MONDAY

It is Monday,  a very Special Monday – Memorial Day 2012 – One son off to Tx freshly graduated from college.  One soon to deploy to that great sand pile somewhere out there, another deep in his search for the path home and he is finally on the road.  Two are working on the delicate dance of entwining hearts and lives, another strongly building his family as they all he embrace God’s love and council. Whether its is California, Colorado, Texas, Arizona, or Louisiana my heart reaches out and seeks to give prayers, comfort, laughter and Love as my heart is constantly swelling with pride and joy for this great family that is richly blessed by the heritage of loving God and the sacrifice of military service to this great nation. God bless this USA and this great clan too!

It is Monday, we had Graduation for one son and found out another one Graduated last week and didn’t want to make a big deal out of it!  Mother’s Day was awesome.  Sushi! – always a favorite.  I pray young son can find a job soon, he needs some distraction and the money wouldn’t hurt either. Yea! another Monday.

Me and my gift

Me and my Gift

Just say’n

I am wondering why anyone would reject love.  I can’t imagine someone reaching out to me and me not just giving them comfort and love.  It is so easy, we don’t know how long we will walk this earth, don’t miss an opportunity. Just say’n

It is again the end of the weekend. We went out to just be silly and have some fun last night and we were a success on all accounts. We laughed and laughed.  It was like a mini vacation, May the 4th…everybody was out celebrating.  Oh- Cinco de Mayo, funny as macho and all that as Mexico is ..and this is a celebration for an 1842 victory in a battle  by one Mexican state, with the French…who couldn’t beat the French..I swear we will use any excuse to celebrate.

Worked hard this weekend, both my gift and I are sore.  It is a gentle, or not so gentle reminder that we are getting a little older. Just a little older.   I am continually amazed and totally just in the dark sometimes about things that happen in this life that have gone on forever and I just didn’t notice. Nothing dark or clandestine just life things. I suppose that lots of things aren’t seen till you reach a certain age, like puberty only ..it closer to pre-geriatric…or something. Body changes, the amount of activity it takes to burn of calories just about doesn’t make it worth eating.  Don’t even worry I’m eating just avoiding the mirror, or store windows, or shadows.  Alas, all will get back to where it belongs before this side of winter is over.

I have started to “Tweet”  and it has really been eye opening.  When I read what is being said by and about black Americans, I really draw the line at Americans – not African or Muslim or any other subgroup description to American. I was fortunate to have been born here I believe a blessing from God.  People who come to this country voluntarily should be here to be Americans, not to try to change this to any other country but to celebrate the freedoms we have and the ability to live in peace.  I found myself fearful of those who are saying to burn out “whitie”  or some other way more course language.  When I see writing by angry people who are trying to get others angry and to try to rally them to burn their neighborhoods, why would they burn their own neighborhoods and towns?  How does this type of destruction fix anything?  I have never hurt a person or slandered a person black , white , brown or any other color I do not believe I am better then any other color and I don’t believe I am more deserving or less deserving.  Unfortunately my children have not been able to get scholarships to college and sometimes job preference because they are white with blonde hair and blue eyes. They kept going and paid their own way and are now better for it.   If – and it certainly is – If it is wrong to discriminate against color it shouldn’t matter what the color is.  I saw several folks black and white saying that we need to stop giving the hostile groups  so much news coverage because that only makes them look as though they are greater in numbers and that their speech is that of all black people.  I realize this is true, mostly because the white supremacy groups are no more the group that represents white people or their thoughts then these black panthers are the voice of all or even most or a lot of black Americans. Just say’n

Just Say’n if we can always assign others with the same motives that we feel we have, ie good and kind and caring.  We will find we have less anger, hurt and discontent in our lives.  I have heard it said that if we are distrustful of others …we are ourselves not trustworthy.  Not so say I, one learns to be distrustful by being hurt by someone trusted.  Sometimes greedy has a similar root, if we need had not got or were cheated we can become greedy.  These examples are in the negative.  Conversely if you have been mistreated you know how it feels and would never want to do it to anyone else.  If you have been angry you can see why people would be angry and you can choose not to return anger for anger. I know that a kid that dresses outrageously and  counter culturally often feels like the cultural norm has discarded them so they discard back.  More than we know are just covering and protecting themselves with what in the end causes so many to keep them at arms distance, which is in fact the desired affect. There is nothing more freeing then the day when I was able to be vulnerable and  open for the first time. People on the whole have no idea what is going on in the head of a person who ends up on the outs, anymore than the outsider can tell them.

If we decide in advance of any situation that we will be Glad and Rejoice in it, we will be blessed.  God is not the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus, he is God. We experience disappointments and think god let us down or something equally incorrect.  We don’t know what the plan is, cut your foot and go to the hospital and uplift someone in the lobby.  Lose your drivers licence and go to the motor vehicle dept. and encourage one of the employees that gets abused all day everyday and can’t for some odd reason get or keep a good attitude.  Things happen all around us every day and we are probably not aware of how many times we influence people either good or bad.  If you can remember the next time someone is short with you to smile and give them some “son-shine” it might be for the only time that day, and it could start a chain reaction on angle kisses. Just Say’n

My favorite place

2012 ….

Ok UNCLE – I tried to stay away from politics for a whole week, so 10 hours later..can’t take it. I’m so happy for some good weather but I would switch right now to November and get this Vote on!!

Grills rolled out – burgers tonight!  I got some freckles today, just walking to the mailbox.

2nd anniversary of the Obama Care Mandate….funny no celebration, although I hear those flags with Obama’s face on them – you know the ones made in China…yes they are hanging outside placed where the people are happy about the whole thing..hmmm? Have you seen any of them in your neighborhood?  - Ya..me neither..go figure.  I just hope that the Supreme Court can see the lack of support and the lack of legality for this terrible crime…fingers crossed   Prayers till Monday!

Snow in Arizona! My friend posted a picture of snow on cactus …damn global warming!  Very cool , no pun intended, picture.  We have two more weddings and two college graduations oops, 3 one is for the twin nieces!  and the hoop-la that goes along with all that.  Shopping, and planning it will be a very busy Spring and Summer.  My mind is on the yard and the flowers and time outside!!!

St. Patrick’s Day! or St Patricks Day…hmmm The cook’n of the cabbage and the corned beef and potatoes and onions and carrots, a hefty scoop of horseradish on the side – a proper feast..oh and not to forget the Irish soda bread too.  The house is already filling with the scent of this tasty pot of goodness. The Chieftans are playing loud and the day is bright and beautiful. A bit of Irish luck to all today and may your pot’o gold be sitting at your feet by night fall.

2012

Ok- I’m so excited! This is not for everyone but for those it is for will be very happy.  I have been going along thinking that I am suffering from some sort of irritable bowel or something. It is terrible worrisome to not be able to go.  So I got online today looking up things that help with constipation – Celery! Little did I know I had stumbled upon some help just trying to drop some of the winter blubber.  Very high in fiber and vitamin K also. I have had three days of progress and I have lost 1/2 a pound also.  When I started researching I found that several men and women in their late 50′s all of a sudden turned into “deer-poopers” – pellets – that is what they said. LOL  The consensus is split 2/3 celery and 1/3  found brown rice to be just the ticket. Happy days for me!

Another week almost gone, time seems to fly now.  We made some great memories, I have flat Stanley visiting from Texas. He is a flat guy who was sent to Colorado by my grandson Mattie.  So far he has gone to work with me and to work with papa we will take him snow shoeing before he goes home with his tale of his visit with Grandma and Papa.  We will make sure he has some good pictures to share.

What a lovely time we had ,the wedding was so fun. What fun we had with the favors. Cut out mustaches and eyeglasses and lips so fun mugging for the camera. I watched my grandkids dance and have fun and my kids have fun and my family and friends too. I danced and had so much fun.  I got to see my sisters and hug them and take our usual picture all in a row doing a leg shot! My most favorite Mario, the most steady man in our lives for as long as I can remember, he is much loved by all I hope he always knows it.  I needed this so much, nothing like making sure the babies know who I am and have great memories to.  I am so blessed, God knows I don’t deserve this amazing and wonderful family but I am thankful for every smile and every tear happy and sad. We love and live and laugh..

I am so excited to see the kids and grands!! I wonder if anyone ever was this excited to see me or loved me this much. I drove my co-worker crazy today I told her the time every 15 minutes and she was begging me to go home before noon. I stuck it out till almost 3:30 that is only 1/2 hour early.  I tell you I am some kind of determined!  I’m going to run to those kiddo’s who are screaming “Grandma!”  - I will be screaming “Chase, Blake, Reed, Hailey, Lily, Henry, Ryland”..and then pass out when they pile on top of me..they know I’m packing gifts!  This is the life…I will of course need to sit with their folks and drink some red wine like a grown up..but We’re having a sleep over in Grandma’s room ..shhhhhhhh..don’t tell papa its a surprise.

Wednesday morning!  So it was 70 on Tuesday and 60′s on Monday and wallah today…wait for it…..S N O W… ugh!!!  Hey friends pray for me, I have to be on the prayer vigil today  one for patience, another physical healing, the next emotional healing, another for calm and peace, two for driving mercies today, and pray for safe cars and planes and boats too (the wedding is on The River King) this weekend for the big wedding! Oh and the bride asks for a beautiful day!  Thanks for your support.

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Day one, up early to exercise.  So far I’ve played Angry Birds, Bejeweled, and Slotomania!  To be fair I have been stretching in between and had a cup of coffee with cinnamon, oh and I did put clothes in the wash. Got up at 6 and now its 7, not a bad start. As long as I can walk away…just get up and walk away….ok and I’m walking….ok I really need to do more of an arm work out!  I will be checking in daily as I prepare for some R&R..man I need it work work work! Those Angry birds can’t kill pigs by themselves.!

Ok, better – so the count down to vacation is one week now.  So eyebrows , Pedi, Mani, teeth whitening, freshen up hair color, waxing, lift weights twice a day till Friday, pressing, hair and make up scheduled in Sac, eat celery for the next 7 days.  Should I pack my tiara? Shopping for grand kid goodies this weekend.  So we can just step off the plane and just be naturally breathtaking!  - Whew I’m out of breathe just thinking about it.  Shhh!  -its a secret what goes into my natural look.

Just caring on upcoming trip to California, working hard, got a great haircut, kid soon to graduate from college and start his life out there in the big world.  Friend recovering from surgery much better then expected, planning an AZ trip in July.  Grandkids coming in June, so many exciting things that I hardly even worry about cleaning my car or making the bed or even taking a shower…yes  you got it …why would I be depressed?  My child is in jail. I want so bad to take him and shake him and tell him to straighten up!  Can’t do that.  I just keep praying that God will heal him and grant me Peace and Grace to just love God and my child through this.

About..”About” – I am going to get started on the next segment of the About story.  Many things have occurred since the time I left you in my life.  So many unimaginable things both good and bad.  My everyday life has finally gotten to a place where I am daily happy.   When things that are less then wonderful happen I can navigate the feelings and truths and come out ok on the other side.  The things that make up what is of great value and worthy of my time and energy are much more easily recognized , now that I have my Gift and he is always steady and true.

Bo Derek-10 is all of a sudden on so many programs. I always wonder, where was she and  does she know someone who is getting her some work? It seems so often that we see some face from yesteryear’s and then find out they are ill, like one last hurrah I do hope this is not the case with Bo.  She is famous for a shake of wet cornrows. I suppose there are those who noticed the bathing suit too.  What about me… what am I famous for? I know of so many things that I would not want to see the light of day.  I made a lot of bad choices, some just beyond my control to see I had options, but still my choices.  None are wasted as long as something is learned and I can use my failures to the benefit of someone else. Sometimes I see a life righted or at least back on track just from the knowledge that someone else has struggled or failed and tried again.  We have an enemy who wants our failures to cripple and stop us.  We have a savior who is slow to anger, quick to forgive and has loved us before we knew Him.

Joy? - don’t let it be fleeting from me today.  When you carry your child inside you and wonder and worry and wait to meet the little miracle. You never look into the future and see that child as an adult spiraling into the abbess of drug abuse.  Your heart could not conceive of not being there for your child no matter what, only to see that child abandon their own sweet child to get loose from this world and run straight into the arms of hell its self.  I just keep praying for us all, because it is not just this perfect boy but this boy and his brothers and sister and all attached now to this family. Even the grandchildren will be ever affected  I see those around me who share that they too had a life of drugs and crime that is past now. I pray that my child will be able to say one day that it was his past and that he made it through.  I keep my Joy, because this world is not the end. God promises ever lasting Joy when he comes back for us. All sadness, and  tears and even death will be wiped away. We will be with the Lord for longer then this earth has been in existence.  These shorts days of trouble will be forever gone. Keep my eyes forward Lord and help me be an over comer.  Thank you and Praise your name forever.

Angry Birds? Beware – who knew what an addicting silly game this was. I can just zone out and play ..what is going on in the background?  Do these companies make money somehow by me playing for hours?  Are they going through my personal information? It is really scary what we don’t know..and in this case I believe what we don’t know can hurt us.  Home from work with a cold, I would love to be at work but nobody wants to catch this cough.  I can’t go for a hike or a walk even, stupid cough.  Pay bills, watch tv, read a book, I should be happy as a clam.  I will get something accomplished today and it won’t be Computer games! .( I hope.

What an unforgettable Val a Versary.  Snow shoeing and hot tubing and just enjoying.  We even had a big bull elk hanging around outside the cabin.  A big fire every night and laughing and just having a wonderful time.  We have a tradition of buying some memento to put on the Christmas tree , this time we found a Christmas store in Feb! and got a snow snow-shoe Santa.  Back to work..with a smile on my face!

Beautiful Morning!  My amazing and wonderful husband told me to come straight home from work today – I work half day, and pack my snow shoe stuff and a bag to go away for the weekend!  I am so excited.  I miss him so much, we are working hard and so tired lately that we have just not had much us time.  Frozen pizza in the fridge for the college kid, so I don’t have to worry about him starving.  Tossed my jeans in the wash on my way out the door, since I won’t be home to do laundry this weekend.  Yahoo, it is so great to walk all over the mountains and look at the sights.   I love that wonderful man so much.  Thank you Lord!

The snow, looked like we were inside a snow globe all day Friday.  Snow was blowing and drifting and just looked like a snow globe being shaken.  I read and watched tv, and looked at the snow. I saw a show where it was raining ..I was suddenly aware of how totally different the two are, snow is soft rain is soft to but rain is more calming to me. Rain goes away and snow stays.  Then there is ice and slipping and sliding and cold!  Oh but find a better subject, we get our taxes done on Monday.

So the new year is underway, gathering tax stuff. Trav will graduate in a couple months and hopefully get started on a life of his own.  Hard time for this comma but – I know he will do just great. The weather is toying with us..nice then freezing then hot..we use to say in California, if you don’t like the weather just wait a minute, it will change..I think this place beats that.  I look forward to warm, shorts, sandals, and sunglasses!

I’m headed for the showers, good weekend and back to work today.  Snow shoeing on Sunday and really love to push myself, too far maybe 8 miles in snow shoes..I limped the last 2 miles, but I kept up a fast pace till the last half mile. ICE everywhere at the bottom, Feet, left knee and of all things natures call. Now that’s a motivator!  So this week should be great!

Anybody else down right now? I stay pretty much up all the time, but I guess my cup is getting a little low.  I was at a big ladies night out function and there were literally hundreds of women there. They were doing make up and hair and nails they had chocolaty treats and I wondered around by myself sort of lost.  I stayed till the end and drove home in silence, just not what I expected or something.  My best friend is too far away and I just need some regroup time.  I even saw some ladies sitting alone and I thought about going over and sitting with them and engaging them in conversation, but – I have to get out of this frump!  So my plan today it to go take a 5 mile hike, or walk or whatever I can muster. Then put a good clean on this house followed by dinner prep and a long hot shower to be fresh and up to greet my love when he comes home from 6 days straight of work.  No reason for this!  Snap out of it woman!

Thursday, it was short week and I’m exhausted!  Lots of work to do and my computer decided to go out.  Shocking how little can be accomplished without that big game box!  We said goodbye to a fellow employee, I hated to see this happen but I pray she will move on to something better for her.  Out to Mexican food last night I got home and unloaded the groceries and just was to tired to do anything.  My love got dressed and took me and the kiddo out to dinner.  I love that man, and that kiddo too!

The debate was good last night, down to 5 now.  I think Newt really pulled out all the stops.    Poor Paul was not in his best form.  I have no idea what will happen, one thing for sure I’m no Oracle.  Snowed last night, my thoughts were with my children all day, talked to my grand daughter for a half hour or so.  What a doll, I miss our tea parties.  I have pictures of my grand babies all over the house, they prompt me to pray for them and just bask in fun memories.  I love so much being part of a big family.  Thank you god for the blessings of this big family.

It was a good game! The 49′ers  wow, I’m glad we got to see it.  Broncos played hard but no win this time.  Tebow is still excited and looking forward with excitement to the coming training camp when he can be fine tuned and molded into what he wants to be. Love the attitude.  I remember telling my boys when they were playing football, when they would come home after a big win and say the other team stunk or something, I would tell them to put the other team down did nothing to elevate their win. If fact it lessened it.  It was good fun to sit with my husband and root the team on – they played with heart and kept going right to the end.  I pray all who were injured mead quickly and with no lasting injuries.

Believe- Tebow?  Well I hope the Bronco’s do it again, what a season and what amazing games.  I bet if we heard Tebow’s prayers they  would be ones of praise and thanksgiving. I’m sure that this young man is as godly as he appears. Funny, people are saying things like, “I’m sure God doesn’t have time for football” – God has all the time in the world, literally.  He is not pressured or pressed for time or having any trouble keeping his flock under his wing.  Hes God people!  I think God would grant victory over all kinds of things and he certainly is pleased when we obediently come to him about everything.  When we know that all good gifts come from God and we realize he has counted the hairs on our head and knew us while we were growing in the womb of our mother.  We should all be bowing  down often giving praise and  thanks and asking for guidance.  Nothing we do is of our own power but every breath is a gift from God..whew! That takes a lot of the pressure off.

Wondering, I know I have spent so much time in my life being wounded or sad or angry over things that have happened around me, to me and by me.  I have said in my heart that so much was not my fault but that of others.  That really only takes the light off of the things that are my fault or responsibility.  How could I have done any better, I was already handicapped to start out. Yet handicapped people can and so very well in this world. People with real handicaps not the self imposed ones I have decided to blame my misfortune on.  I am so rich, I have a brain, health, family and stuff but most of all God’s love and the love of my friends and family.   Here I am now soon to be 56 years old, and now realize that all the fighting and kicking and screaming and crying and blaming and trying to be in control – was such a waste of time.  I worked with animals in a medical setting and how often did we get bit by a dog or cat or bird that didn’t realize we were trying to help.  We kick against God sometimes because it doesn’t seem right to us, but we have no understanding of this world or the next if we continue to think we have any control of people or things and don’t trust God to lead the way. If we are going our own way we are NOT going Gods way. I pray still that God will bless my children with forgiveness for their mother. I love them so much and appreciate them unbelievably I am so proud  they all have their own strengths and I pray they embrace their lives and families with all the love and joy possible.

2012 has so much promise.

There are many areas that are dark and sad – I choose to see that there is a way for me to make a difference.  I can be the light and the help for a little one that was not there for me.  It won’t be easy but it will be a blessing. I pray God grant me patience and wisdom. I pray for understanding and abilities beyond myself.  I pray that our household will be the most blessed and safe and happy for all who enter.  Many wonderful things are scheduled to happen in 2012 – God willing and a few things that are unscheduled and unforeseen.  With my wonderful husband to steady my heart and hold my hand we will have a blessed year no matter what occurs.

My Review

Originally submitted at OhNuts.com

They Went Nuts!

By Ty S. from Johnstown, CO on 1/6/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Great Selection, Loved the Flavors, Beautiful Presentation, Perfect size

Cons: No Suggestions- Perfect

Best Uses: We sent for New Years, Birthday too, We sent for Christmas

We had several friends and loved one that we wanted to remember this year. They shipped terrifically and every single one was a hit, 4 were for Christmas, 2 for New Years, and 1 for a birthday.

(legalese)

Events, current and otherwise

New Years Eve, another year has passed. My love and I have had a whole week off together and we have snow shoed and spent time in the mountains. I am amazed how many people were in the mountains. We saw small children and we saw AARP’ers too.  We walked across a frozen lake. which was a bit unnerving but here we are alive and well and we have great memories of our last days of December 2011. This year I have read, Killing Lincoln, The Hunger Games, Demonic, a Janet Evonivich, 2 JA Jance, Water for Elephants, The Shack, Ian Rands Atlas Shrugged, and reread the last Twlight book in preparation for the movie. Now I am in the middle of Girl with the dragon tattoo, The last Jihad. Quite a mixed bag.! I got a Kendal for my birthday this year it makes it so easy to get books! I have probably left some out but not a bad list.  Feel free to check out all these books not a bad one in the bunch! Happy New Year!!!

Christmas has come and gone, it was good to have Trav home and have Miss Valerie over to Christmas brunch.  We talked to loved ones off and on all day, with E-Mail and Text and phone calls everyone checked in, Much joy to report and even hope and faith and love. A good day. The new year is coming up fast.  We snow shoed today it was wonderful, I feel so good getting a great workout and being in the mountains and the snow, with my wonderful husband. Many blessings

Such a happy evening, made dinner and we laughed and chatted for a long time. It is so great to sit around the table with family and just enjoy.  Christmas is going to be better with our house a little fuller. I am so thankful, for the blessings we have and I am every single day. I love to hear that the kids are happy too. Who knew my joy was so easy to gather.

Got one coming home to roost, lease is up and school has 5 more months. So we have a basement dweller.  It is a very nice basement though, I hope not TOO comfortable.  I just keep reminding myself they always move out and they always get their own lives started. That is the way it has always been.  So I’ll pamper him and love him up till I kick his butt out of the nest with a bag of food and quarters for the laundry mat.  Fly little one Fly!

Content.. I am just so content..their is nothing that can be purchased by me or for me that I need at all.  Having my family close is all I want and to see them happy.   What a great time in my life.

Here comes Christmas! - ready or not!  I keep hoping that one day things will be better at Christmas time, $$$$$ I love the season and all the fun, I just wish I had enough money to give everyone gifts and joy. My love and I often say “if we won the lottery” we would make all our families lives better in every way we could. I would take all my grandkids and their parents and even kids without kids could go on a great vacation somewhere maybe a cruise!  If it is”the thought that counts”, I would be sitting pretty …all I can think about is how to bring joy to my family.  So far they seem fine and I just fret about nothing , oh well its my prerogative I’m a mom, and grandmom too. Merry Christmas

How many, - birthdays in December..lets see Amy of course, Reed, Henry, Hailey, and Ralph.  The thing is finding just the right card and wrapping paper, so its NOT a Christmas present.  So unfair grandma (oops, sorry Ralph) and Sister-in-law is trying to make the pennies stretch so the Christmas Gifts (Thats you guys) don’t get cheated!  I pray God stretches our funds and multiplies miraculously like the two times He made the Bread stretch to feed hundreds.  Wow, He is the Bread of life and He was broken for all mankind of His own free will and He was enough for All.  I just realized how this applies to the world today and always..Praise God. Happy Birthday Jesus, Amy, Reed, Henry, Hailey, and Ralph.

Happy Birthday today! – Hope our Amy has an amazing day filled with love of her adorable babies and all the rest of the family too! You’re a blessing to us all Miss Amy – I want to thank you for the gifts you’ve given me personally, My Hailey, My Lily, and My Henry! Yea it’s great to be me. Oh I mean You’re great and very loved, don’t let that little red headed boy get you too wrapped around his little finger. xoxoxox

We have a great big amazing family,our matriarch, bunches of kids and 14 grandkids and then sisters brothers and nieces and nephews, and all the family we have added to the mix here and there, (this is not daughters in law or sons in law either, they are included in the “kids” bunch) I use to wonder how I could mother my original 5 and now I am thrilled to add many many more to our wee clan! This year we are giving to several wish trees for kids or families in need, we can make a small dent with this and our gift to the family is that it will be done in their names.  I pondered and worried about not being able to make our meager funds stretch to all and then I realized we are Celebrating the birth of Our Lord, and we should share His love now and all year long.  I make every effort to make my family aware of my constant and undying love for them no matter the circumstance mom always loves you..and I’m happy to say that Papa does too. Merriest of Holidays..but most of all Merry Christmas.

No Tree Yet! – it is the second day of December.  I put up lots of other decor but no tree yet.  I haven’t started my Christmas cards either.  Cards will likely be the gift this year, just got a lovely gift for myself $1200 dollar crown (no not a princess)..you can see it when I smile.  I as rather puzzled by how many people are not getting into the Spirit. Has the world slowly gotten what it wanted all along?  To take God away and ex-spell Jesus too.  We as the Saved have to continue to show the Light of the world to the world.  Celebrating His birth and our rebirth with Him as He sits beside His Father and ours.  So lets get twinkling people! And Remember – It OK to say Merry Christmas!

Come on March! Yes another wedding in this big family. I am so excited, there was a time it would have been for the party and dancing and all that – but there will be loads of my grandkids!   I can see myself running all over the boat with them and just having a blast. When the whole family is together it is as though I am the most whole myself.  If I can just make them all feel loved up, I will be less sad when we have to part, but I will have the joy forever.  Life is about everybody else, I wish all the Colorado, Tx, and Az kiddos were going to be there to, but then I would surely be so happy I’d go straight to heaven, wait I think maybe I would BE in heaven,  I pray over each one of you this day, your needs are met and your wants are few and you value each moment for it will not come back. Look to your future and let the past go forever.  Live as though this is your last day and the first day of your life too, forgive quickly, speak thoughtfully and give generously. God bless you, guide you, comfort you and keep you till we are again together. Love Mom

I got a game request on Facebook from my mom …so I think she is home and better. What a strange life..I see my sister is off to get married ..also on facebook..You know when the Lord returns..it may just be on Facebook… It was a good day..Bronco’s won another one and we got a good hike in after church and even managed lunch with Colorado Trav at the Famous Jims Wings in Fort Collins!  Back to work tomorrow and maybe decorate the office for Christmas!

No news, I pray all is well in California today.  No news ..is good news?   Must finish up a whole weeks work today since we’re off Thursday and Friday.  I can do it no problem. Then zip to the store for the green beans for the famous Green Bean Casserole, that’s Megan and the Amazing Hot Cranberries, that’s Amy and the Deviled Eggs that’s T-rav and so on and on, my holiday traditions are living memories – I can remember the kids saying they wanted to keep our traditions and I told them to come up with there own that’s half the fun. They still remember Pizza Wednesday after cub scouts and Hot dogs on Halloween.  I pray all enjoy your traditions and be always Thankful for this great country and the God who put us here.

Mom is ill, I got the call on Sunday – my mom is in the hospital. She has smoked forever and just can’t quit. Now her lungs are in such bad shape she can not stay oxygenated without being in the hospital.  I pray that God heals her enough to get out of there.  I have memories as far back as I can remember of her being sick with this or that.  I truly believe that smoking really is to blame for a lot of it.  She is as addicted to smoking, a person could be to any drug out there.  I just wish who ever gave her that first one wouldn’t have met the person that gave them the first one and so on.  Pray for my mom.  Almost Thanksgiving..

Movie Day.. going to the new “Twilight” movie with my girls today.  So exciting. Woke up to a light snow again..its still on the driveway which means it snowed after my love lift for work at o’dark 30.  Do I shovel?  My back hurts thinking about it..oh whining never got anything but whining done.  We got a replacement TV, our big Sony started to get stars and blue blobs all over it..so Sony sent a new one – remind you the old one was 7 years old. But for less then half price here we go.  I do believe that you almost have to be a rocket scientist to get all the wires plugged into the right places and have a TV and not a toaster when your done.   We did it mostly my love with me standing there trying to stay out of the way and wanting to jump in the middle.  I believe this counts as patience and respect to.  Pat on the back – feeling pretty good for a job will done ( oh I do mean “will” done)..oh my love too..

There is a scripture.. that says – “The mouth speaks from what the heart is full”  If its in your heart it comes out of your mouth.  ”The Love of Money is the Root of all evil..the LOVE of Money..not money”  I recently heard folks talking about..”where to find the scripture about giving a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”  I kept trying to tell them it is a Chinese proverb…I finally had to “Google it” to prove it.   And the ever popular..”God helps those who help themselves” – what?  Man is not in control, God helps all who ask, especially those who can’t help themselves.   Those that believe they Can Help Themselves frequently don’t see the need for God.  Just some things I was thinking about today.  The Joy of the Lord is my strength..Seek first the kingdom of God and all his righteousness and all these things will be added to you, “these things” are listed .. Matthew 6:24-34..good reading.

Love, I truly believe that I am finally able to love like God intended.  My husband makes me want to be the best wife ever.  He makes me feel like I am beautiful and sexy and smart and just so loved and adored.  I wish I were able to give this gift to all.  Alas, we all have to get there through the things of this life.  We have both suffered great loss and we have both come to realize that life is short and precious. The love that we have for our children and our grandkids and our friends also is great. I don’t regret the things of my life that have landed me here with this amazing man. I pray and hope that our children will have this love without all the things that we have gone through, but it is so worth it even with ruts and potholes.  Maybe its being 56 or just older or some other unknown factor but this is the best time of my life. Nothing needs to be about me and I have no need for others to be perfect and I can love the imperfect and forgive imperfection from a “I’ve been there – oh ya still there” point of view.  We all make mistakes and we all can learn and go on. We all have the option to forgive and forgive and if not forget at least to remember that ..there but by the Grace of God go I.  Can I get an amen!  I’m trying to love winter …this is hard for me…but of all the things to have trouble with, I think this is good. God Bless..and much love.

Wow! We won the costume contest for the second year in a row! Maxwell Smart and Agent 99 were a big hit and my love won in the high score mens category so fun!  Happy Monday.

Another Saturday, the wind is blowing really hard out there.  We have a fun event to attend today.  Costume bowling..really fun we try to bowl at least our age..get the picture? House is clean and I’m ready to start getting my costume going..maybe tomorrow I’ll post a picture.  Not telling today just in case somebody reads it and knows its me!.  Bought my turkey..trying to gather the Thanksgiving feast a little at a time instead  of my usual 300. bucks and sticker shock!  It will be fun and no price is too high for family fun.

Yea -I was sick!  We’re supposed to give thanks is all circumstances right?  Well I lose 2  1/2 pounds over night..so  Hallelujah…lol   It is a beautiful day crisp outside but the snow on the mountains is quite beautiful.  I feel just fine this morning ..better than that actually..I feel wonderful!  Grandpa Kelly and I each received  thank you cards from the amazing Elijah -to thank us for being the best grandparents ever.  Now I ask you what more does one need.  Yea – I know I’ve said it before..but I love my grandkiddos sooooo much!

It is November - the year has flown by. Thanksgiving and then Christmas, Kelly’s Birthday our anniversary..and we’ll be 1/3 through next year.  All I want ever is for my kids and grandkids to be happy and healthy.  I hope never to see them saddened ever. It is so hard to stand by and watch when they make mistakes. We all make mistakes and we all have the opportunity to learn and grow from them.  This world is in constant flux..we are never really status-quo.  I have lived long enough to  know for a fact nothing stays the same, and the most dire situation or circumstances are often just around the corner from wonderful and beautiful.  Never give up keep trying, keep putting your best foot forward, give others the benefit of the doubt with regard to motives, live and love out loud.  Daily give your love to God and to your family and friends as well. Don’t pass up an opportunity to give someone a compliment or share a chuckle either.  Be God’s love here as often as you can. If you keep the cups of others full they will be able to fill yours when its your turn..and it will be your turn.

Happy Halloween all we have our bags and bags of candy and the scary pumpkin at the door.  TV has a pause so we can do the constant interruptions..we’re ready.  I though about a costume but I think I will just be me.  Watch out for the kiddo’s tonight and remember what is was like when you were a kid. Hope its Spook-tacular!

When did anger leave? I remember having so much anger. I remember I needed to defend myself and be right. I was not going to have anybody tell me what to do, I didn’t say it to anyone I would just get around doing whatever..passive resistance.  Somewhere out there I decided I don’t have to be angry or defensive or even passive.  I can finally be me.  Finding that person who just gets you, is the key.  Allowing others to be themselves, to not need to be taken care of but allowing it with joy because you love and value another. Wanting always to out give and always feeling like your loosing. What Joy is that, great Joy.  I believe that anger and fighting and arguing are all symptoms of  feeling out of control, controlled, or not getting your way.  Why is it that we can’t all be able to say, I hear you and I choose..?  It is when one or the other wants something and can’t get it  Instead of seeing that the situation is what it is, often we wail against the obstacle instead of going around or in a different direction.  This is not political it is personal.  Life without strife is possible.  It is all choices.

My life is richer, so much richer- I have so much silver and gold in my life.  Those who have been purified by the refining fire till they reflect Gods face.  Those who are being refined, the heat turned up and the impurities slowly floating to the top and being skimmed away.  When the heat goes up we just have to remember that we are being continually refined – that it is a good thing, that we are always in God’s hands.  I think we are often hoarders of past and failure and we just keep stacking it in our minds till good and light can barely get in.  It is a slow process to clean stuff out but it can be done and is done everyday. The thing with sin is we hold on to the shame long after it is gone. The trick is to literally frisk every thought at your minds door. Set up a guard and be vigil.  We have the choice to live a happy life no matter the circumstances no matter how blessed we are or that we have to think hard to find blessings. Being able to think, is a blessing.  Don’t fix your eyes on what is seen but what is Eternal. I truly believe that ll Cor. guides my life.  I believe that every word in the Bible was written just for me and just for you.  A love letter from God.

Today I am smiling, what a great weekend with the kids. We can’t stop telling funny stories and laughing still this morning. It is so special to know that those you love know you love them.  To know you will always welcome them with a big hug and have one in return.  This is what life is about, doesn’t matter the past we are in this gift, (the present) and loving every minute of it.  No worries, I just wish my Seany was home in this country again. He will be soon – I need to hug him real good too.  My heart just swells when I see pictures of the grandkids smiling and growing and changing – they are everyone so loved. What a gift children are and Grand children all the more..can great grand kiddos be even better..I can wait to find out…lol.  Thank you Lord for your blessings and your grace and your strength in times of momentary troubles. Thank you for the inward renewal day after day.

What a Great Day! - Talked to both my Trav’s this morning and texted with my Breckin.  Can’t wait for the fun this weekend.  All are well and happy.  Miss Meg has posted a Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon on her FaceBook page.  She has been a supporter of this cause for a very long time.   Thank God it is not because one of us had to go through this terrible thing, that seems to be what gets people motivated to back a cause.  I have tried to give to things that I don’t ever want to have touch the lives of my family – kind of in a ward of evil thing.   Just saying.

This web, not spider web..the internet.  People are starting businesses and the possibilities are endless. Like doodadtidbits@www.etsy.com  - the cutest jewelery and so reasonably priced and with no real shop to heat, light, and stock..the profit margin can still be great.  Check out doodadtidbits – and by the way I already bought the brooch..Have a great day.

Looking forward to a fun weekend, family around and a birthday to celebrate.  It is good to have distractions to keep my mind off the speedy approach of winter.  I think that is why so many big holidays are in the winter. Not complaining thrilled really – love to have the family and friends around..the more the merrier~

Early morning, still dark outside and still see the stars.  Having my coffee and just getting this day going.  I am so fortunate, I have a good job and so many people are unemployed or under-employed.  It takes its toll on every day when you are literally trusting God for everything. The difference is we seem to act with more faith when we feel like we’re somewhat in control. I have grown in faith during times of trouble. I had to really work at being faithful when times are good, we can get very comfortable  with our lives when we don’t feel forced to our knees by poverty – whether it be financial or spiritual.   If we can learn to linger on our knees and terry in prayer with honor and thanks giving whatever our situation, life will be more mountain top-esk and less down in the valleys.  Its worth it grass hopper!  Trust God in all things and give thanks in all things for this is Gods growing you up strong and true.

It is raining  – and snowing in some parts of Colorado.  We are cleaning up messes and cleaning out drawers and doing projects. The music is playing and were warm and happy at home.  Maybe I will put out the pieces of this and that which I have put into the freezer for a soup. Crock pot cooking that’s the ticket for a rainy day.  I’m ready old cards and looking at pictures what joy in these things.  We have a whole weekend together we are going to sit in the hot tub in the rain later too…have to put my wine in a sippy cup so it doesn’t get wet. It will be our mini vacation..can you believe we have been all these years…lol

Another Sunday, I am so aware of time passing. My love is working again today, I so wish he could have time to rest.  I look at the pictures of my kids and grand-kids on Facebook and miss them so much it hurts.  While I am so  thankful for Facebook at the same time it really lends itself to making us all lazy. I don’t want to make all my birthday wishes “Cyberly” , if that is indeed a word.  I love the instant communication of texting but again it seems like its very passive communication.  I think I am concerned about interrupting someone’s life with a call.  I have had many instances where something I wrote caused someone to get angry or hurt ..really one in the same so often.  Inflection is almost impossible, short of LOL after every sentence.  This is the communication system now, so I need to make it work for me.  I do not intend to be left behind like some older folks that still don’t have a cell phone, or some other  device that most can’t live without..OMG..like Tivo!   I am thankful that while I am very much attached at the hip to my technology I love to get out and see the world and to share my life with others in person. I always think of the country song I think its called “I’m much taller online” something like that.  I met my wonderful husband on Match.com and I could write for weeks about the experience I had with online dating!  That may be it folks!

I have been considering my writing and what I want to accomplish. I’m toying with lots of ideas but have not settled on anything just yet.  Maybe some Bible trivia, like how many times does Jesus break bread and feed 100′s..hint..more than once.  Or the origin of the Physicians symbol?  Or what does it mean “heaping hot coals on your enemies head” sounds awful..but..its actually good.  Did you know it had never rained before, when Noah built the Ark ?  … or I could give out my Ty’s hints for baking, cleaning, gardening or my favorite decorating.   I shall think on these things and pray and we shall see..feel free to try to find the answers to the biblical query’s and I will provide the answers soon.

About -My Life, if you’re reading my About section you may have noticed I’ve stopped in About 3 ..I’m still formulating and thinking and I will get back to it soon. You can leave me a message if you’ve reached the end and I will get on the job again.

Life is so short, when I see how hard my love works, it makes me both proud and sad.  I wish I could wave a magic wand and have him be a man of some leisure at least.. 7 days a weeks for weeks in a row, he is finally getting tuckered out.  I pray God grant him rest when he sleeps, peace in his day, and joy in his home. I am so very thankful for this wonderful man. He truly is in control of that one body part that is the downfall of the most of us…the tongue.  He speaks no ill will, he holds his tongue unless he has good to say, he surprises me constantly by being the voice of reason and a cool head.  What a gift he is to me and the whole family.

What Joy! - I talked to two of my sons and spent the day with a third.  It is so uplifting to talk to the boys and hear how much they love their kids and family, even political opinions. It is good that they have grown up as individuals, who think on their own and make informed decisions even if they are different then mine. They know what they believe and why, very commendable.  I got to sit with my son and listen as he encouraged his sister, by helping her to see how smart and capable  she is, it was so wonderful, the road to this college degree is actually doing something!  I am so proud of him, and his sister and my granddaughter and her boyfriend who also joined us for dinner, which came out great. We talked about everything from Vampire TV shows to Dinosaurs.  We laughed so much, to me that is a perfectly wonderful outcome for an evening with family. Thank you lord for this great memory and the blessing our big family continually is.

Fall is upon us, I know it is not supposed to be here yet..but I know it’s here.  I placed the Fall wreath on the door and will start putting out my Fall decor today too.  My sweet had to work on Saturday and now is off to work again today, this of course means he will work a minimum 13 days in a row and probably more like 20.  He says there are lots of people looking for work and he will be happy that he is employed.  I love that man, miss him – but love him so much. Dinner with family tonight, I prepped and prepared yesterday so that I can just enjoy them.  I dangerously, prepared a new dish..but they’er family..at least they know I can usually cook- if this dish bombs.  If they love it, I’ll post it here.  Its “Pizza Casserole”  we’ll see.  Have a wonderful day, off to church for me.

Thankful, I want to be thankful every day.  We don’t know if we will go through this day and make it to bed tonight.  We take it for-granted, like when we flip a light switch we will have light. By starting my day with a note to you it makes me more aware that we are not just willy nilly going about life but we are in and out of the lives of others I think of intersecting circle like the Olympic symbol. Our circles co-mingle for moments in time.  I want to make sure mine is always welcoming and happy.  I have no needs other than to grow ever closer to God and to enjoy and encourage my family, some are blood others are gifts all are my heart. If your reading this your probably very special to me on some level. My heart has become almost like a honeycomb, with delicious compartments all tightly held together safely, sweetly, protected. My prayer today is that each one of you is thankful and grateful for the wonder of this country and our salvation, and our wonderful big family.

God sees the world linearly, its true. God sees where we started and where we are and where we’re going and …where we end up.  Like a treasure map He wants us to get to the treasure in the end – but He wants us to experience a treasure filled life along the way. God refers to His Son and the “Pearl of great value”. We need to hide it safely in our hearts in the form of His Spirit and “He” who is also the “Light’ will guide us through these Earthly travels on a mission only He knows.  Every person and situation has value we need always to be aware that life doesn’t just go along with no reason or purpose, don’t miss an opportunity to give away God’s love. When we’re down, and we all are down sometimes, go help someone in someway, encourage, uplift, give joy and laughter and Pray.  As we fill each others cups – so our’s is filled.

I’m the only one in the world, when I was young I went through a time where I believed that the rest of the world didn’t go on unless I was on the scene. Literally that I was the center of the universe. God was always there but seemed to be just distantly observing. This scared me terrible, even though I thought this, I didn’t want the non-people to know it. I felt so separated from the rest of matter in every form. This was I believed, a form of protection, maybe even instinctual. If I stay completely separated from people and even animals I would be safe. It was in fact a bondage to an unseen force.  In my “About” posts you can see some on the reasons for this – well in fact all the reasons for this.  Until I invited others into my life and embraced life and let go of fear, I was in my own private hell.  I believe that makes the wicked in this world very happy.  Because I have a lot of insight and much compassion.  The things of my past have now produced  tools that are able to loose others from their bonds.  The biggest is Love, then Joy, Humor, Listening, Sharing, Encouraging, Uplifting.  All this backed up with Prayer, & the release of (per-sieved) power in all situations to God. He has safely brought me through Fires of all sorts which gives me this gift. My story is told at every opportunity that no one is left shackled in the horror of Alone.

Eat to live? I’m more of a “live it up – EAT!” My best rewards are food my best times are around food my best skills involve food. Thankfully its the reward for a 10 hour hike or a good job in garden…With the occasional get together with family for Holidays, Birthdays, Sundays, I guess I’m a celebrator.  I love to wish people Happy Monday, a very little celebrated event.  My blog has been great for illuminating  my life to me. If you just write without censor and then go back and read over days and weeks at a time, patterns emerge.  Mine is God, my family, and my weight.  While I am not heavy in the pounds sense I believe it is the remnant of my control in my life when all else was out of my control.  It still is out of my control -God is in control and I like it that way.   Celebrate people! – for the day belongs to the lord, we act as though we are humans on a spiritual journey but we are spiritual beings on a brief human journey.  We’re all on our way to Eternal life somewhere.

What can we live without? - from the beginning of time to now…this has changed with each generation.  When my computer was out of commission for a day..I was just lost.  It has caused me to ponder the things that have come and gone. Party lines,Phone Booths, cordless phone, land lines, cell phones, and now to smart phones – and we toy with computers, smaller or larger, internet or ethernet. We resist being tied down and incumbered in every form.  It is easier and faster to have a Kendal what ever the book what ever the time as long as there’s ethernet!  Whats coming next?

Hello world!

You know my heart, I am a mixed up bunch of stuff.  I have had to work to sort out the things of this life that are true and right and even what I had a right to do or not to do.  I had to learn to trust myself, and my thoughts and feelings.  When I realized that I was no different than anyone else and mostly the same as everyone else, it was such a relief.  I had spent so much of my life inside my head, trying to blend in and keep others from realizing that I did not fit in.  My deepest hope was to raise my children with knowledge of God, self-respect and confidence.  It is not possible to always make that happen. We are all individuals, while we are very much alike in many ways – we are still separate parts of this world and part of a whole too.  I can see that different places and elements, and influences make for different packages and different outlooks but as humans we have an inherent sense of a creator, although some don’t want to recognize it and want to kick against a higher power as though it were the ankle of a parent refusing ice cream.  As we age and mellow and are physically forced to take stock and to realize that this life doesn’t go on forever and that we are not indestructible, it is then that with reflection we can see our path seemed untraceable but was truly going somewhere after all.

This is so golden, when i wrote this down I was seeing the eyes of God and knowing how very unworthy I was, and also know that God sees only his son when he looks at me, because he could not look at me without the covering of the precious blood of his son.  I have always thought that I would run head long into my Gods arms and this to the surprise of very godly friends. Because I believe God, he said we were as his own child and I know he would be so overjoyed to have his son run into his arms, I know because I would be overjoyed to have my imperfect sons run into mine.

“Call to me, and I  will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know”, Jeremiah 33:3  As though the endless ebb and flow of the tide lapping against the unmeasurable shore, like a great lion drinking up life-giving water, so is my walk with my God.  As in the 107th Psalm, we rush back to the spring of living water when we’ve allowed ourselves to wonder off like starry eyes children in a toy store, back to the things of this world.  We wonder along without notice of time or direction until we realize the ground has become a bog.  We are surprised to find ourselves flailing wildly in disbelief of our surroundings and the late hour. “How could God let this happen” we stomp our feet and frown in disbelief, than with  fear  we scurry back to our knees with crying and promises and sorrow to the very marrow of our bones.  Hes there and speaks sweetly and lowly.  Listen, learn, stay close….. and we do, for a while.

Today I’m great, I have worked and prayed very hard my whole life that God would heal me and help me be “normal” I am “enhanced normal”, I have sight now, that most do not.  I can see the hurt and brokeness in others who have had hurtful sad things happen in their lives.  I was called stupid and ugly and worthless  and then beaten emotionally  to bloody for getting bad grades, I never could understand how a stupid person could get good grades. I was told that my only hope was to be some poor mans wife. Thus I married two different abusive men, I really didn’t deserve better, right? I have shared my story with people who would turn around and say, ”You don’t make good choices, do you?”  Sad really, when you’ve walked my road you become (wrongly) certain that you “don’t” have any choice.  I finally went to counseling and thank you Lord for councilors, I learned.  I have wonderful kids and I always told them they were amazing and that nothing could separate them from Gods love or mine, ever.  They think I’m the best mom ever and I am humbled. I have taken all kids that have come into my home as sent from God , told them my story and encouraged them always to be Godly and Love and always forgive and repair where possible, and let it go, if not. I’m proud of my journey even with all the bumps.