The weekend recap....

 Ah.... did you miss me that I did not post yesterday?  I did forewarn you that I was not going to take my computer, but I had really thought I'd jump online and put something out in the afternoon.  But, alas, I did not.  I found myself in my own bed right after lunch and there I stayed until after 2p.  Slept some, tossed and turned and coughed - a lot.  Yes, I am miserable with this cold and with hubby having one as well (I still say he gave it to me!) he and I are probably coughing right into each other's space.  Even with kleenex - you know how that works.  But let's back up to what I couldn't write about on Saturday morning.  Afterall, that started the weekend.

I am in this room, in bed asleep, with the door closed (so I didn't hear hubby coughing, in here so that we didn't keep each other awake coughing).   I am awakened with hearing a 'va!'.  I laid there for a few moments, listening, and I hear it again.  Hubby is calling my name.  I jump up and run to the bedroom and flip the light on.  Hubby is flat on the floor.  Dripping wet, too, I might add.  He had tried to get out of bed and had slid right on off the bed, and could not get up.  He thought he had laid there a half hour, perhaps, but I don't think it was that long as he said he only called my name 4-5 times.  His voice was hoarse so that doesn't help to hear him either.  Anyway, I had dead weight on my hands to try and get him up off the floor.  It took us a few minutes, but we finally got him up, and I handed him his walker - which he used all day.  

Now before you make your own conclusions, I have my own on what happened.  I had stopped at Walgreens and picked up meds for us to combat this cold.  Walgreens equivalent of Dayquil and Nightquil for one thing.  I also picked up Walgreen's brand of Sleepezz as hubby is always complaining he can't stay asleep.  Instead of taking the Nighquil equivalent as he was 'told' to.... and which I took to keep my coughing at bay so I could sleep, he decided to take the Sleepezz because he wanted to sleep.  Yeah - I don't know how much he took - probably a capful - but I feel it is what took all his strength away.  He isn't that strong anyway, but the drugs in at medication probably put the rest of his body asleep as well.  Needless to say, this was traumatic, for him and for me.  No, he is not going to a nursing home.  I think it was the medication he took that did that to him.

We did take the walker with us to Chandler and yes, he did use it.  Of course we went to the hotel and he didn't leave until Sunday.  Now that the medication has worn off, he is back to walking as before, which isn't good, but able to stand.  We left about 10a from the hotel - we didn't even eat breakfast there because they had a sign they cook your breakfast for $15.99.  I told hubby I'd rather get back in our area before stopping for breakfast so we ended up at Bobbi's.  I still wasn't hungry, but did eat their delicious pancakes.  So good.

Back to Saturday evening... After we got to the hotel - which probably should have been a sign we should have turned around and gone back home.... just kidding ....   I had requested a suite probably 2-4 weeks ago when I made the reservations.  It' usually only $25-30 more and you get so much more room and is well worth it.  Well, they have two, but both were already taken.  In other words, as I probed the situation; the people decided to stay a day longer therefore the suite was not available.  The clerk had housekeeping help him find me a room and really this room was just like a suite.  It was long, we had the bed, a sofa, chair, table, desk, etc.  We just like having the room and the added sofa, and it was about $50 cheaper than the suite so we took it.  By then I wasn't feeling that well and really didn't care; just give me a room!!

So we got upstairs and I got dressed for the party and headed out.  This dang cough!  I should have taken more medication for by the time I got there, I was coughing quite a bit (embarrassing!!) and my voice was hoarse.  My friend's house is smaller than ours but I love how she has it set up.  I brought a lot of my 'old' Avon jewelry that I don't wear anymore and some candles for 'auction'.  What we did was have a cup by each item that was numbered, and we each had 25 tickets and we could put a ticket in each cup of what we wanted.  I 'won' several nice pieces of jewelry.  Nothing 'real', of course, but fun.  Of the purses, I didn't win any, but there were coach and kate spade purses - which I don't care what the brand is anyway, but just so you know this wasn't just 'throwaways'.  In case you don't know the names, we are talking $$$ in some cases for price.  We had fresh veggies and fruit and other things to snack on.  We played another game similar to musical chairs only we passed around a package and each time the music stopped, another layer came off.  The one who took off the last layer got to keep the prize.  We played another game and then was just sitting around talking when I decided to take my leave.  I had done enough coughing I was ready to get out of there - and they were probably ready for me to leave. Praying no one caught my cold, which is what I think it is.

All in all, it was nice to dress up, nice to see my friends and meet new people, and I really wish I had felt better so that I could have enjoyed it more.  I had brought bread and peanut butter for hubby to fix a sandwich for dinner, but I did bring him back some pinwheels from the party which he quickly devoured, and I made sure he took the right nightquil before going to bed.  And I've discovered I have 'lost my retainer case with the retainers in it'.  I did not take it with me as I can't eat or drink anything other than water while the retainers are in.  I can't find them in things we took with us and I can't find them at home.  One thing left to check - I had taken a gift to my friend and will ask her to check the bag thoroughly to see if I had accidently dropped the case in the bag.  I put on the next week's retainers so I'm still wearing them, and I ordered a new case from Amazon last night - a pink one versus the black one I had - hopefully it will be easier to find!

And it's back to work today and I need to get up and go take my Dayquil equivalent and I've been taking an Allegra as well to help dry me up.  I will get over this - and will be feeling better soon.  And I've been sleeping well in here, but hubby is already asking when I'm coming back to our bed.  Maybe in another night or two..... According to my sleep summary on my phone, I slept all the way through the other night, and only woke once coughing last night.  Sure didn't want to get up this morning, though!

But - alas, I must get off here and get the work computer turned on and all I've done is recap the weekend.  I hope you haven't been bored......  I did remember my adopted daughter's birthday in Georgia.  Oh - that reminds me, my youngest son called and asked me to go to Georgia with him for our grandson's graduation from 'basic training'.  I'd have to take a week off work, but I know I could not leave hubby for that length of time.  Still, it was nice that he asked.  Right now he has no one to go with him and I really do not like him driving that far alone.  He checked with a couple friends but they can't go either.  I hope he finds someone.

So - I need to get off here and get to work.  I apologize my mind is not functioning yet this morning and I have nothing substantial to leave you with this morning.  But I will remind you,

Jesus loves you.  He loves you so much, He was willing to go to the cross for you.  He gave up His life, so that you can have yours.  That is Love, with a capital L. When was the last time you thanked Him for that?

Blessings!

PS - you aren't going to believe this - I got up from my chair, pulled the covers back up on the bed, decided to look 'one more time' for my retainer case - and there it was under the bed.  Seriously, I had felt with my foot, but had never 'looked' for it - today I have it.  Oh well.  Now I have a pretty pink one arriving today which I think I will switch to so that I can find it easier than this black case!  Mystery over!

It may be a long day....

 I've been awake since about 2a - the reason I may or may not share another time.  Not this morning.  I don't have much time to write this morning; I had decided I wasn't going to the Growth Track II at the church this morning so was taking my time, just sitting here with Jesus... but hubby said he would be ok staying home by himself and for me to go.  Still thinking about it, but I may as well go.  I'm not coughing as much as he is.  We both managed to 'doctor up' last night enough to go to dinner at the VFW and I think it was a success.  But as my son noticed as well, I think about 6-8 people helped themselves to soup without paying for it.  Hmmm - we need to have a sign on the wall for such a time as that, since we were not in our usual place.  But still, I think it all went over well and I'm glad that others brought in soup.  And I did enjoy the time with my son. :-)

Today may - or may not - be a busy day.  I have the session at the church at 9a - 11:30a this morning.... and then probably come home and try to nap a bit before heading to Chandler around 2p.  And even with that, not sure that I can go.  It will depend on some things.... at least hubby will be going with me (if I go)  so that I can keep an eye on him, but he will be in the room alone for at least 4 hours.  Surely he can take care of himself, right?   At least I have everything together to take down with me - I just need to make sure I can wear the dress that I chose - and grab all my make-up and stuff and jammies for the night.   

I had to get my own coffee this morning - gasp! - as hubby was asleep in his chair.  He didn't wake up until about 6:30a.  I am guessing he is sitting at his desk now, doing his quiet time.  I didn't get up until 5a although I was awake.  I really would like a nap, but it isn't happening.  I have an ear open for hubby.  And I am still needing a shower yet this morning.

I am actually at a loss for anything to write about this morning - what's up with that?  

My brother sent me a video this morning on he and his wife, son and family, were all at the pumpkin patch doing a hayride.  How I wish we could do things like that!  Of course the weather is more seasonal there, and it looked like they all had jackets on, even though light ones.  We need to live further north, I guess, but even then, well, I'll leave that there.  

I don't plan to take my computer with us to Chandler so there probably won't be a post tomorrow.  Or if I do, later in the day.  We will probably head back here around 10a - hopefully hubby will be up to going to church at 12p - but will see.  There is just something about getting back home where you can relax, ya know?

Nehemiah 8:10 (NKJV):  Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord.  Do not sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

There have been so many times with I have repeated over and over "The joy of the Lord is my strength".  Sometimes, just finding my joy in Him is the only thing that gets me through each day.  I often do have to remind myself that my joy does NOT come from my husband, nor my children, nor my job.  My joy comes from the Lord alone.  In Him I can find joy.  Without Him, I cannot.

And with that - I'm off here and heading to the shower.  Got a lot on my mind this morning but don't want to share .... need my joy in the Lord this morning!

Praying that you find your joy in the Lord today.

Blessings!

A busy weekend ahead.... and I'm praying....

 Yep - we have a busy weekend.  I start out with work this morning, of course, but at 8a I have training with Morgan. She doesn't usually work on Fridays, but as she had been on vacation Monday-Tuesday, she is cramming sessions in to today as well.  Hubby ended up cancelling out on his yesterday - he had a sore throat and had been sniffling.  Yeah.... one of the things I'm praying about!  Why?  Well, keep reading.  Yesterday afternoon I 'noticed' the right side of my throat felt a little itchy sore.  Hmmm.  Drinking green tea, taking things to calm it down.  Decided I'd sleep in here last night because by evening hubby was coughing.  Everywhere.  Neither of us slept, although I thought I had doctored him up pretty well.  His coughing kept me awake and at 2:25a I was up pouring cough syrup down his throat.  I did sleep some as did he, but we are both tired this morning.  My throat is still itchy sore this morning, and I feel a respiratory thing going on, but thus far I'm not coughing.  I'll keep doping up on the drugs to keep the symptoms at bay.  Got too much going on!

Tonight is the Riders soup dinner and I'm looking forward to it!  I've also agreed to make crockpot chicken chili and have everything except the broth, which I will stop and pick up this morning on my way back from the gym.  I hear the grandson is making his loaded baked potato soup and am looking forward to having some of that!   Tomorrow morning we have what is called 'Growth Track II' at church.  This week the topic is on the Gospels and Acts.  I'm hoping we both feel like going.  Then home to finish packing and we are heading to Chandler.  My friend is having a 'Glam night with Cecilia' at her house and we women are to dress in fancy dresses and just go for a good time.  I've got candles, jewelry, and books that I'm donating for her party.  We will all get about 25 tickets and we will drop those tickets into cups of the things that we want.  Another woman is bringing jewelry as well, and another purses, etc.  It will be a lot of fun to see and meet these women.  She mentioned that she has told them all that I'm her mentor (say what?) and I've helped her find her way to Jesus.  That is very nice... I didn't do anything; Jesus did it all.  I just lived my life.  Just like we all are called to do.  I've told you 'our' story of the past.  Anyway, we will be staying overnight in Chandler.... unless I come down with what hubby has and I'm fighting it tooth and nail!  (where did that saying come from?)  If I'm sick, I can't go, but will need to run down to drop off my items - and save money on a hotel bill.  But, I've been looking forward to this 'Glam night' (wearing the dress that I wore to a grandson's wedding) for several weeks now and I really do not want to miss it - praying I don't get sick!

Wow - I ran that paragraph all together, didn't I!  I actually have things to do that are fun this weekend - and hubby is coughing and blowing his nose and I'm fighting a sore throat.  Appreciate prayers to not get sick so that I can attend all activities!  

I had a 'revelation' last night.  Well, it may not be called that... but when I went to bed in here, I got in on the left side of the bed.  When I finally got tired of hubby's coughing and got up to get the cough syrup, I worked my way clear across the bed to the right side to get up!  As I did it, I realized that I sleep on the right side of 'our' bed, so my body had to get to the right side so I could get up!  Just a chuckle this morning about 'habits die hard' - right?  Another one of those 'where did that saying come from'?   The plus side of hubby not feeling well?  I get to sleep in here, and I usually sleep very well for I don't have him tossing and turning and keeping me awake.  (when he turns, he bounces around)  Tonight I will close the door so maybe that will muffle the coughing.

Work yesterday was a bit quiet, as it has been lately.  One of my friends at work put me in a crying mode yesterday unintentionally.  Her boss sent me an email and said her EA (my friend) was on bereavement, would I please schedule a meeting for her.  No problem.  I got it scheduled, and noticed my friend was online.  So I sent her a Teams message and said I heard she was on bereavement, and that I was sorry - was it a close relative?  And she sent back a quick text - "yes, my husband" and I went into shock (cause I knew he was healthy) and I could believe my tears started falling for her and of course I came back with "I am so sorry!"  and then she text'd back and said "I hit send too soon, I meant to put my husband's SISTER".  So then she called me and we chatted - but whoo!  I have never met her husband, but the fact I thought this death was her husband, my heart broke for her.  Praising God it wasn't, but still....  that was my excitement for yesterday!  We are close work friends so I guess that is why it got to me.

Deuteronomy 13:4 (NKJV):  You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.

That sounds like a demanding, harsh statement, doesn't it?  But it isn't.  If you go back and read before this, you will see that God is laying down the guidelines on following Him.  We are not to turn to idols.  We may scoff at that word nowadays - idol - but there are many things that can become our idol.  Celebrities, children (yes, children if you put them before God), drink, cigarettes, tv shows, Facebook, work, hobbies, habits - all these things can become an idol if we do not keep it in perspective and keep God first in our lives.

The Israelites kept falling away from God - the One who rescued them from Egypt.  And we all have our own little 'Egypt' in our lives.  Who do you keep putting before God?  That their wants are more important than anyone else's?  And by anyone else - I mean God.  Do we put our children before others?  They have become our idol.  Do we put food before other things?  It can even become our idol. I don't think I'm explaining it well, but I hope you get the drift.  (is that another saying? Get the drift?)  Where are all these sayings coming from?  LOL

And with that - I need to get up from this chair and get dressed as I will need to leave in about 45 minutes for the gym - then back to work.  

Remember, God is to be first in all things.  He is a jealous God and does not share His glory or His honor with anyone.  And... that is one reason why I go to Him each morning before I start my day.  I want to put Him first in all things.  And when I fail, I confess and ask forgiveness. I fear God - not afraid of Him, but fear Him enough to obey.  Does that make sense?  I think I've shared enough from John Bevere's books about fearing the Lord that you should know, right?

Have an amazing day - until tomorrow....

Blessings!

A new day, early morning

 My leg woke me up between 2-3a and I finally drug myself out of bed around 3:15a to come in here.  I went ahead and took an Excedrin, but the pain is not completely gone.  I sleep on the left side, and the left hip is where the pain starts (pressure point? but only since I was bitten by the '???' whatever it was) and then it goes down my left leg.  Usually my right leg joins the pain, but not today.  Still debating on calling Dr. Mark - and let him give me a referral.  When you can't 'see' anything, it is hard to diagnose without tests, and I don't want to do tests.  Besides, it's the end of the year nearly, and if I'm going to have to pay my still owing deductible, I may as well wait until 2027 and start the year with hitting that total, right?  I go see Dr. Mark in January - already have that appointment - so can discuss with him then.

So here I am and it is now around 5a.  I've done some of my reading, and have a few more things I want to do, but thought I'd do this first. Not that I have much of anything to tell.  Or share.

I had my training at 5p last night and Morgan and I got to talking about the 'Let Them Theory' book by Mel Robbins.  I had bought the book to read, but loaned it to Morgan when she went on the trip.  She isn't very far into it and wanted to share, but didn't want to spoil it for me since I hadn't read it yet.  She said it is a perfect book for someone who likes to be in control (of which she is one).  So I went on Thriftbooks and ordered another copy (cause she also thought hubby should read it!).  And I want to read it.  I told her she didn't have to rush through the book as I had ordered a copy, and she was excited because then we could talk about the book while I work out.  We never lack for conversation so I wonder where she plans for us to talk about the book! LOL  She is buying the book for her dad for Christmas; apparently he has control issues. Sound also like anyone you know?  I actually know a couple - including me!  

Ah - hubby just got up - which means he will be bringing my coffee in soon.  I'm thinking I will fast breakfast and lunch today and eat dinner.... as long as I have a plan in place to eat today, hubby won't be nagging (I hope).  He is so afraid I'll make myself sick.  But he just doesn't get it, sometimes fasting can make you feel better!  And it isn't to lose weight - but I want to pray about some things specifically, and sometimes prayer isn't enough, fasting is needed as well.

Daniel 9:3 - So I gave my attention to the Lord God, to seek Him by prayer and pleading, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.

Acts 14:23 - Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Mark 9:29 - So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting."

Prayer and Fasting doesn't guarantee you will get the answer you want.  Prayer or Fasting by itself doesn't always give you the answer you want.  But if prayer - and fasting - is what Jesus did, then I feel I am called to do it as well.  I really want to get back to fasting one day a week as I did when I was involved in the prayer ministry at a former church.  I truly miss those days.  I've allowed 'life' to get in the way of my priorities.  I need to start with even one meal, just get started.  When you have serious things to pray about, sometimes it calls for serious measures, right?  I love when God reveals things during those times. Perhaps that is why I miss it so much.  I don't mean just skip a meal.... we all skip meals for one reason or another.  But skip the meal and go grab your Bible and spend some time reading it, or go off by yourself and spend time in prayer.  God sees our hearts and knows our desires.  

James 4:8 (NKJV):  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

Sometimes our best response is no response at all.... but just to sit quietly in His Presence and just rest.  Life can't get better than that.  I love my early mornings when He awakens me early (even with the leg pain) so that I can truly have quiet time with Him.  Hubby will be in soon with my coffee, and chat (sigh), and then I'm alone again.  But many times that disrupts my focus, if you know what I mean. Nothing bad about him coming in and chatting (how did you sleep? etc.), but it does distract my mind from my thoughts of Him.  God is always good.  

And with that, I think I'll jump off here and take advantage of the little extra time I have left.  Still need to do my prayers; I usually do those before writing in here, but thought I'd do this first to keep from being distracted. I had other things on my mind. :-)  

Have an amazing day today - smile; you will find it relaxes your face and changes your posture, your heart.  Be kind. You don't know what others are going through.  Be encouraging.  People need a word to bring joy to their heart.

Blessings!

My heart is heavy this morning....

 The family that was visiting left yesterday and went their own ways - my daughter and SIL back to NM and the grandson & family to Jerome to meet up with her family.  It was so nice to have them here, although I know the chaotic-ness of so many people in the house unnerved hubby some.  He was in the middle of it all with sitting in his recliner.  Although my daughter & SIL didn't leave until late morning with the SIL putting a new toilet seat (one that closes slowly) on hubby's toilet, the grandson and family didn't leave until after lunch and a nap.  They went to the children's museum in the morning and stopped for Greek food on the way back and brought enough back for us to taste.  The sandwich was good. I am not so sure about what was wrapped in grape leaves.  And french fries with feta cheese, cilantro, and I forget what else - tahini? on it.  The baklava - I love it!  I can't buy it cause I would eat it all!  The other I think we would have to acquire a taste for it.  Not that it was bad, it wasn't, but just something my taste buds weren't used to.  Nice to try something different though.  And I've lost my train of thought why I was going through all that - perhaps it was just to let you know that we can try something different. 

I worked off the dining room table yesterday as I had to start before my daughter & SIL left for home.  I think I scheduled one meeting, processed one invoice, and maybe answered one email that required an answer.  I did see where they have hired someone to replace Sue.  This woman is not only an RN, but has her PhD.  I pulled her resume and read it - and wow - she is smart!   The announcement has not been made yet but I happened to catch her name in a cancelled meeting so put two and two together.  I'm hoping she will be nice.  Once the announcement is made, I'll find out where she lives (because the majority of our company is remote and her last job was in Texas but still remote) and if in our state, will try to arrange a 'meet & greet' with her after she starts so that I can at least 'know' a little about her - and she me.  She has accomplished a lot... which does make me a bit nervous about my position. If you know what I mean.  Sue did all her slides and reports; I have never had to.  I'm hoping I still don't have to.  I'm back in 'my office' today and life is getting back to 'normal' - at least for a month.

Great granddaughter has a birthday next month and a party - so family is planning on coming back for the party, although limited on time. My daughter did tell me they were staying at the daughter's house next time and the grandson and wife will stay here.  And that's ok.  There is a saying in my family that my brother told me years ago, and I had shared it with my daughter 'way back when'.... and it got repeated that 'mom said'.....  and it goes like this.... involving people who visit and stay with you.... "when they stay past four days they start to smell like fish".... perhaps not the exact wording, but you get the drift.  That's why I always limit my stays in Indy with anyone.  Anyway... I heard that 'mom said....'  and they left yesterday morning.  When I heard it, I will admit it stabbed.  I love having my children around.  Yes, I can't entertain them, and I don't think they expect me to.  They can stay as long as they want to.  I know that hubby gets anxious when there is nothing going on, if you know what I mean.  But, I had thought my daughter & SIL left because they had things to get done at home and also they have cats to care for.  I didn't think anything of it - until I heard the comment had been made. It made me feel like they felt they had to leave because it had been 3-4 days.  So I wrote an email to her as they were enroute home and expressed my hurt. She came back with the reasons that I had originally thought.  But it still hurt, even if said in fun.  I never want any one to feel they are not welcome to stay as long as they want.  

And... since I'm telling on myself.... hubby and I had 'words' last night before he left to meet with his friend.  Harsh words, in fact.  Won't go into them, but it was probably me stirring the pot.  We both apologized later, but we have not yet 'gone there' to discuss.  While he was gone, I washed the sheets and remade the bed in here, and did my laundry.  Watched two movies, and I just didn't want to do anything.  Curled up on the couch and crochet'd as the movies played.  Hubby came home and sat down... and fell asleep.  When the 2nd movie was over, I woke him and we went to bed.  I'm sure he will approach our discussion some time today, and I'd just as soon not discuss it.  I was not in a good place last night, and the heaviness of everything is still upon me.  I've lost my joy.  Has anyone found it?

Looked on prime a little bit this morning before getting on here... shouldn't have!  Found some Christmas ideas and bought a couple things. Yes, I'm already buying for Christmas, and they were on 'prime sale', so why not? Right?  I need to write out the names and start writing down what I've bought and wrap them.  My closet looks like a cluttered mess if anyone looks at it - but I have boxes hidden behind clothes and on the shelves from things I've already gotten for gifts.  I need to pull everything out and start sorting them out.  The daughter and family and us are still trying to sort out Christmas timing. I don't care when they come, I just need to know when so that I'll be prepared.  We don't need anything.  Our grandson said they may come new year's to celebrate Christmas.  It would be nice to have family but I also understand when living that far away.  Shoot - sometimes it is hard enough to get family together that live here!  Right?  LOL  

I'm in a weird mood this morning and I hope I 'knock it off' soon.  I woke with my left leg hurting very badly this morning.  Bad enough I ended up taking an excedrin about an hour after I got up.  The pain has finally started going away.  Pain always makes us grumpy, right?  I just feel like I have the weight of the world pressing down right now.... got to throw it off.  And of course this scripture comes to me ...

Proverbs 3:5-6   Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not into your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

That comes along with 'Let go and Let God' statements.   So - do I follow my own way - or do I trust God to lead me where I am to go, what I am to do, how I'm supposed to think and behave?  I guess that is really not a question... but only to myself.... will I let Him lead, and I follow....   see, I told you I was a mess!  And, it's nearly time to start work and I do need a shower this morning.  Perhaps tomorrow I will have my head 'on straight'.  Maybe I should just throw this post in 'draft' format and start over.  But then, here you see the real side of me.... I struggle just like you do.  I go through difficult times.  I hurt just like you do.  

Words do not define who you are.  Actions do.  So what am I going to do today?  What are you going to do today to make the world a better place?  I wonder if I bake cookies if that would help. LOL  

Have an amazing day!  I'll get this mood shaken off soon - wash it off in the shower, right?!

Blessings!

The last day has arrived....

 Today those visiting will be heading in other directions. One for a trip up north later this afternoon, and one that will be heading out this morning.  The house will probably become very quiet after that. LOL Just kidding.  The TV is louder than the family have been!  I have enjoyed their visit and I am grateful I was able to take off work and have this time to spend with them without running to the work computer. But today, alas, that comes to a halt.  I have the work computer out here on the table with me, along with my portable monitor so that come 7a I will be back to work.  My daughter hopes to be on the road by mid-morning, but there is 'one more thing' the SIL wants to do for hubby before they head out. He has been so busy (the SIL, not hubby), that he hasn't gotten to it yet.  Hubby will be happy.

The SIL did so much more work than I had on 'the list'.  In fact, he found an 'old' list that I had forgotten about - so he did those things too.  Gutters are clean. He took out the plants I had asked him to in the courtyard.  He got the grill brought up to the front courtyard from the back patio (and I have hopes that I will finally use it!). He fixed a leaky faucet that I really had not noticed was leaking (outside).  He trimmed back the big bush and the lemon tree in the front yard.  Yes, he kept himself busy doing things here.  Grateful for all the things he accomplished - and more.  

Yesterday afternoon my oldest son came to visit his sister.  Unbeknown to either of us, my daughter had crocheted him a cotton blanket to use in the hospital.  Perfect size.  She told me that when she started it, she didn't know who God would tell her to give it to. As she crochet'd, she felt God telling her it was for her brother, and she prayed over it as she crochet'd.  She even used a pattern that (I guess) she learned from her grandmother years ago.  I can't figure out the pattern, but she does it with ease, but it is very time consuming - but looks beautiful. I think he was touched by her gift, as I was.  Wish I had her talent to do a pattern like that.  I told her she needed to move back here so that she could work with me on learning it.  She DID teach me the granny stitch, which I use for nearly all the baby blankets I make to donate.

When it was time for dinner, we decided to go to Denny's and we all pay for our own.  The grandson and family were with friends, but the granddaughter and family joined us.  Even my oldest son chose to go with us and it was so nice.  Thank you, again, son, for picking up the tab!  Blessings to you for your generosity!  Wish our DILove could have joined us, but she had work to finish up.  After dinner, my son headed home, as we did, and the daughter went to the granddaughters.  Seems the SIL had one last thing he wanted to get completed there - and he took care of it.

Which was a good thing; the youngest son was able to get over and see his sister before they head out today.  I'm grateful they all made the time available to see each other.  As we all age, and have our own medical maladies, one never knows when a visit may be the last one they have.   So I tell you, you who are reading this, make every effort to visit your loved ones, forgive the hard ones, be free from the past. Don't let your possible 'last visit' be one of regret later.  

So, yes, I am back to work today and skimming emails, it doesn't look like it will be a busy day. Grateful. I can see visit with my grandson and family.  I may just stay here at the dining room table all day so I can be 'part of the family' while they are still here.  It would save me running in and out of the bedroom (work space) to visit!  More chairs in here anyway.  Plus it gives the bed for the little one to nap on.  She is such a cutie!

I'm reading the book Prayer - Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard J. Foster, and I am finding it interesting.  Chapter 4, which I finished this morning, is about shedding tears in prayer.  I have always been a 'cry-er', but over the years as well, I've fought with holding the tears in. They come at different times, over different things. It may be a song; it may be a message; it well, it could be anything and sometimes the tears will just flow down.  And yes, I have cried during my prayer time (especially when I am praying over my children and grandchildren!)  I can't find right now in that chapter what I wanted to share, but I want to say, it is 'ok' to shed tears.  It's ok to tenderize your heart before our Heavenly Father and cry out (literally!) to Him.  He wants us to!

I remember one time at a former church I was standing at the back of the church watching what was happening up front; where people were going up to be prayed over.  I had tears falling down my face and I could not stop them - and I didn't understand why at that moment.  So I asked God, "why am I crying? These people are going forward for healing prayers, for salvation prayers."  And I heard God tell me, "You asked that I break your heart for those things that break Mine."  From that moment on, I no longer 'hide' my tears, but welcome them, for I can see God's hand in all these situations. And because I also find myself at times with 'dry eyes' in situations, I've begun to ask Him again to 'break my heart for what breaks Yours'.  Tears are not a bad thing.  It cleanses the soul.  Try it.

Uh oh - I've let my computer sit out for the past few days and have not plugged it in.  It just went into 'saver mode' and is in the red so I best probably be wrapping this up and then take it to plug it in.  Need to get busy with my work mode anyway!

Have a blessed day and look after others; they may refuse your help, but be watchful for what you can do for them.  Sometimes it only takes a word to let them know you SEE them.  

Blessings!

It was a fun day!

 I did go to the zoo with my daughter and her family.  It was very windy, which we were grateful for, because it kept the sun from burning us up!  It wasn't too hot, though, and we walked. And walked. And walked.  LOL  It was good for me.  We ate at Dillon's around one, I think, and their turkey club sandwich and french fries I shared with my daughter was more than enough to fill me up for lunch.  I so loved hanging out with family.  Was I tired after?  Yes I was, I will admit.  My legs were stiff and sore last night; this morning not so bad.  I put the leg cramp foam on my legs before bed last night - although I wasn't having cramps - but wanted to keep them away. And it did.  I enjoyed the day with all of them and got to see the majority of the zoo.  We were there for perhaps five hours; I'm not sure.  But we still didn't see everything.  This place is huge.  The SIL and daughter got the rideables - which are electric 'animals' which they can ride instead of walking - and it helped immensely with the great grands for they got to ride with them.  They kept offering to let me have one, but I was determined I would walk - and I did. 

I actually forgot it was Sunday... but remembered when hubby found NCIS after I got home. LOL  It's our usual Sunday 'thing', remember?  Daughter and SIL were at the granddaughter's with everyone else, and I could have gone, but I did need to come home.  Of course I got quizzed about the day, but it was ok.  I had a good day and hopefully made lots of memories with family.  My grandson and granddaughter kept telling me how glad they were that I came.  That meant a lot.  I never want anyone to feel like I'm a burden or that I need to be entertained; I was included and that is what is important to me. It was a good day.

Today is Monday and I have taken today off work too.  Last full day family will be in town as tomorrow morning they will head out.  My daughter will head back to NM and the grandson and his family are heading to Jerome.  I will be going back to work. And hubby will do whatever hubby does.  But today, not much is planned.  As my granddaughter teaches school, she will have students today and will not be able to hang out.  But my grandson will be coming over with his family probably around 8a.  Once he gets here, I've already told them we can go out for breakfast.  Just thinking about a place about a mile down the road; it shouldn't be that busy.  They have awesome pancakes.  Guess what I'm going to get!

Which reminds me; so that hubby didn't feel 'left out' - and it cracks me up, it really does - he always treats himself.  Before we even left for the zoo yesterday, hubby took himself to this cafe to buy himself breakfast and eat by himself.  Now mind you, he throws a fit when I don't sit down at the table and eat with him.... 'cause he always has to eat alone'... yet, he can go to a restaurant by himself and eat a meal. Whatever works, I guess, right?

The daughter and grandson (and family) will be coming back here for the day - I'm going to help the grandson make some salsa for him to take with him, and he wants to bake cookies.  I imagine it will be oatmeal raisin.  Glad I didn't get any baked before he got here!  He's wanting to bake cookies with me. :-)  Maybe I can get the others to play games or something to keep busy today. You know with having people here disrupts hubby's day, but if they are including him, he's ok with it.  Usually I'm in the back room working.  It feels good not to have to.  Is this what retirement could feel like?   I actually made a comment last night that 'I could get used to retirement'.... hubby said not a word.  I wish he cared more about me than about his welfare.  Did I really say that out loud?

Today is my daughter's 25th Bone Marrow Transplant birthday.  I've tried to repost a memory of something I wrote years ago, but don't know if it got reposted. Maybe I need to ask my son to check my facebook settings. He had made a comment around my birthday that posting to me was difficult.  I remember the last two years my birthday posts have come through messenger rather than facebook. I haven't changed any settings; I try to stay off facebook as I lose too much time once I start scrolling. You know what I am talking about!

Luke 8:40 (NASB):  And as Jesus was returning, the people welcomed Him, for they all had been waiting for Him.

I was looking for a scripture to share this morning and came across this one in Luke 8.  Jesus had been somewhere, preaching and healing, and when He returned, people were waiting for Him.   As I pause and think about that scripture, I wonder how many of us are waiting for Jesus to return?  Would we welcome Him?  We know that Jesus is everywhere; the bible says so.  He is in our daily lives in everything we do, everywhere we go.  He sees everything we do, everything we say.  You could say He could hold us accountable, right?  Perhaps that is a scary thought for some!  

If Jesus were to come back today, would we be found waiting for Him?  Are we ready for His return? I pray we all are.  How many of us pause each morning in our prayers and ask God to search our hearts and show us what we need to confess - and then confess it?  Or do we just brush it off and give an excuse on why we spoke that word, or acted out that way?  Oh that we would confess the very things that Jesus shows us - our own heart and mind convicts us.  Glory to the King of Kings, the great Forgiver, the One who loves us more than anything else.  I pray I am always found waiting on Jesus, ready to be with Him in eternity.

Blessings!