Happy New Year!

Well, it's my hope and prayer that the New Year brings good things for everyone. May God bless each of you with good health, happiness and prosperity. May you also draw closer to Him each and every day!
I'm not a big one for celebrations...I guess old age is starting to affect me, because I start "fading" about 10 o'clock every night. If I indulge and have an alcoholic beverage at a celebration, I start getting sleepy. Probably wouldn't make it past midnight. Pathetic, hey? But, for those of you who may be out celebrating and indulging, please take a designated driver (or spend the night). Moderation is the key. You can still have a good time, just be smart. Toast one for me!

Wonderful Nieces

Here are my wonderful nieces C and K with me and their Mom (MY baby sis). They are the sweetest, cutest young ladies you could ever imagine or hope to know. (Sorry about the red eye...I'm a little tired and didn't want to fiddle with making the corrections in Adobe Photoshop). K, I tried to post to your blog but because of the music or the pictures or something, every time I clicked the link to post a comment it got stuck on the hour glass for like DAYS. So I gave up. I have to say, your cousin J is still mad at me because he didn't get to stay an extra week. The whole trip home though (a 2 day drive) he was cranky and complaining about it. But, when he got back he was stoked because his Dad sent him this really "tight" pair of Nike shoes he wanted for Christmas. He only quieted down a little more too since B got back from London (visiting his Mom). Here is a picture of B when I was waiting with him at the airport. He had a great time in England and I even got a little jealous. Makes me want to take J and visit England sometime when he graduates from High School. Maybe B's Mom would put us up! Here is a picture of her recently (she just got married). You can see that B looks a lot like his Mom. He's as buff as J and very cute because all the girls follow him around like a lost puppy. J is more of the friend type (but your cousin is cute too, isn't he)? Well, later! Hope you have a Happy New Year!

Welcome to Missouri

My son took a picture from the window with my Olympus digital camera of the famous arch as we were driving 65 mph on the freeway. Not a bad shot for a couple of amateurs. The trip itself was full of misadventures (got lost in Oklahoma City, locked the keys in the truck as it was running and had to break a rear window to get in, hauled 2 big drums of diesel fuel and siphoned it into the gas tank AS WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD -- a cost saving brainstorm from my husband). I discovered I'm definitely not the road trip kind of person. Just get me there as fast as you can so I can enjoy the vacation. The dang airlines charge way too much these days and we're forced to take drastic measures!
As you can see, we look like the Beverly Hillbillys as we leave WI. Notice the big blue drums in the bed of the pick-up? Imagine a clear hose running from the drum to the gas tank. Oh yeah, about as Okie as you can get. But, all in all I guess I'd do it all again for a chance to visit with my family. The time flew by all too quickly and it's back to work. Another day, another dollar. Stress, stress and more stress. Is that what life is all about? I'd rather be with my grandkids or my loved ones making memories and taking pictures. Why can't I win the lotto?

We Are Family!

Visiting family during the holidays is always fun, even with all the quirks and politics that go with the package. Here are my siblings and I snapping a pic for memory's sake. I just hope it isn't another 5 years before we get together again. We aren't getting any younger!
Wisconsin hasn't been "home" since I was 24 and it was kind of fun to see the countryside on the road trip. Was that ever a fiasco. I'll get into that another time, but we made it there and back safely...which I thank God for entirely.

Here is another picture of two of my nephews and I just having a great time. Come on all you bloggers...share your holiday pics and memories. If you aren't the cheesy kind of family, share anyway! Don't be shy. I love photography and cataloging life with a camera. Check out Photo-A-Day on the blog spot. There's a guy who has fun!

It's My Friday!

Last day of work until after Christmas! It's my Friday and I'm having a difficult time staying focused. Leave for a visit "UP NORTH" in colder country and I'm hoping the road conditions will be good. Also, praying I don't get lost (because I do that so easily).
Shenna...do you have the Christmas Cookies baked and ready to decorate? Did you make any date balls or snickerdoodles? Heck with the diet, we can buckle down after the holidays. Time to eat, graze, pig out and enjoy. See you soon.

The New Me

Okay, so what do you think? Too much cleveage in this dress? A recent "enhancement" has given the self esteem a little boost. I keep hearing the song "You're so vain..." But, I do feel a little better proportioned now. My baby sis calls me Dolly (as in Pardon). I'm hardly that, just a little more ample in an area previously lacking.

Just 10 Days

Just 10 days until Christmas folks. Did you know that it takes 14 days to make or break a habit? So, there's not even enough time left to do that. I'm not ready...I've become a last minute shopper (because I'm usually out of money until the very last second). But, I don't mind shopping on Christmas Eve day. I like the activity. I try to joke with the stressed out cashiers and I purposely make eye contact with people, smile and say Merry Christmas. Anyone else like me?

Missing the Summer Weather

I'm already missing the summer weather (as much as I miss these two adorable angels). I've never been a snow bunny, even though I was born and raised in the midwest. The hotter the better! It's cold and icy, and even though I LOVE the holiday season and the time of year for celebrations--I hate the mittens, ice scrapers, salt and sand. Let it be 100 degrees so we can put on shorts and swim suits and play in the sprinklers again.

Conversations

Guess I was feeling "chatty" last night because I called my folks and talked for about an hour. Then, I called my sister and talked to her (and my niece) for another 1/2 hour. Hung up and called my daughter who was visiting with my husband and son and talked for another 1/2 hour. But you know, the conversations left me in a melancholy mood. Distance and separation has been something I've "stuffed" down for years and all the emotions are bubbling up now. Can't seem to contain them. I really have missed a lot living far from family...and I'm missing a lot now.
Guess change is difficult for me. More difficult then for the "average Joe". My sister was telling me about her friends who must take their newborn off life support today and let her go home to our Lord and Savior. My mood just became more somber. I'm always griping at the sons I have left in the house because of the HUGE messes they make and leave, and here is a family with a burden I can't even comprehend. Father God, welcome this beautiful child into your arms. We know how much she was loved by her earthly family--and it pales in comparison to your love. Help Anazarella's family see her as whole and complete as you will make her. Let them see her laughing and playing at the feet of our Savior! Grant them strength and comfort, and thank you for teaching me about love and hope.

Going on a Date

My husband drives semi and happened to deliver a load near our grandkids in California. So, today he's visiting family! They were supposed to "go on a date" (twin granddaughters) with him to the zoo, but it turns out "Mommy said no, not until summer. It's too cold." So, they have to settle for the movies and lunch. By then, my grandson will be back from "the other grandma".

One of my granddaughter's (Grace) told her Mommy the other day she misses me and she just can't make it stop. Mommy asked her, "Make what stop?" She said, "The tears." I know exactly how she feels! Yet, I feel so blessed to have healthy grandchildren and children. My sister has a friend who's newborn is critically ill and it just makes me thankful God didn't burden me with that cross. I fear it would be too much. My heart and prayers go out to the Phlaum family. God thank you for your MANY blessings. You are so great and wonderful. Be with each of us as we journey through life and encounter our own trials.