The right idea

 
 
 
 
I was walking by the back door and noticed all of the animals were lounging about in the warm sunshine. I'm thinking they have the right idea! Nothing like letting the sun shine on your skin even just for a minute or two to make you feel all is right with the earth. However, on closer inspection of my backyard, I must acknowledge the poor state of the flower garden. It's neglected and overgrown with weeds, things need to be pruned, plantings need to happen so we will have a lot of pretty spring flowers to enjoy. I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend, warm sunny weather permitting.

Happy New Year!

 
Thanks to all our friends who helped us ring in the new year last night. It definitely gets the new year off on the right note when you are surrounded with great friends. Did anyone make a memorable resolution for the New Year? I have already started with my January re-organization efforts. I actually really look forward to this tradition, it's like a ritual to clean out the old and start the new year with my household/life under control. John gave me these cool bamboo drawer organizers for the kitchen and I tell you, I couldn't wait to install those babies. My closet is next and then the office, yikes! John already did a number on the garage and it looks great. Except now the exercise equipment is staring at me and longingly wanting me to come and partake of it's many benefits. Which, of course, is always a resolution. Gotta get back on the program and take better care of myself, drop the excess weight, increase the cardio and strength training, yada yada yada. I've also resloved to stop skipping Sunday School and actually study the lessons before class. I've been feeling the urge to learn lately, which means it's time to tackle something new. Not sure if that will be reflected in work or some other creative area, maybe both?

Most of all I just hope this year, all of those that I love the most are healthy and happy.

Sledding on Christmas Day

We had a White Christmas with lots of fresh powdery snow, that made sledding way too much fun. The sun was shining brightly yesterday, making it a perfect day for fun in the snow.

Ryan and I wanted to thank all of you for the wonderful and thoughtful gifts you sent us. We really missed you, and I'm glad we were able to visit over the phone.

I received the "Santa's Favorite" Award today

We had a christmas luncheon at work today. We were served a yummy greek dish, homemade italian bread, and a salad for lunch. For dessert we had a cocunut cake thingy that we enjoyed while we did a white elephant gift exchange. We didn't actually bring the gifts; my bosses wife, who made all of the food for lunch, put together gift bags full of yummy treats. We then played the white elephant game with the bags of food. I first stole a block of hickory smoked gouda and a jar of sliced peppers. When that was stolen from me, I then stole a can of almond rocha and a box of minty milk chocolates.

The luncheon was concluded with an awards presentation, during which time I was given the "Santa's Favorite" Award. It said, "The UPS man about broke his back while delivering for "Santa" at the office. You must have been REALLY GOOD this year, but that comes as no surprise to any of us." The award couldn't have been more appropriate, because moments before I received it, there was another package delivered to me at work with Christmas presents in it.

I had to explain why there were so many boxes, and my response was that I have a mother who loves Christmas and who plans for it all year because she loves to see our reaction to the gifts that she has so creatively put together for us. I explained that the gifts we give within our family, while they may be plentiful, are all given with thoughtful expressions of our appreciation for each other. Of course we don't have to give material items to express how much we love and appreciate each other, and fewer gifts does (do?) not mean that we only appreciate each other a little bit that year. However, we get excited to let each other know that we thought of them when we saw a particular item, which reminded us of them; and more importantly, we felt they "needed" to have it.

I had a hard time explaining why there were so many boxes, but I guess that's part of the fun of being a member of this family. Some things just can't be explained or understood until you get to be a part of it. There's some extravagance weaved through our lifestyles and traditions, but it exists among people who care about each other's well being, who want them to be happy, and who will continue to stand by them through all of the difficult situations that life presents.

So thanks for the embarrassment and the opportunity to receive the Santa's Favorite Award. I know it simply means that I am thought of throughout the year, and maybe that I'm a little spoiled too.

Grey Hairs

So this weekend I had a rather rude awakening. While I was putting on my makeup I looked a little closer to my hairline because something seemed slightly different. So guess what I found? Yep, a whole stinking patch of brand new baby grey hairs. I actually did a double take because I just wasn't prepared. I mean come on people, I turn 47 just a couple of weeks ago and bammmm....my head turns grey. Hmmm, I don't think so. I plan on fighting back, just in case you are wondering.

Christmas Trees

This year John and I decided to break the tradition and purchase an artificial tree. He has been all for this idea for years, but I held steadfast to the traditional, fresh cut, yummy smelling tree. I loved the act of gathering the family to go pick out a tree and then the whole process of setting it up and decorating. Now that we are empty nesters though, it's not the same so it seems a good time to make the change. He went in for the hard sell this season and convinced me it was better for the enviornmnet, because we weren't wasting a natural resource and we would be "recycling" it annually. I was pretty comfortable with the idea and then Randy called and accused me of "going to the dark side" so I quickly tried to redeem myself with the "green" aspect of our decision, but he wasn't buying it. But then my friend Michelle, who's husband is a firefighter, confirmed it was an excellent decision due to the horrible fire hazard of real trees. I do like the new tree, especially the pre hung lights, but alas I miss the smell and most of all the fun family experience.

Wife, Children, Brothers the Strength of my Support

There never was any doubt I would get better. Through the power of their prayer and support they offered, it was destined that I would not only recover from this illness, but would actually end up being a better person than I was.
What a gift from GOD these people are!
I can no longer doubt the power of Prayer. Faith in our GOD and the the power of prayers offered stand in clear relief.
My only regret about this revelation is that I wish it hadn't come at such a cost. I wish to offer my amends to the pain and worry I caused.
My mental and physical health continue to improve daily and I hope to be back to "normal" in the next few weeks.
Make no mistake about this, I know who is to blame for this and where the beginning came from. I see this person every morning as I shave.
I thank all of you and profess my love for you all from the bottom of my heart.