I can honestly and truly say that I love them all the same. I love them all passionately, unconditionally, and fiercely. I am telling you the truth when I say that I would give my own life to save theirs. I am a lioness protecting her cubs even though they are adults. I would still stand and fight for any of them, take up for them, and comfort them like I did when they were small children. I gave them each a book for Christmas. Heather my oldest received, My Oldest Child, I Love You the Best ......Ashley my middle daughter is reading, My Middle Child, I Love You the Best .....and my baby (grown man) son is proud to own, My Baby, I Love You the Best. Each book enforces the truth, that a mother can not distinguish between those maternal surges of love that never end. That no one is a carbon copy of the other nor expected to be!
But, I can tell you that they each possess different talents and personalities. They were disciplined differently because what worked for one didn't for the other. They learned differently. They reacted to situations differently. What might cause one to burst into tears didn't affect the others at all. And vice and versa. They all were athletes in some way or another. The girls both actively pursued cheerleading and dance from Jr. High on through college cheerleading scholarships. They all are gifted speakers and used to represent their clubs and classes. Our son kept us in the bleachers for every sport for at least 12 years. Rain or shine....we were there. He led the prayer at his high school graduation. They were active with youth groups in church and very popular at school. They stood up for God and what they believed in and their friends respected them for that. But, they were still fun, happy, and energetic. None of them had a shy bone in their bodies! Ashley used to have a poster in her room with the bird from the Peanuts cartoon that had flocks of birds all over him and it said..."You can never have too many friends." That is how they all were. They never met a stranger and were all friends to everyone.....it didn't matter who you were or where you came from. I was always so proud of that trait in them all. They never judged others. Everyone looked the same to them. They are all 3 as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside too.
But today, I want to tell you about my oldest favorite. Her name is Heather and she is 33 years old. She is my most sensitive. She cares what everyone thinks about her. It bothers her if she thinks anyone is upset or mad at her. Her tears flow easily when moved by a word or a story. She believes everything! She finds the good in all people. She is so compassionate. When she was just a baby, she couldn't stand to be reprimanded. She would cry and some of her first words were, "Don't be mad for me " if you told her no no. Her spirit now is that of a Godly woman with a quiet and serving spirit. She is constantly studying and learning what God has planned for her life. Her children are being raised with loving parents who are consistent disciplinarians. If you are a parent you know how important consistency is. I look at her and hear her discussing life and wonder how she turned out so wonderful with me for a mother! Honestly. Miracles do happen.
For the past year she has been training to run in the Houston Marathon. In high school, Heather didn't play sports. She used to say it made her sweat. And that messed up her hair and make up. She stayed busy enough with cheerleading and dance team. She was in band and kept her grades up. When she was 14 she was in love with the high school quarterback. Who was a senior. Who didn't date and she couldn't yet. Who rode his bike 5 miles to our house to see her. Who was content to sit on our couch for 2 years until she was 16, or dating age. Who we loved dearly. Who is now her husband and the father of our precious grandchildren. Anyway, when Heather decided to start training to run the marathon we were all a little suprised but excited for her. As she likes to remind us, ".....one day she started running and couldn't stop." The famous words of Forrest Gump! All year she has faithfully trained with a group in the Bay area and today was their day. The large group ( I think about 300 ) was broken up into teams. She and 2 of her close friends were on the same team. The teams are ability grouped basically. The were training to run the 1/2 marathon this year which was 13 miles. They were NOT in the marathon to win or break a record. They were not in to prove something or to impress anyone. They were in to finish something they started. On Friday night she joined some of her team members for a carb buffet and a "Blessing of the Feet." Then this morning at 4:45 AM the same girls met with a large group at the site of the race and had church services before they lined up for the race to begin. One of the runners who had run there before told Heather that when she got to the top of the first hill to look back and see the amazing throng of runners behind. She was too scared she'd fall and get trampled! Around 20,000 runners lined up. We were able to track her online ( don't ask me how it worked ) and see her location/speed/and predicted finish time. Her husband and kids were there and would call Ashley every little bit to see where she was so they could drive up to the spot and catch a glimpse of her running by in the crowd of participants! Close to 11AM, Troy called Ashley for one final update and hurried to the spot where the finish line was. Ashley told him she should be coming down the hill any minute. Sure enough, here she came. Heather told me that she and her friends paced to join together for that finish line and held hands while they crossed it to the cheers of their husbands and children! Then they all burst into a heap of sobs! Victory cries. Overwhelming, exhausted, and happy tears.
I am big into analogies and could tell you how that reminds me of the race of life and our finish line at the feet of our Heavenly Father. But, I won't. But, it does. Overwhelming, exhausted and happy tears. And I don't even run.

2 Thumbs UP

I am not responsible for my actions if the theme song from ROCKY comes on. I finally made it to see Rocky Balboa last night. I confess I could barely sit still through church last night knowing I was headed there. It was so worth it. My precious tenderhearted best friend, Becky sat beside me sobbing through the whole movie! I actually had to go and get her more tissues! She leaned over about 20 minutes into it and mumbled, "I had no idea this was going to be so precious!" I am going to see it again so I can pick up a couple of the comments he made that were totally worth remembering but Becky was sniveling way too loud! Sometimes G just shakes his head in wonder of female hormones. We all spent the holidays watching all 5 of the other ones so we were hepped up to go. I don't care what you think or say, but Sylvester Stallone is a talented writer and actor. It really was a good story line about getting older and keeping your heart young. Which reminded me of myself and others I tend to hang out with! It wasn't about some tough guy but about a man who accepts what life has thrown at him. He has the kindest heart and there was not one curse word that I can remember or even noticed. He wasn't trying to be the best but to be the best he could be. Isn't that what we all should try? It was a touching story of father/son coming full circle as the father ages and the son enters adulthood. It was about being down on your luck and making the best of it. With what you have and not at other's expense. It's about missed opportunities, lost and found loves, and the desire to give something you totally love your very best last shot! He is always for the underdog. He wrote, directed, acted in all the movies. He was born with some type of slight paralysis in his face so with that and his accent he totally fits the role he created of Rocky. His "true life" son Sage was in Rocky V and is quite the handsome guy but he wasn't in the newest one. Most all the roles are still played by the original actors from Rocky I. And, at 60 , he looks amazing. There was no way that was photoshopped in. The guy works out. The guy can move. From what I have read he has spent the last 10 years getting in shape and staying in shape for this script in his head. You had to bust out with a laugh when in one of final scenes he comes into the ring amid the roars of the crowd, with me totally expecting to hear EYE OF THE TIGER, and Frank Sinatra booms out singing HIGH HOPES! If you go, stay for the credits. As the credits roll by there are film clips of ordinary people running up those famous steps in Philadelphia where Rocky trained and ended his workouts. They are priceless. This is not my typical type movie selection and I have no earthly idea why I have gotton so caught up in this anthology! But I did and I am. And I am not ashamed!

Who Me?

I was asked this morning by our campus principal to lead the prayer as our faculty assembled back together for a New Year. This is a small community and a very tight knit campus. Most of us have worked together for at least 20 years if not more. We know each other inside and out. It is a faculty of about 60 and most of us are friends in some capacity off campus too. Some of us go to church together. Some of us have raised our children together. I started working there when I was 25 years old! I had babies then that I dropped at daycare before work and went through a pregnancy while working full time. There were 8 of us pregnant that same year and we are still there now as grandmothers together! The principal was blamed for alot of things that year! HA! We have been through some pretty horrendous events together over the years, we collegues! We have cried at funerals, laughed ( and cried ) at weddings. We have been through divorces, court trials, family crisises, deaths of friends and family members, horrible accidents, fires, financial disasters, & famines! We have quarreled with each other and "kissed" and made up. We don't always agree! I am with them more than I am my own family on an hour to hour basis! I have "trained" and "broken in" 8 principals. Not an easy task either, let me tell you. I have watched so many children come and go and now their own children are in the schools and I have enjoyed reacquainting myself with them. Several of our younger teachers are alumni of our primary school! Our age ranges vary for sure. Some of us are thinking of ending our careers and leaving the place to the younger - more energetic ones. In several years there will be about 8 or 9 of us that will retire together! If not sooner. That all being said, these women ( & 2 men ) know me very well. They know the good about me, they know the bad about me. They have seen me sob and seen me laugh. I have very good friends there and some that I tolerate. They know the hurts I've endured and the hurts I've inflicted. I think they know deep down that I try to be a good person. I try to do what's right even though sometimes, ashamedly, I get caught up in the world and the chaos of working with a variety of personalities. As I have gotton older, I am much more verbal and say what I mean. Not always good.

I have not ever really worked for a principal that professed openly to being a Christian. One that tried to use God and prayer in the school setting, in decisions and the way she handles parents, children and staff. An administrator that encouraged us to treat others as we like to be treated. She actually has helped in my decision to continue to work for a few more years. I was about ready to throw in the "rag". I have worked under administrations that were ruthless, let me tell you. I take things very personally. I enjoy my job and have alot of fun. More than I should sometimes but I am very responsible and proud of the work ethic and the reputation that I have as a dedicated employee that knows the school laws, the curriculum, the TEKS, the TAKS and the tests! I know the individual families. I know almost every child's phone number by memory! All 500 or so of them. It is a "Rain Man" trait. But, I have to say that if the office staff isn't happy, "ain't nobody happy". There is nothing more ruthless than a mean woman principal. I would much rather work for a man!

So, this morning when approached to pray openly I did not hesitate. I was not nervous but I did precede my prayer with a statement that I saw met friendly glances around the room. I told them that I was honored to pray with them. That they all knew me well and knew that I did not always feel worthy to pray. But, as a commandment I did. A commandment that I pray to a Father to guide me and forgive me. To lead me and help me be a better person. We don't have to be perfect to pray. I am NOT perfect but I know someone WHO IS. It is to Him I prayed this morning. I know that God heard it and I pray that the children, parents and fellow friends of my school will be blessed in 2007.

YO Adrian!

They have sat on a shelf in the bedroom since last Christmas. Just looking at me everyday. They aren't even mine. They were a gift for G last year. Earlier this week, out of boredom (?) and the need to sit down I pulled the set down and opened them. I pulled out the original Rocky, popped it in the DVD and it all started. I have been obsessed the last few days watching the Rocky movies I - V. Or as the box called them ROCKY ANTHOLOGY. Don't even ask me why. I don't know. Totally out of my character. I sat in the dark alone for 5 straight hours last night watching III and IV. All I can say is if the song "Eye of the Tiger" comes on you better get out of my way. One good thing about getting older is that I did not remember seeing any of them! Every now and then a scene would come on and I would get a "flashback". But, for the most part they were all new to me. I knew for certain that I hadn't seen V though. Normally, 100% of the time, I am a girlie girl movie watcher. Every now and then I'll endure something out of the ordinary. I liked all the "Raiders of the Lost Ark "movies but they had flickers of romance. I liked the movie "First Knight" but of course it had romance too. Movies like that without violence. But Rocky?!? Now, there was some fighting. But also, a very sweet love story line continues through each one. A strong marriage theme between Rocky and Adrian. They support, respect, and love each other. I loved it. I was on my feet screaming ROCKY ROCKY ROCKY along with the crowd on the screen. Hope the neighbors weren't window peeping again! When Eye of the Tiger came on it was a good thing I didn't have the vacuum cleaner hooked up because I think I could have sucked up the carpet. I loved all 5 of them. I just got online and saw that the 6th one, or "Rocky Balboa" is on in Austin. I am so excited I wish I could go to the midnight feature tonight. I will be going sometime this week. And I'll be back with a review. Does anyone besides me like ROCKY?

Who Is Auld ang Zyne?

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope that the New Year is filled with blessings galore as you seek and find the Lord more in your heart. He is coming back VERY soon. Don't say I didn't tell you! I wish for you good health and happiness to fill your lives. I hope you have more friends than enemies. If you don't, then pray for your enemies! Pray for them anyway. I hope you learn how important it is to have a prayer life and to study God's Word. It isn't just a Sunday kind of love. It's a daily.....hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second kind of love.

I'll be honest and say that I don't have an idea what the New Year holds for me. There are new babies coming. There are family members that are very sick. There is medicine to have refilled and lab tests to take. There are more Dr. appointments.......it's colonoscopy year too ( TMI, I know. ), I need a new crown on a bad tooth, I have got to start a healthier diet. I have got to start a consistent exercise program. I was doing so good until 7/4. I must start all over again now. I hate being a procrastinator. I'll work on that~tomorrow.

I will say this.......I don't know about tomorrow and I don't care. I just know for now that all around me life is good. I continue to pray for strength not for a perfect life but to accept and be strong with the one I have. Which, right now seems pretty perfect.

Choose to live your life for right this year. Seek out happiness don't wait for it to come to you. Seek out the good in everyone. Think happy and meaningful thoughts and speak the same. Find God in the purest and simplest of places. Worship Him with all your heart. Encourage me to do the same as I will you. I know the right things to do, I just don't like to always do them.

So, my New Year's advice to you to remember is this:

"A person will worship something, have no doubt about that. We may think our tribute is paid in secret in the dark recesses of our hearts. But no. That which dominates our imaginations and our thoughts will determine our lives, and our character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping is what we are become."

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Some Resolutions to Be Made

This was rather interesting. So, just in case you want to get out of the kitchen in the next few days and act like you are doing important work from home on the computer, try this yourself. I think there are some things I need to work on. Hope everyone is having a great time this holiday weekend.

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	6
Mind:	5.5
Body:	5.7
Spirit:	5.2
Friends/Family:	7.5
Love:	5.5
Finance:	3.6
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Silent Night

I have been sitting in the quietness of my home listening to the rain fall and watching the Christmas lights on the tree. It's Texas and it is almost 70 degrees outside. I have laundry to do, dishes to put up, and gifts to wrap. For some reason I can't convince myself to do anything. In the excitement of this season I can't stop thinking about those families who don't have anything to be excited about. Maybe it comes from working in the public schools. The children are breaking my heart. I have heard more than once this week, "Santa, isn't coming to my house." "We don't have a tree at home." I feel helpless that I can't scoop them all up and bring them home to make gingerbread men while Christmas carols play. That we can't all wrap gifts and exchange them with each other. That I can't tuck them each in bed warm with their tummies full. Yet, I spent hours decorating my house. I have spent countless dollars on gifts that I probably had more fun buying than anyone will have receiving. I feel so selfish. I have more than words can express. I have treasures that will remain on this earth when all else is past. Yet, if I have any gift to offer it would be to look beyond the physical that we place so much emphasis on. To take simple things like a hug, a kind word, or an understanding touch as a gift. This world is not our home. If at no other time do I reflect God to others, I pray it is now. So tonight, I know I am way deep. Too deep for myself. I have given myself a headache. I have sat and basked in the happiness that I have been able to experience on a daily basis and probably taken for granted. That I serve a risen Saviour. That He loves me unconditionally and forever. That I am part of a promise. That my blessings are so abundant and I am so undeserving. I am so blessed and it will be my unending exclamation throughout the New Year.

Click on the link below to see a beautifully done movie and words of inspiration for Christmas. Sit in the darkness if you can and listen and read every word.

Silent Night

Refine Me.... Refine Me......Dear Lord

A pretty awesome story...
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study .That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Decision to a Personal Dilemma

I am not one of those people who are overly fond of reading those "bragging" Christmas letters about how the entire family has exceeded in everything they attempted for the entire year. About how everything is just so easy and wonderful. How smart their children are. How successful their careers are. Etc. Etc. Etc. Nonetheless, I always receive a few every year. I always read them and I am sure I smirk my little smug smirk that says, "No one can be that perfect!"

So here is my dilemma. I want to send one out this year about my family. Only it will not be a normal one. Most of these people that will get our card I only hear from once a year along with an occasional email forward. They don't know the half of what I have been dealing with all year. Not near as much as you do ....those who have read my blog this year. They don't know the bad things that have happened along with the good things. Even though they don't mention theirs I am going to tell them mine. Here is a brief synopsis of how it will go the BAD WITH THE GOOD:

Dear Ones,
Yes, the picture attached shows my beautiful and smiling family. This picture was made after Texas lost to the Aggies. We are wearing our Horns shirts totally believing it was a rigged game to save some coach's neck. They are smiling only because I threatened them all. This picture was made at 9:00 PM at night on deck outside. It was freezing. Macy had already had to get marched into the house and threatened by her mother, my daughter. Reid was standing by me because he didn't want to stand by his sister while she got in trouble. Ashley had to wear her jean jacket over her shirt. That is her story though. Otherwise we all coordinated nicely and the jacket made a definite fashion statement. The 4 guys on the back row never moved. They had the exact same look in the entire roll that was shot. No obligations except to look handsome. The girls, myself included, were all shuffling on the front row trying to get the project moving so we could go inside. The picture being made in itself is a Christmas miracle. I was determined......or as my children would lovingly and respectfully say........stubborn and "hellbent".

So, dear ones, here is a story of our year.
January........cold.....boring........property taxes about killed us along with Christmas debt. Mom and Dad both were very sick with the flu, strep and a touch of pneumonia. After 2 trips to the ER..... I put Mom in the hospital and "locked" Daddy in the house to keep him in. I mean I literally had to call for help from my sisters because he would not stay put. As sick as he was! I couldn't be at the hospital with mom and keeping him from sneaking out in the cold.
February.......a busy month of birthdays for our family. I let the maid go. Daddy had some minor surgery. Outpatient. All is fine.
March......A month full of dr. appointments and G started working nights for the month.
April......A dear friend from church died after battling cancer.
May.......A month full of buying wedding gifts and hostessing showers. I went through a book of checks. The end of another school year made me think ever so briefly about retiring.
June.......The month for mammograms, well checks, and bathing suits. I rarely left the pool. I checked the mail about once every 2 weeks. I thought I was getting that phobia that people have when they don't want to leave their houses.
July.........I had another heart attack and spent the night of the 4th in STARFLIGHT headed to the Heart Hospital. The rest of the month is spent at the doctor and on the couch. That is until I returned to the office on the 25th for school registration. Did I mention I thought about retirement?
August......9 family birthdays....................$$$$$ Back to school $$$$$$$ More blood work and tests.
September......More tests this time in Houston. Daddy had a TIA ( small stroke ) Spent several days in the hospital. On the happiest side, we found out we were going to be grandparents again in April. Am still grinning in December. Got a nice raise at work.
October......Began remodeling household areas that I never should have started.....$$$$$$ need therapy for too much HGTV. Went to Abilene to see son and daughter in laws new home. Took grandchildren. Had a WONDERFUL TIME
November.....I don't think I participated in November. Although, I do remember a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. Found out we were going to be grandparents again in June.......really grinning now. I think I'll grin forever.
December......I have NO earthly idea how it got here. I have not finished shopping. There are 20 more days til' Christmas. I have to have a stress test. A month full of parties every weekend and even some during the week. The house to straighten and get ready for company. Gifts to wrap. Food to cook. Still have to go to work. Property taxes are coming due again. Notes coming due at the bank. We need a new roof. We need new carpet. Did I mention I want to retire?

Hope your year was extra happy too. Me? I am just glad to be here. Have a wonderful New Year 2007.

Sincerely,

the &*&^%&*%% family

So what do you think? Should I send it?

Bubble Lights

I'm not known for my great memory. In fact, I daily think that someone is zapping brain cells away and stealing my past. Every now and then something, a sound, a smell, a voice, a story, or just something random makes me pause and think about something that was a special memory. We were decorating the tree tonight and a rush of memories came back of all the many trees I have decorated. Or participated in decorating. We always had REAL trees. The smell of usually cedar fills my brain with the sights and sounds of Christmas. We always had the most special Christmases. My parents made sure of that. When I became a parent, I started my own Christmas memories but they always included my parents, sisters, neices, nephews and now grandchildren. I have found that it is lots of work, anticipation, shopping, and cooking. I wouldn't have it any other way. We grew up decorating the tree and hanging the stockings and that was it. That was all anyone ever did. Wham.....bam......we were done. Now, don't ask me who started this, the whole house is a Christmas extravaganza. It takes me days to get the tree just right. Then the mantle. Then every nook and cranny of the house and porch is like the North Pole. I am not complaining I love it! When it is finished I bask in the wonder of it. I have parties, invite friends over, beg strangers in off the street, open the door to the neighborhood dogs. Anyone is welcome. There is nothing like it. I am NOT a perfectionist. I certainly am not. Everything turns out different every year. I can't remember one year to the next what went where. It makes it all seem new. So, if you are in the neighborhood, please stop by. I have a candy cane with your name on it.

Hot chocolate or eggnog? chocolate Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?Unwrapped every child's in a different location Colored lights on your tree/house or white? colored on the tree and white on the house Do you hang mistletoe? Yes, very realistic plastic When do you put up decorations? Christmas Music after T'giving, house decorations in the beginning of December, and full-on tree, etc, What does your favorite christmas meal include? Meal? Turkeys/ham/all the usual holiday casseroles/ tons of sweets and Aunt Kathy's sugar cookies Favorite christmas memory from childhood?Sleeping on the floor at Granny Price's watching the bubble lights on her "Charlie Brown" tree
How and when did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember. And I'm glad. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Kids, yes. Adults, no. How do you decorate your christmas tree? TONS AND TONS of decorations from Christmases past and present Snow! Love it or leave it? Love it, and miss it. But, hey, it's Central Texas Can you ice skate?In theory, yes, but I haven't done it in many years.
Do you remember your favorite gift? A real life baby doll from the "dime" store in Stephenville. And of course, my Barbie's wedding dress. What's the most important thing about christmas for you? I love being with family. All crowded and noisy. Gifts galore. And precious children with eyes wide. And of course the reason for all my season....SUMMER, WINTER, SPRING and FALL.......Jesus Christ What is your favorite christmas tradition? Making new ones every year. What tops your tree? An angel. What is your favorite christmas song? O'Holy Night. It breaks me to the very soul. I sob. But, I love them all.

What about you? Merry Christmas