Resolutions

"God of the Universe, You are the source of all Joy. Give me a heart of praise in the coming year, so that your joy can become my very strength!"

Right now Las Vegas time there's thirteen hours 40 minutes until the New Year and time to reflect on the resolutions of old and what was and the new resolutions and what may be. As for me, I can't remember what my last year's resolutions were so what's the point of making new promises. However, some reflections are the hope that I will be more prayful and try to always be a better person, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, thoughtful, kind and considerate and focus on the important things in life.

Be safe and warm. Take good care. Good health and Peace. Happy New Year to you and yours. May God bless you abundantly.

The day before the day before

How are things at your place? Not much new here. Las Vegas is busy and there's lots of people in town and they are melting over into the Henderson area too. Bob and I went shopping for a new little doll baby for Alex since the one we got her for Christmas got a broken leg. Bob was great in Toys R Us, he was impressed with the size and organization of the store. Maybe we should go there more often and shop! Ha ha, just kidding. Stopped by Michael's and got some yellow ribbon to tie around the ole oak tree when Tom comes home - he only has three months and some days before he'll be back stateside. He's studying for his NCO Boards and promotion to SGT - that will happen in January sometime. Fingers crossed.

We're pretty mellow around here today. Relaxing, doing laundry and getting in some knitting. This will be the most irregular knitting project I ever undertook. I guess it goes to prove just how imperfect I am and am humbled. This project is a prayer shawl for my Aunt Thelma and I've done my share of praying while I knit and purl.

Hope you are well and don't have the stomach flu going around. Do take good care and be safe. God bless you. Happy New Year too.

Christmas leftovers

What day is this - - again? I can't remember! Saturday! Whaaaa? Why don't I have a trillion things to do today? What a let down, man oh man!

We have plenty of Christmas cookies left, but I don't have any with sprinkles and we didn't do any kissing and hugging as George Strait did when his wife was baking his Christmas Cookies! UUmmmm!

Only one problem with a gift this Christmas - we bought Alex a beautiful doll from Costco - its one that's similar to the very expensive American Girl collection. It's 18 inches tall, long blond hair, blue jeans and a sweater with a puppy dog in a purse - reminded me so much of Alex. Well, the jeans were very tight and when Alex was pulling off the pants the leg pulled out of the socket. It is custom made so we can't fix it.

We joked with her about it - but that was evil because she was crying already. I won't tell you what these ignorant adults were laughing about because it really wasn't nice but for a short time it was a light joking moment. We gave Alex options because as you can imagine, Costco doesn't have any more of her dolls so she has requested I get the doll fixed. I'll send it to New York to the Madam Alexander Doll Hospital where Doll Alex was created. I'll buy her different clothes too so she won't have to push and tug so hard to dress her. A good project would be for Alex and I to sew her clothes, maybe we could try that!

Well good folks, only four more days until the New Year - any plans? We haven't done anything elaborate for years - maybe someday we will, but not this year. We've had a family custom since we lived on the farm back in Kentucky many moons ago that I make homemade pizzas. When Tom called from Iraq he asked me if I was going to bake a billion pizzas, I thought that was funny and I guess because there are so many that was his prospective. There are usually plenty for drop in company. However a one time change from routine this year, I'm buying from Metro Pizza because I have a good coupon. We'll try to stay up to see the new year in and celebrate with a glass of Asti Spumanti - I don't like champagne - the Asti is much better.

We hope you're having a good weekend and all is well at your place. May the good Lord keep you safe and protect you and your loved ones.

Passive

Tis was the day after Christmas, all is quiet right now, no radio singing or TV blaring, three still in bed, one off to work early, another raking leaves and this one attempting inspiring thoughts. Soldier Tom called late last night from Iraq, forgetting the 11 hours difference - he just got off work. It was an uneventful Christmas for him or so he said. I know I really missed him. Every person brings a different aura to the table and when one is missing the table setting isn't complete. The time is passing quickly and we are counting, he will be back stateside soon. He is well.

This Christmas celebration was a rare one, for the first time in our married life, the gifts under the tree were sparse. Yet, both Bob and I didn't feel despair, but humble acceptance and gratitude for what we do have. We could have splurge on gifts for everyone, but there is a time to say enough. Our home was warm and comfortable even though the winds were blowing cold and rainy yesterday, there was plenty of foods and treats to share and we were together one more time. I wondered as we gathered at our dining room table and enjoyed our typical Christmas meal where would we all be next year.

I am joyful for some reason and cannot explain why, but our plans to sell this house which we've lived in for 15 years, will begin. I am excited yet I don't know where we will go. We will begin processing the stages for a new life for Bob and I. We bought this specific home because it was perfect for Brian who had brain damage and needed total care 24/7. I remember the first time I saw this property, I knew it was just right. I needed something roomy enough to get him around the house in his wheelchair and to exit and enter as well safely and quickly should there be a fire or emergency. This home was perfect for Brian, and for our grandchildren, and our children as well. This is a wonderful family home with happiness shared in every room. It is time for a younger family to share in the joy and hope and caring we have had here. Bob and I are ready for something with only two and a half baths - not five. Brian passed away in 2000. I wasn't in any hurry to sell after he left us because we had more duties to fulfill. Tom had started school in this district and I wanted him to remain in one place until he graduated, and he did. This is a great neighborhood and I am so thankful we have lived here for Brian and Tom, and now Alex is benefiting from this as well. But, its time Bob and I move on for ourselves.

This was a difficult Christmas holiday for us too. One son was out of work and the other' son work hours were cut. Tom was in Iraq, and the budget is slim - but with all of that, we still had each other and we were together as a family.

There was one element that was missing and if you've been reading my posts, you will maybe remember the big deal it has been - the Wii! I forgot to put it under the tree - it was not wrapped because our Soldier Tom sent it to us directly from Amazon, and I have it now right next to my desk - but , out of sight and out of mind. Amazingly, after all the nagging from the children, wouldn't you have thought someone would have remembered the Wii! Actually, someone did, but it was late and the old people were too tired to figure it out so the fun with the Wii will have to wait until later today. When I told Tom last night on the telephone, he thought it was so funny that they forgot. Today we will learn to Wii.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and kept warm. I hope the Spirit of Christmas warmed your Heart and Blessed you and your family abundantly. Hope you have a great day today.

Gone Shopping

Hope all is well with you and you are keeping warm and safe. Getting closer and closer to the Big Day - and I still have lots to do like I'm sure all of you do too.

Grocery shopping one more time, wrapping gifts, making goodies, not to mention all the usual things like meals, laundry and housecleaning to do yet.

We still have lots snow in our yard and the snow hasn't melted much in our backyard where it's shady. First time I can remember snow staying around so long here in the desert southwest. Bob and I went to the Veteran's Cemetery in Boulder City this afternoon to put Christmas flowers at Brian's grave. Last Sunday the Gold Star Mother's of our area put a beautiful Christmas Wreaths on his grave. It is through the organization of Wreaths Across America that this is done annually all over at the same time in memorial of our heroes. We are honored. The wreath was there and an extra ornament which I know was left there by a dear person, Linda, who volunteers for both the Blue Star Moms and Gold Star Mothers. She is a very devoted person to helping her neighbor. Her mother is very ill right now, but she did make time to do this special task for the veterans last week.

I will be taking some time off from bloggin for a couple of days. My good wishes and prayers go with you. Do take good care. May the good Lord bless and keep you. Merry Christmas!

Words to think about - - taken from friend's emails

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.'

USC Coach Pete Carroll's favorite phrases -" I'm always believing that something GOOD is about to happen."

Continuing Snow Watch

Actually, watching the snow slowly melt!!! Aunt Thelma called this morning and said she had seen on the news about the snow here in Las Vegas where they got 3 inches. I said Henderson got 8 inches. She asked me if I was wearing shorts and I told her no because it was 33 degrees at the moment. I asked her what her temperature was and she said 58 degrees and I asked her if she was wearing shorts then we laughed. There is a big difference between our freezing temperatures and those in Ohio because of the humidity. When we left for shopping today, Bob, my husband had only a long sleeve shirt on and I was bundled up with gloves and all - our inside temp gauge said 35. I made slight comments and nagged some about him putting on a jacket and I never got my way. By the time we made the Wal-Mart store two hours later, it was warmer and more everyone had only long sleeve shirts on and I was hot with my heavy coat. I really dislike it when he is so right.

Yes, our snow is slowly melting. We have one tree with a broken branch, although it is a small branch. I found out some kids on a 4 wheeling thingie ran over Alexandra and Kevin's snowman out front. We have a group of ornery kids in our neighborhood. They've egged some vehicles, and messed up some neighbor's lights and other things. We caught them messing with my neighbor's lights and Bob talked to them. They also came on our property and hid behind our bushes along the side of the driveway but Bob surprised them since he was out back. They were faster than Bob could be. It's a shame neighborhoods have to have those types of kids you can't really catch to do something about.

I have one more store shopping on Monday at Costco, then I am done. I have to get fresh Christmas flowers for Brian's grave and we'll go see him. I'm checking my dessert recipes twice to be sure everything is nice. Got the ham this morning and will finish up Monday. Trying to keep Christmas cooking as easy as possible so I can relax. Everyone is anxious to open up the Wii Tom gave Bob and I and it won't be opened until Christmas day. Alex has been nagging me and saying how much she wants to play it and that it belongs to everyone, well, duh, I told her it had my name on it, so we're back to the nanny nanny bobo thing. It's difficult for the kids to wait for most anything. It's a slim gift Christmas here, the first time Bob and I aren't exchanging gifts. I know others have it much much worse than we do. We are grateful for what we have and we thank God everyday for the gifts He does bring us.

We say Merry Christmas to those strangers we meet and have exchanged niceties with and to the store clerks too. We're getting down to the wire but all those sales people and shoppers we met today were patient and very kind. There's no point in getting in a hurry - I'm glad I don't have to be now, maybe that's a lesson I've learned since I've gotten old. And I especially hope you are doing well and everything is going smoothly for you. Please take good care, stay warm and drive safely. And, Merry Christmas to you too! God Bless.

Snow watch!

Alias, maybe just maybe by the end of the day there will be snow on the ground. It started spitting sprinkles of snow, on and off, about 11:30 this morning. I yelled with glee sitting outside on the front bench as it started - my oldest son, Don, replying that I needed to get out of the house more often. What does he know about the little things being a thrill! Well, oh my, he was a semi-truck driver and I could understand Why he wouldn't be excited about snow.

It's 12:30 now and coming down a little harder - I am on Snow Watch in between my wifely duties and I will report back as I see results.

Hurrah, I got my wish and it is still snowing since I first posted. It is beautiful out - - but, I don't have to leave the house. There are many road closed in the Las Vegas Valley and roads going south.

Granddaughter Alex and son Kevin had a blast playing out in the snow, throwing snowballs and building the snowman. It is really pretty.

We have two hummingbirds that are hanging around. It isn't unusual since we've seen one or two stay around all year through. I caught some photos of them and will post later.

Regardless of the weather, the trash needs to be put out - rain sleet or snow. There's Bob doing his thing. We have nice rollabout portable covered trashcans here - makes it easier on Bob.

I hope you've enjoyed a couple of my photos.

I hope too you have a nice evening and are keeping warm. We've had lots of "lights out" in some areas. Take good care and God bless.

None, nada, not here!

There was no snow yesterday on this side of town. As reported in yesterday's posting, I was very excited and hoped we'd get some snow at our house. Well, the west side of Las Vegas got it all. There are pictures posted everywhere and showing all the fun and beauty enjoyed by all on the other side of town. Bla!

There are predictions of possible chance for rain or snow tonight or tomorrow, but I won't hold my breath. I am very thankful however because we did get a lot of rain and we do need rain. My family has enjoyed seeing the photos of the grandkids at a very young age that I posted as they were playing in the snow.

It's a cloudy and chilly day here today. I have a few Christmas decorations to work on and I must get my baking list in order - have to have a list or I'll forget. Bob cleaned the pool which was full of leaves from the wind blowing the pass couple of days. Now I heard him out on the front lawn. I guess he is picking up fallen tree limbs. Our neighbor has their fireplace burning and it smells so homey and warming.

Hope you are having a good day and accomplishing all that you have on your lists and what you've set out to do. Please take good care and drive safely. God bless.

Weather Watch

Yes, that's it! As silly as it sounds to all you easterners and northerners and those who live in a four season area, snow may not be as unique and as much as a present as it is to those of us who live in a desert area like us here in southern Nevada. It is snowing on the west side of town where there is higher elevation and up at Mt. Charleston which was my remote resort until Vegas was impacted with population growth and everyone goes up there. They are expecting several feet of snow on Mt. Charleston which will be great for the ski resort. It's about an hour drive from our home.

We're not expecting snow until this evening but I'm ready with my trusty camera and looking forward to the flakes falling. Predictions are for the next three days - we need the moisture.

Hope you will have a great day and take good care. God bless!

A Good Friend - one of my many blessings

This is a photo taken in our home back in 1994 when Brian was alive. My dear friend, Ann, and her nice husband came to visit Brian and our family. She has been a dear friend for many years. Ann is a dear sweet and blessed person. A blessing to have her as a friend.

Weather or not

We woke up this morning to the lowest temperatures we've had so far this season - it was 31. The wind blew all night and some trees in our valley were toppled over and out of the ground. It seems quiet out there right now, some limbs flew off our trees and lots of leaves in the pool.

We do have blessings to be thankful for as we saw the storm damage in the east coast from Pennsylvania up to Maine. When we lived in Kentucky we had ice storms and for me that was an unbelievable experience. Fortunately, then we didn't have to endure the calamity they have to deal with today and losing their electricity for many days and weeks. A lady who was interview said she slept with her clothes on and they all huddled together to keep warm. Some neighbors helped out as they could, one even bringing a generator to one of his neighbors.

My aunt who lives in Ohio doesn't want me to tell her about our weather because our temperatures are so different from theirs. Most days I run around in shorts, and Tom always wore shorts in the winter before he enlisted in the Army. They were the long shorts and he wore a jacket or warm shirt, but our dry weather (without humidity) has a different feel to it.

We may luck out though and I may get another answer to my daily prayer for rain but with temperatures at 31 it may be snow. I know I can't complain about the weather especially after talking with Aunt Thelma and what they've had to deal with. She is ill and an elderly person, the harsh winters make it very difficult for them to get out of their homes. But, we need rain badly, we are in an extreme drought situation. Our Lake Mead is lower than we have ever seen it in the history of the lake. We usually have one snow a year and the snow generally doesn't stay beyond a couple of hours - it is a treat. We have had a really hard snow and the grandkids when they were little - Keeley and Tom, built snowmen in the front yard. It lasted a couple of days but that has been years ago. Our local weatherlady predicts a lot of snow starting tomorrow. I hope she is right. Being raised in Ohio and living in the midwest and in Massachusetts on and off during my marriage, I miss the real winter weather. Although, we stay here because of the mild weather - its difficult luxury to get it both ways. Is it going to be shovel or not! These photos were taken here at this home in Henderson back in 1998 - the last time the Las Vegas valley got a big snow. I noticed there were leaves on the trees then too. Oh, and you can almost see Bob between the trees - he's thawing the water in the birds bath.

Windy December Day

It's the typical desert southwest weather of the middle of December and as usual our leaves are still hanging on, but today they are getting a rough go with the strong winds and more predictions of heavy winds and possible rain and snow in the next few days. We have several trees in our yard and the leaves play havoc on our pool - the wind seems to blow them directly into the pool. We had a pool cover years ago, but we realized we worked too hard taking the thing off and the dirt went into the pool anyhow. Bob has a nice leaf net for cleaning the leaves out so he tries to keeps on top of it. He uses the leaf blower to keep ahead of the game - a losing battle today.

The bushy red flowers in the photo below are in our front flower bed. They are Salvia, I believe, and they reseed every year. The hummingbirds love them and the small bushes are so abundant I let them grow without thinning. It looks like a messy bed, but I know it won't last long and the frost will get them. There are other birds who enjoy hiding and playing and eating the seeds in the bushy area. I'm much rather enjoy the birds than worry about a neat flower bed.









The pink rose has always had big blooms. This bloom is the only one left on this bush. We don't know the name of the rose, it's been in the front bed since we bought the house in 1993. It survives quite well with the salvia. If the colder weather and possible snow hits our desert area in the next couple of days as predicted, the rose will be looking sad. I wanted to preserve my last enjoyment of it's beauty.

Christmas Spirit!

Last night after Alexandra got off school, Kevin and Alex went shopping and paying bills. Like the majority of hotels on the Las Vegas strip, worker's hours are being cut, and Kevin's hours have been cut as well and he's working fewer days so there's less money to spend. Alex needed a hair trim and so did Kevin, so they went to their usual shop for this task. Kevin and Alex came home around 8:30 last night (they live with us) and Alex was so thrilled and excited. She ran right into the living room to show us her new "doo." She looked so beautiful and she was glowing more than usual. Kevin told us that Alex had told the beautician that her mom use to curl her hair all the time. Alex mom and Kevin divorced a year or so ago and Kevin raises Alex and her mom lives away. Alex hasn't had her hair curled and fixed in long time. So, the next thing Kevin realized was Alex was in the beautician's chair again - after her hair trimming. The beautician was curling Alex's hair and told Kevin it wouldn't cost him a dime.

This morning when I checked my mail and saw the photos Kevin had sent via his cellphone, I was so touched and cried. The lady doesn't know how special she made Alex feel and what a great kindness I think she did for our little girl. Alex misses her mom so much, they did a lot of girlie stuff together.

God bless that special lady. There truly are special simple miracles during the Christmas season!

Merry Christmas to all!

All I want for Christmas is............

What I wish for Christmas ......................Peace on earth!..........................and a couple other things!

Bob would like a blue Chevy SSR, & I would like a 14" HP 360 gig laptop & Canon Rebel Digital

We've already got the message back from Santa that there is a Recession going on in Santa land and our Christmas wishes are backlogged - - except for the Peace on Earth, which He is working on.

Our last and second most important wish after Peach on Earth is for Tom to be home with us from Iraq to spend Christmas with us, but unfortunately, like so many soldiers, he will be spending the holidays with his buddies protecting our country in a foreign land.

For me, Tom is the Cheer in Jolly, and the Happiness in Merry, he brings Joy whenever he walks into a room and although he doesn't have a "stomach that looks like a bowl full of jello" he laughs and brings cheer where ever he goes. I will really miss him this year - maybe that's why I'm full of Baaa-Humbug right now.

Who wouldn't love a face like that? Can't you tell he's full of vim and vigor. We miss Tom.

The Reading - Isaiah 30:20

This morning I opened my "Living Faith" pamphlet which my friend Hilda sends me faithfully as a gift. I am behind on my readings. However, I think that perhaps yesterday's reading may not have affected me yesterday the same as it does today. I must admit feebly I am not as committed to my readings as my husband is to his daily Bible scripture reading. I often ask him to share the daily reading and we discuss what he has learned. We have followed this same morning routine for many years. It is almost commonplace for us to ask how the reading can or will apply to our problems and our daily lives. I am very thankful for his knowledge and spirituality and his ability to share openly with me.

Yesterday's reading was titled "What Was Hidden Now Revealed" and I just noticed yesterday was the feast day of St. Nicholas. I remember when I was little we had a St. Nicholas day tradition of putting out a stocking and we received simple goodies. It was a long time ago and I don't remember much more than that.

Yesterday's reading begins talking about how God appeared to be "hidden" in the Old Testament, that to us he was mystical and fascinating. I remember as a young girl attending Catholic school back in the 50s I perceived God in a very unattainable place because I was so humble and just an immature child although I did find comfort in my faith and my Church. I was appreciative for my education and the close relationship that developed through time with the religious sisters who taught me. It wasn't until the Church changed some of their policies did I really understand and feel an open closeness with God and who He was. The changes by the Church in the early 60s also opened the door for me to understand more vibrantly about Jesus. It wasn't that I didn't believe or accept because we were taught to have faith and accept, but it seemed to me I just didn't understand. I was thankful for the changes so I could see why and understand and to accepted with an open heart about my faith.

Just as in yesterday's writings, I can see that what we read in scripture can relate differently each time we read a scripture or hear some one's opinion of that scripture. Faith is ever changing yet God does remain the same. I thing it's how I accept what is at hand, how I relate and what I do with what I have learned and felt as I read that makes the difference in my daily life. One sentence the author writes "There are also times when I long for the revelation of God. I want to see the Divine Face up close. The wonderful words "no longer will your teacher hide" wash over me with joy. They are good Advent words as we keep vigil with the mystery of God's incarnation" The author continues several lines later "In Jesus, God becomes friend, companion, teacher. It is easy for me to relate to Jesus as teacher."

Her final thought is "Jesus, teacher of my heart, in this holy season reveal to me what I most need to learn from you." We have all struggled through adversities of loss, change, sadness, and all the other human agony's that affect our earthly frailties. For me my faith was challenged the most when my son Brian died. I had strong faith which helped me through many trials and pain, but losing Brian brought me to my knees but not to pray. I never felt that God left me, I knew that I left God. It has been a struggle back up the hill of faith. I don't necessarily want to be where I was, but beyond. I am faced with a different set of trials which requires a different prospective from how I approached life when I was young. I was drawn to yesterday's reading because it brought to me what I feel I need and that is my request to Our Lord to be with me and to reveal what I need to learn to be a better person, wife, mother and grandmother, and friend in my daily life. I can't take my life for granted and never grow. Faith is an ever changing entity and I mustn't let myself become stagnant.

I appreciate my friend, Hilda, for sending this gift of the Living Word which arrives quarterly. She sends them to all of her friends and I can't think of a better means of sharing the Lord's words because we never know when someone needs a hug and that hug may come from the daily reading.

God bless you all. Hope you have a wonderful day.

Is it - - - Ho Ho Ho!!! or Baaaa Humbug!

We have received our first Christmas gift. It came via the postal system in a cardboard box a week or so ago. It was not wrapped in Christmas paper and I was instructed to open the boxes which I did and there I found the gifts for Bob and I from our Soldier Tom who is in Camp Taji, Iraq. He believes that Bob and I should be more active and excitable. He thinks its a waste of time that we watch TV in the evening. Our daughter was even surprised that we watched the same news program every day at the same time. What's wrong with these people? Not us - our kids, it is our pattern, after all we are retired.

So back to the gift - our Soldier Tom was surprised I hadn't taken his gifts out of the cardboard boxes yet and the explanation that it wasn't Christmas and I was saving the opening until then was a not a good enough explanation. Then when the other members of the family found out what was in the boxes, they were astounded that I could hoard such gifts from everyone else and not share the experience NOW!!!! Well, my dear disoriented, lack of patience family, suck it up!!! because I ain't opening the gifts for public usage until Christmas day. If you don't like it - too bad!!! What are you going to do - give the chief cook and bottle washer of the family a public thrashing, I DON'T THINK SO!!!!

Now by this time, have I got your curiosity ablaze? Do you want to know what our Soldier Tom sent us all the way from Iraq via Amazon and other Internet purchase outlets? Do you want to know, huh? OK, I'll tell you, especially since that is what this is all about anyhow! Tom sent Bob and I a Wii and some games. I actually call it a Wii Wii because I want too - which really agitates everyone, but I don't care. I'm not sure about the games he sent and how they are suppose to help our energy level, I was thinking something about the exercise one they have, but maybe its in there - well, really I don't think I want that one, but the sports thingie with tennis for me and the bow and arrow one for Bob would probably be more enticing.

I do know there will be real controversy and head banging as to Who can use this and when since our TV is OUR TV not for family consumption. We have a TV room and a living room with a TV and the living room has the big TV - can you guess who occupies the living room? If you would see the messy TV room which is occupied by adult children and grandchildren, you would understand why the living room is a security zone specifically for grown ups which in this house is a different description from adult children. Now you may think we are harsh but guess what - who cares? It's our rules and at our age we are tired of enforcing rules in our home, but this one we stick to because we can and because we need our own solitary space. There is really an invisible line well, actually not, but for some reason when the people built this house they sunk the living room one step down so to enter the living room which is an open room anyhow, you must step down and you must step down with permission if we are watching TV or playing the piano or just talking. Actually not, I just felt like exaggerating. Truly, we do need the one room we can find solitude and they do have the run of the other TV room and nare the twain shall meet, well sometimes they do meet. See, having older adult children and grandchildren living with you, there can be strain and stress.

As far as the Wii Wii usage goes, I'll have to address that in another entry because it will stay in the box and under the Christmas tree until Christmas day and I'll decide then who, what, where and why. Possession is 9/10th of the law and the name on the box is mine. And as an old lady of the house, I can say nanny nanny boo boo, it's all mine!

Have a great day!

Accomplishment

During the wee hours of the morning when I lay in bed wide awake and know it is just too early to get up, I can organize my day very well but once I get up and at it, I am a failure at putting it to work. Making lists have been a routine part of any endeavor I take on, but lately even the projects on the lists take days and weeks to accomplish. I begin with enthusiasm and end with disappointment knowing that at one point in my life when I was younger this would never have happened.

The meditation in the "Living Faith" booklet from yesterday reminds us to listen to the words of Our Lord and those who do will be like a "wise man who built his house on rocks" The writer says "Jesus may be saying that His words need to make a noticeable difference in how you use your time." Also "what matters is that we keep trying to act on Jesus words and not give up, no matter what, trusting that our loving Father can make good things happen, even through our feeble efforts." The reading is from Matthew 7:24.

We have individuals in our family who have struggles and their struggles impact first hand our family lifestyle in our home. I have realized these situations have a great deal to do with how I progress with my daily lists. As a result of being subjected to their struggles daily, trying to focus on my own personal needs and directives has become very difficult and often results in my failure to succeed. It would seem the easy answer would be to banish the "difficulties" but there are times when that isn't the answer. Change is our ultimate goal and that can't be attained yet, so dealing with it is the only answer. I do pray diligently everyday both for my family and friend's needs and requests but I also ask God to help me make it through the day in a positive direction. Achieving a positive attitude and behavior is my weakness because I do let the external problems affect my inner being and fail to be feel the spirit that is trying to lead me to wisdom and perseverance and to conquer the turmoil within our home. I can read and hear but the words aren't penetrating. My bad behavior is increasingly becoming out of control. I am accomplishing less and less. I know I must get back to basics and focus on what is important for me spiritually.

I have a long list today and I know if I accomplish most of what's written I will be content. No matter what the external turmoil, I am thankful for the gifts God has given me. He sent me a husband who listens and tries to help when I am down and makes me laugh through the tears of frustration. Today, I will firmly make every attempt to open my heart to hear the words of Jesus and visualize His presence beside me today.

Empty brain cells

Yes, that's how it is right now - so many thoughts but so little time. I've been having really goofy dreams for a few weeks and Bob says that I am talking in my sleep. I do recall driving a car from the right side, couldn't see through the windows because it was dark and the lights were off and I didn't know where I was going but ended up at a department store spending money on stuff I didn't need with money I didn't have. Whooaa! I usually end up lost too. Weird, huh?

Our Birthday party for Alexandra was fun. Kevin bought the cake from where he works and he did all the cooking and Suzanne helped with the clean up. It's nice to sit back and enjoy the meal before, during, and after without all the concern cooks have preparing and cleaning up. Here's Bob relaxing at the table and we're enjoying the time. Alexandra enjoyed having the tree up and lights on even though there were no ornaments, yet. We did put the tree up but didn't get the ornaments on - isn't that a hoot! We were too tired and it was late so the plans are for Thursday to decorate.

Going shopping today so not much else getting accomplished. We are going to the two stores that are always packed - Costco and WalMart - just grocery shopping today. If you've been to those stores lately, you can't help but wonder if these shoppers don't realize there's a spending slump going on - or - like us, we get our best buys from Costco and WalMart and we watch our spending. What else is there.

So here's hoping you have a blessed and healthy day. Tom called from Iraq for Alex's birthday and he had been sick. They have had a change in weather too - cold and rainy and was foggy the early morning he called. Tis the season when colds and flu seems to flourish. I hope you are able to dodge the hit on those pesty intrusive illnesses and have a wonderful Holiday season as you prepare for the joyous day of Jesus' birth and family celebrations.

Happy Birthday Alexandra

Here's she is - the birthday girl! She went off to school all dressed up and pretty and excited. We've had the big count down until today so we had to be ready when she woke up.

I surprised her with an early gift of one of the Webkidz she was wanting. They went shopping last night and after a telephone call to Kevin warning him not to get her one - she was so surprised when I handed her the one she was asking for wrapped in tissue. The next chore was finding a name then certifying the adoption which she'll complete upon her return home from school.

We'll have a small family gathering for her birthday party this evening. I can't remember when I was her age, that was a long time ago. She's a sweet girl.

We're putting up the Christmas tree tonight too. She loves to help and so does our daughter Suzanne. Many times in recent years I trimmed the tree alone, although Tom did help when he was home. Tonight is special and we'll all do a little trimming.

Bob has put some lights outside but we're not doing the whole exterior like we use to do - he just painted the house and I recommended he not bother putting new nail holes to hold the Christmas lights - he was relieved. Hoping to put the house up for sale next spring.

Hope you are having a great day. December first - where did this year go? We've had a busy family year - lots of visitors and health problems to overcome. Looking forward to enjoying the Spirit of Christmas and family. God bless and take care of you all.