I was going to post last night, but Blogger was NOT working. I was once again sitting watching TV with one eye and playing with my photos with the other. I found some that I just have to share. This weekend was so quiet, that I really have nothing else to say.

John had to work yesterday, ALL DAY!!! :( Alicia came over for a bit after putting in a few hours at the hospital. She will be starting her new job on the 4th of December. I know she is very excited and I hope that it goes as she hopes.

Yesterday, I thought since I was not doing anything I would do that dance game for a bit of exercise. I was wearing less than the usual clothing, so when I heard my door open I just assumed that John was finally getting home. It was JULIE and we both ended up with strange looks on our faces. Her comment was, "OK, Grandma O'Brien!" I guess an inside joke that only family might actually understand. She was tired and took a nap before heading over to Pracs to check in.

It is the 20th of November and right I have 41 degrees on my thermometer. It is enough to make me smile. The wind is rather brisk, but I am not having to put up with snow. Just so it gets here by Christmas, is all I care about. Tessa can not wait to go to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. Let the holiday's begin!! Jerry and Julie, I hope we can get on the cam together while we are up at Mom's?!?! Till next time...

He is only 37

John had his birthday yesterday. He had to work, but planned to get off early enough to go and have supper with his family. I made a chocolate cake from scratch. I rarely do that these days, as the box is so much easier. Tessa was rather excited at the thought of Alicia and her family coming here after supper.

We all met at Paradiso, and enjoyed out time together. We all were so full that no one wanted cake and Tessa was disappointed when they did not come over. She just loves to have them over even when she does not know how to show it properly. The photo that I put here is the gift that Tessa picked out for him. A picture frame that he can put all his girls in. Tessa's hair is so wild from wearing her stocking hat all night. Till next time...

Richard Bach

Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?

Are you a perfectionist?

You Are 60% Perfectionist

No one would call you a perfectionist, but you definitely have a side of you that strives to be perfect. Try to see your mistakes as learning experiences, and don't be so hard on yourself when you screw up!

Are You a Perfectionist?

Reading Picnic

Today I was privileged to go and see Mariah read her little books. The first graders had parents and Grandparents come as have cookies while they were read to. She was so excited to see both of us. I had to smile as I watched read and remembered how much Alicia did NOT like to read in first grade. Mariah tends to have a hard time focusing sometimes on the task at hand. She is much more social than any of my girls were. Alicia is going to have her hands full with that little Miss. She has grown up way to fast!! Till next time...

Let it go

Every time I have made a cross stitch picture, it has always been hard to let it go. So much time and energy goes into each one. My eyes are not able to really stand it like they used to. We have just gotten this light with a magnifying glass to see if it will help. I guess time will tell. I would really like to get Brenna's stocking done. It has only been about 2 years since I started it. It has been a humbling experience to realize that I can not see as I used to.

Well, I have just sent a picture I made a few years ago to Turkey. I hope that it makes it there OK. I came to the realization, it may as well be enjoyed and not stuck away in the closet. I had to take a photo of it. It is a Paula Vaughan design. I just those her style and I know I am going to want to do another one. Well, till next time...

Judy Garland

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul."

No School

This was one of the NO school days, all parents so look forward too. The one day that Tessa could actually sleep in and she is down to watch TV at 6:30am. I just look at her and shake my head. I do not even try to figure out this child. I did irritate her by saying that I was going to be my exercise by doing that dance game. She was going to limit me to only 30 minutes. Her reasoning being that is all I did at curves. Little does she know that I get kind of competitive and want to beat my scores every time I do it.

I have no idea why I did this, but I took a small nap and then woke up thinking, I forgot to call Alicia. Tessa was not happy with the choice of our lunch date, but life does not revolve around her. It is much calmer to just have lunch with Alicia, but I also know that Tessa enjoys being with her.

I knew that this afternoon, might get kind of long. I really do NOT like shopping and Tessa wanted to find her father a birthday gift as that time was fast approaching. Without giving away the surprise on the chance that John might actually read this, something was found to satisfy him. ( or should I say satisfy Tessa!) A stop at the library for a book on wolves topped off the afternoon before going home. I guess she has a report to do and now I need to get her on that before Sunday night!! Wasn't this an exciting entry? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Till next time...

Do you ever wonder?

I went to bed thinking, this date used to be important and I can not remember why? I fell asleep thinking I would have to dig out an old diary and see what I was doing years ago. I am amazed that it was still with me this morning. I pulled out my diary from 1987. Yesterday was my ex in-laws wedding anniversary. My anniversary to Leon was on the 6th. I had been telling Alicia that I knew that date was the first part of November, but I could not remember.

In 1987 on yesterday's date I was helping Leon move trucks from Howard's. Isn't that exciting!! ;) He worked on his pickup and I guess I watered trees. It does not mention anything the girls did, so I guess there were no problems. This has to be the most bizarre entry to date! I have to say thought, if it were not for those diaries, my 20's would be a blank. Till next time...

Those that touch you...

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go!

Being Transparent

The ability to be honest even with ourselves can be such a difficult action. In bible study we were learning that God knows all that we have done and will do and still loves us. For me, that is such a relief that I can be transparent with him. I can tell him anything and he is not going to be surprised. I have found myself in situations thinking, what am I DOING here. We live in a time where the evil one seeks to devour us. HE has the unique ability to suck us into situations that maybe years ago would have never been a problem.

Life is a constant growing process. I have flunked to many test and had to retake them, that it is not even funny!! I am sure you wander where this is all coming from. I can not always put the funny here, because life is not always very funny. (I do love a good laugh though!!!) I have been pleased with a husband that has a very unique mind. He will come up with the silliest of things and having me literally holding my sides as I laugh. I just wish he would write this stuff down!!

So you see, I know I am no angel, and thank goodness my heavenly father loves me. I have this husband that can make me laugh. I can be myself with him and I know he loves me. That in itself it a very great accomplishment. Hmm, I seemed to be in a strange mood for these words to come out. I think my family is very used to that though, right!!! :) Till next time...

What classic movie are you?

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

What famous leader are you?

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

How many of me?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 10 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Jacqui
Williams
There are 1,500 people in the U.S. with the first name Jacqui.
Statistically the 4019th most popular first name. (tied with 1145 other first names)
More than 99.9 percent of people with the first name Jacqui are female.

There are 2,096,780 people in the U.S. with the last name Williams.
Statistically the 3rd most popular last name.

Yesterday was an unbelieving beautiful day. The weekend was quiet without injury to anyone! :) The new toy in the house has Tessa's attention. She can sit for hours and play on the Sony PlayStation. We had heard that the dance games were good exercise, so thought that maybe it would get her off the couch. I was trying to do it yesterday. I am feeling so OLD and this hip is NOT back to normal. The game allows you to use your own music and make up your own dance. I let Tessa make up a dance and I would try to follow the arrows as they flashed across the screen. I am SO glad that NO one can see me making a complete fool out of myself. Tessa thinks I should do this every morning for exercise. (How do I get her to do it also?!?!?)

Alicia called me this morning and asked what I was doing? For my family you will know what I mean when I say, finding my table. ;) I had not talked to her much over the weekend so we had to catch up. She is finding out that being a newly wed comes with some adjustment. The dealings of new family and just fitting all the pieces together. I am here to listen, but I can not intrude. She has to find her way with her new family. I am now just MOM.

The photo I have included here is of the bonfire at the now famous house warming where I was such a klutz. It will be a few months before we get to do that again. I am already looking forward to the next summer. Time to get Tessa off into the shower. Till next time...

Lessons learned

I have had to learn another lesson the hard way. I just hate it when words are said for they are forever left imprinted on your heart. The hard thing for me is to just move forward as if nothing has happened. I am the type of person that likes to just hide and not deal with life. Oh, to see what others see in me. I wish that I did not doubt myself so much. Life is such a learning process. Some hard and some much easier. Well, till next time...

The New School Prayer

This was written my a teen in Bagdad, Arizona. (I had saved this and thought I would share it.)

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all.
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgements" do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witch craft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, It's scary
here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My should please take!
Amen

Day 4

This day started out with a frustration that most would think does not really matter. I made the mistake of uploading a new version of MSN and it did NOT work. UGH!! I am not sure why I bother with it, as it is nothing but problems. Tessa wanted to put on fingernail polish and I am thinking, we do NOT have time for this. I am amazed I got her to school on time. She never wants to dress warm enough for me, but at least she took her snow pants without to much complaining.

I know this is supposed to be day 4 on this diet. I am much calmer today as yesterday I made the decision to relax on driving myself and my family CRAZY! My constant need to control what everyone is eating only burned me out. I can not be cooking one meal for me and something for everyone else. I do NOT want to take the JOY out of life. I know that my mood is what leads the rest. The smile that everyone wants to see on my face is not always very easy to find.

I often feel pressure from many forces in my life. I let others dominate me and I need to learn to be more assertive. The ability to say NO and not feel bad is very hard for me. I find that being nice is not always a good thing. IT should be, but people will take advantage of you if they can.

Tessa brought home her school photo for the year. I had to smile as she was able to show her new earrings. I asked her about it and she said the photographer did her hair that way. Everyone that sees her calls her an angel. (if they only knew!) She still tries to keep her room clean. Now to get this hip working better so I can get up those steps easier. For now I have to trust John to keep on top of it.

I had shown someone my cross stitching on the cam and now he wants me to send him some. I guess why not, I enjoyed making it more then putting it up. I guess let someone else enjoy it in their home. I think I have written enough for now. Till next time...

Skippy

A woman goes to her boyfriend's parents' house for Christmas dinner. This is to be her first time meeting the family and she is very nervous. They all sit down and begin eating a fine meal.

The woman is beginning to feel a little discomfort, thanks to her nervousness and the broccoli casserole. The gas pains are almost making her eyes water. Left with no other choice, she decided to relieve herself a bit and lets out a dainty fart.

It wasn't loud, but everyone at the table heard the poof. Before she even had a chance to be embarrassed, her boyfriend's father looked over at the dog that had been snoozing under the woman's chair, and said in a rather stern voice, "Skippy!".

The woman thought, "This is great!" and a big smile came across her face. A couple of minutes later, she was beginning to feel the pain again. This time , she didn't even hesitate. She let a much louder and longer rrrrrip.

The father again looked at the dog and yelled, "Dammit Skippy!" Once again the woman smiled and thought "Yes!" A few minutes later the woman had to let another rip. This time she didn't even think about it. She let a fart that rivaled a train whistle blowing.

Once again, the father looked at the dog with disgust and yelled, "Dammit Skippy, get away from her, before she shits on you!"

Forty Something

A woman in her forties was at home happily jumping on her bed and
squealing with delight.

Her husband watched her for a while and said, "Do you have any idea

howridiculous you look? What'sthe matter with you?"


The woman continued to bounce on the bed and said, "I don't care. I

justcame from having a mammogram and the doctor says I have the breasts of

an 18 year-old."



The husband said, "What did he say about your 46 year old ass?"



"Your name never came up," she replied.

Day 1

This is not going to be on any interest to anyone. Hello, Dad!! I have started back on my diet and I am NOT smiling about it. I said I would do it with my friend Susan, so this I will do.

I was doing great until my sister suggested going out to eat. It has become kind of a tradition to get Alicia and enjoying our noon together. We ate at Qdoba's and I did not eat my most favorite food in the world. CHIPS!! I know it is not the end of the world, but... I am thinking that maybe I might have to do Day 1 over or even extend my week.

The fact I messed up my hip and can not work out has me wondering, is this even going to work? I need positive thoughts right now!! I will let you know how this is going later. Till next time...

OUCH

This will be short and sweet. Last night we all went to Alicia's for the bonfire! I was not there a half hour before I tripped and fell. My left ankle and right hip were messed up. I had to have John help me off the ground and into the house where I stayed the rest of the night. The little girls came in to play with their Bratz and put on makeup. I ended up watching the movie "The Ring". Tessa was so disappointed that we did not stay over night like we had planned. I just did not want to be in another house if I had a painful night. (It was not a good night!!) I will have to try and write more when I can stand to really sit here! Till next time...

Something to think about!

I was given this as an email. I kind of agree with it!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with
their tedious diatribes about how hard things were
when they were growing up; what with walking
twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill
BOTH ways .. yadda, yadda, yadda


And I remember promising myself
that when I grew up, there was no way in hell I was going
to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how
hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now

that...

I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around
and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy!
I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia!
And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know
how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet.
If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the
damn library and look it up ourselves, in the card
catalog!!

There was no email! ! We had to actually write somebody
a letter ... with a pen! Then you had to walk all the
way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it
would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you
had to hitchhike to the damn record store
and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the
DJ'd usually
talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up!

And talk of about hardship? You couldn't just download porn! You
had to steal it from your brother or bribe some homeless dude to
buy you a copy of "Hustler" at the 7-11! Those were your options!

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the
phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When
the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could
be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your
drug dealer,
a collections agent, you just didn't
know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games
with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the
Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and
"asteroids" and the graphics sucked ass! Your guy was
a little square! You actually had to use your
imagination! And there were no multiple
levels or screens, it was just one screen forever!
And you could never win. The game just kept getting
harder and harder and faster and faster until you
died! . Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing
as stadium seating! All the seats were the same
height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat
sat in front
of you and you couldn't see, you were
just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was
only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu
and no remote control! You had to use a little book
called a TV Guide to find out what was on!

You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You
had to get off your ass and walk over to the TV to
change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network
either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday
Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to
wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little
rat-bastards!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat
something up . we had to use the stove or go build a
frigging fire
...
imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use
that stupid JiffyPop thing and shake it over the stove
forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids
today have got it too easy. You're spoiled.

You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in
1980!


Regards,

The 30 plus Crowd

Too many thoughts

I have too many thoughts running around in my head. I read this and that from what other people have written. I have opinions, but what does it all really matter. I am just praying that I come out of this fog that seems to constantly be around me. The feelings of frustration at myself and life in general.

There is a strong distaste for letting anyone even get close to me. I think anyone that has ever spent anytime chatting on her might be able to understand what I am saying. I had this conversation with someone where we both agreed that being nice was not always a good thing. I have let myself be walked over to many times and wonder why I allow it. My family often describes me as being like my Grandma Helen. How can a person be sweet and gentle and yet have the ability to stand up for themselves?

I have no idea where all these words are coming from, thank goodness very few will read them. I had originally wanted to write a little bit about how nice it was to spend Sunday with Brenna. She had come over to change the oil on her car. Snow was gentling falling while we talked. It is so rare now to have this chance to catch up on her life. She has grown up into such a lovely young lady!! Children are truly a gift from God. I have to keep reminding myself of that when Tessa is her usual charming self. Till next time...

I hate goodbyes

Today Brenda and Rick left for the open road. I thought I would be ok with having to say goodbye. NOPE! I have been in the dumps most of the day. The house is quiet and there is no one to joke around with. Brenda and Tessa went shopping the last day she was here. Tessa finally has her fish bathroom. I now expect her to do everything upstairs and not in my room.

When I say we got Tessa's room clean, those of you that are family know what a job it was. The funniest moment was when Brenda was hanging her lights. She told me to hold her so she did not fall. I was not paying attention and she started to fall and well the body parts I ended up grabbing were a first. I also got hit with the hammer. Most of Tessa's toys ended up in the crawl space, less is better. Now to see how long this will last. Till next time...

A little visit

Brenda and Rick came for a visit and also because there is a wedding in his family. Tessa was so excited to have them come for a visit. The first night, she got sick and so for the next 2 days were a bit miserable for her and I. (The carpet was not to happy either!)I think the one good thing is that she got sick when there was a break from school.

Alicia had us all out for supper on Friday night. Brenna is home and it was nice to spend the time with my girls. Alicia made a wonderful supper, but she would not eat it. The whole roast thing with the vegetables seemed to not agree with her. She just does not know what she is missing.

Reynolds was having a haunted house and Gregg's mom was part of putting it on. She wanted Mariah to see it. We all went, but the little girls got scared before we ever went in. John stayed with them and I went in with Brenna, Alicia and Gregg.
It was kind of freaky and we never really did figure out which person was Lori. Till next time...

Philosophy

HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato..
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.


GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts.
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.



GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.



THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:

1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.



SUCCESS:

At age 4 success is . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . having friends.
At age 16 success is . . having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . . having money.
At age 50 success is . . having money.
At age 70 success is . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . having friends.
At age 80 success is . not peeing in your pants.

Tessa is very excited that her auntie Brenda will be here this week. There is no school at the end of the week also, and Brenna is going to be around here also. There just is not enough time for any of us to be with her much though. My mind is full of thoughts, but I can not get them out the way I want them to come. Does that ever happen to any of you?

I was to the Doc yesterday, and after many times of being told that maybe I need something for depression, I accepted the prescription. I am tired of always feeling tired and like I want to hide. Life keeps on going and I need to join the race again. The grey skies of winter are always very hard for me to take. It is like today, the rain is falling and all I want to do is sleep. I do not want to always have to depend on caffeine to get me moving everyday.

Here it is the next day, and I have a sick child. The best laid plans can be changed in a second. I went to bed thinking I would wake up and go work out. I am now looking at a night where I am not sure if I will get any sleep. I wonder why it had to happen on a night where I have company? Will Tessa get to enjoy her Auntie and what will this new day bring? I know there is more I could say, but that will be for the next time...

Three Women in Mexico

Three women go down to Mexico one night to celebrate college
graduation, get drunk, and wake up in jail, only to find that they are to
be executed in the morning, though none of them can remember what they did
the night before.

The first one, a redhead, is strapped in the electric chair and is
asked if she has any last words. She says, "I just graduated from Brigham
YoungUniversity and believe in the almighty power of God to intervene on the
behalf of the innocent." They throw the switch and nothing happens. They
all immediately fall to the floor on their knees, beg for forgiveness, and
release her.

The second one, a brunette, is strapped in and gives her last words.
"I just graduated from the Harvard School of Law and I believe in the power
of justice t o intervene on the part of the innocent." They throw the switch
and again, nothing happens. Again they all immediately fall to their knees,
beg for forgiveness and release her.

The last one (you know it), a blonde, is strapped in and says, "Well,
I'm from the University of Kentucky and just graduated with a degree in
Electrical Engineering, and I'll tell ya right now, ya'll ain't gonna
electrocute nobody if you don't plug this thing in.

In one ear and out the other

I just found these photos on the computer. I had asked mom to take some photos of the harvest and she actually did. I guess when my sister was here she brought the memory card for us to put on computer and John did. I have been told that he told me what he was doing and I supposedly said yes. I am sitting here now and just found those photos. Yep, you guessed it, I had no idea how they got here. Why am I like that? I am told so many things that I can not for the life of me remember.Here is a sample of the photos given to me. Dad unloading into a truck. Till next time...

Baptizing a drunk

A man is stumbling through the woods totally drunk when he comes upon a preacher baptizing people in the river.

The drunk walks into the water and subsequently bumps into the preacher. The preacher turns around and is almost overcome by the smell of booze. Whereupon he asks the drunk, "Are you ready to find Jesus?"
"Yes I am" replies the drunk, so the preacher grabs him and dunks him in the river. He pulls him up and asks the drunk, "Brother have you found Jesus?"
The drunk replies, "No, I haven't." The preacher, shocked at the answer, dunks him into the water again, but for a bit longer this time. He pulls him out of the water and asks again, "Have you found Jesus, my brother?"
The drunk again answers, "No, I have not found Jesus."
By this time the preacher is at his wits end so he dunks the drunk in the water again, but this time he holds him down for about 30 seconds.
When the drunk begins kicking his arms and legs, the preacher pulls him up. The preacher asks the drunk again, "For the love of God, have you found Jesus?"
The drunk wipes his eyes and catches his breath and says to the preacher,
"Are you sure this is where he fell in?"

Katharine Hepburn

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get--only with what you are expecting to give--which is everything.

Another year older

I was not pleased when I woke up at 1:30am and was never really able to sleep again. So many thoughts going through my head. I really wish I had this little switch that I could flip so that my mind would stop and let me sleep. I have never really been bothered by the fact I keep getting older. It is something we all do, so why is it that this year I am REALLY not pleased about it.

I was excited to be feeling so much better than the day before. The discussion at bible study went well, although there was a moment when I wished I had the wisdom to comment on something that was just a bit off. Alicia had invited me to lunch and it was just so nice to spend time with her. Brenna had called me on the way to the study, so I was able to hear from all my girls.

I had to run and do an errand. The feeling in the air was like anticipation for what is on the horizon. The wind is starting to howl and the clouds are here. There is that feeling of snow in the air. I cannot say I am excited to think of this next season. The one good thing is that this is too early for it to stay!! If it does start to snow there will be a photo taken to mark the day. Till next time...

Memories of a Trip South

Four summers ago we decided to take Tessa to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. I am really not sure if she was all the impressed with all that. I do know she like going through Bear country. I was glad that my friend Jody was the driver through all the traffic and tourists.

I remember how blazing hot this summer day was on the way home. We stopped at this little tourist trap called 1880 Town. The place was known for having some of the props from the movie "Dances with Wolves". The horse that Kevin Costner rode was still living at the time. The photo of John petting a horse kind of makes me smile. I just want to say to him, he is not going to BITE! Tessa really liked going through the old buildings. (I also rather enjoy it myself!) :)

The photo of Tessa sleeping in the back of the car shows an angel. I want you to know she is only like that when she is sleeping. She does not like to ride in the car, the question "Are we there yet?" was about to drive me crazy! Till next time...

This Rose

I sure wish I could see this growing in my garden. I was sent this by a friend and wanted to share it. Enjoy!!

Takes my breath away

I happened to look out the window, and then caught my breath as the leaves almost appeard to glow. I was not dressed to catch this but had John take a quick photo. IT was the perfect way to end a weekend of beautiful weather. They say we could get snow on Wednesday. I am not worried about it staying. Till next time...

Tessa's Birthday

I am going to attempt to write a bit about her birthday. I know she really wanted to do the friends and all, but we decided not to this year. We let her pick where she wanted to eat after church and then had Ice Cream cake at home with the family that is near by.

Gregg, Alicia and Mariah were the only family here now. Her auntie Brenda is supposed to be in the area in a week. She opened her gifts and then went and watched her new movie. She wanted more Bratz dolls, but she does not need anymore. I mean you can find her floor for Bratz and Barbie stuff. I sometimes wonder if that room will ever become clean! Till next time...

Forgotten memories

Last night I thought I would put in a disc with old photos. The one that caught my attention was this one of Mariah looking at John. I wish I could remember what had happened to her eye. That story seems to have faded into the recesses of my mind. I look at her standing in my living in the corner where the vent for the heater is. She looks so comfortable there looking at her Papa John. Time to dig and see what more I can find. Till next time...

Leaves of Fall

This is always the Friday where school gets out early. The reason I know this is because it is the one closest to our birthdays. I remember one Friday where I was rushing to go to a parent teacher conference and then get into our motel room. It was the year I turned 40. OH JOY!!

I knew that I would have to deal with Tessa wanting to be outside playing with her friends. I did not expect them to rake and play in the leaves. I am not sure who had the bright idea to see if they could rake leaves for money. The smile that crossed my face was one knew what the outcome would be. It can not hurt to let them find out the hard way, money does not come easy!! I do wish that when it came to actually raking leaves they would still be so interested.

This day was just so beautiful. I really could have done with a bit less wind thought. I sure does keep the leaves moving. Now if it would just blow them all out of my yard. Till next time...

A day given to others

I wanted to feel bad that things did not go as I would like. I had plans to accomplish more, but didn't? It is so easy to feel guilt over that, but I am NOT supposed to. So tonight I find myself standing outside with out shoes on freezing my feet, because... THE MOON IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!

I want John to come home and use his camera. I know he wants me to learn to use mine. I am pouting just a bit. (really). He tells me to pull out the tripod and mess with settings. OK Here I am doing it, and not getting the results that I want! IT is such a perfect white ball in the sky tonight. This photo shows I have much to learn! Till next time...

The last flowers

I was not able to even think about sitting at the computer much yesterday. I was literally taken off my feet. Today, the sun shines and it is a better day. I ventured out and decided to clean up the rhubarb for the year. I really had dealing with it in the spring. Then noticed this lovely rose that is blooming on John's newest addition this summer. It is a climbing one and he has great hopes for it. Let's hope the animals do not take it out like the last few have.

It really is such a lovely day. The smell of fall and the leaves on the ground. You can imagine that soon we will all be snuggling in where it is warm and watch the snow fly. I just choose to enjoy this weather while we have it. Till next time...

A day full of smiles

I may not have been feeling all that great. I have to say that Julie was the bright spot of the day. Many of the conversations were about this photo that she had of herself on her website. The minute I saw that photo I had to ask, "what did you do to your eyes?" The answer was nothing! I am rather blown away by the color that the light has picked up in her eyes.

We had lunch with Alicia, and if any of you had actually heard the topic, well lets just say you would probably roll your eyes. I do not think there is anything like getting a few females that are really comfortable together and then watch the conversation GO OFF!

I spent most of my afternoon working on the food for supper. I do not know how many times I have said I wish I had a bigger kitchen. Julie gets so amazed by the fact I cook. It is so easy, but glad that they enjoy the end result. I made this new recipe from a pampered chef cookbook. It turned out really good and went to well with the roast.

Tessa was able to take her earrings out and wear different ones to school. I was wishing John was home to reason with her when she was all upset. She did not like the fact that it stung a little bit. OHH, I do wish I was blessed with a bit more patience. I am very glad to have been blessed with this day. Just the random moments with family members whether in person or on the phone is what life is all about. Till next time...

The new supermarket

The new supermarket opened near my house and has an automatic water mister to keep the produce fresh. Just before it goes on, you hear the sound of distant thunder and the smell of fresh rain.

When you approach the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and witness the scent of fresh hay.

When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying.

The veggie department features the smell of fresh buttered corn.

I don't buy toilet paper there any more

Grandpa's Hands

This was an email that I recieved. I really like the sendiment and it made me think. The photo is of my grandfather at the end of his life. Till next time...

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was OK.

He raised his head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, Grandpa, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making. Grandpa smiled and related this story:

"Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my Mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and that I loved someone special.

They trembled and shook when I buried my Parents and Spouse and walked my Daughter down the aisle.

They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.

They have been sticky and wet, hurt and broken, dried and raw.

And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.

These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.

But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.

And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of my Christ."





I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandpa's hands and led him home.

When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know, at the resurrection, he will be stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God.

I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

Parent Teacher conferences

In an hour I will be sitting outside my daughter's classroom waiting my turn to hear how she has been doing in school. I have always been a bit nervous about this. She has never really had any behavior problems, she saves all her charm for us at home. In the past, math as been a problem. I guess I will have to try and be patient and wait to see what the Teacher has to say. Till next time...

What age would you like to be?

That was the cute question asked us yesterday at bible study. I had to think, as I had really never thought to much about my age. I listened to the ladies as most of them were really happy right where they were. Some wished to be younger just for the fact the younger body can do more activities. One wanted to be much older for the fact there is wisdom at that age. My answer, to go back and visit when I was at UND with my girls. I still think those were some of my best years. It was just the girls and I against the world for the most part.

This morning, as I walked Tessa to school. The air was so crisp. Tessa was disappointed that she could not see her breath. I guess if you can see your breath, then you can do walk to win in the gym. I had to laugh as I went home, I actually did see my breath a few times. The photo here was taken with my cell as I was walking home. I just loved how the rising sun was lighting up the leaves on those huge trees! Till next time...

A rare moment

I have started this bible study by Beth Moore called 'When Godly people do unGodly things'. I am taking this at a church that is not my own. It has never been a problem, but today for some reason, a conflict rose up in me. I do not even know how to put into words the emotion that was going through me, but I am the kind of person that tends to shut down when conflict arises.

I know that we are all brought up with a different view sometimes of what the Bible is trying to tell us. Today it was shockingly obvious!! I heard someone say that prophetic was a thing of the past. It was not relevant for us in this present age. We had just been talking about how they felt like we were in the end times. The verse that says men will see visions in the end times popped into my mind. I had to use my friend's bible to search it out. I was to chicken to read it, but thank goodness she was not. The verse in Acts 2:17-18. They seemed to just sit there and then said, do you want me to ask my pastor about it. What good is that going to do? Is he going to say that it is not relevant? I was shaking my head on the inside and trying to keep a smile on the outside.

We have always been asked to keep our remarks nondenominational. Just stick to the bible. I think that is what I was doing today. Anyways, I will just continue to learn what Beth Moore is teaching and try to get something out of the discussions, the part that I have always dreaded. Till next time...

Mocha cake

This recipe always reminds me of Grandma O'Brien. My mom tells me that she used to make it at Christmas every year. I do not remember that. It is so easy and good, so enjoy! TIll next time...

Mocha Cake

1 package white or yellow cake mix.
13/4 cup milk
2 eggs

Beat as on box
Jelly roll pan "11x15"
20 minutes at 350 degrees

Frosting:
1/3 cup softened butter
11/2 tsp vanilla
3 Tablespoon sugar
Sprinkle with ground peanuts on top.
(I found it worked really well to use a pampered chef cheese grater for doing the nuts)

Well?

This week was going to be an experiment of whether or not I could stay way from chatting. I did quite well, of course, it helped that I was helping my friend with her bathroom. What a great way to keep my mind off that.

The bathroom turned out so cute. I wish I had a photo of just the bathroom. Susan is in it and so it did not seem fair to put it here without her permission. (If she gives it, I will put it here).

Have you ever been so curious about a person and never saw them? You get to know them through words, with nothing visual to mess up an impression? Yesterday, I had the pleasure of see a friend for the first time. I had to laugh, as I found out he does actually know how to smile. I always have everyone that sees me comment on my smile. I do not know why, as it is just a smile like everyone else's.

I am still sounding a bit like a man. For those that know me, they will know what I mean. Every time I get a cold or chest cold as this is, I LOOSE my voice. John and Tessa just smile as they know I can not raise my voice like I like to sometimes. Good grief, this particular entry has really gone off in what is called BORING! I will close and maybe later be able to do better. Till next time...

I just shake my head

I think you just have to have a sense of humor when you see a photo like this of yourself. I am sure at the time I must have thought that was a great dress. OH LORD, what was I thinking. This is probably the last family photo where I am taller than Jerry. I kind of wish I knew the year this was taken. Till next time...

Our Weekend

This weekend has gone way to fast. Friday, I had the girls here as there was no school. I usually expect them to well not always get along. I have to say it went rather well. I would have really like a nap or 2. I gave up getting just a quick cat nap after being interrupted both times. The girls watched a move in my room. I really do not know why it is so fun to watch a movie on my bed, but whatever works I guess. Tessa and Mariah went to the Sleepover at our church. Mariah only was able to stay a couple of hours. In a year or 2 she will be old enough to actually try and stick it out till morning. Alicia and I went to a Pampered Chef party at Susan's. She kitchen is looking so awesome after she painted her cupboards a nice white color. It was nice to be with the ladies and just listen to them talk. Then the rain came!!
We woke up to rain, and decided it was not going to be a morning to go to a parade. Tessa has stayed awake until after 2am sometime. She was tired and well CRAPPY! Imagine that . Those of you that know Tessa, you know what I am talking about. I convinced her to go back to bed and we had to wake her up at noon. It was just nice to really not have to do anything. I know that John likes it when he is not expected to do this or that around the house or yard.
Well, Tessa was not happy that I said she was going to start going to Sunday School again. I think the class she is in as changed so much that she fears it. I also know she needs what is being taught there. I went to Pastor Ron's class. It was so GOOD. It is a video series called Under Cover by John Bevere. John had to work for awhile so I was at church alone. I have to get used to it as we are not going into the busy season!
The activity that was not done this weekend enough was Tessa practicing her violin. I guess that is a habit that needs some work. I hope you have all had a good weekend! Till next time...

I really am not picking on you

When I saw this baby picture of you, I know I had seen that expression some where else. Just sitting here thinking about it makes me laugh. You were such a cute baby!! Till next time...

OH , Happy Birthday Jerry

Now I am not sure that was what was going throught my mind, but that cake sure looks good. (Those are Tessa's words!) She also thinks that I look like this little girl in our church because of that red hair. I remember that spoon rack and that old black phone that was a rotary dial. I am so glad we are past all that. Till next time...

Well, here are Jerry and I in all our funny clothes. I wonder what would happen if I just kind of pushed him over. He makes me think of the webble wobbles. (I am just teasing you know!) I have so many photos that I think I can only comment of one or two a day. Till the next blackmail photo...

Too much time on your hands?

What happens when you:

1) have nothing to do

2) own a sharp knife

3) have a large lime

4) own a patient cat

5) drink too much tequila

6) and it's football season?

I am going to let this photo speak for itself. It is only going to mean something to family. The minute I saw it, I had to catch my breath. I have no idea who is on behind Ronna, and right now the name of that pony Janet is riding escapes me. The large white horse is Misty and of course we have Grandma Helen there with the girls. This is one photo I would love to just be able to walk right into. I am sure the year is about 1980's or so. More to come in photos, but it will take time. Till next time...

Shirley's Makeover

A woman named Shirley was from Beverly HIlls. One day, she had a heart attack and was taken to Cedars Sinai hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near-death experience. She saw God and asked, "Is this it?" God said, "No, you have another 30 to 40 years to live." Upon her rec overy, she decided to stay in the hospital and have collagen shots, cheek implants, a face lift, liposuction and breast augmentation. She even had someone dye her hair. She figured since she had another 30 to 40 years, she might as well make the most of it. She walked out of Cedars Sinai lobby after the last operation and was killed by an ambulance speeding up to the hospital. She arrived in front of God and said, "I thought you said I had another 30 to 40 years?" God replied, "Shirley! I didn't recognize you!"

Jesus is watching you

One night a burgular is trying to break into a house. He's sneaking across the lawn when he hears a voice- 'Jesus is watching you!' He jumps, turns around, but he doesn't see anything. So he starts creeping across the lawn again. "Jesus is watching you !" He hears it again. So now the burglar is really looking around, and he sees a parrot in a cage by the side of the house. He says to the parrot, "Did you say that?" The parrot answers "Yes I did." So the burglar asks, "What's your name?" The parrot says, "Clarence." The burglar says "What kind of stupid idiot would name his parrot Clarence?" The parrot laughs and says, "The same stupid idiot that named his Rottweiler 'Jesus'.

House of the King

Beth told a story the first night about being invited to this Restaurant called Casa Del Rey. I guess the food was awesome and what better place for her to go, as she LOVES mexican food.

The next night she was saying how the name of the resturant translated into the house of the king. She was just so thrilled by the goodness of her lord. The message of this conference was of us being invited to the table of the king. I guess I hope that you can see the wonderfull correlation between her message and the invitation to this resturant. Till next time...

2 Days of pure heaven

I was given the blessing of spending the last 2 days with a good friend at a Beth Moore conference. We left Friday morning for Soiux Falls, SD. It was so nice to be in a hurry to get there. I had been a bit worried about my little bladder infection totally making this trip miserable. I am so grateful that I went to the Doc to get antibiotics.

We found our motel with out any problems and even had time to go and walk around the mall. Supper at Olive Garden was such a treat. This is a place that I can not get my family to eat at. Yummy!!!

We had decided before hand that we did not care if we got seats close to the front, as long as they were at the end that was fine. The line of ladies was amazing!! 6,500 ladies were crammed into the Souix Falls Arena.

The services were amazing. The worship team did an amazing job. This one song I need to try and see if they have it on one of their cd's. Beth spoke on the Table. I can not tell all of the detail here as this would make the entry way to long.

We stayed at the Motel 6 not far from interstate and the arena. The room was not fancy, but we were both excited to be able to sleep in a bed by ourselves!! The only thing that kind of scared us was the toilet. You cannot imagine the sounds that thing made. You would think it was going to swallow you alive!

It was hard to have to say goodbye to our little trip. We stopped at the Falls Park there. I was wishing I had my actual camera and not just my camera phone. Kind of a cute little place to visit. The drive home was filled with good conversation and a stop at Alicia's house. I hated to say goodbye, but hope that it will be repeated sometime in the near future. Till next time...

A wonderful lunch

John and I had the pleasure of Julie's compnay for lunch today. We went to the Green Mill and what can I say? The food was great and the conversation even better. Julies started to tell some stories, and truly I hope she puts into words this one story.

Jerry, do you remember hitting the house with your car? Julie sure does and I almost choked on my food as she told me the story. I guess as you came in whipping a cookie, she was sitting in the room next to the entry talking on the phone and felt the need to make a quick escape. If I am recalling this correctly, she remembers hearing you say, "Oh, God!" I still have to chuckle when I think about it.

John played around with the cemet making those little stepping stones. It is going to be a learning process. The one in the photo was looking so nice and then Tessa stepped on it and it cracked in half.

Tessa has made one with her name and I guess we will see tomorrow if it is ok.

Tessa is determined to take orchestra and learn to play a violin. Tonight we went and rented one for her so that she can start taking lessons at school. The photo shows her holding it, and I wonder if she will be smiling in a few weeks as she gets tired of practicing! Monday will be the first lesson. I will feel you in more after that! Till next time...

Some Humor

The House Painter: A woman wants the inside of her house painted. She calls a contractor in to help her. After introductions, they wander around the house, and she points out the colors she wants. She says, "Now in the living room, I'd like to have a nertral beige, very soft and warm". The contractor nods, pulls out his pad of paper and writes on it. Then he goes to the window, leans out and yells, "Green side up!"!
The woman in most perplexed but she lets it slide, they wander into the next room. She says, "In the dining room I'd like a light white, not stark, but very bright and airy". The contractor nods, pulls out his pad of paper and writes on it. Then once more he goes to the window, leans out and yells, "Green side up"!
The woman is even more perplexed but still lets it slide. They wander further into the next room. She says, "In the bedroom I'd like blue. Restful, peaceful, cool blue." The contractor nods, pulls out his pad of paper and writes on it. Then once more he goes to the wondow, leans out and yells, "Green side up"!
This is too much. The woman has to ask. So she says, "every time I tell you a color, you write it down, but then you yell out the window, 'Green side up.' What on earth does that mean?"
The contractor shakes his head and says, "I have four blondes laying sod across the street".

A little suprise

I was thinking that this weather would mess up the weekend. Today was just gorgeous. This afternoon, John and I started to work on the flowerbed. I mowed the lawn and had Tessa push it around the yard. She does not think it is important to get all the grass cut. She thought I was being to picky. I guess she has a lot to learn.

I find it kind of overwhelming trying to figure out where to put everything. John is more methodical he will sit there and try to think how it will look when the plants are mature. It seems like every year we redo something. I have a hard time throwing any plants away, but it is getting to the point where I am going to have to.

We want to have little paths through the beds as they are getting to big to reach into the middle to weed. I put the little stepping stone or whatever you want to call it that Tessa made one year at Janet's into the flowerbed. Tessa still have memories of Mom and Janet not agreeing on how deep to put the little decorations. Well, they were not deep enough as now they are falling off. I am just glad to have a print of her hands. John would like to make some others that are made by us. I guess time will tell. Till next time...

The long weekend

I was hoping that we would be able to work on the yard sometime this weekend. I know the weekend is not over, but so far it has rained and too wet to be digging in the dirt. I woke up with a headache and have not been able to shake it all day. The dreaded errands were done, with the numerous tears that always fall. It is hard for Tessa to understand why she can NOT get everything that she wants.

I asked her to come and take a little nap with me. I know that times like this will be few. They grow up and do not want to cuddle with their mom. So I guess I will just enjoy everyone that happens and put them to memory. She is still asking about orchestra. Mom and Julie both think she should try it out and see what she thinks. I guess time will tell how this all turns out. Tessa is wanting my attention as we watch this movie. Till next time...