Christmas pictures and More.....

I have been working the better part of the evening to figure out how to post pictures on the blog. To all you bloggers out there who have these fantastic blogs with lots of pictures and links and anything else you can think of, God Bless you. You must not have any kids or a husband or even a life. Doing this is interesting and fun but is also a real time sucker.

My girlfriend ask me to post some of the christmas pictures on the blog so she could see them. I never dreamed it would take all night. The position and placement of the pictures aren't quite what I expected but I will get better at it with practice.

We are so blessed to have family members who love and care for us enough to want to make gifts for us or spend time looking for just the right gift. Our family is that kind of family. We all spend hours shopping for or making that special gift that will reach in and hold the heart of the receiver. I love to watch the expression on their faces, for a look is worth a million words.

The first picture is the tree after everyone got there. Makes the big tree look small. They say big things come in small packages but the saying also is little things come in big packages.

The second picture is of me opening a cordless weed eater. The great idea of my son-in-law. I needed one really bad but would never have ask for one because they are so expensive and money was tight for all this year.

The next picture is of my grandson and his dad. The little guy is the most appreciative three year old I have ever known. No matter what it is he stops to really look at the gift and then turns to the giver and thanks them before moving on. I think there is something to be said for that in a child these days.








The last two picture are of gifts I made for them. My granddaughter liked the sweater so much she ask if she could put it on right out of the box. We (her and I)have a thing for snowmen. Well, I have a thing for snowmen that seems to have rubbed off on my granddaughter. My grandson has a thing for sports. He is young to be getting a lamp but I couldn't resist. I think the lamp will be a nice addition to his room. Maybe on his desk.

In watching the family. I wish we could all come together more and be as happy and contented everyday. Too bad life keeps up moving at a pace we find difficult to keep up with. Making the time, is the secret. We never know what life holds for any of us. We need to make the most of it.

Most of us are so relieved to get Christmas behind us that we often forget how nice the actual holiday really was.

Well, there are only two more days left of this year and we can start all over again. I hope next year is a little easier and kinder than this year was. Change is important to keep us focused and grounded but this year has been a bit much.

My hopes for the new year is to spend more time with the grandchildren, become more involved in my community, eat healthier, lose some weight, get organized, and love the people around me more. Life is too short.

And to close this post, let us all say a prayer for the service men and women. My nephew will be deployed in January. Even though we are aware that this war has taken it tole on too many families. When it reaches out to your own family, the impack is quite different. God Bless the service men and women. God be with you. God Bless America.

A walk through our holiday season

Well, it's the 28th and we can officially say Christmas is behind us, right? That sound good but your aren't the one with two Christmas trees to take down and a heap of decoration to get down, or maybe you do. At least we can say the rush is over, well unless you enjoy the after Christmas shopping in the crowds. Not me! Bargains or not, I don't go.

My Christmas Party this was especially nice. I had it earlier than usual and the weather could not have been better. I (We)invited 20 of our friends and 12 not counting my daughter and me, came. I consider that a pretty good turnout. Everyone seemed to have a great time. And no birthday surprises this year. The treats were made by my daughter. She is a Pampered Chef rep and did a great job.

My Birthday was a quiet one this year. I spent the entire day with all the people I love, my family. A little eating and gifts, a little shopping for Christmas, a little socializing and a little relaxing. What more is there?

My friend's B-day. Spent a lovely evening with my friend. We've known each other for at least 21 years. Our daughter were friends in school. I spent a lot of time with her. Kinda like a sister. I like that. Her husband comes with the package, as did her son. They made a great dinner and provided some awesome company. I have miss socializing with them. I hope we can be close again like we used to be.

The daughters have come back together and have a lot in common. They talk regularly. I'm glad for that. They used to be quite close. When they got tired of each other they would play with the younger brother. He always though he was older then they were, or a least he wouldn't be outdone. Wow! They are all married and have children of their own. I feel old!

Christmas party for work was a bust. I went in hopes of meeting other people that work at the same company that you don't get to see any other time. I sat at a table by my self for at least an hour. I didn't know anyone, except the person I turned the invitation to. No one from my department came. Several PCA's showed up about the time I had decided to leave. I ended up staying for another hour. I may not go next year. The only entertainment was very loud music and dancing. Neither of which I enjoy.

I finally finished the sweater for my granddaughter. Turned out well. She loved it.
I finished the baseball and glove lamp. My grandson is still quite young. Not sure he liked it. I know he liked the cars movie blanket I made the and Cars movie. That's all he talked about. He got a really cool baseball game from the other grandparents. I think they both got so much, apreciation is difficult at best to see at times. They are both so blessed to have so many people around them that love them.

Christmas Eve was really nice. We came together for some more good family time. If someone told me I could have no Christmas gift and could only have family time, I would be perfectly happy. The jewel of time often slips away from us too quickly, especially the children. They are babies, 5th graders and then before you know it they are grown. Seize the moment and they say. The in-laws, my friend too, prepared a really nice dinner. Followed by Christmas eve service at church. They all went back to the in-laws, I went to see my brother across town.

The visit with my brother was a good one. I think he really needed a friend. With a new job and a new apartment and issues with his car, he had very little money to spend on Christmas presents. Pride made him stay home. I couldn't allow that to happen. Besides, he called me and knew I would come. We watched a movie and talked a little and I was off to the other side of town again. I had lots to do. Everyone was coming to my house for Christmas. Cooking, Cleaning, Wrapping those last minute gifts, More cooking.

Christmas was lovely. Lots of socializing and quality time. My favorite part. Dinner turned out well. Lots of choices. Ham, deviled eggs, mashed potatoes, suckatash, sweet potato casserole, greenbean casserole, and Fran's great jello. Something for everyone. Topped of with pumpkin pie and cherry pie and even homemade chocolate chip cookies. Not much left when all was said and done. Then the gift. A great part of our Christmas. Everyone spent a lot of time thinking about each other, finding treasures, homemade and others bought, trying to please their family members. I love that part too. I wanted to post some pictures but I couldn't get it to work for me. Guess I need a tutorial from my daughter. She's pretty good at this stuff.

A few quiet days alone. The family is off to see the other family members on the other side for a few days. Grandma is waiting to see them. A safe journey to all. Another visit with my brother the day after Christmas. He sure has a way with movies. We watched two this time. I took leftovers from the Christmas meal. He loved them, as I knew he would.

And If we could only get through the holidays without the sad notes.....The memories of loved one gone....The ones God finds necessary to take home during the holiday season. Pray for my friend Grova's daughters. My friend Grova died last year during the holidays. This year her daughters are trying to get through yet another trudge. Vicki's love died of self inflicted notions.....sad.....very sad.

And last, A moment of prayer for a couple of dear souls....

Just got a call from the Prayer Chain from my church about a long time member in the hospital who is very ill and may not make it through the night. Death is a hardship at any time of the year but at Christmas time. Say a prayer for his wife, a really sweet lady who could use a prayer right now.

Christmas Memories

I found this on Big Moma's Blog and thought it was cool. Hope you enjoy it.....

Christmas Memories

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Egg Nog. I like them both but rarely have either.

2. Does Santa wrap the presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap them. Santa only comes to the immediate families house. Grandma's can do what they want.

3. Colored lights or White? Depends. I like the colored lights on my own tree but I like the white ones as outside decorations.

4. Do you hang misletoe? No
5. When do you decorate for Christmas? Usually the first week in December but this year I did it the weekend on Thanksgiving.

6. What's you favorite holiday dish, excluding dessert? My daughter's mother-in-law's red jello with strawberries and cranberries.

7. Favorite holiday as a child? Easter because you got a new outfit of clothes and a new pair of shoes. And because we went to church and learned the spiritual reasons for the holiday then had a big egg hunt.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about (or if you don't remember) What is your
favorite Santa memory? My favorite Santa memory is when my daughter was almost three. My X-brother-in-law dressed up like Santa and came to visit our home. He was so gentle and kind. He made her feel like the special little girl she was.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No. Not usually. We spend Christmas Eve at my daughter's in-laws. We have a nice dinner then go to church together.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Colored lights and lots of homemade and special ornaments

11. Snow, love it or hate it? Love to look at it and play in it. Hate to shovel and clean up after it.

12. Can you Ice Skate? Nope. Only tried once when I was 10. Had the skates on for about 10 minutes. A kid came and knocked me down and broke my glasses. Haven't been on the since.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I have two. A quilt Peggy ( my daughter's God Mother) gave me for Christmas when I had long since given up on getting one. I helped her make bunches. I didn't get one myself until two years before she died. It was a beautiful one that had been cross stitched then quilted. And the second one is a cool thing my daughter gave me several years ago that allows me to put lotion on my own back when no one is around.

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays to you? The quality family time and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

15. What is your favorite dessert? Pumpkin Pie.

16. What's your favorite holiday tradition? Going to church on Christmas Eve with the family.

17. What tops your tree? An angel, of course.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving. Especially to families that really need it. (It's fun to get gifts too).

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? All of them!

20. Candy canes. Yuck or Yum? Not yuck or yum. I only enjoy maybe on the whole season. But not peppermint. Another flavor.

Busy.....Busy.....Busy

The only thing I can think of that is better than quality family time is quality friend time. I have had the pleasure of having a nice dose of both this weekend.

I had my annual Holiday Ornament Exchange Party. My daughter and I shared the party, therefore both her friends and my attended. We are so blessed to have so many great group of friends. Twelve out of a possible twenty. I consider that a good number. Even though not all the people knew each other but by the end of the night, everyone was socializing with everyone. I love to see all having a good time. I love games at parties when everyone gets involved and there are no strangers at the party.

My daughter made some awesome snacks straight from her Pampered Chef cookbooks. And I have to say, for someone who doesn't like to cook, she sure did a great job. We had Veggie Pizza, Apple Crisp and the best homemade Cream Puffs you'll ever find. Thanks Babe. I rally appreciate you.

And in the end, anyone who wanted to order something from Pampered Chef for Christmas had a chance to do that too.


Another Busy day.......

Today was equally as busy as yesterday. The church sermon was really interesting and easy to focus on. I really like church at Christmas time. The music, the choir, the decorations, what the season stands for, the kids, but most of all the family time and how close everyone is to you at that time of year.

We had a quick lunch at F&L's. Then it was off to get a few things done before returning to church for a carry-in dinner and the annual Christmas gathering with the families and neighboring churches. We had a great time and some really good eating. And of course, Santa made a visit. I love to watch my grandson and he even got on santa's lap without crying this year and that was cool!

My next door neighbors lost a tree. Or I should say We lost a tree. It was their tree (thank God) but it kinda messed up a big part of the back of my fence. Not a problems for me but their dogs are stuck inside until they get the tree people to finish. And to make the job even bigger, my neighbors decided while the tree people were there, they might as well take the tree out next to the house. It has lost two great limbs in the last 12 months as it still wasn't too stable. My daughter's father-in-law got a win fall. He got some really nice wood for turning in his woodshop. I think that's the only good thing that came out of the whole thing, right here at the holiday season. No that's not true, no one was hurt and that's a blessing.

Blessed beyond measure

Okay, can you tell I've been busy? With the holidays in full swing, I think lots of us are busier than we would like to be.

Thanksgiving was really great. We have so much to be thankful for. Nice quality time with the family. Everyone contributed to preparing the meal. I like it when it is a combined effort. Everyone in a good mood. Lots of football for the men, crafts with the grandchildren, even counting and rolling money. And with the plan ahead, there was plenty of food for the evening meal. Isn't family time great?!

The family were off to West Virginia to spend some quality time with other family members. I had to work. I did get some holiday shopping done after work. A good time to go. All the early birds were finished finding their bargains but there were still plenty of bargains left to be found.

I even put up the christmas tree. I don't think I have ever put the tree up so early. I always call my daughter to have my granddaughter come help decorate the tree with me. It's nice to see the kids get excited about the decorating. We put christmas music on and in the past, my granddaughter has taken home more ornaments that she puts on my tree. This year I don't think she took home even one. I was almost disappointed. I was surprised, even the young grandchild, who is three, got into the ornaments, (after it they were hanging on the tree) taking notice of a pirate, a lion and a bell. Pretty cool.

The family came over for lunch this past Sunday, (I love it that we take turns with that) and my grandson noticed that there were gifts under the christmas tree. He ask if it were christmas and could he open the gifts. Had I known the explanation were going to be so difficult, I may have put the gifts in the closet until he left.

I love to see the kids at christmas time. If we could all retain the unconditional love, the blind faith that Santa will provide for their every wish, the hope, the joy that seems to get lost somewhere before we become adults, wouldn't this be an unbelievable world.

But instead, we have Iraq and the duty to protect, The crime and the need to lock your door and watch over your children to keep them safe, the financial woes that take some of the joy away, and the reality that we can't have all that we want. We are lucky and blessed to have a warm home, a dependable car, a loving family and friends, and a job to keep us all afloat and well grounded.

I still like the idea of that homemade christmas where little is a lot because you know your family member put a piece of themselves into the gift. Where the gift of time with the family is the best gift of all. I'd give up any gift I'd receive this year for true quality time with the family. My daughter and son-in-law came over the other day and help with a few things I couldn't do myself. Words can't even describe the appreciation I felt for the caring touch they put on the things they knows made life easier for me. Thanks Guys! And spending some one on one time with the little guy was special too.

So when you add it all up, we are all blessed beyond measure, even when there are a few thorns in our lives. God is always with us and watching over us and will never give us more than we can handle.

We all have much to be thankful for.......

I just spent the most delightful evening with my 80 year old friends Bob and Ann. I was ask to join them to help in a turkey raffle. They provide the tickets. I spent about an hour playing the ticket to try to win turkeys for the Valley Food Pantry. The raffle goes on for two different nights. Proceeds, other than the turkeys got to the Wyoming fire department, which is also a good cause. The first night we were able to win 10 turkeys and 6 more were donated during the raffle. Tonight we were not as lucky. As a mater of fact we played about 150 tickets and didn't win even one. If it had not been for the 7 that were donated by people who were playing or had already won, it would have been a bust for the evening.

I guess the reason for sharing this is to say that even at 80 Ann and Bob are still out there trying to make the world a better place by donating monies (I think the money came for Ann's circle donation) to a raffle to get turkeys for people who may not be able to afford a turkey for thanksgiving. The circle could have bought turkeys, but this way they can donate twice as many and help a good cause too.

I have to say, I love helping out with the raffle and the thought of improving the quality of living for another person but I often need to be invited to know they are going on.

Don't get me wrong, my job is spent working with mentally challenged adults offering some hope in the enhancement of their quality of lives by the contribution made on my part but this is different. This is reaching out into the community. If we could all spent just two hours a week giving back to our community / world, wouldn't this world be a different place. Most of the time we are all so busy and caught up in what is going on around us that we don't often take the time to reach out unless that is the kind of job you do on a daily basis.

On a different note: I spent time with my daughter, granddaughter and grandson today at a near by craft sale. Wow! Lots of stuff to spend your money on.Much of which you don't need. I did come away with some good ideas, which is the reason for going most of the time. I had a really nice time at lunch with "the family". The menu was sparse but adequate. It was a real kid pleaser (hot dogs). It wasn't what I ate, it was soaking in the quality time with the family that I love. My granddaughter came away a bit disappointed that her last purchase was not successful. That's what happens when you don't take enough money with you.

Work continues to provide me with all the thorns I can handle in a week. I continue to tell myself that I am making a difference but even I question that when I come away after my boss has done a number on me. She seems to find great pleasure in belittling me, second guessing everything I do. Even when there is nothing to complain about, she looks for things. After the third attack on Friday I was totally spent but continued to hold my tongue (which in it's self was some great self control on my part). My co-worker turned to me and said, "you need a hug" loud enough for all to hear. I didn't even see it coming. This same co-work turned so everyone could hear and said, I don't know what you all are doing, but I'm not making any decisions, (hence the attacks on me by my boss). My boss basically left the room. I have to say, I was a bit surprised. My co-worker was not very tackful but neither is my boss most of the time. Interesting to see the tables turned for a change. I think my boss doesn't realize how she comes across sometimes but I think if we all could see how we came across to other people, I think we would change our tune and maybe even hold our tongue more often. I say a prayer every night for my boss and for my attitude toward her. Things had improved for a while, but we are who we are. I will continue to pray for peace and for a good attitude and pray for her to find the happiness and contentment she needs so she won't need to attack anyone to feel the control she seems to need.

I wrenched my back the other day and have not been spending very much time working on that cute little christmas sweater for my granddaughter. (I haven't even started my grandson's yet) I called off work on Monday because I was hurting pretty bad. In the back of my mind I had hoped to get some crocheting done on that sweater but that didn't happen. I wasted the morning laying around. Then I had lunch with my daughter. I liked that. I love any time spent with her and the kids, hurting or not.I know her time is so precocious with all that she has on her plate. My daughter is such a lovely person. Thank you God!

My friend Carolyn came over for a while last night. I haven't seen much of her lately. I worry about her sometimes. She has asma really bad and high blood pressure. She doesn't always take her medicine in a timely manner. She is a really sweet and thoughtful person. We've been good friends for about twenty two years. I think everyone deserves at least one friend they can let their hair down with. We have a lot in common. We think alike. We can talk about just about anything but mostly we vent about work. She often has a lot of woes. With this new J-O-B, so do I.

I was invited up to my brother's new apartment the other night for dinner. Yes, he cooked. He likes cooking and is pretty good at it. My sister and brother in law also came. The apartment is really coming together. The company was great. Thanks Bro. I said a prayer for success on that new job you are seeking. It's hard to be patient when you want and need something. It will come.

And in case I don't get back to my blog I would like to close by saying, I hope all have a great and thankful Thanksgiving holiday and don't forget to stop and take a moment to reflect on all that you are thankful for. God has richly blessed us but we often get too caught up in the fast pace of life that we forget to take the time to be thankful.

I am so thankful and so blessed. Thank you God!

Sleeping Beauty and Charlie

Well I brought home my new friend, my brother's cat. "Charlie". Charlie spent the evening in the basement. I wanted to introduce him slowly as I was told he would be very shy and want to hide out for the first day or so. What a nice cat. I brought him upstairs last night when I got home from work. He did really well all evening, sticking very close. Marking his territory. When I went to sleep Charlie was sleeping next to me on the bed. He woke me six times during the night, walking on me and rubbing my face. I finally got up at 5:30 and put him in the basement. I'll try again tonight. I think he was just lonely or missing his poppa. He's such a nice boy.

I had a really busy day at work today, but that's not new. Everyday is busy. What was different was that there were State inspectors - checking the books, Marketing people in taking pictures of the consumers for the December news letter and promotions, several case managers in to visit consumers and a tour for a new interested consumer, all happening within a two hour window. And there is still the one girl on vacation. And this is all while the specialist and techs are trying to run programs for the consumers. If it got any crazier there it would be hard to tell which ones of us are the consumers and which ones were the staff. When the day ends, your brain is so full,it's not hard to leave work, and leave it all there.

I got a call at the end of the day. Can I pick up Sleeping Beauty from knitting club. And if I want I can hang out for a while. You betcha! I won't pass up an opportunity to spend some quality time with the granddaughter. We had dinner at home, she met Charlie,(he was a big hit with her as I knew he would be) and we sat around watching a move (here favorite thing for us to do together) and knitted, (or at least repairing knitting and showing how to add a color). She is getting pretty good at that. I think I was 10 when I learned. We used to knit on pencils because there were not enough needles to go around.

Took her home and visited with my daughter and grandson for a bit. I am so luck to have such a nice family. We talked about that C word again. Lots to do and very little time to get it done. Yea, that C word is Christmas. Wow, it sure is coming on fast this year. Is it because the older we get the faster time passes.

The sweater I am making is coming along well. Not moving as fast as I would like for it to but I couldn't work on it with her here. Other projects are still in the planning stages.

I had a really nice chat with an old SA co-worker buddy. She continues to struggle with the same things we was having trouble with. They continue to tell her that they may still close their center down. They are giving it six months. The staff are showing signs of not caring what happens. Again not unusual. I told her I was surprised she has lasted this long. She is a really good, caring person. I hate to see her go through that stuff. She won't have a problem finding a job if they close.

Charlie is dong well. Nice to have a cat in the house again. Now when I talk to my self I can justify it by talking to the cat. He is a lot of company and yet he goes about his business or lays at my feet.

God Bless and Good Night.

Christmas is coming

Christmas is right around the corner. It seems like we'll be skiing down hill from here. I spent a long time looking for patterns for a homemade Christmas for my family. I couldn't find a sweater pattern. My granddaughter wanted a sweater with a cable stitch down the front. I wanted crochet. All I found was knitting. Any good sites for hand made kids sweaters in crochet?

I found the cutest snowman sweater. We have a thing about snowmen. Not to mention I have been collecting them for about 6 years. The only problem was, the snowman sweater pattern only came in a size 6. She's a 10-12. I played with the pattern for a while and managed to get the proper gage. I am more than half way finished with the front. It looks really good. When I get it finished I will post a pattern and maybe a picture on my blog.

I found a great afghan pattern for my daughter, maybe? I like making things for her because she always appreciated the work that goes into making homemade gifts. She has made a few things herself. I like her hand made cards and her Pampered Chef cooking creations.(And she says she can't cook).

I'm still on the lookout for a really neat boys sweater pattern, toddler size 4. I found a couple but they seem kinda girly and I don't thing his dad would appreciate that, let alone let him wear it. Anyone out there with any ideas, I'm open for suggestions, as time is closing in.

Can you believe it? In less than a month we will be decorating for the holidays. Oh my goodness! Makes me tired just thinking about it.

For the pass several years I have been having an ornament exchange party. This year will be no different. And even though money is tight, I still think it will be lots of fun. I love getting together during the holidays. Especially with family and friends.

The hardest thing about Christmas is my best friend died right before Christmas last year. It's hard to believe on December ninth she will be gone a whole year. She was quite a lady. I liked her spunk. She's probably up there giving God direction on how to do it now. May she rest in peace.

Got a call from my nephew this evening. He is in the Marines. He sounded so sad tonight. He said he would almost rather be just about anywhere than where he was. He's in a dessert in California, training to go over seas in January or February. His girlfriend will have their child while he is away and I think it is all hitting him. Guess he has a lot of time to think about things. Glad he took the time to call his Aunt Dee.

I would love to sit her and blog all night but it's late and morning comes too soon. Being short at work all week, I will need all the energy I can muster.

Good Bless and Good Night.

Moving day for the brother / uncle

It's been a while since I have bolgged. Life has been really busy. I spent some good quality time with the grands this weekend. I just love it when they come over. That little dragon is a real cutie. Sleeping beauty is cute too, just different. And quite the little helper.

The grands and I spent times making crafts together. A new activity for the little guy. We made bead fire trucks and trackers. I was surprise that Sleeping beauty enjoyed making trucks.

Today was a long day. At work one of the girls is on a well deserved vacation. Boy she was missed. The others came together to pitch in but she was still missed. My boss is no help at all. She will walk right by something that needs done and come get you to go back and do it. She isn't a very good boss. She is a little full of herself.

I went from there to get my new friend, (my brother's cat who will now be my cat). My brother got a new apartment and the landlord says, "no cats". He's a cute little guy. I call him Charlie but my brother called him Chairman Mah (I think that's the way he spells it). He is a orange and white tabby. I was told he would want to hide and take several days to warm up. I was happy that that didn't happen. Charlie warmed up right away. Rubbing against my leg. No purring yet but that will come. He's so cute.

Well I think it is official. My brother now has his own apartment. Congratulations Bro! I tried to help him as much as I could. Moving is a lot of work and a pain in the back! I recruited my brother-in-law and daughter to help with some of the heavy stuff. Even sleeping beauty pitched in to help. I think he has everything in, now for the organizing. Yuck! I like things neat and in their places, I just hate finding new places for things. I left him with a promise I would come again next weekend to assist in the organizing. Hopefully he will have things in place by then.

Happy Halloween

Been a long day but a good one. Went to a workshop instead of work. A lot of the people were dressed in costume. The motivational speaker was really good. He had compassion and strength in his message to the crowd. Something you don't find very often at a workshop.

The family were invited over to watch the grands in their costumes. Sleeping Beauty and the little green dragon were great. The little dragon was content in following sleeping beauty where ever she went but wasn't so interested in the candy, which was more than okay with my daughter. Sleeping Beauty went to trick or treat with some friends while the little dragon entertained the rest of the family in the driveway around the firepit. Nice evening. Very nice!

I've been getting some really neat emails from my friends. I got some great pictures of our city skyline. This would make nice clip art in any presentation or just for fun. I have enclosed the link if anyone would like to take a look. Click on the picture to enlarge it.
http://urbanohio.com/CinnSkyline.htm.

Still thinking about christmas gifts. Having a problem finding the right pattern for the sweater I want to make for my granddaughter. She wants a cable sweater. Most of what I have found are knitting. I want crochet. If anyone has a nice pattern for one I would be interested in seeing it.

Helped my brother move the other day. Poor Guy has a bad cold and isn't feeling well. He found a cute little apartment. It's small but just the right size for him. He is excited about the two decks. With winter coming it may be a while before he can enjoy them. He still has a lot to do but it is coming right along. I promised more help but he wants to let his cold run it's course and then get serious. I can't say I blame him.

The river is really up and hasn't yet created. If I lived on the east side of town, down by the river I think I would worry myself to death. My sister;s business is on a barge and it rises as the river does but the ramp continues to grow. As the river rises they put extentions onto the existing ramps. The parking lots and part of the hill is now under water. No one seems too worried about it. I haven't been down there since sunday but my brother says it continues to rise.

My sister has been out of town for the last five days. I can't wait to see her face when she sees how high the river is. She has a long history down by the river so she may just take it in stride.

Looking forward to a nice visit with a dear old friend this weekend. She lives in Minnesota and is visiting her daughter in Kentucky. She is elderly and has some health issues and traveling is hard on her. She is a real dear soul. We've been friends for 35 years. Hard to believe that much time has gone by. She has a really sweet daughter. When we first met, she didn't care much for me. I think we have all grown to care a lot about each other.

Friends are great. Friends are the only gift you can give yourself. And most often you get out of the friendship what you put into it. Even miles can't separate the really good friendships. Sometimes it even makes the heart grow founder.

Sometimes I wish it were that easy with family but we all have our own lives and agenda and often move in separate directions. I am blessed with a beautiful daughter, a wonderful son-in-law and two extra special grandchildren. I had a good time with everyone this evening.

I had more roses that thorns today.

A fine day for ducks!

Where is all this rain coming from? If I were a fish or a duck I would be happy as a lark. But I'm not. I 'm wet! And where do all those people hide who don't know how to drive when it isn't raining? It seems they all like coming out on the rainy days. Or maybe they are there, their skills just bite the dust on a rainy day. Makes me want to go home and stay there. It took 40 minutes for a 15 minute ride home from work today.

We had a Halloween party at work today. Mentally challenged adults are just big kids. It was really great to see everyone having a good time. Even some of the stiff shirts got involved. I loved it. We had a300 pound Batman wanting to show us how he could fly, a devil that was all smiles, (he doesn't talk), a vampire, complete with fangs, a bride in a rumpled dress and a host of other costumes. What fun everyone had. If life could only be that easy. ???

We made lunch at work for our clients. We all participated in making it. Turned out pretty good. We had an interesting menu:

Licking tongues, (bagels with cream cheese, a piece of Bologna tucked into the hole of the bagel to represent a tongue)
Spiders, (ritz crackers with peanut butter using pretzels for legs and raisins for eyes)
A finger ( a piece of white stick cheese with a piece of green pepper for the fingernail) that really did look like a finger laying on that plate
A witches broom ( stick pretzels and fruit roll-ups by the foot) that were cut into small pieces and wrapped around one end of the Pretzel (A pain in the neck to make) but really cute.
We added pretzel, chips, pumpkin bread and carrots.
We had bananas dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts or sprinkles for dessert.
A good time was had by all! And they didn't even remember that is was raining outside.

My friend Pam in South Carolina sent this to me. I think it's a great way to look at our relationship with God from the pumpkins point of view.. ..... After all , it is the Halloween season, isn't it?

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see.

There is a lot about the current and coming seasons I don't like, fall and winter. Namely the bad weather, the naked tree and bushes and the rain and the snow. But there are a lot of things I like. I like the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think the holidays help move us closer to the things that really matter in our lives. Our relationship with God, our families, the children, even the children at heart. The holidays help us feel that warm and fuzzy feeling we hope to keep all year round. The holidays help keep us grounded and help us realize how thankful we should be for all the blessing we have been given.

I was talking with my daughter the other day. Say a prayer, that darn house of theirs still hasn't sold. She suggested a homemade Christmas this year. I love the idea. I like making things for people because I think you give a piece of yourself when you take the time to make something. I like getting things other people have made. I think we apprecite it more homemade. I guess I better get on it. Christmas is only 58 days away. Can you believe it?

But let's get back to October. Halloween isn't even over yet. I like watching the grandchildren delight in all the excitement and the CANDY. My granddaughter will thell you that the candy is
the best part. I think the best part is watching them. They're sooooo cute.

It's still raining out. I know God has reasons for when it rains and how much we get but God isn't two days long enough this round? Tonight is a good night to stay home and curl up with a good book (if I could get away from the computer long enough). I have about 4 books that has been calling my name for several months. Or that homemade Christmas....hmmm.....projects............

Have a blessed evening.

Praise Him for your roses, Thank Him for your thorns

I thought this blogging thing would be hard but it's kinda fun.

I had to go pee in a cup today, random drug test at work. The
only drug they will find in me is diet pepsi (is that a drug?) The
job being so new and just having done this about six weeks ago,
I was kinda surprised but hey, it's their money.

The day went by quick as it often does at work, especially with my
little outing. Everyone in a good mood. Boss gone most of the day.
Guess you can mark it as a good day, except for the 911 call at the
end of the day. One of our consumers had a seizure, then one after
another. New for me to see, but not new for him. Say a prayer. He
may need it. Include his wife, she is a consumer too.

With this post I thought I would take a few minutes to explain how
I got the name for my blog. I spent about a month contemplating on
what to name something I would look at on a regular basis. I read
many blog, and found a lot of really cool names but nothing I read
gave me any new ideas for my own. None, that is, until I got an email
from a church friend. She is always sending neat and funny things via
the email. Thanks Rose! It was called, "Thank God for your thorns".
I read it and was very touched. I went to work the following day and
couldn't get this message out of my head. Then I realized that maybe
it stuck in my head because I had prayed for a inspirational title to
something I know will turn into a blessing.

Our lives are filled with roses and thorns on a daily basis. Sometimes
lives seem like there are only thorns. But isn't it the thorns that make
us strong. Aren't the thorns the lessons learned, the pillar of which
makes us strong?

My life has been filled with roses and thorns. My childhood isn't
something I want to repeat any time soon, but my adult life has
been a true blessing. I raised my daughter by my self in a time
it wasn't cool to be a single parent. I had a lot of thorn filled days
but often didn't realize they were thorn days because God carried
me when things got too tuff. Only when my friends would ask how
in the world did you get through that did I realize just how blessed
I was to have God on my side. I know I'm getting deep here but that
is truly how I feel about it.

Oh, this was about the title of my blog, yes, yes, I'm getting there. I
have p ut the story that inspired me to name my blog below. I just
know you will be as touched as I was when I read it. Here goes:

THANK HIM FOR YOUR THORNS

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her Birkenstocks as she pushed against a
November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like spring
breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile
accident stole her ease.During this Thanksgiving week, she would have delivered
a son. She grieved over her loss. As if that weren't enough, her husband's company
threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying
she could not come. What's worse, Sandra's friend infuriated her by suggesting her
grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathic with others
who suffer."She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder.
"Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. For a careless driver's
truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her
life but took that of her child?"Good afternoon, can I help you?" the shop clerk's approach startledher."I Â… I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra."For Thanksgiving? Do you
want beautiful but ordinary," asked the shopclerk, "or would you like to challenge the day
with a customer favoriteI call the 'Thanksgiving 'Special'? Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?""Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last
five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."Then
the door's small bell rang, and the shop clerk said, "Hi, Barbara... let me get your order." She politely excused herself and walked toward a small work room, then quickly reappeared,
carrying anarrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the
ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped; there were no flowers."Want this in a box?"
asked the clerk.Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke?Who would
want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, butneither woman laughed."Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile."You'd think after three years of getting
the special, I wouldn't be somoved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again,"
she said as she gently tapped her chest."Uh," stammered Sandra, "that lady just left with,
uh Â… she just leftwith no flowers!" "Right," said the clerk, "I cut off the flowers. That's the Special. Icall it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet.""Oh, come on, you can't tell me someone
is willing to pay for that!"exclaimed Sandra."Barbara came into the shop three years ago
feeling much like you feel today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to bethankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was
into drugs, and she was facing major surgery."That same year I had lost my husband,"
continued the clerk, "and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had
no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allowany travel.""So what
did you do?" asked Sandra."I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly."
I've always thanked God for good things in life and never to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. Ihave always enjoyed the 'flowers' of life, but it took thorns to show me
the beauty of God's comfort."You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're
afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."Sandra sucked in her breath
as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man."My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement ... twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him atissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator."Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind measking why she wants something that
looks like that?""No Â… I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and Inearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but withthe Lord's grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem.He rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told
me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from "thorny" times, and
that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wifeand I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanksfor what that problem taught us."As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!""I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life," Sandrasaid to the clerk. "It's all too ... fresh.""Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since theaccident, she loosened her grip on resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out."I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in aminute.""Thank you. What do I owe you?" "Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. Thefirst year's arrangement
is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."It read: My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thankedYou a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that
I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show methat, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant.

"Praise Him for your roses, thank Him for your thorns".

Pretty deep, wouldn't you say? I like it!

Signing for for now. Take care and God Bless, Darlene

A new beginning

Hello fellow bloggers. I've been talking about getting this blog thing going for a long time. I like the computer and spend more time than I should poking around in it. I might as well be blogging and making new friends. My daughter has had a bolg for about a year. She has nothing but good thing to say about all the nice people out there. I hasitated to put my personal info out there for everyone to see. But the support we can offer each other by sharing out weighs the hesitation, so I have made the leap.

I titled my first post a new beginning for a lot of reasons but I guess the biggest reason was because of my new job.They cut the funding for my old job which pushed me out there to look for a new one. I have been at the job for four and a half months and I am still not totally convinced I like it. It seems I learn something new everyday, which is a good thing and probable why I have stayed this long. And working with special need people I hope to be making a difference in another persons life, which is another good reason for staying. But aren't you suspose to have fun at least part of the time, or is that why they call it work? Most days my day goes by too quickly and I don't seem to be able to have any fun. My boss is the kind of boss that finds fault in anything you do that wasn't her idea. Hence the thorns. I have a job. I believe in bringing a little of yourself into a job. Otherwise, they could use a robot ( you think?). With the holidays just around the corner, for now, I think I'll stay. I may even decide I like it, one of these days. Besides, looking for a job sucks, even on a good day.

Well, it's late and I'm tired. Anyone who reads this and has any good blogs or ideas to help get my blog off to a good and interesting start, feel free to leave a comment.