Had a nice Thanksgiving in spite of the bad dreams warning otherwise.
I usually get overwhelmed at the in-laws events, and have to leave early, but I quite enjoyed them this year. We had to gather around Grandpa's hospital bed, and the noise and racket seemed to irritate him at times, but when it was over, they cranked up the bed and took photos around him. He seemed to enjoy that, and even smiled for the pix.
...He's still hanging in there...
I'm so thankful that Black Friday weekend is over. With the thyroid issue and a nasty cold on top of that, the extra long shifts have pretty much wiped me out.
Hoping the coming week will be a bit less stressful.
Meanwhile, have I ever mentioned how much I hate Christmas decorating time?
Hubby thinks he has to fill every inch of the place with crap of some form or another, and there are boxes and furniture piled up in all the rooms - it's like trying to get through a maze.
I'm claustrophobic as it is - I can't even go downstairs through the whole Christmas season, because all the air is eaten up by the scads of zombified Santas everywhere.
*Gasp*
Equally exasperating are the comments I always get - "Oh, that's so cute - you are so lucky to have a hubby like that"
Oy, people, you have NO idea! LOL
Been on Nyquil the last three nights trying to conquer the cold - I don't know about you, but Nyquil always gives me lively dreams, not always in a good way.
Last night, however, I dreamed about my mom. For the first time since her passing, she finally told me that she loved me. I can't even tell you how much that means to me. (Amid the screaming at the fast food jerks for REALLY bad service - and conjuring up the ghost of a former neighbor - weird.)
Anyway, it's Sunday again. Celebrating a daughter in law's birthday today. A light snow fell through the night, and good neighbor Bernie has already been out scraping the walks for the whole block with his snow-blower.
Good neighbors are such a blessing.
Hoping for a good day.
:-)
.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Snow Day
We had a blizzard warning in these parts yesterday.
They shut down the government offices, closed schools early - the whole 9 yards.
I even got sent home from work an hour early.
*Fizzle*
Where the storm may have been a lot worse north of us, we didn't get more than a bluster.
Oh, the wind blew the snow horizontally for a while, but visibility was fine, and I made it home without a hitch. Woke up to 2 inches of snow on the ground. Period.
It was supposed to be the biggest storm in 7 years - all I can say is that there must be a new guy in the weather station who came here from Hawaii or something.,,
Never had a less impressive snow day - but I'm ok with that.
Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. We'll be spending it with the in-laws this year.
I had a nightmare last night that they were holding me captive, and that I escaped and was having to climb mountains, wade through streams, and fight natives to get away. Hmmm... I wonder where that came from?
Meanwhile, my daughter is home from college for the weekend, hubby and Melissa are off from work, and we can have lots of good old fashioned family time.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING from all of us!
.
They shut down the government offices, closed schools early - the whole 9 yards.
I even got sent home from work an hour early.
*Fizzle*
Where the storm may have been a lot worse north of us, we didn't get more than a bluster.
Oh, the wind blew the snow horizontally for a while, but visibility was fine, and I made it home without a hitch. Woke up to 2 inches of snow on the ground. Period.
It was supposed to be the biggest storm in 7 years - all I can say is that there must be a new guy in the weather station who came here from Hawaii or something.,,
Never had a less impressive snow day - but I'm ok with that.
Thanksgiving will soon be upon us. We'll be spending it with the in-laws this year.
I had a nightmare last night that they were holding me captive, and that I escaped and was having to climb mountains, wade through streams, and fight natives to get away. Hmmm... I wonder where that came from?
Meanwhile, my daughter is home from college for the weekend, hubby and Melissa are off from work, and we can have lots of good old fashioned family time.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING from all of us!
.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
First Impressions
My youngest brought her latest beau home to meet the folks Friday night.
Always a scary proposition - will we like him, will he like us?
...What has the child gotten into this time?
Super nice guy.
Yep, we all approved. Even my oldest daughter who, I feared, would be looking for reasons not to like him.
First impressions are a biggie around here - I remember when I met my oldest son's bride to be. At the time she was seriously dating someone else (his friend and co-worker).
After chatting with her for a while, I remember thinking "too bad she's taken - she would be the perfect match for him."
Two years later when the tides turned in that direction - I couldn't have been more delighted.
Son # 2 was smitten early in high school. His girl was adorable. When they broke up shortly thereafter, I mourned right along with him.
I felt so strongly that they belonged together.
Happily, she returned to his life, and they are a pair again.
I'm not saying Jenny has met "the one." They just met, and are just getting to know each other.
All I know is that I get a good feeling around him. When you find yourself thinking "Wow - how did she find him?" as they walk out the door, that's a good sign.
I know that my precious daughter is safe with him, a feeling that is priceless.
Meanwhile, my oldest son works for the Federal Court system and has access to all kinds of public records - he actually ran a background check on him!
...It's ok, he's clean - no priors, no arrests.
LOL - I wonder if the kid would still like us if he knew that little tidbit of information...
Now that my children will all want to strangle me for gossiping...
I went to the Quickutz warehouse sale yesterday. Fun, fun, fun!
I wished so much that my daughter in law could have been there.
I walked out with over $900 worth of product for around $100, and came home feeling like Christmas had come early.
...But then, as always, the buyer's remorse sets in - why did I spend so much with Christmas coming and only 2 more paychecks to spread over everything?
Chastising myself for being greedy and selfish...
What's a girl to do? *Sigh* What's done is done. No returns.
It's Sunday again, and I woke up with a wicked sore throat. Supposed to sing with the choir today - I don't know how that's going to work.
There's 3 inches of snow out there that fell during the night, and Thanksgiving week is upon us.
Black Friday is coming, and I work all weekend *shudder* (thousands of crazed shoppers frothing at the mouth for bargains.)
Pray for me...
.
Always a scary proposition - will we like him, will he like us?
...What has the child gotten into this time?
Super nice guy.
Yep, we all approved. Even my oldest daughter who, I feared, would be looking for reasons not to like him.
First impressions are a biggie around here - I remember when I met my oldest son's bride to be. At the time she was seriously dating someone else (his friend and co-worker).
After chatting with her for a while, I remember thinking "too bad she's taken - she would be the perfect match for him."
Two years later when the tides turned in that direction - I couldn't have been more delighted.
Son # 2 was smitten early in high school. His girl was adorable. When they broke up shortly thereafter, I mourned right along with him.
I felt so strongly that they belonged together.
Happily, she returned to his life, and they are a pair again.
I'm not saying Jenny has met "the one." They just met, and are just getting to know each other.
All I know is that I get a good feeling around him. When you find yourself thinking "Wow - how did she find him?" as they walk out the door, that's a good sign.
I know that my precious daughter is safe with him, a feeling that is priceless.
Meanwhile, my oldest son works for the Federal Court system and has access to all kinds of public records - he actually ran a background check on him!
...It's ok, he's clean - no priors, no arrests.
LOL - I wonder if the kid would still like us if he knew that little tidbit of information...
Now that my children will all want to strangle me for gossiping...
I went to the Quickutz warehouse sale yesterday. Fun, fun, fun!
I wished so much that my daughter in law could have been there.
I walked out with over $900 worth of product for around $100, and came home feeling like Christmas had come early.
...But then, as always, the buyer's remorse sets in - why did I spend so much with Christmas coming and only 2 more paychecks to spread over everything?
Chastising myself for being greedy and selfish...
What's a girl to do? *Sigh* What's done is done. No returns.
It's Sunday again, and I woke up with a wicked sore throat. Supposed to sing with the choir today - I don't know how that's going to work.
There's 3 inches of snow out there that fell during the night, and Thanksgiving week is upon us.
Black Friday is coming, and I work all weekend *shudder* (thousands of crazed shoppers frothing at the mouth for bargains.)
Pray for me...
.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wacky Week
Got a 5 day weekend for some reason, and I was all excited anticipating the lovely projects I would get done....
Wednesday morning, I loaded up in the car and headed for Orem.
The chain I work at has a larger store there that carries art supplies (we don't) and I needed another canvas.
(I did a couple of paintings a while back, meaning to sell them, but hubby has grown attached to them and wants a third to complete the set.)
Wouldn't you know it - I got pulled over.
Apparently I've been driving my car unlicensed since March...
Amazingly - I got off with just a warning.
...Could it be my glowing smile? Could it be that I just Oooze charm?
Maybe.
...But, as Archie Bunker used to say; "God looks after babies and Dingbats."
I believe that to be true.
Anyway, I got my shopping done and spent a miserable trip on the freeway coming home (road construction - traffic at a standstill for miles), as I was nearing my exit, I noticed a couple of helicopters. They weren't criss-crossing the valley as they usually do - they were just hovering over one spot - the elementary school that is a couple of blocks from my house.
When I pulled into my driveway, I saw my little neighbor was outside.
(Remind me to tell you about her sometime - she's awesome!) She carries a police scanner, and knows everything that goes on in town...
I asked her what was with all the helicopters, and she told me that there had been a plane crash - right across the street from the elementary school!
I ran inside and turned on the news - sure enough - it had dropped right into someones driveway...
Always a tragedy, but when the news puts names and faces to the accident victims, it really brings that home.
The student was a young man who was about to celebrate his first wedding anniversary - the instructor, somebodies wife - somebodies mom.
So sad.
Wed night, we visited hubby's dad for his birthday. He was awake, and in good spirits. Still hanging on to life with all that he has.
When we got home, hubby announced that he was taking the next 2 days off.
- "Earth to Granny *static* all plans cancelled, shift to plan B immediately."
No painting, no Christmas card making - just running circles.
...We did get a little Christmas shopping done though - might as well accept it - it's coming whether we want it to or not...
Last night, I went to my book club. (I haven't been since last June.)
It was good to be there, the group isn't quite as big as when it started out - but the usual suspects were there.
The scary part is that they wanted to know about everything I've been reading and who my favorite authors are.
Admittedly, I spend way more time on facebook than I do reading these days - and I'm a very boring reader. I stick to the same authors all the time, because I know that they are safe.
(No offensive language, etc.), because you just never know when you pick up a book these days...
When I do branch out, I'm usually sorry.
I like mystery, humor, light romance (light meaning no heaving, thrusting or throbbing) and also biography and history - period. End of story.
If it weren't for the book club, and having reviews from people I trust, I would never try anything else.
It's Friday already, and my time off is coming to an end - next week will be a nightmare with all the holiday sales (and yes, I'll be working - I only hope they have all of our machines up and working this time.)
Winter storms have been predicted all through the week...
Look out, ready or not - here it comes.
.
Wednesday morning, I loaded up in the car and headed for Orem.
The chain I work at has a larger store there that carries art supplies (we don't) and I needed another canvas.
(I did a couple of paintings a while back, meaning to sell them, but hubby has grown attached to them and wants a third to complete the set.)
Wouldn't you know it - I got pulled over.
Apparently I've been driving my car unlicensed since March...
Amazingly - I got off with just a warning.
...Could it be my glowing smile? Could it be that I just Oooze charm?
Maybe.
...But, as Archie Bunker used to say; "God looks after babies and Dingbats."
I believe that to be true.
Anyway, I got my shopping done and spent a miserable trip on the freeway coming home (road construction - traffic at a standstill for miles), as I was nearing my exit, I noticed a couple of helicopters. They weren't criss-crossing the valley as they usually do - they were just hovering over one spot - the elementary school that is a couple of blocks from my house.
When I pulled into my driveway, I saw my little neighbor was outside.
(Remind me to tell you about her sometime - she's awesome!) She carries a police scanner, and knows everything that goes on in town...
I asked her what was with all the helicopters, and she told me that there had been a plane crash - right across the street from the elementary school!
I ran inside and turned on the news - sure enough - it had dropped right into someones driveway...
Always a tragedy, but when the news puts names and faces to the accident victims, it really brings that home.
The student was a young man who was about to celebrate his first wedding anniversary - the instructor, somebodies wife - somebodies mom.
So sad.
Wed night, we visited hubby's dad for his birthday. He was awake, and in good spirits. Still hanging on to life with all that he has.
When we got home, hubby announced that he was taking the next 2 days off.
- "Earth to Granny *static* all plans cancelled, shift to plan B immediately."
No painting, no Christmas card making - just running circles.
...We did get a little Christmas shopping done though - might as well accept it - it's coming whether we want it to or not...
Last night, I went to my book club. (I haven't been since last June.)
It was good to be there, the group isn't quite as big as when it started out - but the usual suspects were there.
The scary part is that they wanted to know about everything I've been reading and who my favorite authors are.
Admittedly, I spend way more time on facebook than I do reading these days - and I'm a very boring reader. I stick to the same authors all the time, because I know that they are safe.
(No offensive language, etc.), because you just never know when you pick up a book these days...
When I do branch out, I'm usually sorry.
I like mystery, humor, light romance (light meaning no heaving, thrusting or throbbing) and also biography and history - period. End of story.
If it weren't for the book club, and having reviews from people I trust, I would never try anything else.
It's Friday already, and my time off is coming to an end - next week will be a nightmare with all the holiday sales (and yes, I'll be working - I only hope they have all of our machines up and working this time.)
Winter storms have been predicted all through the week...
Look out, ready or not - here it comes.
.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
BuZzzz...
I woke up with a bee in my bonnet Saturday - didn't even stop to eat breakfast, just threw on some clothes, grabbed the keys and ran off to the hairdresser.
Very nervous - usually when I do something that impulsive it ends in disaster...
But this time I lucked out - the stylist I wanted was there, she wasn't busy - and when I told her what I wanted, she literally rubbed her hands together with glee and said (giggling) "Yay, I love this cut!"
She gave me highlights, low lights, and a new style. I would be a red-hot smokin' granny, but unfortunately, she couldn't do anything about the face. (Or the bod - LOL)
It was an expensive tantrum (been feeling neglected lately.) But at least it turned out well. In fact, since I got it done I've had 2 people ask me if I've lost weight - I really should have tipped her more!
Saturday night was manic at work. Customers kept coming up to me and asking "what's going on?" Durned if I know, I haven't seen it that nuts since... well, ever!
I was supposed to leave at 8, but that would have left only three people on the floor and I just couldn't see how that would work. I ended up being there 2 more hours finishing up and cleaning up the devastation.
And the holidays are just beginning... *Shudder*
I guess I'm just going to have to accept it - it's definitely November.
It tried to snow last night, and is stormy and cold today. Winter is here whether we want it or not...
We started rehearsing our Christmas songs for the church choir almost a month ago (yes, we DO need that much practice!)
The songs are pretty, but there is one of them that gets stuck in my head and has been there 24/7 eight days a week - it is driving me mad!
They've been playing Christmas music on my radio station since Halloween, and I've been avoiding that - but talk radio is just SO annoying... Been trying to chase that song out of my head, especially on the commute to work, so I went searching desperately through my CD's to find something else to listen to.
Not much into music lately - but I stopped on the Carpenters - the Singles.
Ah yes - has there ever been anything more soothing than Karen Carpenters mellow alto? ...I don't think so.
I may be saved yet...
Speaking of being saved - *News Flash*
I finally got word from my doctor that my biopsy was negative. All clear, I'm going to live.
It was just a message on my voice mail, so it kind of leaves me with more questions than answers, but I'll talk to him when I go in for my check up.
Meanwhile - one less thing to worry about.
(Yay)
Work the next 3 days - time to get back on the treadmill...
.
Very nervous - usually when I do something that impulsive it ends in disaster...
But this time I lucked out - the stylist I wanted was there, she wasn't busy - and when I told her what I wanted, she literally rubbed her hands together with glee and said (giggling) "Yay, I love this cut!"
She gave me highlights, low lights, and a new style. I would be a red-hot smokin' granny, but unfortunately, she couldn't do anything about the face. (Or the bod - LOL)
It was an expensive tantrum (been feeling neglected lately.) But at least it turned out well. In fact, since I got it done I've had 2 people ask me if I've lost weight - I really should have tipped her more!
Saturday night was manic at work. Customers kept coming up to me and asking "what's going on?" Durned if I know, I haven't seen it that nuts since... well, ever!
I was supposed to leave at 8, but that would have left only three people on the floor and I just couldn't see how that would work. I ended up being there 2 more hours finishing up and cleaning up the devastation.
And the holidays are just beginning... *Shudder*
I guess I'm just going to have to accept it - it's definitely November.
It tried to snow last night, and is stormy and cold today. Winter is here whether we want it or not...
We started rehearsing our Christmas songs for the church choir almost a month ago (yes, we DO need that much practice!)
The songs are pretty, but there is one of them that gets stuck in my head and has been there 24/7 eight days a week - it is driving me mad!
They've been playing Christmas music on my radio station since Halloween, and I've been avoiding that - but talk radio is just SO annoying... Been trying to chase that song out of my head, especially on the commute to work, so I went searching desperately through my CD's to find something else to listen to.
Not much into music lately - but I stopped on the Carpenters - the Singles.
Ah yes - has there ever been anything more soothing than Karen Carpenters mellow alto? ...I don't think so.
I may be saved yet...
Speaking of being saved - *News Flash*
I finally got word from my doctor that my biopsy was negative. All clear, I'm going to live.
It was just a message on my voice mail, so it kind of leaves me with more questions than answers, but I'll talk to him when I go in for my check up.
Meanwhile - one less thing to worry about.
(Yay)
Work the next 3 days - time to get back on the treadmill...
.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Waiting it Out...
It's my last day off of the week - just trying to keep busy while waiting for the results of my... I keep wanting to say otopsy - but no, it was a bi-opsy...
(When the time comes for an otopsy - I'm not going to care what the results are! LOL)
...Anyway, everyone tries to cheer me up by saying "No news is good news, right?"
I hate to be disagreeable, but there are times that no news is just no news.
I know that there's something there - I just want to know if that something is going to kill me or not. Ha ha.
I made a HUGE mistake yesterday by saying that my gut was betting that it will be benign. Those are the kind of things you never say out loud!
I'm just superstitious enough to believe that if the news is otherwise, I brought it on myself...
(*tossing salt over shoulder,* *knocking wood,* *spit, spit*)
Meanwhile, I had to talk hubby out of re-arranging the house.
He wanted to move my craft room upstairs, my daughter downstairs, the bookcases back out in the hall, etc. etc.
He's preparing for me to be an invalid and not having to use the stairs...
I had to tell him that I don't plan on being an invalid - besides, the mere thought of the mess he drags out to decorate the house for Christmas is enough to send my blood pressure through the roof, and me right over the edge!
No moving please! He doesn't have time to finish what he starts, and I don't have the energy to clean up after him! LOL
Moving on - I'm almost finished with my second painting.
Having to be patient and work on it in intervals between work days.
Sure wish I could show you - I kind of like this one. Maybe soon...
Much on the plate today - cleaning up workspace, playing with new crafty stuff I got in the mail yesterday...
(I order little surprises for myself once in a while to cure the boredom and lonliness - bargain books I find for a penny on amazon, new crafty supplies, etc. Nice to have fun mail trickling in to have something to look forward to, right? Nope, BaM! ...they all arrived on the same day. *Sigh,* Oh well.)
I want to play at designing my Christmas cards for this year, and planning & sketching the next painting project.
Happy Veterans Day - and a BIG thanks to all who serve!
.
(When the time comes for an otopsy - I'm not going to care what the results are! LOL)
...Anyway, everyone tries to cheer me up by saying "No news is good news, right?"
I hate to be disagreeable, but there are times that no news is just no news.
I know that there's something there - I just want to know if that something is going to kill me or not. Ha ha.
I made a HUGE mistake yesterday by saying that my gut was betting that it will be benign. Those are the kind of things you never say out loud!
I'm just superstitious enough to believe that if the news is otherwise, I brought it on myself...
(*tossing salt over shoulder,* *knocking wood,* *spit, spit*)
Meanwhile, I had to talk hubby out of re-arranging the house.
He wanted to move my craft room upstairs, my daughter downstairs, the bookcases back out in the hall, etc. etc.
He's preparing for me to be an invalid and not having to use the stairs...
I had to tell him that I don't plan on being an invalid - besides, the mere thought of the mess he drags out to decorate the house for Christmas is enough to send my blood pressure through the roof, and me right over the edge!
No moving please! He doesn't have time to finish what he starts, and I don't have the energy to clean up after him! LOL
Moving on - I'm almost finished with my second painting.
Having to be patient and work on it in intervals between work days.
Sure wish I could show you - I kind of like this one. Maybe soon...
Much on the plate today - cleaning up workspace, playing with new crafty stuff I got in the mail yesterday...
(I order little surprises for myself once in a while to cure the boredom and lonliness - bargain books I find for a penny on amazon, new crafty supplies, etc. Nice to have fun mail trickling in to have something to look forward to, right? Nope, BaM! ...they all arrived on the same day. *Sigh,* Oh well.)
I want to play at designing my Christmas cards for this year, and planning & sketching the next painting project.
Happy Veterans Day - and a BIG thanks to all who serve!
.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Quickie
Just a short one tonight.
I'm a little more nervous about my procedure tomorrow than I thought I would be.
It's just that "Biopsy" is such an ugly word - and so often followed by the even uglier "C" word.
The other night the three of us (Hubby, Melissa and I) were talking about possible outcomes, and about the financial implications - hubby brightened up and said; "...But we have really good cancer insurance, we could wind up making money off this!"
Good ol' hubby - always looking on the bright side...
My daughter in law's sister surprised us by bringing dinner the other night just as I was leaving for work. Seriously the best lasagna I have ever tasted!
Libby's family is so awesome - hubby made the comment that if Brad & Lib ever split (Heaven forbid) - we want custody of her family!
Good people.
It's that time to set back the clocks again today. It only takes a few minutes to change all the clocks - but it takes a lot longer to re-set the body clock. I'll still be waking up at the usual time, regardless of what the clock says, but wanting to go to bed at 8 because it's dark and will feel so late...
I'll be driving home in the dark now - not looking forward to that.
Time to try to force myself to sleep again...
Wish me luck in the morning - Prayers gratefully accepted.
.
I'm a little more nervous about my procedure tomorrow than I thought I would be.
It's just that "Biopsy" is such an ugly word - and so often followed by the even uglier "C" word.
The other night the three of us (Hubby, Melissa and I) were talking about possible outcomes, and about the financial implications - hubby brightened up and said; "...But we have really good cancer insurance, we could wind up making money off this!"
Good ol' hubby - always looking on the bright side...
My daughter in law's sister surprised us by bringing dinner the other night just as I was leaving for work. Seriously the best lasagna I have ever tasted!
Libby's family is so awesome - hubby made the comment that if Brad & Lib ever split (Heaven forbid) - we want custody of her family!
Good people.
It's that time to set back the clocks again today. It only takes a few minutes to change all the clocks - but it takes a lot longer to re-set the body clock. I'll still be waking up at the usual time, regardless of what the clock says, but wanting to go to bed at 8 because it's dark and will feel so late...
I'll be driving home in the dark now - not looking forward to that.
Time to try to force myself to sleep again...
Wish me luck in the morning - Prayers gratefully accepted.
.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Grattitude *WARNING* Long One...
It seems that this past year, for some reason, the heavens
have been raining trials.
Just when we think things can't get worse - *Surprise* - they do.
I wrote to a friend this week, because I was feeling low, and just wanted to reach out to someone who could commiserate with me...
Her reply was not the comforting response I had been hoping for - instead, she poured out her heart too; that her husband had broken the news on Halloween night that he was being laid off - for the second time this year.
...That was only the beginning of a really bad chain of events for her.
There was more I would have liked to talk to her about, but after her story,
I just couldn't. She needed my comfort as much as I needed hers.
She is a strong woman of faith, and I knew that she would pull out of it - but there are times for all of us when we feel weak and lost and in need of something or someone to lean on.
She wrote the most beautiful blog today. It rings so true and touched my heart - just makes me glad I know her.
I went to visit my daughter at her college today - hubby took the afternoon off to go help her with her financial aid. Sitting there watching the two of them handle things in the office, I couldn't help feeling proud - she's coming out of her shell and learning to take charge of her own affairs - and my husband, who no matter how much he has on his plate, always takes time to help his kids.
I should be more afraid of his impending job loss, but because of the kind of person he is and the way he has treated people, folks from the past have come out of the woodwork offering him help when the time comes.
We may have to tighten our belts - a lot, but I think we're going to be OK.
We took her shopping afterwards, to one of those giant all purpose stores, to get some groceries for the week.
I can be a bit of a shopaholic, and am always on the lookout for the sparkle and bling no matter where I am. But as I looked around, I felt let down - I just couldn't see anything that I couldn't live without.
I really truly don't need anything - (I just wish so much that I could stop wanting things!) ^.^
I had the opportunity to go to South America after my son had finished his mission there. We stayed with a friend of his who I had come to know through email.
My eyes were opened to what a struggle those people have just to meet their most basic needs, and yet, I was so amazed at how happy they were, and how grateful for every little thing.
When that friend came to visit us later, I felt embarrassed at all the superfluous things I have in this house (Like the doll collection, and the scrapbook store I have accumulated in the basement.) I wished that I could hide it all so she didn't have to see how frivolous and foolish we can be when we have all we need.
When we got home from shopping, hubby packed up and left.
(Friday is his night to go take care of his invalid dad.)
He's getting so weary of this, (just because of everything else he's been dealing with and being able to spend so little time at home) that it's getting really hard for him to go there.
Having been through something similar, I try to remind him that even though it doesn't feel like it now, it really is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve his parents that way.
Looking back on what we went through with my mom - it still doesn't feel like I did enough. After all she went through and sacrificed for us, it could never be enough.
...After he left, it was just my oldest daughter and I. Friday nights are Ghost Hunter nights, so we settled in to be entertained.
One of the episodes took place in Cape May New Jersey. She got excited for me because this is a place I have been.
They mentioned Cape May Diamonds, and I told her I had some of those in my scrapbook - which she immediately wanted to see...
As I flipped through my book (the special travel one,) I couldn't help but think how lucky I've been to see all the places that I've seen.
Small town me, who never thought she would so much as cross a state line!
(I really do have a point to all this - I promise!)
...What it's taking me so long to get at is, that no matter how bad things seem, or how bad they may yet become, I really have had a blessed life.
I had a call from my youngest sis tonight, expressing concern over my upcoming procedure. (Biopsy this week.)
She always reminds me what an awesome family I have.
It is so true. From the oldest, to the in laws, to the youngest gran -
(OK, and maybe even the dog)
I love them all so much.
This talk showed up on my facebook page the other day, and it has been haunting me ever since - I just can't get it out of my mind.
It was given at General Conference last month, and touches close to the heart...
*Favorite quote;
Amen.
.
have been raining trials.
Just when we think things can't get worse - *Surprise* - they do.
I wrote to a friend this week, because I was feeling low, and just wanted to reach out to someone who could commiserate with me...
Her reply was not the comforting response I had been hoping for - instead, she poured out her heart too; that her husband had broken the news on Halloween night that he was being laid off - for the second time this year.
...That was only the beginning of a really bad chain of events for her.
There was more I would have liked to talk to her about, but after her story,
I just couldn't. She needed my comfort as much as I needed hers.
She is a strong woman of faith, and I knew that she would pull out of it - but there are times for all of us when we feel weak and lost and in need of something or someone to lean on.
She wrote the most beautiful blog today. It rings so true and touched my heart - just makes me glad I know her.
I went to visit my daughter at her college today - hubby took the afternoon off to go help her with her financial aid. Sitting there watching the two of them handle things in the office, I couldn't help feeling proud - she's coming out of her shell and learning to take charge of her own affairs - and my husband, who no matter how much he has on his plate, always takes time to help his kids.
I should be more afraid of his impending job loss, but because of the kind of person he is and the way he has treated people, folks from the past have come out of the woodwork offering him help when the time comes.
We may have to tighten our belts - a lot, but I think we're going to be OK.
We took her shopping afterwards, to one of those giant all purpose stores, to get some groceries for the week.
I can be a bit of a shopaholic, and am always on the lookout for the sparkle and bling no matter where I am. But as I looked around, I felt let down - I just couldn't see anything that I couldn't live without.
I really truly don't need anything - (I just wish so much that I could stop wanting things!) ^.^
I had the opportunity to go to South America after my son had finished his mission there. We stayed with a friend of his who I had come to know through email.
My eyes were opened to what a struggle those people have just to meet their most basic needs, and yet, I was so amazed at how happy they were, and how grateful for every little thing.
When that friend came to visit us later, I felt embarrassed at all the superfluous things I have in this house (Like the doll collection, and the scrapbook store I have accumulated in the basement.) I wished that I could hide it all so she didn't have to see how frivolous and foolish we can be when we have all we need.
When we got home from shopping, hubby packed up and left.
(Friday is his night to go take care of his invalid dad.)
He's getting so weary of this, (just because of everything else he's been dealing with and being able to spend so little time at home) that it's getting really hard for him to go there.
Having been through something similar, I try to remind him that even though it doesn't feel like it now, it really is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve his parents that way.
Looking back on what we went through with my mom - it still doesn't feel like I did enough. After all she went through and sacrificed for us, it could never be enough.
...After he left, it was just my oldest daughter and I. Friday nights are Ghost Hunter nights, so we settled in to be entertained.
One of the episodes took place in Cape May New Jersey. She got excited for me because this is a place I have been.
They mentioned Cape May Diamonds, and I told her I had some of those in my scrapbook - which she immediately wanted to see...
As I flipped through my book (the special travel one,) I couldn't help but think how lucky I've been to see all the places that I've seen.
Small town me, who never thought she would so much as cross a state line!
(I really do have a point to all this - I promise!)
...What it's taking me so long to get at is, that no matter how bad things seem, or how bad they may yet become, I really have had a blessed life.
I had a call from my youngest sis tonight, expressing concern over my upcoming procedure. (Biopsy this week.)
She always reminds me what an awesome family I have.
It is so true. From the oldest, to the in laws, to the youngest gran -
(OK, and maybe even the dog)
I love them all so much.
This talk showed up on my facebook page the other day, and it has been haunting me ever since - I just can't get it out of my mind.
It was given at General Conference last month, and touches close to the heart...
*Favorite quote;
"To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven.
Amen.
.
Monday, November 01, 2010
All Saints Day
I am SO done with Halloween - Adios, vamoose - outta here.
Don't get me wrong - it had it's moments, I guess it was the night my daughter had me watch "Sleepy Hollow" with her. I actually thought the story line was ok - it's just that it over stepped my cardinal rule of "no blood - no guts."
If it wasn't for Johnny Depp fainting every five minutes for comic relief, I never would have made it through. Way different than the old folk tale.
(...When I sat down to watch, I was craving chocolate - by the end, I couldn't even look at it!)
When it was over, Melissa popped in "The Addams Family" to ease the tension, but by then I was done with the whole Halloween genre. I had to go upstairs and get my head in a different place so I would be able to sleep.
Melissa has been a dear - she orchestrated, planned, and pretty much made us a fun Halloween dinner on Sunday.
We had a yummy tortellini, served with eyeballs (my daughter-in-law's special meatballs) mini mummy dogs, (mini sausages wrapped in bread dough) and blood punch (pomegranite 7-Up topped with orange and green sherbet.) She even planned for the fact that the grans would probably shy away from the tortellini, and helped them make and decorate mini-pizzas. The dining room was draped with spiderwebs, and the table setting was a creepy candelabra with a black lace table cloth.
For desert, we had pumpkin pie and green sugar cookies, (which started out as witche's fingers, but flattened out so much after baking that they morphed into monster toes...)
The effect was awesome. (And the food - delicious.)
Fun finish to the holiday.
Hubby hates Halloween. Always has. His birthday is November 1st, and he has always resented having to have costume parties for his birthday. (Odd little man - hates dressing up.)
He usually stays up late Halloween night taking down all the decorations, so there will be none of it left for "his" day.
He was too tired to do that last night, so I removed them this morning.
We celebrated his birthday as a family last Sunday, so it will be a quiet night for him - which is just what he needs, truth be told.
The kick-off to the holiday season has begun - the radio stations are probably playing Christmas music already... (I've been avoiding them like the plague.)
I have a heavy work week ahead of me again - sure hope I am done cutting tulle!
Ha.
.
Don't get me wrong - it had it's moments, I guess it was the night my daughter had me watch "Sleepy Hollow" with her. I actually thought the story line was ok - it's just that it over stepped my cardinal rule of "no blood - no guts."
If it wasn't for Johnny Depp fainting every five minutes for comic relief, I never would have made it through. Way different than the old folk tale.
(...When I sat down to watch, I was craving chocolate - by the end, I couldn't even look at it!)
When it was over, Melissa popped in "The Addams Family" to ease the tension, but by then I was done with the whole Halloween genre. I had to go upstairs and get my head in a different place so I would be able to sleep.
Melissa has been a dear - she orchestrated, planned, and pretty much made us a fun Halloween dinner on Sunday.
We had a yummy tortellini, served with eyeballs (my daughter-in-law's special meatballs) mini mummy dogs, (mini sausages wrapped in bread dough) and blood punch (pomegranite 7-Up topped with orange and green sherbet.) She even planned for the fact that the grans would probably shy away from the tortellini, and helped them make and decorate mini-pizzas. The dining room was draped with spiderwebs, and the table setting was a creepy candelabra with a black lace table cloth.
For desert, we had pumpkin pie and green sugar cookies, (which started out as witche's fingers, but flattened out so much after baking that they morphed into monster toes...)
The effect was awesome. (And the food - delicious.)
Fun finish to the holiday.
Hubby hates Halloween. Always has. His birthday is November 1st, and he has always resented having to have costume parties for his birthday. (Odd little man - hates dressing up.)
He usually stays up late Halloween night taking down all the decorations, so there will be none of it left for "his" day.
He was too tired to do that last night, so I removed them this morning.
We celebrated his birthday as a family last Sunday, so it will be a quiet night for him - which is just what he needs, truth be told.
The kick-off to the holiday season has begun - the radio stations are probably playing Christmas music already... (I've been avoiding them like the plague.)
I have a heavy work week ahead of me again - sure hope I am done cutting tulle!
Ha.
.
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