The Journey to Christmas 2010

Good Morning Readers!  I hope that you all are having a wonderful Sunday.  Countdown continues to Christmas!!  I walked out this morning and took a deep breath of fresh air.  I am TOTALLY in the Christmas mood.  I decided not to do lights on the front of the house this year; however, I am thinking that I need some around the back porch.  It just seems fitting to think about the chiminea flaming with pinion wood and me bundled up on the settee surrounded by lights.  My Scottie, Sadie, loves the cold weather  and snuggling with me!  I’m such a romantic sap!!  I’m going to try talking Michael into a carriage ride downtown  before it gets too cold!  There’s something magical about the clippity clop of the horses and a driver spilling over with Christmas spirit!

My 40 Days of Prayer book arrived; however, Michael ordered the wrong book so I will wait a little longer to start.  With all the crazy things going on in my life, I wonder if there is anything that will happen in a timely manner.  I am learning to refine my patience!!

Yesterday, we went out on the town to do a little birthday and Christmas shopping.  I just love to find quaint little shops that specialize in unique gifts.  There is a gentleman by the name of Mark Roberts that makes the most wonderful Santas, Fairies, and Elves.  I had discovered this little gift shop some months ago and we headed into the city.   Michael opened the door to the shop and I felt like I was in Christmas heaven.  I’m not a bling, bling lady but all the ornaments from around the world, the Department 56 homes and accessories, Santas, Fairies, Elves and other gift items could get me there in a hurry!  :o)

My youngest grandson will be five years old this week.  I can’t believe it … it seems like yesterday that he was born.  I can look back and see Angie holding Nicholas, sitting in a chair by the fire on Christmas Eve.  Oh goodness…so many wonderful memories!  That was another special Christmas.  What a precious child Nicholas is … his brown eyes and curly hair make him seem almost angelic.  Saint Nicholas often fits him!  Nicholas is a helper ... he loves tools, vacuum cleaners, mops, folding clothes ... anything to serve!  He brings such joy to his family!

I could live outdoors year around.  The best thing we did when we built this house was to add the covered back porch.  It is a place to cozy up in and enjoy my own little Eden!  I put a little village on the table out there ... the good news is that every time I go outside the little village makes me smile.  The bad news is that the wind blows the snow flakes off the table and I need to replenish the snow every few days!

This morning I have a fire going in the fireplace.  It is so warm and inviting.  I read 2 Timothy, another of Paul's letters plus another chapter in THE POWER OF PRAYING FOR YOUR ADULT CHILDREN.  I understand why Christians say the the word of God comes alive.  Each year, different verses jump out at me.  Today's readings had so much wisdom.  We can get wisdom from others BUT there is no substitute for reading God's word for ourselves!!  "...You know what I believe and the way I live and what I want.  You know my faith in Christ and how I have suffered.  You know my love for you, and my patience."~~2 Timothy 3:10  How have I survived?  "...the Lord delivered me." ~~ 2 Timothy 3:11  Reading through the Bible in a year helps center me and keep me on track.

Today will be a quiet day...My body is struggling with Fibromyalgia brought on by the stress of ... well, all the happenings of the past few weeks.  I am grateful that I have Christmas to focus on ... the birth of the man who saved me and lifted me up that I might be His messenger in all areas of life.  The Cowboys are playing this afternoon ... I know there will be some roof raising cheering going on at a house in Florida and at our house too.  I've never been much  of a sports' person; however, if I can be at a game in the midst of the crowd, I am in pig heaven.  Lately, I've  learned to enjoy sports on TV when the Texas Rangers did so well; love to cheer for the New Orleans Saints; and, of course, how could I not cheer on the Dallas Cowboys.  I love seeing the underdogs become winners!

  Go Cowboys!!

Think I will join my sleepy Yorkie-Poo, Toby, on the sofa for a nice nap!!  May all your dreams come true this Christmas...and, may your journey include the one who made Christmas so grand!!



Remember, tis the season to be jolly!  Take care and enjoy the journey to Christmas 2010!!  You are loved ...
YA YOU!!



I







Santa Claus is Coming to Town

I love Santa's!

Good Morning!  Brrrr...it's chilly outside.  But....the sun is out and it is sooo pretty.  I watered my Winter flowers and got some good old Vitamin D!  We're going to head out to the malls to do some birthday and Christmas shopping!

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus lane...  Remember that song from the "good old days"?  I love Santa Claus and just finished reading A SPECIAL PLACE FOR SANTA written by Jeanne Pieper.  If you are looking for a book for a little one for Christmas, this would be an excellent choice.  It is about the Santa in the picture below.

One of my favorite Santa's is one where he is paying homage to the Christ child.  In a society where Christmas is so commercialized, he reminds me of the REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON.

As a child, I would listen for the pawing of Santa's reindeer on the roof of our house.  I would ask the usual questions about Santa - "Mom, Dad, we don't have a chimney so how will Santa get in?"  They would always assure me that Santa would find a way into the house especially since I had put out cookies and milk for Santa and a carrot for the reindeer.

Like most other holidays, Christmas was cause for a great celebration with family.  My father's side of the family was more Christian based in their celebrations.  My Aunt Alida played the piano and we all sang Christmas Carols.  My Uncle Lester would get out the bottle of Mogan David wine and we all would make a Christmas toast.  I remember a Christmas at my mother's family farm but most Christmas Eve's were spent at my Aunt Laura's and Uncle Cloyde's.  They had a basement with a big tree -- the adults ate oyster stew and the children ate  chili.  Our family always got home for midnight candlelight church which was always so beautiful.  They sang Norwegian Christmas Carols with gusto...  Later on, the Norwegian Carols faded away.  I can sing the carols in my mind and it makes me smile.  The part that makes me sad is that when my grandmother's passed so did the get-togethers.  Everyone seemed to go their own way and develop their own traditions.  As a child these memories have been so important to me!    

 One of my favorite stories as a child was Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I didn't know that before this poem was written, St. Nicholas was noted as the Patron Saint of Children and had no reindeer or sleigh.  While I was at the little casa, I reread the book A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS written by former President John F. Kennedy.  It was interesting because as the immigrants came to America so did their traditions.  It was such an awesome book to read as it explained how each ethnic group brought different ideas and talents.  It really changed my view of immigrants and how important they were to our country's history.

My Santa's represent my childhood dreams and the Santa that still resides in my heart.  One of the favorite things that I have enjoyed doing at Christmas is playing Santa to a needy family (anonymously).  Not everyone is as fortunate and especially now when the economy is so bad.  There are children who want coats instead of toys and for their mothers and daddies to get jobs.  Times are a changin' and maybe that's not so bad.  There are lots of free Christmas entertainment festivities for families to enjoy this year!  We sure enjoyed the Dickens Christmas!!

 One of my favorite things to do is to decorate Christmas trees.  I enjoy putting on some Christmas music and making bows for the trees and packages.  It was my mother in law's hope to have a "Santy" Claus Christmas at the little casa this year.  She loves "Santy" Claus.  If nothing else, it makes me sad that the water damage is going to hinder her dream...at least for another year.  I brought a Santa Claus and tree for her shelf in the nursing home.  "Santy" Claus just may have to come to the nursing home again this year!  Hopefully next year!!!

Usually, after Christmas, I pick up a Santa Claus and a few special ornaments.  I'm not one of those nuts that are in the stores the day after Christmas; however, I find that people don't buy the Santa Clauses ... so, I usually find them marked wayyyy down.  This Santa was one of those along with the lighted sleigh.  He sits beside the Candy Cane Tree in the foyer.  Michael teases me ... he thinks we should leave the decorations up all year and just call our home "The House of Christmas".   Somehow, I think it just adds excitement to put away our treasures then unwrap them the next year!!

My son was born December 16 and came home in a red Christmas stocking.  His son, Nicholas was born on December 7 (we often call him Saint Nicholas).  Both were such wonderful Christmas gifts.  My son in law also has a December birthday and so do I ...  Ho Ho Ho!!!  December is really a month of celebration for our family and the Santa's add to that joy!

Christmas in Texas is wonderful.  We're all wondering if we will get snow for Christmas this year like we did last year.  In the meantime, it has been pleasant and fun to get out and enjoy the Christmas decorations.  My son usually puts up lights on my house but I'm going to pass this year...my disability is still pending and with no money coming in, we need to conserve.  WATCH OUT NEXT YEAR THOUGH!!

Countdown to Christmas is ticking away ... I wish you and yours a great day!  Always remember, YOU ARE LOVED ... YA YOU!!

The Story of My Nutcrackers

The First Nutcracker

Once upon a time long ago there was a little girl who went to a Christmas Party at her Great Aunt Betsey's.  She was enamored by the beauty of Great Aunt Betsey's home and especially a nutcracker that came from Norway.  She played with the nutcracker for hours talking to it and wishing that it was hers.  She loved the carved face and was sad when it was time to go home.  There was two things that the little girl never forgot ... the opportunity to see the room where her father was born and the beautiful nutcracker.

Fast forward to about 1983 ... There was a little boy who loved his Mommy very much. It was Christmastime and he wondered what he could get his Mommy.  He had visited a friend and his friend's mother had a collection of nutcrackers.  He decided to gift his Mommy with a special nutcracker music box.  The little boy didn't know how much his mother loved nutcrackers but he felt that would be a good gift.  Upon opening the gift, his Mommy felt tears of joy not only for the nutcracker but for the way the nutcracker was wrapped and presented.



Each year it became a tradition for the little boy to gift his mother with a nutcracker.  At first the nutcrackers were small then they became larger and finally came the Steinbach nutcrackers that were oh so grand and beautiful.  The nutcrackers were carefully chosen by the hands of a child ... the hands of a teenager ... then, the hands of a man.  Each year I knew what my gift would be but was always surprised at what it looked like.  The nutcrackers are the first thing unwrapped at Christmas, displayed then carefully put away until the next Christmas season.  It is my hope that one of my grandchildren will love my beloved nutcrackers and cherish them when I am gone.

 

There are two nutcrackers that stay out all year ... I don't know why but these two remind me of my son's love for nutcrackers as well as mine.  Each time I come in the front door I look up to see them and smile.  Christmas 2000 brought two things:  the last nutcracker (the grandest of all the Steinbach's) and the introduction of my son's special girlfriend and her daughter.  It is a wonderful Christmas I will never forget!

The Last Nutcracker...

Most of the time parents gift their children with traditions; in this case, my son is the one who gifted me with many years of the gifting of the nutcrackers...the first as special as the last!

Ahhh..Christmas Memories!  It is my hope and prayer that each of my readers has a special memory of traditions with family and friends!

The countdown to Christmas begins!!!

Remember, you are loved ... Ya YOU!!





Freedom, Restoration, & Wholeness

Good Morning!  I am sitting at my desk looking out at the backyard.  Sadie and Toby are having their morning tussles.  I love to watch them play.  The yard is big and filled with spots where they can chase each other and carry sticks and their toys.  It's going to be a warm day although it is chilly now.  We took a walk -- I'm trying to familiarize myself with the neighborhood.

It is different here than where I live in North Texas.  On our street are huge mansion-like homes then there are the homes that were built at the turn of the century plus the homes like our little casa that were built in the late 30's and 40's.

As my birthday nears, I have been thinking about my life spanning over 64 years.  First came freedom then restoration and finally wholeness.  My son reminded me that I needed to be patient with my fellowman in remembering how long it took me to get to wholeness.  He is right! 

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore, I will deliver him…He shall call Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life I will satisfy him”.  ~~ Psalm 91:14-16

“God, God, God are you there?  I’m looking for you, God.  My Sunday School teacher says that this is your house so you must be here somewhere.”  As a young child, I looked for God in His house…I played church with a Catholic friend, Judy, and we shouted His name.  We played Stations of the Cross.  Somehow, God did hear me and He has been my protector and provider for all these years.  As I read THE POWER OF PRAYING FOR YOUR ADULT CHILDREN and pray for my adult children, grandchild, and their spouses, my biggest hope is that they too will seek the Lord has their savior.

Without the Lord in our lives, we cannot experience true freedom, restoration and wholeness.  Our Lord accepts us as we are; however, it is important to grow to be more Christ-like in our words, lives, and actions.  When we are in the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are set free from the things that bind us, blind us, hold us back, and keep us from becoming all we can be.

Freedom:  I was bound by the horrible tapes from my childhood.  Those tapes were running and I was bound to “you are no good…you are a whore…you are ugly…you are nothing…who would want you…”  If a man courted me, the tape ran saying “you are good now…someone wants you.”  It didn’t matter if the man was abusive … I knew it was wrong but the tape said that’s what I deserved.  I would have been living with those tapes the rest of my life had I not sought childhood trauma counseling.  The tapes needed to be replaced by “you are worthy” … “you are a daughter of the Lord most high” And, most of all, “you are free from the ties that have bound you.”  Oh my goodness, do you know what it has meant to me to be free?  I can accept or reject words said to me.  Wow!!!  I am okay…I am a daughter of the King.  What more could I ask for??

Restored:  When I was born, God had a plan for me.  Even all the abuse was part of a plan to refine and restore me.  Am I saying that the abuse was okay?  No, not at all - what I am saying is that I made it through the storm by staying in the eye where it is calm.  I am alive to share my story so that it can encourage others.  I can recognize men and women who have been abused.  We share common traits.  It does no good to point it out to them … I can only speak truth about myself and pray that they recognize their own truth.  I am always open to listen and to build up just as the Lord and others did for me.  God reaches out, it’s up to us whether or not we grab His hand and hold on!  I have been restored to wholeness!

Wholeness:  What is wholeness?  It is being complete…in one piece.  Life doesn’t work when something is broken.  Before my trauma counseling, I was fragments of different personalities – no, I did not have multiple personality disorder.  My heart was always the same but I was a chameleon ever changing to suit the authority figures in my life.  I was in survival mode – constantly…  I was like a child doing what I needed to do to be safe.  I had periods of peace in my life -- those periods came when I was without a partner.  I wanted love so badly and I wished for someone who would hold me and comfort me.  I missed that as a child and as an adult I sought it out.  Sex meant love – a way of getting love.  As a child who was sexually abused that is a normal thing to do.  My Christian upbringing told me that sex outside of marriage was wrong so I married thinking that I would be loved.  It’s very complicated thinking and my behavior was quite complicated as well.  I kept living my childhood over and over hoping that in some way I would find love to complete me.  When, I FINALLY realized that it was God that I needed to complete me, I headed towards wholeness.  Today, I am whole and it feels so good!!!

If you haven’t guessed by now, I am a prayer warrior!  I stand in the gap for those in need.  In my 40 Days of Prayer (I hope my book has arrived at our other home) I will be praying for others and allowing God to meet my needs.  My family is always at the forefront of my 40 Days … I pray specifically when there is a specific need.  As Stormie Omartian says, “The challenging part is that the Holy Spirit will not do what someone resists Him doing.  He will not force His liberation upon us.  He will not set us free if we don’t want to be.”  So why pray?  I pray because I am led by the Holy Spirit.  My husband tells me that he doesn’t understand how I know who to pray for and for what but he’s seen the results and is in awe.  It’s a gift – a gift I am so grateful for.

So, where am I now?  All the pieces have come together…the rest?  Maybe there will be more that I remember from the blanks in my childhood and adulthood.  Pain meant zoning out and now I stay in the present.  I am me … I am a work in progress and will be until the day I die!

To my blog friends:  I pray that life is treating you well and that you are enjoying the days of December.  Christmas will be here before we know it!

I am dreaming of a fire in the chiminea & making some smores!

You are loved … YA YOU!!!

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I am sure that you have heard this cliché’ many times – the pen is mightier than the sword.  Along with the tongue, the pen can be used for good or to tear down.  Just look at what’s printed in our newspapers and magazines these days!  It’s tough to know what is true and what is a fabrication.

As I said earlier in doing my blogs, my blog is about me, my own perceptions, beliefs, feelings, morals and values, and what I have learned the past 64 years.  The five years I spent as a relationship coach afforded me much knowledge in bringing people together mostly by developing healthy communication skills.  The training I had as a Stephen’s Minister also gave me knowledge in helping people through crises.  The motto?  We supply the caring, God supplies the cure.  If you need someone in a crisis, I’m the one to call.  I have lots of head knowledge and a big heart for people.  The change in me personally occurred when I was able to combine head knowledge with my heart.  My perspective is based on my Christian beliefs and principles.

I am a writer.  It is easier for me to express myself through my “pen.” Am I perfect?  No, I am an imperfect human being, saved by the grace of God.  As a child, I had to be perfect in order to receive any kind of positiveness.  Thus, I became a perfectionist … I didn’t expect others to be perfect but I did expect that of myself.  Not only did I need to be perfect before man, I also needed to be perfect before God.  It took me a long time to get beyond those expectations.  Others could be imperfect, abusive, and mean but I could not.  I was not forgiven … I was punished … mostly in passive aggressive ways.  I allowed this to go on until the past few years.  It was difficult to express my hurt feelings but I’ve chosen to keep trying to get better at expressing that hurt.  I learned that was okay because people who truly care want to know when they’ve hurt me.  The others…well, I found that I couldn’t control those people.  The Holy Spirit needed to soften their hearts…I just needed to speak forgiveness and move on.

I was feeling really down today.  I am allergic to mold and the little casa is in full blown moldsville!  This beautiful little house  is showing signs of warped wood floors, crumbling sheetrock, peeling paint, etc.  I decided to walk Toby and Sadie to get some fresh air and my daughter, Jane, phoned.  Just talking to her helped me feel better.  She was very empathetic and by the end of our call, I was feeling much, much better.  Then, something else happened…

God works in mysterious ways.  I had hired Manuel to clean up the yard for me.  His wife was working right alongside him and is the only one who speaks English.  She came to the door to ask about taking all the bags to the curb and we started talking.  She told me that she and Manuel have been together eleven years.  She spoke of him with such pride.  We got to talking about age since my birthday is tomorrow…  She is 68 and Manuel is 30.  She looks much  younger, believe me!  She was telling me about where they lived (I knew where that was) and how they were paying over $500 a month for a house that should have been torn down long ago.  I HATE slum lords!!  She told me the story of how Manuel was working and nearly sliced his left hand off in a saw.  He was in the hospital eight days and in rehab for months.  I called Manuel  over and told his wife to tell him that I was going to hug him and pray for him.  I hugged Manuel and he pulled up his left sleeve exposing his scarred thumb, hand, and wrist.  The scarring was absolutely horrific.  I started to cry as I held his arm and I felt his pain.  Before long, the three of us were standing in the front yard with tears flowing which was the spirit of bonding in Christ that passes all understanding.

The good news is that Manuel will be receiving some compensation for his accident from his employer and they should be able to purchase a small home on some acreage.  Here was a couple who just wanted to feed themselves, love each other and have their own home that was clean and not falling down.  Manuel is a good worker and very humble.  He will be back in two weeks to mulch again and pick up (hopefully) the last of the leaves and loose branches.  His wife will be beside him!

 I was humbled today and my sadness turned to joy once again.  I made two new friends and realized how fortunate I was.  It is different living here where the Hispanic population is higher than the white population.  I have changed my views significantly about them.  Lupe (no he is not an illegal) is a fine husband, father, contractor and fellow Christian.  He is very fair to his workers and teaches them trades when they come to this country.  I still believe that if you live in America you should learn to speak English so I have a problem with those who don’t even try.   The children often teach the parents.

I am reading 1 Thessalonians  today and enjoying every moment of reading through the Bible.  It is interesting to read my comments and note what I have underlined in different years.  This passage really jumped out at me today:

“For we speak as messengers from God, trusted by him to tell the truth, we change his message not one bit to suit the taste of those who hear it, for we serve God alone, who examines our hearts’ deepest thoughts.”~~1 Thessalonians 2:4

It is my hope and prayer that by sharing my inner-most thoughts that I will touch someone’s heart and offer encouragement.  I am not on this earth to judge, merely to tell you how life has been for me as I have traveled it’s pathways.

Until tomorrow, I pray God’s richest blessings would come your way ~~always remember you are loved – YA YOU!!



Joy in the Midst of Trouble

Philippians 2:14-16~~In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak  a word of blame against you.  You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn.  Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them, the Word of Life.”

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

I have started reading The Daily Walk Bible with devotional helps.  It really helps me stay on track.  I started Philippians today which is a letter of joy written by Paul from a Roman prison to a church he founded on his second missionary journey.  (Acts 16)  In spite of his circumstances, he encourages them in the midst of persecution to “always be full of joy to the Lord.”  (4:4)

I feel like Michael and I have walked through trials the past couple days.  It has helped to stay busy moving forward.  Redoing the little casa has been quite an undertaking – the house is only 850 square feet so you’d think it would have been a piece of cake.  Seven and a half years ago, our new home was built from a bare lot to move in within three months!  Maybe it’s taken so long for the little casa because we’ve wanted to maintain as much of the original house as possible…I’m not sure.  Maybe we are masochists?!

I thought today…if Paul could find joy in prison, I certainly could find joy in what we are going through now.  “You are in good hands with Allstate! “ Welllll…..we have yet to connect with an adjuster and we were swimming in water.  When I walked in the back door Sunday night, I thought I must have been in one of those showers that shoot water from every direction!  Thank goodness for Lupe and his crew ~~ Michael and I could have been praying for a canoe!!

Lupe came over yesterday to assess the damage in the daylight.  Why is it that things don’t look as bad in the dark??  The original wood floors are going to need to be sanded and redone in the kitchen, dining room, living room and hallway.  The ceilings in the kitchen and living room will need to be redone as well as the walls in the kitchen and living room ... that’s not all but it gives you a good idea of what a few days of water spraying can do to a house!

I got to thinking about life today as I was wielding a rake this afternoon.  Light and darkness don’t mix well.  To walk in darkness when (you think) no one knows can be quite comforting UNTIL the light begins to shine on the darkness.  That’s why I keep my slate clean … if I lie, I have to remember who, what, when, where.  If I walk in the light and tell the truth, I don’t need to remember anything because truth is what it is!

I think many of us come from families where there are some “unique” individuals.  All you have to do is watch Christmas Vacation and you will find the antics of family members quite amusing.  Sometimes, I think that’s good … We can all be a little quirky in what we do and say.  I know that I’ve had friends and family members that were so special to me … my Uncle Cloyde, smoked these huge cigars and had a huge belly … he was quite a jokester…  I always looked forward to time spent with Uncle Cloyde and Aunt Laura.  We all have definite personalities and are special in our own right.  It’s when a quirkiness turns ugly that funniness turns to being bad.   Why do families stay quiet when they should speak out??  I’m not sure I will ever know the answer to that.   All I can say is that I am an advocate for children and adults who have been abused.  So many, after hearing my testimony, come forward and almost whisper, “I wish I had the courage to speak out like you do.  Thank you!”  Well, I’m going to keep on doing it!

Maybe it’s because I am getting older and I’m my own person … I care what people think of me BUT I care more about what God thinks of me.  I want my children to truly know who I am and what I am about.  I want them to know what it’s like to dance at age 63 (almost 64) and enjoy life in a childlike yet responsible way!  I want them to be proud of me knowing that I am not afraid to stand up for what is right.  That’s been tough for me because I never want to hurt anyone’s feelings.  I finally realized that not everyone is going to like me no matter what I do or say.  I’ve also realized that oftentimes, it’s not what a person says but what they do that speaks the loudest.  I have thin skin and get my feelings hurt easily BUT hopefully, my skin has thickened and I am able to focus on …JOY!!!  Remember that song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart…”  That was my song when I was raking today!!  Funny thing?  I REALLY meant it!!

Lucky, for me, the man who mows this huge lot during the summer, stopped by and asked if he could rake and clean up the yard for me.  His price was ridiculously low and I said not only yes but YES!!!!!  He is busy mulching & raking as I write.  My arms were getting pretty tired and even after filling 25 bags, it looked like I hadn’t done anything…  Oh well, soon the yard will be all pretty. 

Do you have joy?  Or, should I say are you living a joyful life?  What really matters?  I ask that of myself quite often because life can be a bummer depending on what I concentrate on.



Sadie on Watch In The Backyard



I love it here at the little casa.  I am writing and Toby and Sadie are laying at my feet.  They’ve had a busy day getting wind of the many rabbits, squirrels, and other varmints that pass through the back yard.  Life is peaceful here.  It’s different than living in the city.  In some ways, it’s sort of sad…this town used to be a town where many famous Texans lived and worked … now, so many of the old homes are falling down and stores have been abandoned.  I don’t know how a city manager could allow this to happen but it did and has happened in many Texas towns.  Jobs are found in the city and the young folks have moved away  to support their families forgetting what was once a booming community.

Later:  Yea!  Blackman Mooring is here assessing the damage to the house.  Since the house was built in the late 1930’s the house itself has it’s own quirkiness.  They are installing fans to dry out the insulation in the attic and walls and floor.   They will also take the oriental rugs to clean and sanitize.  They have a good reputation so I am thankful…  Things are drying out and I have my trusty can of Lysol at my side!  :o)  I will be here awhile it seems!

I will be headed to Starbucks for a coffee and to read emails and post my blog later in the week.  I will be so glad when I have the Internet hooked up on Friday.  I’ll probably miss those cold caramel flavored coffees though!!  I also need to make my daily trip to Walmart to pick up some wire to make some bows for the floral arrangements.

Oh, the joy that Christmas music brings to my heart!

I wish you love and blessings this wonderful Texas December day!!!

Remember, you are loved and prayed for … YA YOU!!

It's My Birthday!!

Hi everyone!  Today is my 64^th birthday! Woo Hoo!  I’ve made it this far and, hopefully, will be around for many more years.  Some years ago, my granddaughter, Madison, called me an “eccentric grandma”.  I think she meant it as a compliment … I must admit my life has been rather “out of the ordinary.”  Let’s take a trip down memory lane…

I was born at 7:40am in a tiny little town in central Minnesota.  My mother kept a baby book for me – at least until my baby brother arrived eleven months later.  It’s always been a joke that we’re the same age for a few weeks every  year.  From talking with other family members, I was a much wanted baby other than they were hoping for a boy not a girl.  My mother, dressed me impeccably in little dresses and bows.  I remember her telling me that she loved dressing me up but sure hated all the washing and ironing.  Almost every photo I have of me as a tot, I am dressed in a white dress … everything was made of either silk, linen or cotton in those days so I don’t blame her for hating the ironing!! 

For my high school classmates who read my blogs, the little guy in the photo with me is my cousin and classmate, Philip R.  Aren’t we cute?  (We’re about 1 ½ years old in the photo)

I am in first grade in this photo.  Each year on my birthday, I had a birthday party – actually two, one with friends and one with family.  Birthdays were important occasions for a good many years – at least until my grandmothers passed.  I enjoyed my parties and have fond memories.  I smile when I think about my birthday parties growing up.

Sweet sixteen …my graduation picture from high school.  My birthday parties in junior high and high school were lots of fun.  I had my first boy-girl party in 8^th grade and we decorated the basement and danced around the furnace.  Birthday parties also included slumber parties … my friends were so wonderful … we laughed and giggled and did all the things that teen aged girls do!

I am in my mid 30’s in this photo.  I had done a lot of moving and living from the time I graduated from high school until this photo was taken.  I married at 19, gave birth to Jill in 1967, Jane in 1969 and Tommy in 1974.  I attended 2 ½ years of college; moved to Yuma, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; Houston, TX; Plano, TX; San Antonio, TX; Lakeville, MN; and back to Plano, TX.  Birthdays went by the wayside for the most part of these years.  It was then that birthdays began to bring tears to my eyes and I blocked out the pain.  After 15 years of marriage, my first husband and I were divorced.  It was a time of fear and turmoil for me.

The most memorable birthday present I have received is my carved wooden cigar store Indian…Wimowee…  He was carved in Dallas, TX and came to me on my 36th Birthday.  He's been with me a long time.  First he graced the foyer...then my kitchen...then stood by my front door...now, he watches over my gardens!  I just love him!! 

This photo was taken on my 50^th birthday.  I was working at Great Expectations as member advisor, author of the Relationship Corner, authored of the Dr. Romance column, developed the Dating University and did relationship coaching.  I had also been trained as a Stephen’s Minister and ministered to people in crisis.  Before I worked at GE, I was a co-partner in a medical equipment business.  Life was busy…  Some birthdays were off the chart and others not so good.  During these years I was called the Energizer Bunny…always on the go!  By the time I was 50, I had been remarried twice and divorced and was married to my 4^th husband.  Something was becoming blaringly amiss!!

After I resigned from Great Expectations in 1998, I  started my own advertising company.  It was a fun business and I had the opportunity to meet lots of wonderful people.  After my divorce in 2002, I worked for a short period of time for Jenny Craig as a director helping people with weight loss issues.  Birthdays were pretty non eventful.  Howevcr, in 2003, I started working for Great American Insurance.  I worked there for a little over five years before the division was sold and most of us were laid off – we always had birthday parties plus parties for every other kind of celebration!)  This past February, I lost a very close friend.  Sharon (second from left – I am second from left second row) After our lay off, we met nearly every week at Cheddars … we ate the same thing except that she ordered her Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich without sauce and I ordered mine with sauce.  She was a gift person always managing to surprise me with something special.  She died suddenly of a stroke and I still mourn the loss of my friend.  I am thinking about her today and hoping that she is dancing around in Heaven today wishing me well.  I miss her terribly today.

Last night Mom S called me and said that she was giving me a birthday party at the nursing home.  She also called her friend, Debbie, and asked her to go to Wendy's to get us some burgers and frosties.  What a sweet thing for her to do.  Mom is a delightful Southern Belle -- a bit demanding at times but I love her sooo much.  We have a great relationship.  I tease her and she teases me right back!  Thank you Mom for making my birthday a special one!

Happy Birthday today from Michael.  My favorite flowers…  He knew we were having a party at the nursing home so he sent them there.  Was a surprise!  They are beautiful…thank you, Michael for making my day special!!

My children and grandchildren and son in law phoned today which always makes my day!  They are very spirited and thoughtful!!  I also received many well wishes and cards ... I am blessed!


Today, I am reading 2 Thessalonians.  1-3.  I love reading the letters written by Paul.  This particular letter is a correction letter regarding Christ’s return.  More than anything on my birthday, I am grateful for my faith that has carried me through a life-time of peaks and valleys.

“May the Lord bring you into an ever deeper uderstanding of the love of God and of the patience that comes from Christ.”~~2 Thessalonians 3:5

The restoration specialist from Blackman Mooring was  just here to check on the humidity levels in the house…not good.  The adjuster from Allstate and our contractor will be here at 3pm.  The restoration specialist said that the walls and ceilings damaged by the water have to come out NOW!!  I was hoping that the living room restoration could wait until after Christmas but it doesn’t look like it will be able to.  Ought to be an interesting month or two!

Blessings and love sent to you, my blog friends … I love you, YA YOU!!