Christmas - 2012

Another Christmas come and gone. Amazing how quickly they can pass through without making a foot print. We had wonderful family to share our time with and that makes it so special. Its weird how one's age changes the way we experience and view ordinary holidays and events that we once took for granted. If only we could realize when we are young what we see so clearly as we "mature", we would most assuredly take more time to smell the roses.

"Wonderful Trip"

We arrived home two days ago(from the second trip) this summer. While it is absolutely refreshing to get away (the best part is seeing family of course), it is also good to be back home. Georgie almost had to bale the yard. Fortunately, my flowers got enough rain to survive.

Needless to say, we certainly did not stay on our diets the first part of the trip. It is not our fault though, it is the family members that treated us like royalty and took us to all these fabulous places to eat!!! Besides all the good food, we totally enjoyed our time with them.

The second leg of the trip was quite unique. Our daughter participated with our youth Church group and they had many activities including mountain climbing. Her Dad and I passed on the mountain climbing but did go white water rafting with them. If you have never done that, you must put it on your "bucket list". It was so much fun. Besides the excitement of going over the rapids, the scenery was breath taking.

Since I have accomplished almost everything on my "bucket list", I have decided to set a far away date for one of my items and that date is set for September 28, 2014 to go sky diving. And to the cubs, a family plan could probably be arranged. Georgie has already told me he isn't going, wonder why? Seems perfectly logical to me.

God has blessed me in far too many ways to count and here is hoping I share those blessings in the right way.

"Negative Blog"

I am confessing right up front that this will probably be termed to be a negative blog. I guess its to be judged from the "eye of the beholder". There is a season for everything according to the bible and for me it is my season to talk from the heart.

I am intelligent enough and after several hours of psychology in college, I have finally accepted that life is a matter of choices. It is to that cause that I am making some difficult choices.

I wonder how people can tell if they are open minded. I have always felt that I was fairly open minded. If not immediately, then give me time to look at the big picture. How can we know that we are being loving and forgiving even when others disagree. The answer to those questions would need to be answered by track records of the people involved. Unfortunately, we set those track records over the years by our actions - good or bad - young or old - I feel that is why our reputations are to be one of our most treasured assets.

The longer I live the more important God has become in my life and I try to live by his standards. Those standards - to me - mean being loving, non-judgmental and most of all forgiving.

I have said all of the above to say this: I am admitting that I am getting older, definitely more tired, and unfortunately not to healthy so my choices are going to be from this day forward to first follow my God, next use my energies to live these few last years in a positive and happy environment. That may mean making some very painful decisions and learning to accept things I cannot change along with the wisdom to know the difference. I have to learn to accept circumstances that I had no part in making and no success in fixing. You can't fix a flat tire by continually working on the wrong tire.

Please don't think this is a doom and gloom proclamation just a heart felt statement!

"Casting the First Stone"

When God stated, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" what areas of our lives do you think he meant? Where do you fit in that process. Are there areas of your life that need to be examined before picking up the stone?

Arrogance

The statement 'bases itself on a nihilistic outlook' is used because all forms of arrogance come simultaneously with the belief in oneself and an over-evaluation of oneself.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

Self Righteous

Confident of one's own righteousness, esp. when smugly moralistic and intolerant of the opinions and behavior of others.

Where do you fit, where do I fit, do we take this admonition from God seriously? If not, how can we proclaim to be living a Godly life?


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"I Knew It was coming"

Dad nab it, this is the only time of year I dread! That is taking the Xmas tree down, packing all the stockings away for another year and just in general "de-Christmasing" (new word). It always brings tears and then they quickly get replaced with the expectations of the next time our wall is covered with stockings, twinkling tree, candles, poinsettas and all the goodies that give me so much joy to prepare.

Believe it or not, I am finally getting well. The reaction to the HINI shot caused the severe asthma attack in November and untreated (we thought it was just the flu), it flared up again in December. After finally getting into seeing the doctor and getting checked instead of "over the phone", she has put me on an aggressive treatment for Asthma and after only four days I am so much better. No more of those shots for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The furry boys and I got on the loveseat and took a two hour nap this afternoon. Believe it or not, I was ready to get up before they were.

Those of you that got to visit my sister will never know how much that meant to her. She said, "I could have visited all day".

If I can continue to get stronger and stronger, we are going to put a gift that was given to us (sneakily)to good use. There is a Dr. Tony Ash that is holding a weekend retreat in Lufkin, TX in February and we want to go and it is now possible. You sneaky rascals you know who I am talking about.

The Alien and I are looking forward to this new year. For the first time, we have "time" and sometimes that is the most important commodity. Hopefully, we are going to get started on a healthier style of living. This summer we hope to be able to do some traveling and camping. Better watch, we might show up no telling where, lol

Thanks for giving us so much happiness for the holidays!!

"Its a Sad Day"

One of my grandsons said it so eloquently, except he was talking about chocolate pie and I am talking about "after" Xmas. Thanks to all of you precious people who made our holidays so very special. Each year seems so much more meaningful than the last.

We will probably start taking down the decorations next week (or maybe not, lol).

The furry boys are depressed that they have lost so much attention, although they do seem to be catching up on their sleep.

I went to the doctor yesterday and as usual, she is such a doomsayer. She told me that my lungs were not good but it is due to a severe asthmatic attack. At least I have variety. Hopefully, the medication will take effect quickly as all this coughing is really getting tiresome. Of course, I am sure George is not in as big a hurry for my voice to come back, lol. I knew I had asthma but this is the first major whamo.

Resa is sleeping in (as usual). She is enjoying her new games and movies. And for all of those who gave her money, she said, "boy they were generous and I am going shopping". She assured me she said "thank you" and I sure hope she did. Thanks for being so thoughtful of her.

Thanks for sharing your most precious gift (you) with us. Love you all.

Rigidity

I rarely read "Dear Abby" but for some reason I did today. The subject was concern from a couple that were going home for the holidays. Their extended family was large and home was very small with one bathroom so this couple had decided to get a motel room. This caused such an "uproar". Feelings were hurt and chaos ensued. Good grief what is wrong with people? They should have been so thankful the "kids" were coming home that it was totally okay with them where they stayed. Why are people so rigid that they have to get everything their way or "they will take their marbles and go home".

We are so excited that our families are willing to spend their time, vacation and money to come be with us for the holidays that we don't care where they stay. They know they are always welcome here but if they feel more comfortable in a motel, then that is just great with us also.

Okay, I will get off my soap box!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Dirty Santa"

Last year one person kind of misused the rules and tainted the game for the rest of us. This year will be different, we looked up the rules and they are as follows:

Steps:

Everyone playing the game brings a wrapped gift so there is no indication about what is inside. Place gifts together under the tree or on a table.

The host writes a number on scrap pieces of paper for every gift and places them in a basket, bowl or hat.

Each person draws a number. Getting a higher number is actually better because you will have more opened gifts to choose from.

The person with #1 picks a gift to open from the pile. The person with #2 can choose to open another package or steal the gift from #1. If a gift is stolen, the person who had it then steals from someone else or picks another gift to open.

The game continues like this until everyone takes a turn opening or stealing a gift. The last person to go can steal from anyone in the game or open the remaining gift.

Once a gift is stolen three times, it is retired from the game. We can "all" decide how many times (before the game begins) how many times the gift can be stolen.

Sound okay?

"Tis The Season"

As usual, the closer it gets to Xmas, the more excited I get. This is such a special time of year just to get to be with family and celebrate this special time. The Alien even is getting "some" of his spirit back. We went to Walmart the other day and he came out with some outside decorations. Nothing of the magnitude that he used to put up but it does brighten up the place.

Okay, now down to the necessities, we have all the food and goodies that an army could eat already in the freezer and pantry so hope we don't hurt any feelings when we say that we will do the cooking this year. Also, if it is okay, we will do the same kind of present exchange that we did last year. Now that means no EXTRA presents for the host and hostess!! If we want to make changes and draw names for next year then we can do that while everyone is here.

Our Cub got her class ring this week. She is so proud of it. However, she still won't drive her jeep. We don't push it as we figure when she is ready she will. We have to go shopping this Saturday for a Christmas dress for her to wear to her school's Christmas dance. Her Dad is going to stroke out before its over I am afraid. He is already having bad dreams, lol

Well, I had better get to bed so I can be up and at it in the morning. Take care -

"Over Zealous Parents"

Are you burdened with parents who love you so much that they won't quit being a parent even if you are no longer a child? Even though you may not be a "child" remember they are still a parent. I know sometimes this type of parent can be a "thorn in the flesh" and would just plead that those "children" that are not children will have patience and realize any concern is done through love and concern and not control. Only when the golden age is experienced can one totally understand that once a parent always a parent!!!

Hot spiced Russian Tea

4 cups sugar
2 cups instant tea, plain
2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 teas cloves
1 cup Tang
Countrytime lemonade mix (enough to make one quart)

Mix all together and store dry mixture in a sealed container in the frig.

Use 3 heaping teaspoons per cup of boiling water

Beautiful Weekend

We just had the most beautiful weather for this past weekend. Sun shining and cool but not cold! We were pretty busy. We went for the cousin's family visit Friday night in McAlester. Saturday morning, we went to the Presbyterian Church for a garage sale that a friend was having to benefit the elderly daycare program. I found some cute little pineapple candle holders, Cub found a bag with an "R" on it and the Alien found some stuffed animals for the little white furry boys to tear up.

Yesterday, we went to Sunday School and Church, then to a quick meeting for the concert coming up for the young ladies (cub's age) then to the cafeteria at the University with our small group for lunch. After lunch, our group all went to see "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry". It was a very moving plot with a good lesson for life. I would highly recommend it. Believe it or not, no bad words, nudity, etc and was still interesting. By the time we got home around 4, it was definitely my nap time!

I have a new recipe to try out today. It is a unique cookie recipe and has butterscotch chips and potato chips. If it is any good, will have some for Xmas.

Soooooooooo looking forward to Xmas.

Quite a Day

We had planned to have a very quiet day today. Should have known - should have known -
all we had to do was go to Walmart and grocery shop. Well, first we stopped for gas and when we left the station, we almost got hit by a truck, in the process of missing the truck the Alien almost turned over his soda so when he grabbed for it we almost hit the curb and while trying to correct for that a motorcycle got in front of us and decided to make a turn so we almost "helped" him off the road. Okay, things can't get worse can they? Yep, we get to Walmart and met one of our friends that reminded us we were supposed to be at their house at six for dinner and a baby shower for another friend's daughter. Oops, would have forgotten that. Got out of the checkout line and went to get a baby gift. Ended up deciding on a gift card then came on home loaded with the groceries. Had a message from older sibling and she informed me about a first cousin that had passed away and that we needed to go for the family visit tomorrow night.

I tell you these golden years are sure tiring, lol

News - maybe

I would complain about the weather but just watched the snow in Colorado! Hope all the snow bunnies are prepared. We just have rain and wind, didn't need the rain and don't like the wind, oh well.

We had an unexpected surprise last Saturday. The Alien's sister came up from TX and spent a few days. There have been hard feelings in the past with this part of the family but hopefully this is the first step to getting it mended. Family is to important to let petty things break them apart. We need to remember there are no unforgivable sins.

Think one of the Cubs is finally recovering from the cold bug or flu or whatever it was that made him pretty sick.

Our youngest cub just ordered her class ring. Boy do they do things different these days. She is just a sophomore. We didn't get to wear ours until our senior year. She is still hesitant to drive her jeep but we don't push her. We figure when she is ready it will happen.

Our big fundraiser is getting very close. I still need to do a few things but am mostly ready. We were called last night and asked (really told, lol) by our group leader to be available tomorrow for a picture for the newspaper for the Sunday paper. Oh well, by this time next week it will all be history and it is truly for a good cause. We hope to make lots for money to buy medicine for the clinic.

Well, I MUST get busy ready or not. Til next time.

News Update

The Alien and I have been very busy these days. However, for each day that we do chores, we take a play day! Friday, we made a trip to Norman. Sunday was Sunday School and Church, then on to friend's house Sunday night for our small group meeting including a pot luck supper. We have such a good group. They are so different, a pilot, pharmacist, Physician assistant, school superintendent, etc. We all are going Friday night to the Amish restaurant again, yummy. Our group is responsible for the big fund raiser coming up so we are all excited about that. Then next Tuesday night, we get to cook for the college kids at our bible chair. It is so fun interacting with young people who are so full of awe about life. Yesterday, we went to sister's house for the Alien to install her new blinds and fix an electrical problem.



The cub is out of school the rest of the week. It is fall break. Seems like she just started!!! So far, the jeep is sitting under the tree. We have decided not to "push" her but when she gets ready, her Dad will be ready.



For those of you that aren't aware, I am now on thyroid medication and my goodness I actually feel alive again. Guess that little critter had taken "Permanent" retirement. She has started me on a dosage and will then do blood work to see if it needs to be raised or lowered. Yipee, I may even get to get out of my chair, lol.

"Relationship with God"

I treasure my relationship with God, my earthly family and my Christian brothers and sisters. I so strongly believe in God and everything he stands for as I have yet to find one thing he asks me to do that is detrimental for me.

Reading "The Shack" was one of the most thought provoking eye opening experiences that I have had. I agree with one of my cubs who referenced institutional religion. Having said that, I must add that the fellowship with my Christian brothers and sisters along with taking the symbol of the Lord's supper is very important to me and I need it on a consistent basis for my growth. Unfortunately, for years, we all grew up in very regimented, legalistic religions that were not very conducive in helping us build the warm relationship with the "Trinity" that is available to us.

I feel in my heart that I attend the Church body now that is all about love, forgiveness and nonjudgmental. For years, I attended different Churches of Christ and was considered sort of a renegade because my study of the bible didn't seem to find a lot of the "nos" that I heard on Sunday. But even then, the basics were there, the plan of salvation and the communion of the Lord's Supper. To me, those are the essentials and most everything else are the incidentals.
We are each responsible for our own soul and have to constantly study to learn more.

Fall

Wow, what a beautiful beginning for the first day of Fall. We have been in the low 70's. We may actually have a real "Fall" season. Some years, we go straight from summer to winter.

Well, the Alien and I are adjusting to the "golden years". We have already decided that we don't know how he had time to work. Tomorrow, we have plans to go to my older siblings for the Alien to install her new vertical blinds.

Then, the next day we are headed for Norman to get stuff for the country store that we are fixing for the big fund raiser coming up. We were "volunteered" to be in charge of that aspect of the auction.

Today, was a checkup day for me at the doctor. She is concerned about my low heart rate and high blood pressure so blood work was ordered along with a change in some of my medication. Yuk!!!!!!!!!!! That is always such a drag. I tend to be like the Alien's Dad when he was asked "why do you wear these glasses, you can't see out of them?" To this he replied, "well, they are the only ones I have". That is sort of how I feel about my medicine, it may not be working but at least I am used to them, lol

We are missing The Unique Life as he got moved in the camper over to the RV park. We had gotten use to having him close. I am sure he is enjoying his space.

The pool is being closed this week. We had to get a new cover for it. The alien takes such good care to keep the water clean and safe.

The little furry boys are happy to have so much attention these days. They are so rotten. At night, if one of them gets up in the chair with me, here comes the other one so I have them both. In the winter that won't be so bad since they such little heaters.

The Cub is still hesitant to drive her jeep. Her Dad has to make her drive!

Well off to the kitchen to help prepare dinner. The Alien is grilling steak, yummy.

"Without Rain"

I have heard that without rain there would be no flowers. The Alien and I are living proof that this saying is definitely true. We have been in a monsoon for the past several months but the little flowers just keep peeping out of the water.

This has not been a banner year for us yet we have so much to be thankful for. I have escaped back surgery (so far) by completing the physical therapy. The Alien has escaped the big "C" word for the nodule. So there is a whole flower garden right there.

It just seemed like when our health went south (once again) so did lots of other things. We lost a family member that has stretched our endurance for pain. The Alien lost his job which will stretch our financial situation.

Then I have lost some of the most important people in my life. Not through death. I see the little faces in my mind and just feel such indescribable sorrow. I am trying to accept it as one of those things that I cannot change but its hard. I feel that I was judged, convicted and sentenced without so much as a hearing. What ever happened to people being able to resolve differences? God teaches love over all else.

On to a happier note. The Cub is settling down in school. She still doesn't like it but hopefully she will continue to make good grades. She has adjusted to her contacts very well. She and her Dad are working on the jeep continually. She is so proud of it even though she is not the least bit anxious to drive.

The Alien and I are in the planning stages for our country store for our Church's fund raiser for the Compassion Outreach Center. Can you believe he is even going to donate some of his peach jam for it? We have lots of ideas and hopefully it will be successful. It is just a small part of the big fund raiser night.

I think all of you know how my older sibling feels about our dogs. Well, she had a birthday last Saturday so I went down and took her birthday to her. The Alien didn't get to go as he had to go to Texas to attend his sister's husband's funeral. Anyway, I found the cutest little white dog birthday cake and took that. I explained to her that Casper and Frosty ordered it for her and I forgot to tell them she was a "people". She was beside herself!!!!!!!!! I had to do something to lighten her day since it was the first birthday without B. She put it in the freezer to save until the three of us could eat it together.

Well enough chatter for now.

Thankful

We live in an awesome world.

Make it an awesome day.

Peace To All and May God Bless You

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
MY FRIEND :)

"Book Review"

I have just finished reading "The Shack" and I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is the most inspiring book that I have ever read and it still has me thinking about life and its many turns. Also, I am now reading "The Five Things That We Cannot Change". This was referred to me by my cub and it is very timely for me to read at this time in my life with all that is going on. I won't ruin the book for you but want to list the five things:

1. Everything changes and ends
2. Things do not always go according to plan
3. Life is not always fair
4. Pain is part of life
5. People are not loving and loyal all the time

If nothing else, I can certainly embrace all five of these things. Being the eternal optimistic "fixer", I have and (still) experience sadness when I can't seem to fix things that are so important to me.

During the past week, I have often made remarks that endorse all five of these facts.

Our cub here got her contacts and she is doing well with them. Her biggest challenge has been putting drops in her eyes when they get dry. I was teasing her yesterday that she couldn't call her Dad to come to school and put in the drops for her. Speaking of school, she starts this Thursday and neither she nor I are anxious for it. She is so low maintenance, I hardly know she is here during the summer. Maybe her dad and I can lose some weight as she has been making cakes way to often and of course we "have" to eat them, lol.

Frosty had surgery on his ear to remove the lump. He did great but we don't know until we get the lab report back what the growth was.

My older sibling and her daughter came up this Saturday. We enjoyed their visit. She is impressed with what all we can find on the computer. She is wanting vertical blinds so I found them online and they are sending free samples for her to choose from. Needless to say, she was impressed. We get to tickled, often we get a call wanting us to look up information or find an item online.

I have escaped back surgery, at least for now. I start physical therapy (this week) three times a week for four weeks to see if that helps.

The day awaits so I had better get busy. I wish only love, peace and happiness to all of you.