It seems forever since I've been able to post on this site - although I imagine it has only been a week or so. My time has become quite limited lately. It won't always be like this; it is because of the holiday being here as well. Of course my early morning usually is spent on the road and then all day here at the office. Then when I head home, I will sometimes stop and do some shopping on the way home, which gets me home late, which keeps me off the computer for the evening. Most of you know that routine - it sometimes feels like a continuous cycle, doesn't it! I notice sometimes that my daughter in law has been online at 11PM or later, for she also has a full evening after work, with three boys still at home - and now even with Christmas programs going on. In fact, there is a Christmas concert with the middle grandson tonight at his school.
Speaking of Christmas programs - last weekend the church had their Christmas play and I had two grandsons in it! The 14 year old was excellent in his role as one of the lead characters. The 6 year old was outstanding in his role. His one liner touched my heart in ways I can't explain, and his part after brought tears streaming down my face. What was it that touched me so deeply? You all know from different posts my relationship with Jesus, and how I strive to live for Him alone. I often fail, but I strive to do so.
My grandson's part was he came up to another lead character, "Tiff" who was the owner of a gift shop, and tugged on her top. He asks her: "Where is the line to see Jesus?" Then he walks off to the right of the stage, where the manger scene is, and knelt down before it. His one question has caused me to ponder, and think about, and ponder some more. "Where is the line to see Jesus?"
We have lines to see Santa Clause. We have lines for the movies. We have lines for concerts and special events. We have lines to get ice cream, go through the grocery store line, restaurants, etc. But where is the line to see Jesus?
Thankfully, we don't have to have a line to see Jesus, for He has the ability to live within each of our hearts and any time we want to "see" Jesus, we can just sit back and close our eyes (if we want), and know He is near us - no matter where we are or what we are doing.
With all the busyness of this season upon us, and the celebration of what has been designated as the day of Christ's birth approaching in 8 more days, we sometimes forget WHO it is we are celebrating the birth of. We have our Christmas trees, our villages, even our manger scenes set up - all the seasonal decorations - but we forget Jesus.
Jesus is the reason behind all this season. Yeah, I'm sure some will blame Him for their crazy spending and needless partying (after all, if it wasn't for celebrating His birthday, why would be spending all this money, time and effort to please others?).
Yeah, I truly love getting special things for my husband, children, and grandchildren. Each year I wish I had started sooner, but it is what it is. This year financially things are tight so I've had to improvise on some things, and not get some other things (maybe next year), but I think they all will like at least one thing. I wrapped all I had bought yesterday; it took me most of the afternoon to get it all done. In doing so, as usual, I discovered I overbought on a couple of the younger grandchildren and didn't get enough on others and a couple other people I hadn't gotten anything at all yet! This week and next weekend is going to be very busy as I want to be sure I get everyone at least something. I'm thinking I may have to resort to gift cards for some just to finish it up. They may like that, but I would much rather get them something to unwrap. Of course I could wrap up the gift card.....
My prayer is for myself, as it is for you, that as we quickly now approach December 25th, that you will take some time to think about the "Reason for this Season". I want to keep Jesus in the forefront of my thoughts and of my day. My prayer is that you will as well.
Blessings!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Time for what?
My time seems to be so limited anymore, what with working and having a 20 mile drive both ways. I leave about 6:15AM and get home about 6:00PM. I don't mind that drive that much anymore, but I really don't like all my time being used up. But then, I won't complain for I do have a job.
As I sit here and start typing this, it is 7:30 already and all I've done since I finished dinner is get Tom and I registered for The Color Run. It isn't really a run, well, for some it is, but not us. We walk around Tempe Town Lake and they throw powdered colors on us when we start and when we cross the finish line, I think. It just sounded like a fun thing to do. January 26 will be a bit chilly, but it will be fun. My friend is doing it with us as well. I kept forgetting to register us, and since I had encouraged her to sign up, I knew that I needed to get it done. It will be fun. I think the youngest son plans to do it with us as well, but since it is only 3.5 miles and just walking, he may not. It's up to him.
Work is going well. I don't mind sitting at a desk and issuing authorizations all day. I'll be glad when I know more of the system - right now I don't think much of the system; it is way too complicated for the simple things we need to do with it. But, after three weeks, I don't think they are going to ask my opinion.
I was able to spend some time with three of the grandsons yesterday. It was a spur of the moment thing - had an opportunity to get the three boys to bake Christmas cookies and make Christmas mice. I've done this with each of the grandchildren since they were two years old. I've already made cookies with the oldest granddaughter who lives in Tucson. I now need to figure out when I can have the youngest son's three children and my daughter's two children. This Saturday is out, not sure about Sunday but will see. During the week in the evenings is hard for I don't get home until around 6PM and they also have school the next morning. Hmmm, I am off Christmas Eve - I may end up getting a couple for the children then, just to take the stress off. But then, I will need that day to get wrapping done, and we plan to go to the 6PM Christmas Eve service that night.
I noticed today at work that we not only have Christmas trees up but also a menorah. I am impressed and happy to see that this company doesn't tell you that you can't have a tree or a menorah or any thing like that. It was nice to see that they are willing to celebrate everyone's "season".
We are two weeks away from Christmas and I have practically nothing put together. I think I have two of the grandchildren completed. I go on to Amazon but don't know what to buy for whom. I am so stuck this year and I don't know what to do. Maybe I need to get off here and try to look for some things again. I am usually nearly completely done at this time of year. Financially strapped I am looking for bargains, but also want to get something useful. It would be so easy to get something no one can use. Anyone need a flashlight? :-)
Ok - I'm off here. My blogs have become ramblings. I'm hoping that after the holidays I will get my thoughts together and do this blog as I really want to. Let's hope I do.
Blessings!
As I sit here and start typing this, it is 7:30 already and all I've done since I finished dinner is get Tom and I registered for The Color Run. It isn't really a run, well, for some it is, but not us. We walk around Tempe Town Lake and they throw powdered colors on us when we start and when we cross the finish line, I think. It just sounded like a fun thing to do. January 26 will be a bit chilly, but it will be fun. My friend is doing it with us as well. I kept forgetting to register us, and since I had encouraged her to sign up, I knew that I needed to get it done. It will be fun. I think the youngest son plans to do it with us as well, but since it is only 3.5 miles and just walking, he may not. It's up to him.
Work is going well. I don't mind sitting at a desk and issuing authorizations all day. I'll be glad when I know more of the system - right now I don't think much of the system; it is way too complicated for the simple things we need to do with it. But, after three weeks, I don't think they are going to ask my opinion.
I was able to spend some time with three of the grandsons yesterday. It was a spur of the moment thing - had an opportunity to get the three boys to bake Christmas cookies and make Christmas mice. I've done this with each of the grandchildren since they were two years old. I've already made cookies with the oldest granddaughter who lives in Tucson. I now need to figure out when I can have the youngest son's three children and my daughter's two children. This Saturday is out, not sure about Sunday but will see. During the week in the evenings is hard for I don't get home until around 6PM and they also have school the next morning. Hmmm, I am off Christmas Eve - I may end up getting a couple for the children then, just to take the stress off. But then, I will need that day to get wrapping done, and we plan to go to the 6PM Christmas Eve service that night.
I noticed today at work that we not only have Christmas trees up but also a menorah. I am impressed and happy to see that this company doesn't tell you that you can't have a tree or a menorah or any thing like that. It was nice to see that they are willing to celebrate everyone's "season".
We are two weeks away from Christmas and I have practically nothing put together. I think I have two of the grandchildren completed. I go on to Amazon but don't know what to buy for whom. I am so stuck this year and I don't know what to do. Maybe I need to get off here and try to look for some things again. I am usually nearly completely done at this time of year. Financially strapped I am looking for bargains, but also want to get something useful. It would be so easy to get something no one can use. Anyone need a flashlight? :-)
Ok - I'm off here. My blogs have become ramblings. I'm hoping that after the holidays I will get my thoughts together and do this blog as I really want to. Let's hope I do.
Blessings!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Where are you ???
Are you out shopping? Are you busy working? Are you just doing 'life'? So many times we get so busy with things that we don't take time to stop and see where we are. My life seems that way sometimes, and I'm sure yours does as well.
Tonight I got a text from my little sissy and she informs me she is "adult sitting" (as part of her job as a CNA) for a couple tonight - and both - husband and wife - have dementia. The husband is worse than the wife. And my sister informs me that she is to stay with them until 6AM tomorrow morning. The daughter doesn't think her parents are that bad, and she lives out of state. The company has sent one person - my sissy - to take care of the two of them. The man has tried to slap her twice because she has tried to get him to go to bed.
Yes, I got upset when she told me that! She is there alone with two people who have dementia and the husband is strong and he is the worse of the two. I 'chewed' my sister out for taking on the case - when the last 4 CNA's who had this case have quit after one night. And she thought she could handle both of them?
She said that during the day it isn't so bad, but tonight is the first time she has had them at night. And she is paid practically nothing to do it. I gave her a lecture; they need two people to care for the people when there are two people that need help. She says she is going to tell her boss Monday morning that 1) more pay and 2) two people for night shifts. But she won't - she will get through it and she will think it wasn't so bad. Sigh. It's her choice.
Today I volunteered at Market on the Move at the church. I think I really got my exercise with lifting the boxes of vegetables and moving things around. Tried to get a little shopping done this afternoon but didn't accomplish much. I've got to get my thoughts together and get this shopping done.
And my whining about my life and what I do (or don't do) sure isn't much compared to what my sissy is doing. Or others who train to take care of people who desperately need someone to take care of them. Or others who take care of those who need medical help for whatever reason and do it with love. I don't know that I could do that - regardless of how much I love them.
I think of a friend - and what she endures with her husband - and yet, she is always smiling. I don't know how she does it. She is an endearing example for her family. If it was one of my family, of course I would take care of them - but I don't know - truthfully - how joyful I could be about it. I guess that comes from my friend's relationship with Jesus Christ. I pray I never have to endure it - nor any of my children.
Tonight I sit on the couch trying to download photos of previous events. NCIS is on television and even though it is a rerun, we watch it. Marley has already been put in bed for the night. Tom is asleep in his chair - and it is not even 8:45 yet. Oh well. I like do nothing evenings. I don't have them often now.
My thoughts are starting to wander so will stop writing. I hope that as you read this, you will take some time to think about where you are in life. What are the things you value - what are the consequences of choices made. What good have you done recently. Have you loved more, cared more, touched someone's life in a way you hadn't before? Where are you in this realm we call life?
Take some time to touch someone's life for the good today. Speak softly, be kind. Cherish the moment; love deeply. Breathe deeply in - and let it all out. You are alive; choose to live.
Blessings!
Tonight I got a text from my little sissy and she informs me she is "adult sitting" (as part of her job as a CNA) for a couple tonight - and both - husband and wife - have dementia. The husband is worse than the wife. And my sister informs me that she is to stay with them until 6AM tomorrow morning. The daughter doesn't think her parents are that bad, and she lives out of state. The company has sent one person - my sissy - to take care of the two of them. The man has tried to slap her twice because she has tried to get him to go to bed.
Yes, I got upset when she told me that! She is there alone with two people who have dementia and the husband is strong and he is the worse of the two. I 'chewed' my sister out for taking on the case - when the last 4 CNA's who had this case have quit after one night. And she thought she could handle both of them?
She said that during the day it isn't so bad, but tonight is the first time she has had them at night. And she is paid practically nothing to do it. I gave her a lecture; they need two people to care for the people when there are two people that need help. She says she is going to tell her boss Monday morning that 1) more pay and 2) two people for night shifts. But she won't - she will get through it and she will think it wasn't so bad. Sigh. It's her choice.
Today I volunteered at Market on the Move at the church. I think I really got my exercise with lifting the boxes of vegetables and moving things around. Tried to get a little shopping done this afternoon but didn't accomplish much. I've got to get my thoughts together and get this shopping done.
And my whining about my life and what I do (or don't do) sure isn't much compared to what my sissy is doing. Or others who train to take care of people who desperately need someone to take care of them. Or others who take care of those who need medical help for whatever reason and do it with love. I don't know that I could do that - regardless of how much I love them.
I think of a friend - and what she endures with her husband - and yet, she is always smiling. I don't know how she does it. She is an endearing example for her family. If it was one of my family, of course I would take care of them - but I don't know - truthfully - how joyful I could be about it. I guess that comes from my friend's relationship with Jesus Christ. I pray I never have to endure it - nor any of my children.
Tonight I sit on the couch trying to download photos of previous events. NCIS is on television and even though it is a rerun, we watch it. Marley has already been put in bed for the night. Tom is asleep in his chair - and it is not even 8:45 yet. Oh well. I like do nothing evenings. I don't have them often now.
My thoughts are starting to wander so will stop writing. I hope that as you read this, you will take some time to think about where you are in life. What are the things you value - what are the consequences of choices made. What good have you done recently. Have you loved more, cared more, touched someone's life in a way you hadn't before? Where are you in this realm we call life?
Take some time to touch someone's life for the good today. Speak softly, be kind. Cherish the moment; love deeply. Breathe deeply in - and let it all out. You are alive; choose to live.
Blessings!
Monday, December 3, 2012
And so it starts.....
I've probably used that saying before, I know a son has it as a blog title, but I like it. And it actually seems to fit right now. And so it starts. What starts?
All the busyness of the holidays. Actually it probably started just before Thanksgiving - but it is starting to get in full swing now. I'm already tired! One would think a year off doing just about 'nothing' and only working three weeks I will have a lot more energy than I do. Well, I don't. It is stressful learning new things. It's not that it is so hard, it is just a lot of things to learn. But as for my job, I am enjoying it and am learning quickly. I'm glad I'm there.
Last Saturday was December lst and I started the Christmas season off attending the church's Christmas Tea with my daughter, granddaughter, an adopted granddaughter, and my best friend, as well as several other women. I decorated my table and I think it looked pretty good; even if I do say so myself. It was semi-hectic but I did enjoy the tea with them.
Tonight was the Christmas dinner for the ministerial assembly of our state church organization. The food was outstanding - and I can't believe I ate the whole thing! Oh my. It was so good!! Tender slices of pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes with a light gravy, green beans, rolls. A delicious spinach salad. And of course dessert consisted of several choices of cheesecake and pies. I chose my favorite - coconut cream pie - and it was sooooooo good!! I am so stuffed I can hardly walk!
Wednesday night this week one granddaughter has a choir concert, Thursday evening is a grandson's band concert, next Monday night is another concert for a grandson, and there is yet another one on Thursday that week, I think. I can't remember what they all are, but the dates are on the calendar for us to go to. Then there is a Christmas play in two weeks where two grandsons are in it. Oh, and I'm having a Christmas Tea here in my home on the 15th. And I still don't have my tree up.
I wonder if I can get hubby to get my Christmas things down without too much complaining.... I asked the other day but he pretended he didn't know what I wanted him to get out. Sigh. I'll just tell him to bring it all in. What I didn't want to keep last year I gave away. Got rid of a lot of Christmas things. Need to get my things out so that I can start decorating and not have it all to do at once.
And so it starts. Yep - my Christmas season is off to a full swing - and that doesn't include shopping. My daughter-in-law has a birthday on Saturday - I've already got her gift so I'm all set for that. Also have two of the grandchildren taken care of. Now to finish them all up...... first year I've ever been this far behind.
And to top it all off, been fighting some of the holiday blues... how I wish the season could be full of joy and laughter and not so much heartache. But as my mama always told me.... "well, this too shall pass." And it shall.
Hope you are able to keep the Christmas holiday in perspective and look forward to the gift giving with joy and not despair. I enjoy choosing the special things for each one. It may not be much, but each thing I buy I try to put thought into it. I regret now not working on things while I wasn't working - but oh well. No use crying over spilt milk!
Try to enjoy the season and not spoil it for others - they may be needing encouragement and hope for joy too. Try spreading joy this year and not so much grumbling. We get that all year round. I'm going to try and do that too. Spread joy that is!
Blessings!
All the busyness of the holidays. Actually it probably started just before Thanksgiving - but it is starting to get in full swing now. I'm already tired! One would think a year off doing just about 'nothing' and only working three weeks I will have a lot more energy than I do. Well, I don't. It is stressful learning new things. It's not that it is so hard, it is just a lot of things to learn. But as for my job, I am enjoying it and am learning quickly. I'm glad I'm there.
Last Saturday was December lst and I started the Christmas season off attending the church's Christmas Tea with my daughter, granddaughter, an adopted granddaughter, and my best friend, as well as several other women. I decorated my table and I think it looked pretty good; even if I do say so myself. It was semi-hectic but I did enjoy the tea with them.
Tonight was the Christmas dinner for the ministerial assembly of our state church organization. The food was outstanding - and I can't believe I ate the whole thing! Oh my. It was so good!! Tender slices of pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes with a light gravy, green beans, rolls. A delicious spinach salad. And of course dessert consisted of several choices of cheesecake and pies. I chose my favorite - coconut cream pie - and it was sooooooo good!! I am so stuffed I can hardly walk!
Wednesday night this week one granddaughter has a choir concert, Thursday evening is a grandson's band concert, next Monday night is another concert for a grandson, and there is yet another one on Thursday that week, I think. I can't remember what they all are, but the dates are on the calendar for us to go to. Then there is a Christmas play in two weeks where two grandsons are in it. Oh, and I'm having a Christmas Tea here in my home on the 15th. And I still don't have my tree up.
I wonder if I can get hubby to get my Christmas things down without too much complaining.... I asked the other day but he pretended he didn't know what I wanted him to get out. Sigh. I'll just tell him to bring it all in. What I didn't want to keep last year I gave away. Got rid of a lot of Christmas things. Need to get my things out so that I can start decorating and not have it all to do at once.
And so it starts. Yep - my Christmas season is off to a full swing - and that doesn't include shopping. My daughter-in-law has a birthday on Saturday - I've already got her gift so I'm all set for that. Also have two of the grandchildren taken care of. Now to finish them all up...... first year I've ever been this far behind.
And to top it all off, been fighting some of the holiday blues... how I wish the season could be full of joy and laughter and not so much heartache. But as my mama always told me.... "well, this too shall pass." And it shall.
Hope you are able to keep the Christmas holiday in perspective and look forward to the gift giving with joy and not despair. I enjoy choosing the special things for each one. It may not be much, but each thing I buy I try to put thought into it. I regret now not working on things while I wasn't working - but oh well. No use crying over spilt milk!
Try to enjoy the season and not spoil it for others - they may be needing encouragement and hope for joy too. Try spreading joy this year and not so much grumbling. We get that all year round. I'm going to try and do that too. Spread joy that is!
Blessings!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
A Lick and A Promise
One thing I have quickly discovered is that with working and having a long drive once again, it puts dampers on getting on the computer much! I can't believe I haven't been on the computer since last Friday - but then, I do have my internet on the cell phone so I can get messages. And the messages back up because I want to save to print and it just keeps getting put on the back burner.
Kind of like life, don't you think? We really do mean well. We do what we are supposed to do, how we are supposed to do it. Then we give it a 'lick and a promise' (do you remember that saying?) and really do intend to get back to it, but it doesn't always happen. I STILL need to sit down and one by one go through emails and delete, delete, delete. A whole nother story! Anyway - thinking about the saying "a lick and a promise" made me google it to see what it said.
Meaning
There are lots of things that we all do that we start, anyway, and eventually put it aside thinking, 'I'll get back to this' and we rarely do. I know I have a few quilt projects sitting here, still waiting from some time ago for me to 'get back to it'.
Do you find that you do this with friends - or with family - as well? The kids want you to do something special with them and you put them off because you want to watch this tv show. Or you are on the computer.
Your mom wants to spend time with you - but trying to get your time is like pulling teeth. (guilt trip anyone?) And, of course now that she is working, her time is even more limited than before. I know - deal with it.
Your spouse would like some of your time - but you are too busy with your friends, or with the computer, or with other activities that you don't have time. Perhaps they haven't actually voiced that thought, but it could be they have thought it.
Or maybe they all just gave up wanting it. Gave up asking for it. I think we all give up at one point or another. Always giving it a 'lick and a promise' that next week we will.... next month will be better because... we always find some reason that it can't happen.
Christmas is on its way and less than 26 days away. I understand the entire family is cutting way back with Christmas giving. And we all should. In the past financially things were not so tight and it was fun to purchase special things for different ones. Unfortunately, as the children and grandchildren have grown, their time is placed elsewhere, as are their interests, and no one knows what to buy them.
For example, last week I asked for ideas, sizes, etc from all three of my children. They must have thought they would get 'back to it' (sorta like a lick and a promise) at some point - but as of today, still had not gotten responses. Oh, wait, I did get a response from one son after a reminder I still want ideas. Here is the conversation:
Me: Have the kids decided what they want for Christmas yet?
Son: Cody-money. Tommy-bey blade 2 pk. Hailey-anything.....lol
Me: You have to do better than that I will not give money for Christmas give me clothing sizes please
Son: Ages
Me: :-p can't you do better than that?
Son: Not really
So you see what I'm up against here? And that is just one family! Still waiting to hear from the other two. Probably will be a similar conversation.
What happened to children knowing what they want and be willing to wait for a holiday (i.e., birthday, Christmas) to get it? Nowadays they all have so much there is nothing left to give them! And I'm at a loss, yet will find something, even if it takes me longer to find something special for each one.
And then there are the children! Sigh. They are actually worse than the grandchildren in giving ideas. Oh well, they don't get ideas, they get what we choose to give! It's all about surprises anyway.
A Lick and A Promise. Every year I promise to make Christmas better. Not necessarily more gifts, but more meaningful. It gets harder some years for the moods are so varied. What happened to love and friendship and just wanting to be together as family? I miss those days. I'm sure we had a few of them.
Maybe we gave relationships a 'lick and a promise' one too many times. I pray you don't. Cherish your family; love the children. Yes, I know at times being a parent is difficult. Trust me, I know it all too well. There is a lot of pain in being a parent. A lot of helplessness. A lot of joy, yet, a lot of pain as they grow up. They become their own person. Sometimes sooner than you are ready to let them be.
Sometimes I wish I could have them back just for a little while. I just want to hold them, and love on them, just for a little while. To get back what time has stolen away. Perhaps someday. It reminds me of the story 'I will love you forever'.
And that is not a 'lick and a promise'.
Blessings!
Kind of like life, don't you think? We really do mean well. We do what we are supposed to do, how we are supposed to do it. Then we give it a 'lick and a promise' (do you remember that saying?) and really do intend to get back to it, but it doesn't always happen. I STILL need to sit down and one by one go through emails and delete, delete, delete. A whole nother story! Anyway - thinking about the saying "a lick and a promise" made me google it to see what it said.
Meaning
A cursory effort, for instance at painting or tidying up. It alludes to the perfunctory washing performed by children.
Origin
This is colloquial English and is first recorded in print in Walter White's All round the Wrekin, 1860:
Things that make us go.... "hmmmmmmm"."We only gives the cheap ones a lick and a promise."
There are lots of things that we all do that we start, anyway, and eventually put it aside thinking, 'I'll get back to this' and we rarely do. I know I have a few quilt projects sitting here, still waiting from some time ago for me to 'get back to it'.
Do you find that you do this with friends - or with family - as well? The kids want you to do something special with them and you put them off because you want to watch this tv show. Or you are on the computer.
Your mom wants to spend time with you - but trying to get your time is like pulling teeth. (guilt trip anyone?) And, of course now that she is working, her time is even more limited than before. I know - deal with it.
Your spouse would like some of your time - but you are too busy with your friends, or with the computer, or with other activities that you don't have time. Perhaps they haven't actually voiced that thought, but it could be they have thought it.
Or maybe they all just gave up wanting it. Gave up asking for it. I think we all give up at one point or another. Always giving it a 'lick and a promise' that next week we will.... next month will be better because... we always find some reason that it can't happen.
Christmas is on its way and less than 26 days away. I understand the entire family is cutting way back with Christmas giving. And we all should. In the past financially things were not so tight and it was fun to purchase special things for different ones. Unfortunately, as the children and grandchildren have grown, their time is placed elsewhere, as are their interests, and no one knows what to buy them.
For example, last week I asked for ideas, sizes, etc from all three of my children. They must have thought they would get 'back to it' (sorta like a lick and a promise) at some point - but as of today, still had not gotten responses. Oh, wait, I did get a response from one son after a reminder I still want ideas. Here is the conversation:
Me: Have the kids decided what they want for Christmas yet?
Son: Cody-money. Tommy-bey blade 2 pk. Hailey-anything.....lol
Me: You have to do better than that I will not give money for Christmas give me clothing sizes please
Son: Ages
Me: :-p can't you do better than that?
Son: Not really
So you see what I'm up against here? And that is just one family! Still waiting to hear from the other two. Probably will be a similar conversation.
What happened to children knowing what they want and be willing to wait for a holiday (i.e., birthday, Christmas) to get it? Nowadays they all have so much there is nothing left to give them! And I'm at a loss, yet will find something, even if it takes me longer to find something special for each one.
And then there are the children! Sigh. They are actually worse than the grandchildren in giving ideas. Oh well, they don't get ideas, they get what we choose to give! It's all about surprises anyway.
A Lick and A Promise. Every year I promise to make Christmas better. Not necessarily more gifts, but more meaningful. It gets harder some years for the moods are so varied. What happened to love and friendship and just wanting to be together as family? I miss those days. I'm sure we had a few of them.
Maybe we gave relationships a 'lick and a promise' one too many times. I pray you don't. Cherish your family; love the children. Yes, I know at times being a parent is difficult. Trust me, I know it all too well. There is a lot of pain in being a parent. A lot of helplessness. A lot of joy, yet, a lot of pain as they grow up. They become their own person. Sometimes sooner than you are ready to let them be.
Sometimes I wish I could have them back just for a little while. I just want to hold them, and love on them, just for a little while. To get back what time has stolen away. Perhaps someday. It reminds me of the story 'I will love you forever'.
And that is not a 'lick and a promise'.
Blessings!
Friday, November 23, 2012
The Day After....
Isn't there a movie with that title? Or a song? Just thinking as I typed it that it sounded familiar. Oh well, it is what it is. Today is the Day After Thanksgiving.
Did I get up and do the Black Friday thing? Heck no! I did that one year. A friend told me how much fun it was and one year I decided to go with her. We met early and by 5AM we were in the Walmart Parking Lot, looped around a couple rows of cars. When the doors opened we slowly...very slowly... made our way inside the store. Now mind you, I still had no idea what I was going to buy. There was nothing I was interested in getting a 'good deal' on - I just wanted to experience this 'rush' people think they get by shopping early on 'Black Friday'. Well, I had no 'rush' and I finally found a decent price on a VCR if I recall correctly. Don't even remember who I bought it for. I stood in line for 45 minutes to pay for it. And that was the only thing I got. I told my friend I was done shopping. Especially done shopping early on Black Friday. Ridiculous. There is nothing I nor any one I plan to purchase a gift for needs that would cause me to get up early and go through that rat race. Uh Uh not me!!
I did go out this afternoon - but only made a couple stops and was far away from shopping centers! I did glance over at a few; by late afternoon they didn't look too bad. I glanced through some ads early this morning and saw nothing that enticed me to brave the crowds to purchase. I took the leftover giblet gravy, some dressing, and some deviled eggs over to the middle child since he didn't make Thanksgiving with us. I hope he enjoyed them. I heard my granddaughter was at her 'other grandmothers' so headed over there to see her. Glad I did! Our church is having our Christmas Tea on December lst and although I had mentioned it to her mother, I "assumed" (you know, the made an ass out of you and me word) her mother would mention it to her. She hadn't. It wasn't her place to invite my granddaughter, since I was doing the inviting, but am glad I ran into my granddaughter to ask her! And I got a bonus! She is coming over either tomorrow or Sunday and will paint a Christmas design on my fingernails while we watch the move "Brave". Cool Granddaughter and Grandma time. And yes, she is going to drive back up next weekend so that she can join us for tea. I ponder if I should see if our 8 year old granddaughter can go as well; we could get a good photo of my princesses and me.
After seeing my granddaughter I headed on to the grocery store. I actually am a bit ahead of myself; found a couple ham butts on sale so got for our Christmas brunch. Now I need to watch for pork country ribs (boneless) to go on sale as that is what I fix for New Years Day. With buying Marley some new snacks and getting the ham I spent a bit more than I meant to - but that's ok. Didn't get anything that I really shouldn't have. Came home after that 'road trip'. I may venture out tomorrow to shop - or I may not. I need to come up with some firm ideas first as I do the 'stroll' and end up spending more than I mean to (like today at the grocery). I will have two paydays before Christmas so I may be shopping on Christmas Eve, which I really don't want to do.
Last year around this time doing Christmas Shopping was actually fun. I got to go shopping 1:1 with my children. Well, maybe not the youngest - our 1:1 time was Veterans Day cause he was off work. But my daughter and my oldest son each was able to spend some time with me and go shopping. Thta was a fun time. Especially since I know my son does not like to shop - and yet, he was willing to go with me and let me do what I need to do.
With working I'm not sure yet how things will be at the office. I mean I don't know if they don't do anything, if they draw names, what.... I reckon I will find out soon. For my bosses I will probably do as I have always done in the past for my bosses - a jar of bread and butter pickles and a loaf of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread - and some would also get a jar of salsa if I knew they liked it. I need to work on some new 'material' to give for Christmas gifts.
So here it is the day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting at home on the computer. But probably not for long as I bought the fried chicken from Frys today (it is the best!!) for dinner and will need to fix a salad to go with it. That will be our dinner tonight. Maybe cheese and crackers while we watch a movie tonight. We started watching 'Must Love Dogs' last night but tiredness quickly overtook me and we didn't finish it. Maybe tonight.
Hope that you have recovered from eating too much (if you did) and that you are finished with your shopping today (if you did) and are ready to settle down and relax. Make the most of the weekend and enjoy it. Life is too short to be miserable. Make every moment count.
Blessings!
Did I get up and do the Black Friday thing? Heck no! I did that one year. A friend told me how much fun it was and one year I decided to go with her. We met early and by 5AM we were in the Walmart Parking Lot, looped around a couple rows of cars. When the doors opened we slowly...very slowly... made our way inside the store. Now mind you, I still had no idea what I was going to buy. There was nothing I was interested in getting a 'good deal' on - I just wanted to experience this 'rush' people think they get by shopping early on 'Black Friday'. Well, I had no 'rush' and I finally found a decent price on a VCR if I recall correctly. Don't even remember who I bought it for. I stood in line for 45 minutes to pay for it. And that was the only thing I got. I told my friend I was done shopping. Especially done shopping early on Black Friday. Ridiculous. There is nothing I nor any one I plan to purchase a gift for needs that would cause me to get up early and go through that rat race. Uh Uh not me!!
I did go out this afternoon - but only made a couple stops and was far away from shopping centers! I did glance over at a few; by late afternoon they didn't look too bad. I glanced through some ads early this morning and saw nothing that enticed me to brave the crowds to purchase. I took the leftover giblet gravy, some dressing, and some deviled eggs over to the middle child since he didn't make Thanksgiving with us. I hope he enjoyed them. I heard my granddaughter was at her 'other grandmothers' so headed over there to see her. Glad I did! Our church is having our Christmas Tea on December lst and although I had mentioned it to her mother, I "assumed" (you know, the made an ass out of you and me word) her mother would mention it to her. She hadn't. It wasn't her place to invite my granddaughter, since I was doing the inviting, but am glad I ran into my granddaughter to ask her! And I got a bonus! She is coming over either tomorrow or Sunday and will paint a Christmas design on my fingernails while we watch the move "Brave". Cool Granddaughter and Grandma time. And yes, she is going to drive back up next weekend so that she can join us for tea. I ponder if I should see if our 8 year old granddaughter can go as well; we could get a good photo of my princesses and me.
After seeing my granddaughter I headed on to the grocery store. I actually am a bit ahead of myself; found a couple ham butts on sale so got for our Christmas brunch. Now I need to watch for pork country ribs (boneless) to go on sale as that is what I fix for New Years Day. With buying Marley some new snacks and getting the ham I spent a bit more than I meant to - but that's ok. Didn't get anything that I really shouldn't have. Came home after that 'road trip'. I may venture out tomorrow to shop - or I may not. I need to come up with some firm ideas first as I do the 'stroll' and end up spending more than I mean to (like today at the grocery). I will have two paydays before Christmas so I may be shopping on Christmas Eve, which I really don't want to do.
Last year around this time doing Christmas Shopping was actually fun. I got to go shopping 1:1 with my children. Well, maybe not the youngest - our 1:1 time was Veterans Day cause he was off work. But my daughter and my oldest son each was able to spend some time with me and go shopping. Thta was a fun time. Especially since I know my son does not like to shop - and yet, he was willing to go with me and let me do what I need to do.
With working I'm not sure yet how things will be at the office. I mean I don't know if they don't do anything, if they draw names, what.... I reckon I will find out soon. For my bosses I will probably do as I have always done in the past for my bosses - a jar of bread and butter pickles and a loaf of my cranberry pumpkin nut bread - and some would also get a jar of salsa if I knew they liked it. I need to work on some new 'material' to give for Christmas gifts.
So here it is the day after Thanksgiving and I'm sitting at home on the computer. But probably not for long as I bought the fried chicken from Frys today (it is the best!!) for dinner and will need to fix a salad to go with it. That will be our dinner tonight. Maybe cheese and crackers while we watch a movie tonight. We started watching 'Must Love Dogs' last night but tiredness quickly overtook me and we didn't finish it. Maybe tonight.
Hope that you have recovered from eating too much (if you did) and that you are finished with your shopping today (if you did) and are ready to settle down and relax. Make the most of the weekend and enjoy it. Life is too short to be miserable. Make every moment count.
Blessings!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
A Good Day to be Thankful....
Today is Thanksgiving Day, and a good day to be thankful. At least it makes some people more conscious of what this day is for and that perhaps they ought to re-evaluate their lives or their friends, and determine what it is to be thankful for.
We are currently at my daughter's house, where we usually come to celebrate our Thanksgiving lunch. As usual we all ate way too much. Or is that weigh too much! We had a 22 pound turkey this year and after taking some for us to take back home, have left the rest for my daughter and one son to take care of the rest. I wouldn't even take any home as I'm done with turkey for awhile, but hubby told me this morning I had to bring some home for him, and for Marley. Whatever. :-) My middle child already left word that we were to bring him leftover deviled eggs and some giblet gravy. I think we pulled some dressing out for him too, just in case he wanted it. He didn't say. Missed his family with us, but am glad they are spending time with his beautiful wife's family.
I even made my cranberry apple cobbler this year - and it is as good as it has been in the past. We have pumpkin pie too, of course. I'm not that much in to desserts any more so even not having any would be fine. However, I confess, I did eat the cranberry apple cobbler. It has been awhile since I made it so wanted to make sure it was good. Right.
Most of the family is in the other room watching Expendables 2. Not my type of movie so here I am. In this room my granddaughters and a friend are watching "Grease". Maybe I'm just tired - and rightly so.
Marley did her 2AM whining routine this morning. I kept stalling getting up, hoping that she was having a dream. By 2:30 I gave up and let her outside where she quickly did her business. I got her to go back into her crate (where she stays at night for now) and I went in the back room to try to doze a bit more. Didn't want to go back to bed and have her start whining again. She did start, but stopped after a few minutes. I went ahead and did my quiet time, then tried to sleep a bit. Hubby got up about 5:30AM to see where I was.
I had asked my children, and grandchildren, to join me for a short walk this morning, just to do a family thing together. I was delighted to see my daughter and a granddaughter, and one of my boys show up as well as hubby and I. We also brought Marley to get a walk in for her. We did a 3.12 mile walk and then went our separate ways. I think all said they went home and took a nap - as did hubby. But not me; I had to get the turkey in the oven, make the dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry apple cobbler, and whatever else I had to do. I don't think I sat down until we were riding over here. We did have a nice lunch and now most are watching movies or on the computers. I am on my daughter's computer now as I don't want to watch these movies.
Tonight we will probably just chill out and I will get to see one of MY kind of movies - yeah, the chick flick kind. And although I have probably watched it 50 times, I will find one that I feel like watching again. I'm not in shopping mode just yet. Got to wait for at least a paycheck to come in before we do any shopping. In fact, although I say I 'go shopping' a lot, I don't enjoy shopping. I usually just walk around the store; my way of escaping I guess. Alone time, unless I'm with a friend, daughter, or granddaughter - then it's fun time!
Since today is Thanksgiving, I'm thinking of things that I am thankful for. There are many things, but I won't mention them now. Although I share a lot and probably a lot that I shouldn't share, I don't feel like sharing anything. But I am thankful and I have thanked God for these things already.
What are you thankful for? What are you truly thankful for? Thankful this blog is quickly coming to an end? Just kidding~
Although Christmas is my favorite holiday, I dread the next month. I dislike crowds with a passion and know I am going to have to be in the middle of them when I get out to do any Christmas shopping. Hmm, maybe I will avoid that and just order online. I hate to pay these ridiculous shipping charges, but my sanity may well be worth it. I enjoyed the past few years when I had to shop - I took time off work and went during the week day when everyone else was at work. Nice. I remember one year that I think I was the only one in the store. So nice. So quiet. But, it won't be this year. With a new job I won't have any vacation time to take off for awhile.
I always try to find/think of something unique for each person; something they may want and wouldn't buy for themselves, or something they may enjoy but never voiced a desire for it. I remember one year getting our middle child a pair of golf sandals. He never expected that and I was so excited to get them for him. He usually can figure out what I get so when I can stump him, I'm delighted. Last year I was able to get the boys sweatshirts of Indiana colleges they like - Indiana for the youngest; Purdue for the middle child. I like to do surprises.
Guess I will get off here and go online and see what I can find that might interest them. I think financially everyone is struggling this year. It will be interesting to see how they deal with it. And myself as well. My go to is making things, when I have time, that is. Still need to come up with ideas.
Hope that you have a great Thanksgiving day and remember that even the little things you need to be thankful for. We sometimes take so many things for granted; be grateful for them. Think how your life would be without them, if you are having trouble thinking of things to be grateful for.
Be a blessing to someone this holiday season.
Blessings!
We are currently at my daughter's house, where we usually come to celebrate our Thanksgiving lunch. As usual we all ate way too much. Or is that weigh too much! We had a 22 pound turkey this year and after taking some for us to take back home, have left the rest for my daughter and one son to take care of the rest. I wouldn't even take any home as I'm done with turkey for awhile, but hubby told me this morning I had to bring some home for him, and for Marley. Whatever. :-) My middle child already left word that we were to bring him leftover deviled eggs and some giblet gravy. I think we pulled some dressing out for him too, just in case he wanted it. He didn't say. Missed his family with us, but am glad they are spending time with his beautiful wife's family.
I even made my cranberry apple cobbler this year - and it is as good as it has been in the past. We have pumpkin pie too, of course. I'm not that much in to desserts any more so even not having any would be fine. However, I confess, I did eat the cranberry apple cobbler. It has been awhile since I made it so wanted to make sure it was good. Right.
Most of the family is in the other room watching Expendables 2. Not my type of movie so here I am. In this room my granddaughters and a friend are watching "Grease". Maybe I'm just tired - and rightly so.
Marley did her 2AM whining routine this morning. I kept stalling getting up, hoping that she was having a dream. By 2:30 I gave up and let her outside where she quickly did her business. I got her to go back into her crate (where she stays at night for now) and I went in the back room to try to doze a bit more. Didn't want to go back to bed and have her start whining again. She did start, but stopped after a few minutes. I went ahead and did my quiet time, then tried to sleep a bit. Hubby got up about 5:30AM to see where I was.
I had asked my children, and grandchildren, to join me for a short walk this morning, just to do a family thing together. I was delighted to see my daughter and a granddaughter, and one of my boys show up as well as hubby and I. We also brought Marley to get a walk in for her. We did a 3.12 mile walk and then went our separate ways. I think all said they went home and took a nap - as did hubby. But not me; I had to get the turkey in the oven, make the dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry apple cobbler, and whatever else I had to do. I don't think I sat down until we were riding over here. We did have a nice lunch and now most are watching movies or on the computers. I am on my daughter's computer now as I don't want to watch these movies.
Tonight we will probably just chill out and I will get to see one of MY kind of movies - yeah, the chick flick kind. And although I have probably watched it 50 times, I will find one that I feel like watching again. I'm not in shopping mode just yet. Got to wait for at least a paycheck to come in before we do any shopping. In fact, although I say I 'go shopping' a lot, I don't enjoy shopping. I usually just walk around the store; my way of escaping I guess. Alone time, unless I'm with a friend, daughter, or granddaughter - then it's fun time!
Since today is Thanksgiving, I'm thinking of things that I am thankful for. There are many things, but I won't mention them now. Although I share a lot and probably a lot that I shouldn't share, I don't feel like sharing anything. But I am thankful and I have thanked God for these things already.
What are you thankful for? What are you truly thankful for? Thankful this blog is quickly coming to an end? Just kidding~
Although Christmas is my favorite holiday, I dread the next month. I dislike crowds with a passion and know I am going to have to be in the middle of them when I get out to do any Christmas shopping. Hmm, maybe I will avoid that and just order online. I hate to pay these ridiculous shipping charges, but my sanity may well be worth it. I enjoyed the past few years when I had to shop - I took time off work and went during the week day when everyone else was at work. Nice. I remember one year that I think I was the only one in the store. So nice. So quiet. But, it won't be this year. With a new job I won't have any vacation time to take off for awhile.
I always try to find/think of something unique for each person; something they may want and wouldn't buy for themselves, or something they may enjoy but never voiced a desire for it. I remember one year getting our middle child a pair of golf sandals. He never expected that and I was so excited to get them for him. He usually can figure out what I get so when I can stump him, I'm delighted. Last year I was able to get the boys sweatshirts of Indiana colleges they like - Indiana for the youngest; Purdue for the middle child. I like to do surprises.
Guess I will get off here and go online and see what I can find that might interest them. I think financially everyone is struggling this year. It will be interesting to see how they deal with it. And myself as well. My go to is making things, when I have time, that is. Still need to come up with ideas.
Hope that you have a great Thanksgiving day and remember that even the little things you need to be thankful for. We sometimes take so many things for granted; be grateful for them. Think how your life would be without them, if you are having trouble thinking of things to be grateful for.
Be a blessing to someone this holiday season.
Blessings!
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