Crumpled wrapping paper and empty boxes

are all that are left of this Christmas. The gifts are not nearly as wonderful as the people who wrapped (or in Les' case plastic bagged) them. The true gifts that we receive is the intent behind the gifts that each person had when giving them. Not all are of pure intent, but all want their gifts to be appreciated. And I do appreciate the thought involved and the time the giver spent thinking about what to give me on the day we celebrate Christ's birth.

Because that's what it means to me, Christ was born and I'm the lucky recipient of the gifts we should be giving Him. So it doesn't REALLY matter all that much what exactly I get. Just that the person giving them to me wanted me to feel loved, whether they are a believer or not. And that to me is the greatest thing of all. We give to others so that they feel loved and that is what Christ calls us to do, love others. The cost, or size, or even how rare the gift is just doesn't matter, it's the physical representation of our love for them.

So I am blessed by everyone's love, but most especially by my Brother, my Redeemer, my Savior, my Christ.

Food, glorious food

This has been the weekend of grocery shopping and stocking up. Stocking up on regular supplies and doing some early Thanksgiving meal shopping. We went to Costco on Saturday and stocked up on supplies that only they can provide at such a good deal because it is in bulk. Bread, milk, antacids, salad, bagels, cream cheese, hamburger, the staples of life.

What's worse is we were almost out of toilet paper, down to our last two rolls! WAIT...can you hear that? It's a rhythmic thump, faint and muffled, but it's there. Hmm, what could it be...ahh, I know, it's my mother turning over and over in her grave. J/K My mom was cremated. But if she had been buried traditionally, it would definitely be happening. My mom got nervous when we got down to a six-pack of the stuff!

Then today we went to the commissary (Navy talk for the grocery store, for the un-militarized). They have even better deals and you don't have to buy in bulk. Let's just say, they've got almost everything a person could want or need there. Even frozen, un-fried green tomatoes for frying. Yep, they have fried apples in a jar. Not interested, how 'b0ut chitlins? Un-huh, they got it all, baby even turkey stock in a box. Oscar Meyer bun length turkey dogs (best turkey dog you can buy!) for $1.25 a package.

Anyway, so we've got the stuff home organized the pantries and put away everything, whew. I forgot just how tiring it was to a do a full scale stock up session. I always say I'm not gonna let it get that low and life happens and then I have to do it all over again.

Happily, I have tomorrow off and can rest up for my short work week, Yippie!

It's been a really long time

Okay, so it has been a really long time. I could go into it but it is boring. But as you can see (the date), it's practically Thanksgiving now. My birthday, Donna's, and Aaron's are long gone. I'd really like to say the weather has gone all chilly and nearly winter like but the sad truth is it has not. In fact, you might say it's like never ending summer lately. We have a cool day or two then it's right back to the awful hot, dry crud we've been experiencing since the end of September. Ugh!!! I am soooo sick of it too!

Hannah moved out mid-September, yet her box of junk and prom dress lives on here. She stopped by briefly on election night with promises of coming back that night to pick up her stuff. No dice, she never came back and her stuff still sits in our living room.

Weather not withstanding, we are getting geared up for the holidays, mentally if not physically. A new mailbox stands in the yard instead of reclining on a nearly horizontal post now. I'm sure the mailman is most grateful. We have to be careful with our cash this Christmas, no "Wouldn't be lovely to take all of our money, pile it up, and burn it!" Okay, maybe we don't do it but it feels like it every January when the bills come in. This year we are just going to have to be more careful on what we can't live without buying for our loved ones.

Well, this should appease the masses (Donna) that were complaining that I never post anymore. I really don't have much else to say, at least at the moment.

Ta ra

Summer's last hurrah

It's Labor Day weekend and I took Friday off as well to extend it. Fall is upon us, at least by the calendar if not by the weather. It's been rather hot and humid this weekend, we even had some rain on Saturday (August rain in Santee-rare event).

Jo and I shopped for her books for college on Friday (ouch!) and school clothes shopped Saturday and found plenty of clothes for her for less than $200. Oy, such a deal! We got Les a SDSU Dad t-shirt and he loved it, he's such a proud daddy. And I am a proud mom, so very proud of Jo and her accomplishments. But it's so much more than what she does, it's who she has become, all that I ever wanted and more than I ever imagined. Such a blessing.

So I'm sitting here nostalgic for the past school years, yet glad I'm off that particular merry-go-round. I'm still getting her ready for school, but it is more partner-like than as the head honcho. And the fact that I don't have to ride herd on her anymore leaves possibilities of what to do with all of that free time now.

Bible studies are popping up for the future, the ever present desire to go back to school (I will always want to be in school no matter how old I get) each fall. Thinking of the fall events: Donna's birthday, Aaron's birthday, Thanksgiving, Les' birthday-they are all anticipated and yet to be planned. Then on to the Granddaddy of holidays-Christmas and capping it off nicely will be Jo's birthday.

But for now, while it is still summer, I will rest in the knowledge that God has his plan and design for the future, my family's future and mine. Good plans, plans of growth and growing closer to Him. I welcome it, look forward to it, and am rather excited about it. Praise Jesus!

Hey

So I paid Jo's tuition off tonight, a lot less than I expected but not to say inexpensive. Well worth it though. We went to freshman orientation on Wednesday and by the end of the day my head was full. It was exciting though, to think my little girl would be walking this campus and enjoying being a part of something bigger than her little fish pond called Westhills.

Jo has become a wonderful young woman, I honestly enjoy spending time with her, she is witty and thoughtful. I'm glad we got the chance to know each other before she moves out into that big cold world. I often wondered if it would happen, that we would ever connect other than in a parent/child then authority/downtrodden relationship. But we have, not to say we don't slip into those roles occasionally but it happens less and less often now.

Donna is not going to bible college this fall, not sure why, I didn't ask her. I figure she'll tell me when she wants to. Apparently she is going to go look for a "big girl" job, her description. I don't know how I feel about this. I'm certainly glad she is going to be home this fall but I want her to be happy and I don't know if this makes her happy.

Life at work is crazy lately, not enough time to get what I need to get done and yet the stuff never stops coming. I need an assistant desperately, not a minion as I always joke about. Someone who comes to work looking to do a good job and to learn more each day. Someone I can rely on to do their job and to do it right, as often as they can. Can you clone yourself yet?

Anyway, the hot part of summer is a hair's breadth away now, are you ready to roast?

Good girl Xena

You're a good girl Xena, yes you are! How many times have I said that over the last 14 years, I wonder. Today we had to euthanize Xena. She had reached the point where her hips just couldn't support her right. We knew this day was coming when we were in the kitchen giving her a treat and both of her back legs went out from under her at the same time like she had all of the sudden decided to plan a game of jacks. She couldn't regain her footing and had to be lifted up to get back into standing position.

This has happened more often over the past 5 months but apparently she just couldn't keep it together anymore, she had 3 episodes this morning before we ever got to the vets and at least three more before she went to sleep.

It wasn't just the hip displaysia, she had lost a lot of weight in the past 3 months too. She was eating and drinking but shrinking at the same time. We had always agreed that we would not let any of our dogs suffer when they got old. That to keep them living just to keep us emotionally stable was cruel and sadistic.

So today we took our baby dog to the animal hospital and watched while she quietly slipped away. Never to say again, "Good girl Xena, you such a good girl!"

Prom and graduation

So I was told that my last blog was in March and that it was unacceptable. Well, it's not like I didn't think about blogging, I just had nothing to say, way too much going on and too tired to put fingers to keyboard about it.

Today is Prom, such a little word for such a huge deal. Drama, pathos, intrigue, all before 6pm. I am utterly exhausted and broke and it's barely 7pm. There are girls that are truly grateful for the lengths I've gone to help them pull this all off. The girls are gorgeous, simply and fabulously divine in their prom splendor.

Jo has been so composed during the whole process. No drama or even a slight hint of ungratefulness has been directed my way. In fact, she has been so adult about the whole thing, and let me tell you there was plenty of drama before the prom (what ensues during is yet to be seen or retold), that I am immensely proud of her.

She was simply breath-taking in her dress, she is a beautiful girl and tonight she looked every ounce of a beautiful woman. Her choice of dress, hair, and accessories was spot on.

Next week she graduates on Friday, how the time has flown. I still see the cute little imp with the massive purple glasses and the winsome smile underneath all that gorgeous amazonion womanhood. She constantly amazes me with her prolonged moments of being an adult and it also makes me a little sad too. Soon my baby, my last baby will be a full fledged student at SDSU and step through the gateway and on the road to leaving her childhood far behind.

I'll miss the little girl and teen that she was and look forward to the woman she will be with a bittersweet lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.

This week

Has been full of ups and downs. I 've been getting to know Aaron much better since he got in last Thursday. My friend Cyndi's father-in-law, after a two week downward spiral, passed away. I haven't really spent any time with her for about 3 weeks so she could handle the everything and not be distracted. Aaron asked Les for Donna's hand in marriage and proposed to Donna on Wednesday night at the Spreckles Organ Pavillion. Last night we, Donna, Aaron, and I met up with Heather and their friend Michelle at ECCC for Road to Resurrection, a re-enactment of Jesus last days before crucifiction and his ascension to heaven. I got to spend some time with Cyndi and we will meet up on our normal Saturday morning coffee 'n prayer meeting.

But what I really wanted to talk about was the re-enactment. I knew that it was just some of the congregants playing parts but there were many times when I wanted to start bawling my eyes out. I have always had a pierced heart when it comes to the Easter "story". And know matter how many times I read it or see it live or filmed or even in an animated version, it always affects me.

I try never to take for granted what Jesus did for me and all of us. I am always so grateful that God loved and loves me/us that much. How about you?

Slowly feeling better

Wow, I think I might finally be coming out on the other end of this illness. Friday was the first day that I didn't start the day utterly exhausted before I even climbed out of bed. I'm not one who enjoys playing the part of Camille so I've been rather unhappy about the whole situation.

I met Cyndi for coffee Saturday morning at a new place in Santee just down the street from the both of us. It is Christian run and a great place to meet if you do bible studies as a group. They have a little room that is off from the main part that you can close the door for some privacy and to keep your group's noise from bothering the other patrons.

Les and I went to the military grocery store (commissary) today and bought a bunch of stuff at a great price that we needed. Okay, we needed some of the stuff and the rest was such a good price we couldn't resist. Anyway, I forget the prices are so wonderful for most things because it is out of our way and a bit of a hassle to go to. Economically speaking with another mouth to feed and other sundry items being used up more quickly I think we will have to visit more often.

Well that's all, no pearls of wisdom today, just our everyday life blurted out for all to see. Ta!

A wonderful interlude

Today we, and by we I mean the English Troika and the Mamas, attended a incredibly lovely tea held by a dear sister in Christ, Lori Stovall in her home high up in the hills. The table settings were exquisite, the four teas lovely, the tea sandwiches and pasties scrumptious, the lemon cake mouth watering and the conversation was wonderful.

All of the girls were in Friend 2 Friend with Lori while they were in high school and forged a strong bond while Lori was in her infancy as a Christian. She open her home and heart to all of us in an over the top display of English fun.

Each of us were treated royally and felt the warmth of her care.

Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable tea time spent with you, sweet sister. I will treasure this memory.

Ugh

I feel terrible! I haven't been this sick in a long while. I actually went to the doctor this morning. He said it may be strep, but if not it is def a upper lung thing. He asked me if I work and I said yep, so he told me Don't go into work tomorrow! Do you need a note, I'll make one out right now. Wow, it must be bad when you're getting an get out of work sick note force on you. Anyway, my family has been taking care of me and I've been sleeping all day.

Yep, that's it, I think I'll crawl back into bed now.

Long time

So it's been quite a while since I've blogged. Now that Donna is home I think I don't need to. But since I don't see her as much as when she first got home (go figure, we were both suspended of all duties of employ and education) maybe I do need to.

Don't get me wrong, I see more of her now than when she left. I think she makes the effort to spend more time with us home dwelling denizens and there is always that fellow on skype she keeps going on and on about, WHATEVER!

This year is starting out so very different than last year. I have an additional 18 year old daughter in my house that I adore. I have a new "son" to worry and pray for. And on any given Friday or Saturday night, a gaggle of teens hanging out and having good clean fun at my home. Then there is Jo's friend (not boyfriend) Eric, whom I really get a kick out of. Lots of people to love and care for, just what I was built for.

There is also a plethora of things that are tweaked in the house right now. We just got the oven fixed but, the list is quite long lately. And our finances are stretched alarmingly thin. But God will provide and I am resting comfortably in that knowledge.

The bible study I am in right now is in Galatians, Chapter 5 specifically. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This is something I've heard over and over again, acknowledged and understood...or so I thought. I was particularly convicted during the teaching Cathy gave and it pierced my heart. I truly want to have that agape love for all. Not just for my family, friends, coworkers (some) but for all of humanity. That would include the coworkers that get on my last nerve, the bum I see that looks like he's had 3 squares and is just too lazy to get up and get a real job, the mad clapper at church, snot nosed teens at the movie theater that kick my seat. Ya, the really tough ones to love. Because that is what Jesus calls me to do. And I know I REALLY am not capable to do this on my own. So I'm asking the Holy Spirit to do the impossible in me because with Jesus, all things are possible especially when they are things that will bring Him joy.

Anyway, I'll leave you with that little nugget, love others, agape them, even if you don't want to, I'm gonna try.

The whirlwind has passed

And it's back to real life again, work and school started today. Christmas and New Year's has come and gone, the presents have all been opened and appreciated, and the clock has rung midnight and we are well into a new year. I don't do resolutions, I am awful at keeping them. I do take stock of the year that has passed, sift and weigh my experiences and joys to see which holds more sand. 2007 rang in on a positive note with me starting my job in a new department I love and ended with a child I love oh-so-much coming home and literally running into my arms for a bear hug to beat them all.

I look forward to 2008 to being a good year, not without problems or sorrows, I am Irish after all, we expect that stuff. But I am one of those people that somehow sees the silver lining in things when it's all said and done, it's my nature also.

So goodbye 2007, sad to see you go. And hello 2008, let's make some magic!