Friday, December 31, 2010
Prairie Flower Farm Giveaway
Happy New Year!!!!
It's 7:25 p.m. Central Time and I'm really not sure if I'll make it to midnight! That is age!!! Tonight my kiddos are all in 4 different directions. I don't particularly enjoy this holiday because I'm a worry wart! I worry about EVERYONE getting home safe tonight. Daddy and I are home alone and so happy just to be home. I fixed Pigs in a Blanket and Sausage Balls. I told him we are pitiful!! Sausage Balls are a tradition when I was growing up. My parents always went to their best friends or vice versa to play cards and they had 2 boys around my age. We would hang out and watch the "Ball drop" on Times Square and eat snacks and play games all evening. I can even remember years of getting new batteries to put in my "transitor" radio and listen to Casey Kasem do the countdown. Oh my! Now there are some memories and that is REALLY aging me! So Daddy and I are just tickled to be home with a fire and flipping through the channels. We are quite boring! My internet is actually down (we had a mini hail storm last night) and so I'm picking up off my daughter's internet who lives down in front of us! If I dare move, I lose it!
My mom was well today. She will not be released until Monday now. They are giving her more time to adjust to her feeding tube. The nursing home will be ready for her return and I'll be glad to have her closer. Her doctor called me at home tonight and we had a nice visit. I'm so thankful for him and what he has done to save her. Thank you for all your prayers and kind notes....it has meant so much to me. I'm praying that 2011 will be a wonderful year for her.
I got all my Christmas down, carted to the basement, and put away. WHEW! Does that wear you out as well? And then I drug out January! A glutton for punishment, huh? I put up snowflakes/snowmen to cure the Christmas-over and I've got to get through winter blues.
I hope you are having a great evening wherever you are. I have been contemplating 2011 and thinking about resolutions. I mentally have made a few. #1 is to develop a closer relationship with our God and his son Jesus Christ. I need that and that is most important. My dear sweet friend Carrie at Farming on Faith has encouraged her readers to read the Bible all the way through in 2011. I'm grateful for that encouragement.
Eastern Kansas got cold today. Yesterday was in the 60's and today is bitter! Good grief! Are you all warm and cozy or freezing and trying to get cozy!
Last night we went out to eat with my Lacey's in laws and family at an awesome Italian Restaurant.... (Johnny Cascone's for all you KC area bloggers!) If you have never been........DELICIOUS!!
Tomorrow is the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasedena. I love to watch that....and I like to turn the football games on. It's a nice calm day. What do you do for fun on New Year's Day?
Happy New Year to all of you! Hoping your 2011 is all you hope for and filled with blessings.
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn
My mom was well today. She will not be released until Monday now. They are giving her more time to adjust to her feeding tube. The nursing home will be ready for her return and I'll be glad to have her closer. Her doctor called me at home tonight and we had a nice visit. I'm so thankful for him and what he has done to save her. Thank you for all your prayers and kind notes....it has meant so much to me. I'm praying that 2011 will be a wonderful year for her.
I got all my Christmas down, carted to the basement, and put away. WHEW! Does that wear you out as well? And then I drug out January! A glutton for punishment, huh? I put up snowflakes/snowmen to cure the Christmas-over and I've got to get through winter blues.
I hope you are having a great evening wherever you are. I have been contemplating 2011 and thinking about resolutions. I mentally have made a few. #1 is to develop a closer relationship with our God and his son Jesus Christ. I need that and that is most important. My dear sweet friend Carrie at Farming on Faith has encouraged her readers to read the Bible all the way through in 2011. I'm grateful for that encouragement.
Eastern Kansas got cold today. Yesterday was in the 60's and today is bitter! Good grief! Are you all warm and cozy or freezing and trying to get cozy!
Last night we went out to eat with my Lacey's in laws and family at an awesome Italian Restaurant.... (Johnny Cascone's for all you KC area bloggers!) If you have never been........DELICIOUS!!
Tomorrow is the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasedena. I love to watch that....and I like to turn the football games on. It's a nice calm day. What do you do for fun on New Year's Day?
Happy New Year to all of you! Hoping your 2011 is all you hope for and filled with blessings.
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin
Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. ~Bill Vaughn
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ebbs and Flows
Hummmmmmm....Ebbs and Flows...
I've been using that term-phrase a lot in verbal conversations lately.
Ebb and Flow
I think of it more as ups and downs/good and bad/happy and sad times in your days. It's just part of life. Okay so knowing that .... lately I've been feeling like I'm on a December raft that is "ebbing" and "flowing"
*My poor Mom was admitted to the hospital on December 12 and remains there. My family and I have been driving to the hospital (30 minutes/one way) every day since.
*I struggled to get things done for Christmas. The tree sat undecorated for days (weeks), gifts were not bought, wrapped or put under the UNdecorated tree in a timely manner. I believe we finished shopping on Christmas Eve on the way home from the hospital.
*I didn't get the baking done I wanted to do. I saw all these FABULOUS recipes of bloggers to try. I'm hoping to make Gingerbread cookies this week! Oh brother!
*I had a hard time getting all my "stuff" done for school to be out on the 17th.
*I still have not sent out any "Christmas" cards...They will be called "Holiday" cards if and when they go out.
*I do not have Christmas decor put up....I'm giving myself a break on that one.
*My Mom did really well after her 2nd Broncoscopy. Then she has slipped into a state of unable to eat and swallow well. My husband and I had to make a really tough decision yesterday. The doctor advised us to have a feeding tube put in. The other choice was she would be sent back to the nursing home "as is" and try to sustain her life on what she eats. He said eventually with the Alzheimers she would begin to starve. We could not make that choice. We chose to see if the feeding tube would build up her strength and get her back to where she was.Today it was put in and she came through it well. They will begin to feed her with it. Our prayer now is that she will get stronger and get back to where she was healthwise.
*I have cried in front of about every nurse and doctor at the hospital that has treated my mom. I'm sure I look like a "Basket Case" to them! They have become like a second family to us!
*Sunday we were almost to church and we got a call from Lace. She and Blake hit a deer. NO, I take that back. A deer hit them. A huge buck ran into their car on the passenger side. It broke out the passenger window, shattered the windshield, tore off the side mirror, and damaged the whole passenger side. Lace crumbled into her husband's lap and ended up with glass cuts on her face. She had glass in her hair, and even somehow got through her heavy coat/dress/leggings/underwear!! Weird, huh?
*I have not slept in one day over Christmas break! Rats!
If those are ebbs, here are some flows....If those are flows...here are some ebbs!
*I have spent a lot of time in quiet prayer with God. He is always there!
*I have got to spend a lot of time with my family in the car, watching movies, cooking, talking about good stuff, and praying with them.
*My family and I have had a lot of special time with my mom and got to take care of her doing things she can't do.... putting lotion on her, rubbing her lips with moisturizer, combing her hair, covering her up, feeding her.
*I have let the dishes/laundry/vacuming go when it needed to and not worried about it.
*My kiddos and husband have been my rock when I needed it.
*I get a lot of support, inspiration, and uplifting words of wisdom from so many blogs.
*My daughter and her husband's deer accident was not worse than it was. We are thankful for that.
*It was a great Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. We really enjoyed it.
So, do you ever feel like you are in the midst of ebbs and flows?
I think living here on Earth, we can't avoid them. Now Heaven...ooohhhh...that's a different story! It will be so good!
2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
2011 is nearing and to many a New Year is a New Start. I like to think about it like that too. I don't want to sound like a pessimist, but I have a feeling there will be ebbs and flows throughout 2011 too. That's okay....as long as I've got God for my captain on my boat everything will be just fine! :0)
By the way, it just hit me....January 1 will be 1-1-11 ... You probably knew that....I'm a little slow on the trigger girls!!
I've been using that term-phrase a lot in verbal conversations lately.
Ebb and Flow
Noun
ebb and flow (plural ebbs and flows)- The flowing out and in of the tide.
- (figuratively) A large flowing out and in.
I think of it more as ups and downs/good and bad/happy and sad times in your days. It's just part of life. Okay so knowing that .... lately I've been feeling like I'm on a December raft that is "ebbing" and "flowing"
*My poor Mom was admitted to the hospital on December 12 and remains there. My family and I have been driving to the hospital (30 minutes/one way) every day since.
*I struggled to get things done for Christmas. The tree sat undecorated for days (weeks), gifts were not bought, wrapped or put under the UNdecorated tree in a timely manner. I believe we finished shopping on Christmas Eve on the way home from the hospital.
*I didn't get the baking done I wanted to do. I saw all these FABULOUS recipes of bloggers to try. I'm hoping to make Gingerbread cookies this week! Oh brother!
*I had a hard time getting all my "stuff" done for school to be out on the 17th.
*I still have not sent out any "Christmas" cards...They will be called "Holiday" cards if and when they go out.
*I do not have Christmas decor put up....I'm giving myself a break on that one.
*My Mom did really well after her 2nd Broncoscopy. Then she has slipped into a state of unable to eat and swallow well. My husband and I had to make a really tough decision yesterday. The doctor advised us to have a feeding tube put in. The other choice was she would be sent back to the nursing home "as is" and try to sustain her life on what she eats. He said eventually with the Alzheimers she would begin to starve. We could not make that choice. We chose to see if the feeding tube would build up her strength and get her back to where she was.Today it was put in and she came through it well. They will begin to feed her with it. Our prayer now is that she will get stronger and get back to where she was healthwise.
*I have cried in front of about every nurse and doctor at the hospital that has treated my mom. I'm sure I look like a "Basket Case" to them! They have become like a second family to us!
*Sunday we were almost to church and we got a call from Lace. She and Blake hit a deer. NO, I take that back. A deer hit them. A huge buck ran into their car on the passenger side. It broke out the passenger window, shattered the windshield, tore off the side mirror, and damaged the whole passenger side. Lace crumbled into her husband's lap and ended up with glass cuts on her face. She had glass in her hair, and even somehow got through her heavy coat/dress/leggings/underwear!! Weird, huh?
Here's a few pics...just practicing with my camera!
Mr. Buckaroo first hit the front windshield and ripped off the mirror.
He also proceeded to bust out passenger window where he and Lace met face to rack!
And left a lot of hair debris.
And then proceeded to roll to the back of the car and leave a nice dent.
Lace got cuts and bruises on the face.
*I have not slept in one day over Christmas break! Rats!
If those are ebbs, here are some flows....If those are flows...here are some ebbs!
*I have spent a lot of time in quiet prayer with God. He is always there!
*I have got to spend a lot of time with my family in the car, watching movies, cooking, talking about good stuff, and praying with them.
*My family and I have had a lot of special time with my mom and got to take care of her doing things she can't do.... putting lotion on her, rubbing her lips with moisturizer, combing her hair, covering her up, feeding her.
*I have let the dishes/laundry/vacuming go when it needed to and not worried about it.
*My kiddos and husband have been my rock when I needed it.
*I get a lot of support, inspiration, and uplifting words of wisdom from so many blogs.
*My daughter and her husband's deer accident was not worse than it was. We are thankful for that.
*It was a great Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. We really enjoyed it.
So, do you ever feel like you are in the midst of ebbs and flows?
I think living here on Earth, we can't avoid them. Now Heaven...ooohhhh...that's a different story! It will be so good!
Revelation 21
1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,
11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.
24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
2011 is nearing and to many a New Year is a New Start. I like to think about it like that too. I don't want to sound like a pessimist, but I have a feeling there will be ebbs and flows throughout 2011 too. That's okay....as long as I've got God for my captain on my boat everything will be just fine! :0)
By the way, it just hit me....January 1 will be 1-1-11 ... You probably knew that....I'm a little slow on the trigger girls!!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas to All....
Merry Christmas to you all!
I hope you and your family are having or have had a wonderful Christmas. I hope praises of our God filled your hearts and thankful thoughts of the gift of the birth of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords....Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1...
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
We have been blessed and had a special day. Santa came early this morning, right????? If was so fun! Lace and Blake came up (they live in one of our rental homes on our property....we love it....and they fake it if they don't! Smile! They like to call us Frank and Marie off of Everybody Loves Raymond.) They were here bright and early and so we all donned our Santa hats and settled in for a great morning of food, stockings, gifts, and giggles. The girls made the kiddos "Santa" stockings...the fireplace ones are just for decorations. The best part is just being with the family. And guess what my fine blog buddies????? I GOT A NEW CAMERA! It's impossible to take a picture of your camera with your camera but it's a Nikon and I just love it. They knew I was NOT ready for a big ole' fancy focus/aperature/lens/high resolution/Photo shop one...but it's an awesome Point it and Shoot it kind. I just love it. They made me put it down and open my other goodies and wouldn't let me play with it until later. I've been clicking away today. I'll attach some I've taken so just bear with me...my toy will wear off and I'll calm down.
We finished up our brunch and headed to the hospital to visit Mom. She was glad we all came but soon ready for a nap. We let her fall asleep and headed home. Naps seemed to be a big part of the afternoon at the homestead as well....hummmm...my house was a wreck so I chose to do a quick pick up! Does it seem like your dishwasher runs non stop sometimes? Then we had a relaxing supper with everyone and settled in for TV time and Christmas Wassail. I love that stuff!! Have you ever had it? Oh my...so good and warm.
Tomorrow I will begin the Take Down process of Christmas. I'm that kind. Some leave it up till January (and I admire you!) but I think I feel too depressed and bummed that it's all over so kind of out of sight/out of mind. I do put up lots of Snowmen for January and that's my pick me up. And the girls and I might even tackle hitting some stores tomorrow after church to hit some After Christmas bargains.
Okay...here goes....a sprinkling of our day! (You have the power to click out of here when you begin to yawn!!)
I hope you and your family are having or have had a wonderful Christmas. I hope praises of our God filled your hearts and thankful thoughts of the gift of the birth of our King of Kings and Lord of Lords....Jesus Christ.
Matthew 1...
18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
20But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
We have been blessed and had a special day. Santa came early this morning, right????? If was so fun! Lace and Blake came up (they live in one of our rental homes on our property....we love it....and they fake it if they don't! Smile! They like to call us Frank and Marie off of Everybody Loves Raymond.) They were here bright and early and so we all donned our Santa hats and settled in for a great morning of food, stockings, gifts, and giggles. The girls made the kiddos "Santa" stockings...the fireplace ones are just for decorations. The best part is just being with the family. And guess what my fine blog buddies????? I GOT A NEW CAMERA! It's impossible to take a picture of your camera with your camera but it's a Nikon and I just love it. They knew I was NOT ready for a big ole' fancy focus/aperature/lens/high resolution/Photo shop one...but it's an awesome Point it and Shoot it kind. I just love it. They made me put it down and open my other goodies and wouldn't let me play with it until later. I've been clicking away today. I'll attach some I've taken so just bear with me...my toy will wear off and I'll calm down.
We finished up our brunch and headed to the hospital to visit Mom. She was glad we all came but soon ready for a nap. We let her fall asleep and headed home. Naps seemed to be a big part of the afternoon at the homestead as well....hummmm...my house was a wreck so I chose to do a quick pick up! Does it seem like your dishwasher runs non stop sometimes? Then we had a relaxing supper with everyone and settled in for TV time and Christmas Wassail. I love that stuff!! Have you ever had it? Oh my...so good and warm.
Tomorrow I will begin the Take Down process of Christmas. I'm that kind. Some leave it up till January (and I admire you!) but I think I feel too depressed and bummed that it's all over so kind of out of sight/out of mind. I do put up lots of Snowmen for January and that's my pick me up. And the girls and I might even tackle hitting some stores tomorrow after church to hit some After Christmas bargains.
Okay...here goes....a sprinkling of our day! (You have the power to click out of here when you begin to yawn!!)
Hi Newlyweds!!
Daddy got the worst chair in the house!
Sweet Haley Beth!
Hold still son...I'm working on close ups!
I love these Momma!
Oh brother...here she goes again!
Maybe if I ignore her....she'll quit taking pictures!
Mom...Pleeeaaaasssseeeee stop with the pictures!
Brunch in the making!
Daddy and I started collecting Santas after we got married!
Little Darb got her new guitar! She outgrew her first one! She and Daddy are quite the guitarists!
I got this rug at one of my favorite flea markets....So cute!
Grandma and her grandkids...I think she was ready for us to leave to get her nap!
We took this picture with the handy dandy timer!
I have been looking at this tree in the lobby of the hospital for 14 days! I just love it...and now I get to share it with you!
Merry Christmas to all!!!
Can you believe 2011 is just days away!!!!!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Here Comes Santa Claus!!!
Ready or not here he comes!
I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas Eve and are making wonderful memories! We have had a busy day but tonight will be relaxing. Hubby and I loaded up in the prettiest snow this morning and finished up the last minute for gifts and groceries. We also went and spent time with my mom at the hospital. She was doing well and happy to be staying inside on this chilly day. We continue to praise God for her continued recovery. The doctor said he will keep her in the hospital until at least Monday.
Our last stop was Wally World and I was quite happy to exit the craziness going on! I just kept saying through the aisles "I think I can, I think I can!" We got home and had our fun family gift exchange where we draw names for Christmas Eve. Then my daughter and son in law had to head for another Christmas get together and the rest of us are settling in for lots of snacks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, last minute gift wrapping, reading the Christmas story, leaving out cookies and milk, and a Christmas movie. Not sure what it is tonight...I have truly watched a lot of Christmasy movies this season. Sitting in a hospital allows for that. I never get burned out on them! The sappier/happier they are the better!
Tomorrow we plan to get up early and see what Santa left, open gifts, have our traditional breakfast of Monkey Bread, Breakfast Casserole, Juice and Coffee, head to the hospital to spend time with Mom, and then come home for a Christmas supper of a Honey Baked Spiral Cut Ham, Cheesey Potatoes, Grandma Sharon's Vegetable Casserole, Hawaiian Bread, Eclaire Dessert and Hot Wassail. What's your menu for Christmas Day? ( I might want to steal a recipe! :0)....
Now as you might have noticed, I have not been taking/posting any new pictures recently. I have NO camera. (It died after it was cast TWICE into the ocean when my husband tipped our catamaran over on a Caribbean trip in Sept. '09... I think I've cried to you about this story before!) I've hinted about getting a new camera and perhaps it will be on Santa's sleigh tonight? I'll get back with you on that one! I've been having to bum off my daughters whenever I need a new picture.
I have LOVED LOVED LOVED looking at all your beautiful Christmas pictures you have been taking. They have warmed my heart. You have put me in the holiday spirit with all your cooking, wrapping, decor, lights, trees, etc.
Tonight we have a roaring fire, Christmas lights aglow, and we are nestled in. My babies aren't really babies anymore...but we still go through the motions! I can't bear them growing up to be too big for Christmas fun! What could be better? I look forward to hearing about your special time with your families.
What do you do on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day?
I hope you are all enjoying your Christmas Eve and are making wonderful memories! We have had a busy day but tonight will be relaxing. Hubby and I loaded up in the prettiest snow this morning and finished up the last minute for gifts and groceries. We also went and spent time with my mom at the hospital. She was doing well and happy to be staying inside on this chilly day. We continue to praise God for her continued recovery. The doctor said he will keep her in the hospital until at least Monday.
Our last stop was Wally World and I was quite happy to exit the craziness going on! I just kept saying through the aisles "I think I can, I think I can!" We got home and had our fun family gift exchange where we draw names for Christmas Eve. Then my daughter and son in law had to head for another Christmas get together and the rest of us are settling in for lots of snacks, hors d'oeuvres, desserts, last minute gift wrapping, reading the Christmas story, leaving out cookies and milk, and a Christmas movie. Not sure what it is tonight...I have truly watched a lot of Christmasy movies this season. Sitting in a hospital allows for that. I never get burned out on them! The sappier/happier they are the better!
Tomorrow we plan to get up early and see what Santa left, open gifts, have our traditional breakfast of Monkey Bread, Breakfast Casserole, Juice and Coffee, head to the hospital to spend time with Mom, and then come home for a Christmas supper of a Honey Baked Spiral Cut Ham, Cheesey Potatoes, Grandma Sharon's Vegetable Casserole, Hawaiian Bread, Eclaire Dessert and Hot Wassail. What's your menu for Christmas Day? ( I might want to steal a recipe! :0)....
Now as you might have noticed, I have not been taking/posting any new pictures recently. I have NO camera. (It died after it was cast TWICE into the ocean when my husband tipped our catamaran over on a Caribbean trip in Sept. '09... I think I've cried to you about this story before!) I've hinted about getting a new camera and perhaps it will be on Santa's sleigh tonight? I'll get back with you on that one! I've been having to bum off my daughters whenever I need a new picture.
I have LOVED LOVED LOVED looking at all your beautiful Christmas pictures you have been taking. They have warmed my heart. You have put me in the holiday spirit with all your cooking, wrapping, decor, lights, trees, etc.
Tonight we have a roaring fire, Christmas lights aglow, and we are nestled in. My babies aren't really babies anymore...but we still go through the motions! I can't bear them growing up to be too big for Christmas fun! What could be better? I look forward to hearing about your special time with your families.
What do you do on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day?
Twas the Night before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Blessings of an Early Christmas Present
Today my family honestly saw and felt a miracle of God. My mom who has been in the hospital for 11 days, gone through 2 Broncoscopies and was not communicating, eating, drinking, or talking ---- had a huge turnaround. We walked into her room this a.m. and she had taken a shower and was sitting up watching TV and spoke to us like the Mom and Grandma we knew. We were dumbfounded! When we left the hospital last night, she was scheduled for a feeding tube to be put in early this morning. They took her to the surgery room and found out her blood would not clot and cancelled it. They brought her back up to her room and she began to talk, perk up, and wanted a shower. When we got there, we had such anxiety and were dreading the possible doom ahead of us. We expected to see her recovering from the feeding tube procedure. Instead we saw a miracle! A miracle from God. She was bright eyed and so happy to see us. She was a little unsure why we were crying and emotional. She had no idea she had been sick for all those days. The doctors and nurses who have been tending her for days were as surprised as we were. They immediately scheduled her for a swallow study and found out she can try pureed foods with constant supervision and monitoring of her swallowing to hopefully avoid aspirating anything else into her lungs. She was able to eat over half of her supper. She has not had food or liquids for days.
We have spent today praising God and giving many thanks for all the prayers given on her behalf. Tonight my family rejoices. Tonight we will rest better. We have been told that more than likely the Pneumonia can return. Her Alzheimers will progress. The doctors have been very frank and honest with us. We have had to make decisions that are not easy.
But we are reassured that:
*God hears prayers
*God answers prayers
*God's will WILL be done
*God will not give you more than you can bear
*God's plan is always the best
*Faith will give you strength
*Never give up on hope
*God is always there and you are never alone
While we waited in the waiting room one day, a man and woman approached my husband and gave him a bag and simply said, "We just want you to know we care." It contained water, snacks, and best of all some wonderful pamphlets with wonderful scriptures that came just when we needed them. They were from a church that my Great Aunt had gone to before she passed away. We were blessed by them and so grateful.
Thank you from my heart for all the prayers and thoughts. My mom is on the receiving end of many wonderful gifts of prayers.
Tonight this song is on my mind....
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
words and music by Ira Stanphill
We have spent today praising God and giving many thanks for all the prayers given on her behalf. Tonight my family rejoices. Tonight we will rest better. We have been told that more than likely the Pneumonia can return. Her Alzheimers will progress. The doctors have been very frank and honest with us. We have had to make decisions that are not easy.
But we are reassured that:
*God hears prayers
*God answers prayers
*God's will WILL be done
*God will not give you more than you can bear
*God's plan is always the best
*Faith will give you strength
*Never give up on hope
*God is always there and you are never alone
While we waited in the waiting room one day, a man and woman approached my husband and gave him a bag and simply said, "We just want you to know we care." It contained water, snacks, and best of all some wonderful pamphlets with wonderful scriptures that came just when we needed them. They were from a church that my Great Aunt had gone to before she passed away. We were blessed by them and so grateful.
Thank you from my heart for all the prayers and thoughts. My mom is on the receiving end of many wonderful gifts of prayers.
Tonight this song is on my mind....
words and music by Ira Stanphill
- I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For it's skies may turn to gray.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
- Refrain
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
- Refrain
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
- Refrain
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.
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