Thank you! I Love You!

Counting Our Blessings

I have recounted the simple blessings in my life so many times this past month. While it has been a year of blessings in our family, it has been a year of tragedy in others and my heart goes out to them. This past month has been so devastating to so many families in my life. First, a man not much older than my husband was sitting in church next to him in class and the next week, had a heart attack. His wife came over last week and she is still in shock of course, but her life has changed so much over night. They have a large farm and lots of animals and a son still in high school, and most importantly, they had a lot of their marriage years still to live out and dreams to see through. It made me go to bed that night and stare at the man sleeping next to me. We have basically been together since we were 17 and I don't know if I could do what she has to do now. I mean I know I wouldn't have a choice, but my heart breaks for her and her family.

Then one of our district employee's husbands went hunting right before Christmas break and they found him the next day. He had died of a heart attack. He had been helping serve breakfast at a school program just days before. I didn't know him well, but in a small town, it has a big effect and of course my heart went out to her and her family. Then, Sunday our high school's wrestling coach was out duck hunting and had a heart attack that took his life as well. He was such a kind and caring man. He worked at the middle school. He inspired many wrestlers as well. I have many of them in class and dread facing them next week at school. I also have his youngest son in my class. I just have so much compassion and feel so bad for this family. He has two other kids at the high school as well. His wrestling team will have a difficult time coping as will so many others. I think of the wife again and how she must go forward in life without her helpmate by her side-- the one who helped her build dreams and built them together. Time to hug my husband again and be thankful I have his socks to pick up and his corny jokes to listen to.

As if all of this wasn't enough, one of my students called tonight to say she was in California because her mom had died. This is a student who struggles with life in general any way and has been doing SO much better in school this year. While her situation with her mom has not been good, she is still her mom and this is going to affect her and the rest of her family. My heart is out to them. So much sadness during a time of hope. Thank goodness for the hope and the knowledge that all of these loved ones will be reunited some day. Thank goodness families are forever. Right now though, please remember these families in your prayers and remember how fortunate we are to have our spouses and families with us.

Amidst the tragedy there have been some rays of sunshine... some good news to remind us of the good in our life. One ray may be seen from a distant if it doesn't stop snowing on the other side of the state. One of my former players is getting married Thursday and I so want to see and hear her as she says "I do" to her new sweetheart. The weather report is not looking good. :(

I have been thankful for a much needed break and it has been just what the doctor ordered. It has helped me clear my head and refocus. I have also found joy in my life by watching my team grow. They have improved so much. I have also enjoyed watching my grandkids grow. They are all growing up so fast. Rellie is turning into such a big brother for baby Kayson. We visited him tonight. Daisha is practicing on her basketball hoop (w/break away rim) that I gave her and I think driving dad crazy with it :D paybacks. The other three are sick and I think I need to make a grandma visit to the sickie house tomorrow to see what I can do to help. Jason texted me today to tell me that Maddi took her first steps. He didn't get it on camera though. Still, how exciting! I hope the weather clears this weekend so they can return home safely.

Lots of prayers of both comfort and gratitude go out this week. Please remember to say "I love you" often.

More Christmas Cheer

Christmas Day 2010

No children at home so the plan was to sleep in and enjoy the empty nest effect. At 5:30am we had a report from our eldest grandchild. She was being told to stay in her room until everyone was up (meaning the other children) and until the grandparents (other side) were there to watch them open their presents. We felt her pain, but smiled thinking about her dad at that age and how he hated to wait. So the sleeping in part didn't happen, well sort of.... I went back to sleep but the hubby didn't.

After we delivered neighbor gifts we hit the road and headed to my mom's. Had fun visiting with Korrine and Alex. Korrine and I were planning her wedding (which will happen in two years after she graduates). We're thinking vintage Victorian. Then we planned mom's catering business. I forgot how much I miss Rinny. She is fun to talk to and be around. I could still adopt her. :D We also got to see Derek. It's only the second time we've seen him since he got back from Afghanistan. He's off to Ranger training next then being deployed to Germany. So then Korrine and I were talking about everyone going to see Derek in Germany.... which led to the girls planning a trip to Italy and Greece. Korrine thought we should start a vacation savings account together.... she thought we could put like $20 a month in there each. I'd like to go before I croak, so I'm thinking we need to go to plan B and find something that's a tour or that needs adult chaperones and we could volunteer. If anyone has any suggestions... send them my way. I'm also a little concerned about us being tourist. :D

Had way too much food at mom's then came home and fixed supper for Greg's brother and sister and nephew. Really enjoyed dinner though. We sat and visited a long time and shared a lot of laughs and memories. Called Amber and checked on her since she had surgery Thursday. She picked up a parasite in London and apparently it spread from her intestine to her liver so they had to operate. I didn't even know that could happen. She sounded good though. Still, keep her in your prayers.

We also got to talk to Maddi on the phone since it is her birthday. She was a jabber jaws. She was just going on and on like she was 12 not one. It was very cute. Rellie called to talk about Santa's visit to his house as well. He was quite excited. Then Mandy called later and said he was sick... just laying around. How sad to be sick on Christmas. I might have to go see him tomorrow.... after everyone leaves our house. The husband's family is all coming tomorrow.

So it was a different, but relaxing and enjoyable Christmas day.

Christmas Eve 2010

Christmas Eve

Started the morning with breakfast with the four grandkids who spent the night. Made them pancakes, hashbrowns, bacon and eggs. After breakfast Bryton ended up making the rice crispy treats including stirring them and scraping them into the pan. His favorite part was simply getting to dump marshmallows and rice crispies into the measuring cups though. Daisha used the metal cookie cutter to cut out the large treats then I wrapped them in Saran wrap and she tied ribbons on them. Tucker had made all the cards for them the night before so we put the cards with them and put them all into the snowman bucket for them to take home with them. Of course they made one for Santa too.

After they all had their baths, papa took them back home, except Rellie. We kept him so his parents could finish wrapping his stuff. Had the missionaries over for dinner. I always think of them on the holidays so thought we might as well feed them. I remember how I thought about my two boys during the holidays and they were gone on their missions. I always hoped they were getting fed and remembered as they were out serving the Lord and being so far from home and their families. Enjoyed having the Elders over tonight. Sent a box of goodies and leftovers home with them.

AFter dinner Rellie was beside himself waiting for his mom and dad to get here because he knew he couldn't open his presents from us until they were here. After all the presents were opened and visiting was done, they headed out to get the cookies ready for Santa at Rellie's house. Just as they were leaving a plane flew over and in the night sky all you could see were the red lights of the plane. You guessed it. Rellie thought it was Santa. He was beside himself again. He needed to get home before Santa got there. Children..... like a small child in a manger.... are what remind us of the spirit of hope and happiness we find this time of year.

Now while our children are busy getting ready to stay up after the children are tucked into bed and tomorrow morning when the children wake up SO early..... we will be in bed. :D :D We put in our time. Now it's their turn. :D I did help keep the both sides of Christmas (which both have the common thread of caring and giving) alive today. First, I assured the grandchildren that each house is equipped with a "spy elf" that is too small to see. He reports back to Santa and tells him if they're being naughty or nice. :D I also let them play with the Nativity and it's a nice glass set, but how do you say "Don't touch Jesus" when you want them to know about him. So yeah... baby Jesus rode the camel today. I did stop at the Angel riding the camel. It all made me stop and think about Christ growing up and how I could never be Mary. She was definitely a special woman called of God. Can you imagine the responsibility of raising Christ! Yikes! Obviously she did a great job!

Okay... I'm off to a quiet night of sleep followed by a "sleep in morning". Oh burn. Merry Christmas children. We love you! :D

Visions of Sugar Plums Danced in Their Heads

Are we there yet?

Started the morning with team breakfast at Sunrise Cafe. Loved it. Great girls. Now we all get a few days off to enjoy the holidays and our families. After breakfast we had some last minute finish up shopping to do then headed out to pick up Rellie. From there we went to Jeremy's and acquired a few more grandkids for the evening. We took the scenic route home so we could look at Christmas lights but man! What a lot of party poopers this year! We have to find some better subdivisions I guess. A friend told us to take the kids to some garden out by the old state pen in Boise (by
Warm Springs). Maybe we'll do that next week.

So once we got home and got everything unloaded we all worked on the puzzles. They're all quite good at putting together puzzles. They're also a little competitive. I have no idea where that came from!! :D After we conquered several puzzles we decided to make some custom Christmas cards. Now some people may have difficulty identifying the time of year (or their name) but when we add the "treat" to them tomorrow (we're making Rice Crispy Christmas trees tomorrow) it will be clear that they're Christmas cards. :D
`
Also watched the Grinch between playing with their toys and finishing cards. I think papa paid the most attention to the Grinch (hmmmmm). J/K, he's been really good this year about putting up the lights, going shopping, etc. Love you sweety. After The Grinch it was time for hot chocolate and a serious discussion of what to do for Santa tomorrow night. They're thinking hot chocolate instead of milk because Santa will be outside in his sleigh and might be cold. Daisha also listened to the weather report and she is concerned about Santa being in the rain. I suppose she'll want to leave him an umbrella to go with his cookies and hot chocolate. Tucker thinks he might need to rest in one of their chairs for a while too. They are all VERY excited that tomorrow night is almost here.

We discussed how excited their daddy used to get when he was little. They thought that was funny. I told them he couldn't sleep either. After hot chocolate we had family prayer and the three little angel boys were tucked into the blue room (boys room) and papa has already checked on them three times. The crimes: 1) giggling 2) spitting (they're boys) 3) talking too much . I predict we'll have at least one of them in bed with us before the night is over... maybe more.

Daisha just picked up all the toys in the play room. She is quite the helper and well trained in working. Good job mom and dad. She is excited to make the treats tomorrow and that she gets to sleep with mem (me) tonight. After all, there's not room for a girl in bed with three little noisy boys. Her room (the pink room) is full of presents (some wrapped) and some not, so it's off limits tonight. Makes me think of when I slept at my Grandma's house. She always had a drawer full of flannel nightgowns and I loved getting one out to sleep in. I should buy some. And her pillowcases always smelled like they were freshly ironed (because they were). Not doing that part, but I do miss those little things. Mostly I just miss my Grandma.

I feel very blessed this time of year to have the family I have and the provisions I need. I feel blessed to be so loved and to love. Speaking of that.... I hear more giggling. Better go save them from Papa Grinch. :D

SAVE THE POTATO

In case you haven't heard.... they're trying to remove potatoes from the federally funded school lunch programs. They claim they're unhealthy!!!! Ridiculous! They can serve frozen pizza every day, but not those evil potatoes. Are you kidding me! In protest (and the thing that brought it to my attention) the chief of the Washington Potato commission ate only potatoes for 60 days to make a point about their nutritional value. End result.... his cholesterol dropped 67 points and he lost 20 pounds. His name is chris Voigt if you want to google it. He ate abotu 20 potatoes a day! Potatoes are the ONLY vegetable not allowed for purchase in the W.I.C. programs too. I might add that potatoes have more potassium than bananas and provide about 45% of your needed daily vitamin C. They have ZERO FAT! Get a clue people!

Since potatoes have always been my all-time favorite food (the one I'd choose if I was stranded on an island and could only pick one) you can imagine that I'm just a little ticked that they'd even consider taking it out of school lunch. Take out the processed food and you'd be making everything a whole lot healthier.

My last health gripe-- plastic. Not only is it filling up our landfills and emitting lovely chemicals into our air-- apparently it has some estrogen in it. Too much estrogen significantly increases chances of cancer-- particularly breast, prostate, and testicular. I've already penned my letter to United Dairymen asking them to consider this as they package their milk. Pesticides on foods is another estrogen carrier to be careful of. Buy organic or wash thoroughly. Being a menopausal woman, I've been reading up a lot on estrogen and I'm definitely NOT taking it. I'll just be a little grouchier and my hair will be a little thicker, but I will not increase my risks of breast cancer which already runs in the family, thank you very much. So please be patient with this menopausal women of the world and know that if you're female..... you too will be this way some day!

On another random note.... I need dilly beans. Anyone know where to buy them?

Monday, Monday

My girls played so well I couldn't even believe it! Great way to start of the break! Also finished my Christmas shopping. Took Scrooge with me. I still love him. He still loves me. Life is good. Now the yuck part.... wrapping. Go bags!

Whit-
you saw my feeble attempt at following your instructions for posting a play list.
Mandy-
please help your mom post it correctly.

HEALTH TIP OF THE DAY:
Don't eat Soy. It's really bad for you. More and more evidence. Just don't do it.


That's all I got.

http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/692103953
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/813096721
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/additem/711790609

The plate is getting clearer

The snow was the beautiful kind today. It was raining a little as we were getting out of church then when we got home it turned into small flakes, then big, beautiful thick ones. Canceled Mandy's party though. Sorry banana.

My talk in church went fine and my lesson later went fine as well. The person giving the talks and lessons always learns more than those who are listening. I spoke on the Atonement. We can't think of it as just an event. It is a tool we should use every day in our life. I'm so thankful for a husband who always helps me with my lesson too. We not only discuss it, he often has to do silly things like tie bows on my handouts or..... make unleavened bread so we can discuss the Last Supper. But... by the way.... it was NOT unleavened bread at the Last Supper. It was most likely a yeast bread like Shepherd's bread. This may seem like a small point but one of the main arguments surrounding the Reformation was the whole idea of is the "bread and wine" a symbolic thing as we take it today, or is it a literal thing where we think the bread and wine actually turn into the blood and body of Christ. The Reformation was a time of much debate on this topic with some churches choosing to use the unleavened bread because it was easier for the literal transformation of the bread into Christ's body and other churches went with the fact the bread was symbolic and went with the leavened (yeast) bread. Our church believes it is symbolic and not literal. Either way, Christ died for us and rose again that we might be able to repent and have Eternal Life.

And so we decided to try making unleavened bread. The hubby made it while I typed, cut, and pasted the handouts that went with it. The bread reminded us of saltines. I was surprised how many recipes were on the internet. Oh the wonders of technology.

Well I have a game tomorrow then we don't have another one till Jan. 3rd. Break time! yeah! Looking forward to friends and family who are coming for the holidays. I'm also looking forward to sleep.

CHRISTMAS BREAK AND SLEEP!

SATURDAY DECEMBER 18TH (after midnight)-
While I still have a lot on my plate, the load was certainly lightened Friday after school was released for Christmas break. I will have two weeks to catch up on some ungraded papers, some much needed rest, some much needed dates with my husband, and some much needed housecleaning. I also want to spend some time with Tammy, my sister-in-law, and get presents wrapped, visit friends and former students, and try to refocus for the upcoming new year.

My drama kids pulled off another entertaining production and sent everyone merrily on their way with smiles on their faces. I'm pretty sure I smiled the most though. The costumes are back on the hangers and the flats are back in the flat closets. I have a game Monday, and practice Tuesday, but Wednesday morning I'm taking them all to breakfast and letting them do a Secret Santa exchange. After breakfast they get a few days off and so do I.

Woke up at 5am and couldn't sleep (because I knew I didn't have to get up-- isn't that how it always goes), so we just got up. Had a b-ball meeting at 10am then we watched Rellie and Kayson so Mandy could go out for her birthday and I was dragging. I slept a while before the game then woke up and headed that way. It snowed and the roads were a little slick coming home. Worked on my talk for Sunday, then remembered I also have the ladies' RS lesson. So..... I am clearing my plate one item at a time and I think I really need to rest.... right now and tomorrow.

Then I need to think more carefully about each thing I pile on my plate in the future and who I allow to pile things on to my plate as well. I have to find balance between selfishness and workaholic. Wish me luck!

L.....O.......N.......G W....E....E.....K!!!!!!

Bright moments in my week:

1) A note from my team telling me how much that appreciate me. (needed that)

2)One of my "needy" classes was so well behaved this week I think I'll make them cookies tonight

3)Had dress rehearsal this morning and was expecting the worst because I took on new kids outside of the class and some haven't been doing their parts.... but it wasn't too bad this morning. Still don't think it'll be "super" but I know they'll pull through and this is just a short Christmas play to send everyone off, so they'll entertain them and that's that. Then I can sleep again. :D Until the spring play.

4) Seeing Rellie at school even if it was through the car window because of the pouring rain. He comes for lunch at least once a week and I never get tired of seeing his little beaming face as he comes through my door.

5) Winning our game. An awesome (unintentional) behind the back pass during that win.

6) Coming home to my best friend every night and knowing he'll love me even through the week I'm getting ready for a play.

7) Having heart to hearts with students who trust me in their life.

8) Hearing about Jeremy's success in school and his business.

9) Coaching with Jeremy.

10) Sharing my testimony.

Slacker

I thought I missed last week, but it looks like it's been more than a week. It's been busy and I know there's not a ton that look on here, so please forgive me for being a slacker.

I don't even know where to start.... I guess that's why you should journal daily. I want to start with a thought that came to me a couple of weekends ago as I was driving to my hair appointment. I thought, "there's a difference between being happy and being merry." I don't know why I was thinking that at that time, but I have thought a lot about it since then as well. Some people are quite merry. They are pleasant to be around. Some people try to pretend they are merry and pleasant to be around... but the "real" merry people.... are just like that. They're not fake. Sure they might have a bad day, which means only smiling at 50% of the people they see instead of 90%.... but they are just like that.

I know so few of them. At first I was sad about this discovery, then I realized that I was getting exhausted just thinking about being Merry Milly. How long could I keep that up? I mean, there are days I really am in a good mood and smiling, and then BAM! Someone throws a mudball and I'm in "fight or flight" mode instantly. I just wasn't cut from the Merry Milly cloth. I am cursed. I care about people a great deal and hate to see others suffer or go without. A lot of that comes from growing up in humble circumstances, always having to work hard for everything, and experiencing some tough times. But those same life experiences that make me compassionate, also make me irritated by people who are constantly whining, blaming others, or using their bad upbringing as an excuse for bad manners. Bad manners and "know it all attitudes" get my goat.

So what does that have to do with being merry? Well, I started to look at what I do for "fun" in my life and realized..... I work very hard at work, at trying to make sure my kids and grandkids are taken care of, and at coaching others (in various ways). I'm so busy pulling the wagon that I forget to jump in and enjoy the ride (and let someone else push) once in a while. Ingratitude is another pet peeve. Is it really that hard to say "thank you" and to teach your children to say "thank you"? We are quickly becoming a mannerless society.

Okay..... I'll get off my odd soap box. I'm a bit cranky today. Had a game and we won again, but my wings are killing me. My posts did a great job though and overall, it was an improvement over their last game. I've been so tired it's mellowed me out too, so that's a plus. :D

Yesterday we took the kids, grandkids, and my parents on the Polar Express Train Trip. I love trains. The grandkids were excited and Santa and Elves visited them on board. Got some great pictures. Hated the drive home in the fog, but did enjoy the grandkids on the train. Took some planning and saving to get it done, but I think they will remember it for a long time.

Also got a great deal on a sofa sleeper through an on-line auction last weekend. Greg's brother needed one for his rental and I got it with a winning bid of $15. They picked it up Saturday and said it was in great shape. The plastic was still on the mattress of the fold-out part and had never been used. What a great deal! On a more stressful note..... I need to get to bed. Have to get up early.

Have the play this Friday at school and we're still not ready. That means early mornings, working through lunch, staying after, getting home late... and Pray for me.

Let it snow.... let it snow.... let it snow

Yesterday we had a good practice. Had to after the ugly game on Monday. It's a good thing they worked hard and got through a lot because school (and practice) was canceled today because of snow.... A LOT of snow. We got 6-7" but in Parma where I teach that had 12-13" and it's still snowing there! It's possible I might get another snow day off tomorrow if it keeps up.

It was so fun to see kids and parents out in their yards today building snowmen and forts. There were four-wheelers whipping around and kids sledding. It was the good crunch kind of snow. It was also warm enough you could actually go out and enjoy it (well when my husband was shoveling it he was not enjoying it) and it melted on the main roads, but the side roads were solid snow pack. I ran in just long enough to get the kids some boots so they could go tubing. Jason reported that Jeremy popped one of the tubes flying over something. Rob was pulling them on the four-wheeler in the field. Sounds like they had fun.

Mandy and Rellie and Kayson came to spend the night. They live in Parma so I think she's was afraid she'd be snowed in out in the country if she didn't come in now. She needed me to cut her hair anyway. I saved some bulbs for Rellie to put on the tree and I thought his cheeks were going to stick in a grin permanently he smiled so much. We have a singing life size Santa (who also dances) and we've had him for quite a while so Rellie acted like it was his long lost friend. They sang and danced together too. We are all hoping tomorrow is another snow day so we can build a snowman, make some cookies, and get some presents wrapped.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Penguins, Seafoam Paint, and the big "L"

Let's get the big "L" out of the way first. First, Broncos lose. My husband couldn't sleep. You'd think he was on the team or something. I'm a fan and all, but seriously.... just a game. You have the kicker on suicide watch and/or facebook diving because of the hate mail. Really? Last time I checked, football was not a one man sport.
Then.... we got our first "L" and it was not pretty either. Had to set some starters which didn't help because they were gone over the holiday break, but we played the number one team and well..... they are the number one team for a reason. Scrappy, aggressive, quick, and did I say aggressive. I like aggressive. Big fan. Unless it's the other team. :D So we have some room for improvement. We thought we were ready after holding our own against our sophomores, but.... no... we have some work to do. On the bright side, some girls who haven't played real well (or very little) in the past, stepped up and didn't do too bad filling in for starters.
The other team is beatable and practice is going to be turned up a notch tomorrow.

So the bad news is out of the way. On to happy news. Got Maddi a penguin that not only sings, but dances. To say she loves it is an understatement. She danced with it, hugged it, held on tightly, and gave her dad the attiTUDE when he tried to take it from her. I was SO cute. How cute? We'd know if her parents would post some pics (hint, hint). They came over yesterday and Maddi also got to see the Christmas tree we just put up.

To relieve some of my stress over tonight's loss, I decided to head to Stacy's (my brother-in-law's) house and help him paint. We knocked out the living room and dining room in no times and I finished off the trim in his bedroom. What a difference a little paint makes. Happy to see him reaping some blessings in his own life. New job, new place, got his truck paid off and has a bulb for his T.V. coming in this week. I'm happy to see him happy.

Serving others really does make things like sporting events seem minor when we step back and look at the big picture of life. Serving others also helps us forget our own problems and frustrations.

Tomorrow night I get to watch my old team play and then go shopping for some paint and fabric for costumes and backdrops for our Christmas play. I also get to have lunch with Rellie. That will brighten any day! :D

On a food note.... I forgot to take a lunch. Ended up having some of the healthy snack crackers Mandy brought me a while back and a small can of peaches I had in my desk. Didn't have time for breakfast, so starving right after school. Stopped and got a deli sandwich (pastrami) and baked chips. Had some hot chocolate after I got done painting. Need to plan better tomorrow.

Thanksgiving With Bob

Turkey Time

So before I forget, the whole breathing and counting to 10 when trying to build more patience..... it works. Our last bball practice was GREAT! I delegated some responsibility and gave homework to my captains and they did a great job. The team was focused on Wednesday and they learned a lot. Today we just had a shoot-a-round to work off turkey and they had yesterday off. Tomorrow they scrimmage the older team and learn some humility. Sure they're undefeated, but they've only had two games, so I figure having them practice against a harder team will get them ready for their game on Monday. Who schedules a game the Monday after Thanksgiving break?! Could be ugly.

Speaking of Thanksgiving.... went to the parents for Thanksgiving and all my kids and grandkids were there so it was nice. It was dad's birthday too so it was good to see some friends I haven't seen in a while as well. We had cardboard Bob (the cutout of my brother who is deployed) there with us as well and got some more pictures of him enjoying Thanksgiving with us. That was funny. Made us think of him too and we know he was thinking of us. My heart goes out to all of our servicemen and women who are deployed during the holidays.

So the husband has never been Black Friday shopping..... ever. And... he may never go again. :D :D Talked him in to going with me this year. We hit Wal-mart at midnight and when we pulled into the parking lot.... he began to experience Black Friday. He couldn't believe all the people. Once inside the store it was crazy, as usual, and I didn't get half the items on my list, as usual, because they were gone, but overall, people were really pretty polite. My husband was a bit traumatized from the ordeal, but he hung in there. He said he's doing all his shopping on line next year. We came back home and slept a little then headed out again this morning hitting a few more stores and crossing a few more things off our list. In between we did basketball practice and fed the missionaries.

Tomorrow we are car shopping for a little used car that gets good gas mileage. Something we can just pay for. We'll do that after practice. Then we're off to see how STacy's coming on the rental and if he needs any help since I am the painting queen now. As we had the three elders over for dinner tonight I was reminded of many things. Mostly, how some are not at home with their families over this holiday season. Either they are deployed in God's service, or deployed in their country's service, or they have alienated themselves or been alienated from their family. Whatever the reason, I pray that they are watched over, taken in, and reunited.

Forgiveness is sometimes posed as a one-way street with optional return, but I say it is a two way street requiring effort on both ends for true atonement and repair to happen. For example, Christ atoned for our sins, but we can ignore that and ignore him and never even acknowledge his forgiveness. Likewise, a person can be forgiving to us and even bend over backwards in suffering to help us in our life, and yet we can continue on our path without ever acknowledging or reciprocating that forgiveness. While it is true that it is our "own" loss.... it is more true that is at the loss and expense of both parties and not just one.

So as you are wrapping gifts and focusing on your own small circle, perhaps think of more important gifts, like friendship, family, love, life, jobs, etc., and step out of your circle to set things straight in your life and to serve others because service can always heal a weak or weary heart. You can't cross a bridge that isn't built, so it takes effort, but life's too short to limit yourself to the adventures and journeys of a one-sided bridge. So.... I will see which bridges I need to work on tomorrow, but tonight..... gettin' some hot chocolate and putting my fuzzy slippers on my tired shopping feet. :D

Cloudy with a chance of rain..... or snow

I can almost predict what my day will be like by the way the morning goes. Had to scrape my windows then got behind someone doing 45 in a 65 on the way to work. Got a message from my husband that his transmission went out on the money pit truck. Got to the game and had four girls walk in DURING pre-game talk in the locker room. Apparently they had not read the page about being to the game early to A) get dressed B) have the pre-game talk, and C) do pre-game warm-up drills that start 20 minutes prior to the game buzzer! So I had to waste time talking about being on time, then I was interrupted three times during pre-game with girls walking in late (not in uniform I might add). When I asked one girl why she was late, she said, "The light didn't change for a long time."

This is not how we roll....... they are getting that now. There were some who did not play tonight. It was a tough game and we could have used more breathers, but hopefully they all learned. That's what it's all about. It was an ugly "W" but as long as we learn from it.... I can live with that and just count my blessing that we pulled it out. Of course I won't know how much we've learned from it until next game. That said, I just have to count to ten more often. Wish me luck.

Thank goodness we have tomorrow to overcome today. What I say tomorrow will count even more than what I said today. I have learned that over the years. So..... I must go contemplate, reflect, breathe in and out without frowning, and LIGHTEN UP. Or.... I could whoop my husband in a game of cards... that always helps too.

On the bright side...... (and we must always end there)...... I came home to Christmas lights on my house. :D :D :D Thank you sweetie!

It's snowing.....

Woke up to chubby little arms and cheeks hugging me this morning. Then looked out and saw the snowflakes. It's the simple moments like that in life that make us the happiest. We took the two grandkids who spent the night (Daisha and Rellie) to breakfast this morning. They both ordered the pancake breakfast. Rellie liked the whip cream off Greg's hot chocolate the most though. He was very excited to see the snow too. We decided to take them and get some boots and hats since it was so wet outside. Rellie was beside himself when he saw all the Christmas decorations in the Christmas section at Wal-mart. He squeezed the inflatable snowman's carrot nose and ran to touch all the colored lights. It was so cute! The snowman ended up in the cart to take home to his mommy. Then Daisha picked some inflatable penguins to go to her house. Jason was not represented by any children, so we went for the metallic snowman (instead of an inflatable) so he'd feel special too. :D

I think we pushed every sound-making toy in the toy section at K-mart too. The dolls are almost creepy these days. You walk by and they start talking and playing peek-a-boo. Daisha and I decided one was stalking her for sure. All three grandsons will be well dressed Sunday in new white shirts and ties because they're all growing so fast everything's getting tighter and shorter. They are going to be quite the basketball team when they grow up! :D Speaking of basketball.... going to watch the varsity team play later today.

My brother's girlfriend said they make the life-size cutouts of the soldiers now and send home to the families, so she's been placing Bob, my brother, in pictures with family members... .like "breakfast with Bob". What a great idea. And so funny. Did I mention I miss my brother. Keep them always in our prayers. Hot chocolate is calling my name. Remember... warm chocolate-- not really hot. Not over 70 degrees is the rule. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.... except Monday of course. :D