BELATED BIRTHDAY TO JOHN

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JOHN..
John is Wendell's cousin
HIS BIRTHDAY WAS DEC 30-
THIS PAST SATURDAY.

I was so engrossed in Christmas and work.. I missed the day !!!
I'll do better in 2007........maybe

UGLY ORNAMENTS

UGLY ORNAMENT CONTEST

Don't forget to check out the 7 ugly ornaments on JJ's blog.. and either send her an email or vote on the photo that you think is ugliest and one that is the prettiest. I need some votes here.. c'mon, bloggers.. help me out.. I'm going to check to see if anyone has voted for mine.. Nothing at stake.. just my pride. Surely you all know an ugly ornament when you see it..??

2007 APPROACHES

Today is December 31, 2006. It is entirely possible that I'll not blog again until January of 2007. We are within hours of that date. It's hard to fathom that the entire 365 days has passed already, and a new year is well on it's way. So much has transpired, and life has gone on.
I am noticing the days getting longer now. More daylight in the evenings. It's not a huge difference, but it's there..a few extra minutes.
Today is #3 at gainful employment. I had a sort of offer from another secretary to work NY day for me. We'll see. He volunteered out of the clear blue sky..I didn't ask for assistance, though I've had my name in for an off day or at least downsizing. I'm starting to feel it even before going today. I feel like it's going to rain- joints are aching that way..Wendell is also feeling it, and has decided to not try to make the trip to the valley for church.
Tonite I'll be putting on the pork roast and sauerkraut..in anticipation of a NY meal tomorrow at lunch. We leave the food on till everyone shows up- we're using the big roaster this year, and the crock pot full of mashed potatoes- real ones.. not from a box.
The coming year will be bringing changes to our lives. A new home, Wendell's retirement, and 2 new grandchildren top the list for the moment. I'm biding my time till I can retire- it's been my desire for a long time.
I'm so thankful for my gainful employment, however- it provides the benefits we need so desperately.. and so I continue working outside the home.
The coffee pot sounds like it's done brewing...I'm off to get a cup and then ready for work.
God bless you all.

GOOD DAY

Just taking a moment or two to blog.. I'm having my 2nd cup of coffee and the kids are having their hot chocolate. They like the hot chocolate after they have been outside when it's cold. I made them wait till it was at least 35 before going outside.. but it's now 43. David is glued to the TV with a video of Bob the Builder.
He's a Bob-aholic.
#2 day of gainful employment is here. I hope it's as comfortable as last evening. I had a good one. It doesn't happen this way too often. I've put my name in for downsizing for the next 3. I dont' need all 3, but one would make my days easier. We shall see. Sometimes they don't need the secretary in the evening.. but I'd be 'on call' if they gave it off.. and would have to go in if they called.
On to the day.. I don't want to be in front of the computer on days when the kids are here.. they are much fun and I want to absorb it all !!
Have a good day, blogger-buddies..

UGLY ORNAMENT CONTEST

Okay..bloggers.. heads up !

JJ has made a contest out of our UGLY ORNAMENT CONTEST. She would like everyone to participate.. it's free.. so check out her blog by clicking here. It'll take you to her blog where you can peruse the ornaments and then vote for the ugliest and the prettiest. It will be fun to see what YOU think vs what our family voted for on Christmas day.

HERE COMES THE WEEKEND

My alarm clock went off at 8:30AM..I turned it off, pulled the covers back up over me and snoozed for another hour. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I have to work this afternoon, but that's this afternoon, this is morning. I'm finally up and moving better, showered and dressed for work. I was looking at the weather as is always my habit, and I see that it's now 37 degrees with a 48 high- partly cloudy and NO precipitation expected.
This is like heaven for those of us who have the winter 'dreads'. It gets better yet~ Saturday and Sunday are to go to 50 degrees! WOOHOO !! I can deal with this kind of winter.
Many years have passed with violent winters that left me frustrated and cold and nervous about driving in icy conditions. I had given moving south serious thought so many times. Where would we move to? Florida? No.. I don't think I want that~ too much water and humidity.. California? Too far away from family and then there's the earthquakes..no, not California.. Virginia sounds good to me..yeah.. a tad milder winter and close enough to family that I could see them when I wanted. No... can't go that far. I guess we'll just stay here. After all, winter isn't THAT long.. and spring here is so wonderful..
I'm gainfully employed at the hospital for the next 4 days. I hope I can endure it all. Actually, I'm praying that it will be a calm weekend and they will be slow enough to send me home at least one of the days. My restrictions for work because of my back problems say 3 days in a row.. but there are times I do 4 to meet schedule needs..just not often. Usually I'm shot down by the 4th. If I can get a break in there somewhere, it'll be okay.
They have me scheduled to cover the whole unit (east and west) most of the time now. Sometimes one of the nurses will pick up the lighter side and help me out. I'm grateful for that. East is always the busiest end and the one that gets slammed before anyone else. I work east most of the time .. the evenings go faster, but are stressful.
Wendell is up and moving.. having a lot of knee pain again..both knees.. the orthopedic surgeon will see him Jan 5, so we'll see what happens then. The first week of the year will be a busy one..
Kids are coming for a sleepover tonite.. fun time! and I have to work.....sigh.....Mandy is planning a kids supper tonite for them to make it more like a 'sleepover'. than anything else... sort of party time.
I'll not be home till midnight.
I've gone on enough... gotta get a lunch packed for tonite. ... gotta get my face on...and get moving on the day.

• Pray all goes well for Amy tomorrow when she goes for the non stress test
• Pray for Wendell.. his knees are getting worse
• Pray for a little 18 month old named Maggie from Texas.. she has Guillian-Barre. Pray for healing
• Remember Aunt MaryJane and Uncle Bob as they are healing
  ~ and Aunt MaryJane is in a rehab center away from home
• Pray for me too.. I have a tough weekend coming up and will need strength and endurance.

Have a super day my friends.. AND Happy New Year to all !

NEW YEAR TRADITIONS

The holidays we celebrate always interest me. I like to know as much about them as I can. New Years Day is one that I found interesting.. It's another of those Babylonian pagan holidays that Christians have adopted as their own.
The traditions and customs are unusual for many lands.

I guess after making the Resolution List, the Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses Parade comes to mind pretty quickly. That parade was begun back in 1886 with the Valley Hunt Club when they decorated their carriages with bazillions of flowers and paraded in celebration of the ripening of the orange crop.
The football games weren't played back then I suppose.. but the Rose Bowl came to the forefront in 1916~ and all on New Years Day.

Baby New Year is a symbol used throughout the world signifying 'rebirth'. An old Father Time is often seen with the baby at his heels.

"Anything in the shape of a ring brings good luck" say the Dutch who eat doughnuts on NY day. Hmmm too bad I'm not Dutch.. I love doughnuts and could use a good excuse to pig out on some tasty Krispy Kremes..

Pork and blackeyed peas are also a symbol of good luck in the US. The hog being a symbol of prosperity.
Also, cabbage is considered a symbol of prosperity because of it's resemblance to currency.
There is a Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes as the clock strikes 12.

Auld Lang Syne was penned by Robert Burns in the 1700s, and is a song well acquainted with the NY celebration. In Times Square people come to watch the 'ball drop' as the countdown is made. Then the fireworks begin and the singing of this song. It's a tradition, and if you aren't in Times Square, you are likely watching it at home.
I often have wondered why at the stroke of midnight, I hear gun shots. I suppose that's the poor man's rendition of fireworks?
We always have sauerkraut and pork on New Years Day. Some eat it at midnight.. we eat it for either lunch or supper. I cook it because I like it..and it gives me an excuse to make it...I am a firm non-believer in luck, but others think there is a 'good luck charm' attached if you have it on that day. I actually only remember once when we didn't have it for NY.. that was the year we spent in Texas, and Uncle John served us turkey ham and blackeyed peas!
So what do you eat for NY day, or do you have traditions in your family?

NOROVIRUS

Norovirus is also known as 'stomach flu', but is not influenza. The norovirus is rampant here where we live and has caused at least one unit of the local hospital to cease admissions until proper sanitation could be applied.

It can affect anyone and there is no vaccine or immunization available.

Symptoms are the acute and severe onset of vomiting and non-bloody diarrhea. One is contagious from the onset of symptoms to three days after symptoms subside, but sometimes up to 2 weeks. If you handle food, you shouldn't do so for 3 days after you recover from the bug.

What can be done? Wash your hands frequently.. and foods.. fruits and veggies.
Use household bleach to clean surfaces that might have been contaminated. Also, bed linens need to be washed in hot soapy water and dried in a dryer.

Norovirus causes loss of fluids from the body and electrolytes. Dehydration can be a real problem. Replace fluids orally as soon as you are able.

Stay healthy!

Take 2 Tylenols & call me in the morning

As a nurse, I like to educate. Influenza is in mid season.. Here's some information for you all..

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious acute infection of the respiratory tract, and is very common during the winter.
It usually appears as an epidemic and naturally school children are hit in the highest numbers. At risk are the very young, the elderly, those who are immunosuppressed and those who have chronic diseases.

Influenza is caused by a virus which mutates with lightning speed, or so it would seem. It is spread by droplet by inhalation, or by indirect contact.. eating or drinking from an infected person's glass.

Weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, fever of 101-102, sneezing or runny nose are the symptoms. Most people recover from the flu, but those who are at risk tend to develop complications- like pneumonia.

What do you do if you develop influenza?

• bedrest- you won't want to be up and running anyway- your body heals as you sleep, so you might as well
• Drink extra fluids -the CDC suggests 1 full glass of water or juice every hour
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) for the aching and pain. No aspirin for children

At what point should you call the doctor?

• after 3 days of fever of 102
• if you develop heavy mucus and have difficulty breathing
• relapse after good improvement

How can it be prevented?

• Wash your hands frequently and teach children to follow your example
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing- use tissues- and dispose of them properly
• Flu shot- you have to be immunized a week to 4 months before exposure for the shots to be effective. They are inactivated viruses (dead) from several strains of the most prevalent mutated viruses. The shots are about 67-92% effective. These vaccines are developed from eggs, so if you are allergic to eggs, you should talk to your doctor before receiving the immunization. In rare cases, neurologic disorders can develop from the vaccine.
  
• Flu-Mist is another vaccine given during flu season. It is a live virus sprayed into the nose. Not recommended for those in the risk groups or pregnant women.
• If you know your resistance is down, stay away from shopping malls,theaters or crowded places during the epidemic. Keep your distance from people who are sneezing and coughing.
• There are anti-flu medications you can take if you can be diagnosed within the first 24-48 hours. Amantadine and Rimantadine are two of these. Relenza is an inhaled powder and Tamiflu, an oral med, are used to lessen the symptoms of influenza. Don't use the Relenza if you have lung problems.

As the Boy Scout motto says "Be Prepared" if there is an epidemic in your area.

• Keep a week's supply of canned meats, veggies, and fruits on hand
  
• Dry cereals or granola
• Peanut butter or nuts
• Crackers
• Fruit juices
• Bottled water
• Canned soups
• Extra prescription supplies- don't drop below a week's supply
• Soap and alcohol based hand wash
• Meds for fever- Tylenol or ibuprofen
• Thermometer
• Anti-diarrheal meds
• Fluids with electrolytes
• Tissues, toilet paper, disposable diapers
• Garbage/waste bags

Stay healthy !!!

COUSINS....

This is my cousin Brendon..
cutie, isn't he..
He has the most enormous brown eyes..
and long lashes...Brendon is the grandson of my cousin Nicolle..
no wonder he's so beautiful.

This is the picture I've been waiting for..
Brendon and his Gramma.

Looks like Uncle Nathan and Brendon
are taking some time for a snooze......

Annsley, Brendon, and Jeremiah
Cute family

Bob, Nicolle, Nathan, Jeremiah, Annsley and Brendon

MOVING RIGHT ALONG

WOOHOO WENDY!
I JUST NOTICED
YOU ARE DOWN TO DOUBLE DIGITS !!!!

SIGNS OF THE TIMES

I was thinking this morning about signs of the times.
I heard an elderly lady on the radio last week talking about her most memorable Christmas.. wonderful story.. it was 1918 and the entire family had been plagued with influenza. They all were sleeping in their living room as that was the warmest room in the house. It had been a bad winter with cold and snow. Christmas eve, her father hitched up a horse and buggy and went out into the cold evening to go to the local town which was 5 miles from their home. He'd been very ill with flu, but went out despite the protests of his wife. It wasn't an easy task..first he had to hitch up his buggy and horse..then the first mile was their road- unpaved and full of deep ruts and mud. The dirt road into town was treacherous.
The lady was just a little girl then, and she cuddled into a down filled cot and watched her father go by the window into the night. It was Christmas eve..and no one had had the strength to do any decorating for the season, but they were alive and recovering, so they were thankful and happy.
Next morning, they found stockings on the fireplace mantle.. as she related, "the best Christmas ever" and she remembered what was in the stockings.. 1 apple, 1 orange, a small handful of candies and some nuts. This was Christmas.
Now, I see so many that receive so many gifts they can't remember who gave them to them for the present year, let alone years past. I remember my favorite Christmas.. we lived in the little house on 7th Street Road. Dad always set the tree up on Christmas eve while we slept. In the morning, I found a Tiny Tears doll. It was my very favorite and something I'd wanted badly. I don't really remember anything else that I got that year from anyone.. but I do remember opening that box and seeing the doll of my dreams.

I was 8 yr old when my Aunt Grace (Mother's sister) passed away. I was named for her. She died on December 24, 1955~ Christmas eve. Mother always told us about how that year was so difficult for Aunt Grace- of course it was- she had bowel cancer and was dying. She had Mom buy the gifts for us.. she wanted to make sure we got Christmas gifts even if she wouldn't be there to give them.

Kids today seem to get so much...I listened to the women at work last night talking about all the "things" they had given their children.. and then were dismayed that the children were disappointed with so many and wanted something else. They had spent thousands of dollars on new computers for their 7yr olds..and then wondered why they didn't want to look at any of their other gifts. "this is okay..but where is my online service?"

Perhaps, just perhaps, we should be looking at 1 apple, 1 orange, and a small handful of hard candy and nuts?

A DAY OFF

It is nearly the end of December, and I really can't believe we've had such minimal snow this season. As I drove home last night from work, the flurries were flying around me. It's cold~33 degrees right now and 37 degrees expected. I actually expected to wake up today to a blanket of white.. nope! Still brown and crispy looking.. and no precipitation to amount to anything is expected. WOOHOO!!
I've just made coffee. I got new coffee mugs as a gift for Christmas from my friends in Maryland.. nice big ones! Thanks guys.. I love these, as I really like a nice big hot cup of coffee in the morning. And it occurs to me that these would also be great for hot chocolate- lots of room for marshmallows or a big glob of whipped cream.. Nice!
Today I'm not gainfully employed, but do have a few responsibilities to take care of.. like getting our meds from the pharmacy. These are necessities. I have a couple of bills to take care of also.. and then the clean up from the past few days. Lots to do.
Once I start back to work on Friday, I have a 4 day stretch to deal with. chances are, I may be able to get off at least one of those days. I'm hoping.
Have a great day.. and Keep praying !!!

A NEW YEAR ON THE HORIZON

With less than a week until 2007, there will be a bunch of folks making New Years Resolutions. These are lists of things we promise ourselves to abide by for the rest of our lives....and then January 3rd we toss in the wastebasket due to non-compliance. Humans are strange.
My resolutions? Well..... I'll be thinking about that in the next few days.. Mostly about how I can get the 20 extra pounds off that I began a few months ago. I have 12 to go..Then I'll reset my goals.
So.. here are a few resolutions..not necessarily in any order of importance

• Tame the bulge..walk more- eat right and regular meals..drink more water
• Reinstate the exercise program that took a back seat during November and December
  
• Get organized.. clean up the clutter, pack things away that I plan to use in our new home.. and toss the rest. Sort through my clothes and give to Good Will
  
• Clean the bedroom top to bottom.
  
• Organize photos and then send the appropriate ones to others in the family who will appreciate them
• Update family history-make at least 3 copies of the main books (that's a huge undertaking)
  
• Save for new computer
• Spend more time with Wendell
• Improve church attendance, spend more time in personal devotions
• Pray more and encourage others to do so also.
• Visit family more
• Take time to smell the roses
• Get more sleep
  

It will be interesting to see how many of these things I can accomplish by January 2008.
These are a few of the things I'd like to do for myself. There are many more.. How about you? Do you have a resolution list? What are your plans for 2008?

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGERS !!

"WATCH THE BIRDIE"

Trying to stage pictures is difficult.. you can never get everyone smiling at the same time..
Okay, now.. everyone say "C H E E S E" ! Eh? How about "SCRAPBOOK STATION"??

A VALENTINE CHRISTMAS

Wendy sent this today.. It's their family picture on Christmas Day.. I'm sure she'll post more later on her blog, but I wanted to share this one.. Essie,Wendy,Gaylie,Cory,Isaac

CHRISTMAS 2006

THANK YOU KEITH AND JJ
FOR THE LOVELY EVENING !!

We spent our Christmas day evening at the Vulhops where we all gathered together for fun, games, gift exchange, and food.....lots of food.

Here we are.. Wendell and Marilyn.. looking more refreshed than we've been for a while..

We did the UGLY ORNAMENT contest.. everyone was to bring the ugliest ornament they could purchase.. price was not a factor.. ugly was. My ornaments were on the tree..the comet above the red and white star and the very bottom was a Santa with feathers.. yechh.. We didn't win , however.. the most votes were cast for the dirty pig in the middle of the tree. Everyone voted whether they brought an ornament or not.


Here is Joyce casting her vote.. I wonder which one she voted for...?? Oh, it HAD to be mine.. I'm her Gramma

JJ counted the votes.......hmmm something fishy here.. it seems JJ's ornament won the prize... and the runner up for prettiest was Keith's !!!!

Paul3 and Daniel got RC General Lee cars.. They were sooooo excited. They had to wait to operate them till they have a larger area without carpet.. too bad!

The kids all like JJ and Keith's computer... They spent a bit of time playing games here.

Mandy and John stopped to have a picture taken...

Keith took my picture and then I snapped this one of him..


John made non-alcoholic Margaritas.. mmmmmmm tasty !

JJ in the kitchen.. slaving away so we could have a good time.. what a gal !!

Jane played Skip-Bo with us...Hey! I caught her putting an 8 on a 2 and calling it a 3.. hmmm.. related to Mum, perhaps???



Food was abundant...now, that's not really a good description.. I can't think of a word to describe it except perhaps FEAST.. so much we couldn't begin to eat all of it..


David loved the older boy's General Lee RC cars.. he kept pushing the "try me" button that played Dixie..and then he started singing along.. cutie, he is.

Really concentrating on that Thomas Game.. David is a computer whiz kid at 2 !


Amy and Paul paused for a quick picture in front of the door..Nice smiles...

Blairs on stairs.. David, Daniel, P3, Joyce being smashed...

IT'S HERE !

It's the day we've prepared for all those long days this month and last month. It's here..it's Christmas Day !
How I would love to relive those days as a child on Christmas morning.. a day of joy and happiness.. fun and finding delightful things everywhere.. playing new games.. sharing .. visiting the neighbors to see what kind of gifts they got.. visits from family/ friends.. neighbors.. all well wishing ..
Yep.. it's here. I'd love to be at the Valentine house or the Blair house this morning to watch my grandchildren as they come from their rooms and are greeted with all sorts of beautiful packages..What fun that would be..
I noticed on my new office chair from Wendell.. that there are 2 NEW Christmas stockings.. one with DAD on it and one with MOM on it.. hmmmmm little elves have been busy around here. They weren't here an hour ago...
and there are 2 mantle stocking hooks sitting on the tree table.. with stockings hanging from them... oh, how sweet....... and OH! it's a reminder that next Christmas we'll have a mantle to put them on!
I'd better get myself to bed now.. it's after midnight.. and there is much to prepare even tomorrow.. lots of fun things to do.. visiting with the grandkids.. preparing food for game night at Vulhops.. wrapping a couple more little things that were missed earlier.. and then on the road to do it all..
There won't be much blogging done today later.. maybe a few lines...... but not much I'm sure..
It's cold here in WPA..no snow, but 29 degrees expected..and cold tomorrow..Bundle up and stay warm bloggers..Merry Christmas to you all..... and to all a good night.

'TIS THE SEASON

JUST AS SCRIPTURE SAID..

CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR, WAS BORN......
SEE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE FOR DETAILS..

MATTHEW ACCOUNT

Matthew 2
The Visit of the Magi
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Mag from the east came to Jerusalem
2and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
3When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.
4When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.
5"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
6" 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel." 7Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."
9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.
10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

13When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."
14So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt,
15where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
16When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.
17Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
19After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt
20and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead."
21So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel.
22But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene."

LUKE 2:8-20

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

LUKE 2 ACCOUNT

"In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And all went to be registered,each to his own town.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee,from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.
And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." ---Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)

CHRISTMAS EVE

It's Christmas Eve.. we are within hours of the big day we have been waiting for for weeks. It's finally the last hours. The wait is about over. Are you ready ?
Last night I came home 4 hours early from work. It was so very quiet.. what I'd expected the night before. The night secretary said she'd cover my unit and I could go home. I was so very tired for some reason. I seem to 'hit the wall ' about the same time every day.
Today is also the Sabbath.. and that means we'll be making the trip to the valley today. It's always well worth our efforts to attend worship there. Hope you'll be attending today also.
The temperatures really dropped yesterday.. In the 30s...and it's there now..hopefully it'll get up again today.
Have a peaceful day.

JUST SOME MEANDERING THOUGHTS

Hello from WPA where it is 42 degrees and wet outside..we should be able to attain about 47 degrees later today.
I don't ever remember a December that has been quite so pleasant actually. I wouldn't mind if our entire winter season was just like this.. cool and rainy. I haven't forgotten just a couple years ago when we had 2+ feet of snow in the front yard. Wonder how Jeremiah and Annsley are making out in all the snow they are getting in Colorado?
And I also wonder how much snow Bill and Carol have in Michigan? What's the word on the West Coast, Cozasalad??
Days are going by so quickly. I guess that's what happens when you get a bit older. Just what happened to December? It seems like it was December 1st.. and now, here we are ..at the end of it..for that matter, the end of another year..and 2007 is beginning to dawn on the horizon. It'll be here in a little over a week.
It seems the older I get, the more things I give up.. like sending Christmas cards.. boy..it's been years since I sent one I think. I think they are delightful, but can't afford the postage as it becomes an extra expense for us.. I'm not even sure what the price of a stamp is these days.. I live in an electronic world. Others still seem to be able to afford this luxury, and I'm thankful for the lovely cards they've sent... especially ones with pictures. Those pictures are such a treasure to me..and each one goes on the refrigerator to be displayed all year round.
Those cards that are sent to us, we use to decorate for the season..by hanging them in the doorways and on the doors. I still remember a day when Paul's kids came and wanted to 'hold' the little mouse card that we had on the front door. It was so cute and they each asked if they could hold it. They took turns. Sweet.
Then we went through about 10 years of sending the "Christmas Letter".. that was so much fun putting together, but again, the expense was a bit much..I'm not complaining.. and I may do this again next year.. who knows?
But for this year at least, our friends and family will just have to accept the knowledge that we think about them no matter what time of year it is.. and we love them all.
Today is the final day of gainful employment before the big day arrives. I think I'm more excited that I am off on Sabbath and can go to church tomorrow!! WOOHOO!!! I just hope I'm physically up to it. Mornings are difficult with all the rain.. joints are aflame.. and it takes time to be able to move.

• Pray for Nicki and Bob as they travel this Christmas..and for healing for Nicki
• Remember Aunt MaryJane as she recuperates from her physical ailments .. and that she might be able to return home for the holidays.
• Pray for Janet that her healing will be swift and complete.
• And for Wendell as he struggles with his knees
• Pray for a smooth labor and delivery for Amy.. and a healthy baby girl.
• And for Wendy as she struggles with hip pain
• For our leaders on all levels..that the Spirit would rest in their hearts~ that they would acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Have a wondrous and wonderful day..

CALM IN MIDST OF STORMS

"When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:…peace. Galatians 5:22 NLT"
"The world is not terribly impressed with Christian T-shirts, billboards, and bumper stickers. In fact, truth be told, many unbelievers are turned off by these impersonal attempts at witnessing.
However, the world is stunned when it sees a Christian overflowing with peace despite a personal crisis.
"Her life is falling apart, but she isn't. How is that possible?"
"If I were in his shoes, I'd be a nervous wreck, but he is so calm. Why?"
The peace that the Holy Spirit produces within us is supernatural tranquility of soul.
Storms can be raging all about us, but within us is the calm assurance that God has already saved us from our worst predicament—sin and death.
Would he rescue us for the world to come only to turn around and abandon us in this world? Of course not!
The Spirit-filled Christian is peaceful because he or she knows the perfect love that drives away fear (1 John 4:18). Ask God to give you his peace in the midst of the storms you are experiencing.

Praying God's Promise:
I want to be marked by your peace, Lord. I need it so that I don't worry myself silly.
More than that, I need it for your glory—so that others might see the wonderful comfort and assurance that is available only in you.
Teach me how to rest in the knowledge that you are in control.

from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Wood (Tyndale) pp 154-55

3 DAYS........

Oh.. it's getting closer...... just 3 more days! Today is Saturday.. granted , the wee hours of Saturday, but Saturday nonetheless. Tonite was a difficult night at the hospital. There were actually about 18 discharges.. 14 on the day shift and more for me.. then the ER got to booming and the admissions kept coming till 11:30pm when I packed up and left. I signed my last chart off at 11:25pm. It was rough.. I'm really mentally drained from trying to keep up with it all. One more to go.. then I'm off for 2. I had anticipated that this weekend would be slow and they would be attempting to empty our department out.. I guess not. We are nearly full up.
The children were here today.. I was feeling sad that I'd missed most of the visit.. but Amy and Paul came back from the appointment.. no induction of labor. Well.. we'll just wait it out.. what else can one do, really?
The kids brought all their 'sleep-over' stuff in preparation today. We were all excited.

Gotta get some sleep..... it's been one of those evenings.. and I'm really tired.

4 DAYS TILL.......

It's just 4 days to Christmas.. not even a week away now.. the curiosity is building. I am the worst most likely..wondering what is in those packages under our little tree.. just like a cat.. full of curiosity...
Soon... very soon...

I checked the weather here in Butler.. we are not anticipating a white Christmas.. for those of you who share my dread of winter.. WOO HOO !!! We get rain. For others, who are longing for a white Christmas.. well.. I'm sorry.. don't dwell on it too long.. maybe next year.. (heheheehe) ( YES !!!!)
It's already 50 degrees today.. I may not even need my jacket..
The grandkids are coming today.. any minute as a matter of fact. We are so happy to have them here while Amy goes for her appointments.. Such a delight! Perhaps soon we will have another little one in which to joy...It's hard not to explode with excitement at the prospect of #8.. Paul.. Amy.. you should have made a blog.. NAME THE NEW BABY.. it could have been pretty interesting. Not sure I like the name Brandy Vermouth or Ginger Cooky.. maybe you should think on this some more. There is still time.. maybe someone would like to help you decide on her name??
Gainful employment awaits me.. gotta run.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!!

WHAT DO YOU SAY

What do you say when

you get a gift you *Really Don't Like*

10. "Well, well, well, now, there's a gift!"

9. "No, with all the hostile takeovers this year, I missed the big Ronco/K-Tel/Ginsu merger. Would you just look at that! What will they think of next?!"

8. "Hey, as long as I don't have to feed it, or clean up after it, or put batteries in it, I'm happy!"

7. "No, really, I didn't know that there was a Chia Pet tie! Oh, wow! It's a clip-on too!"

6. "You know, I always wanted one of these! Jog my memory -- what's it called again?"

5. "You know what? -- I'm going to find a special place to put this!"

4. "Boy, you don't see craftsmanship like that every day!"

3. "And it's such an interesting color too!"

2. "You say that was the last one? Am I ever glad that you snapped that baby up!"

And the number one thing to say about the Christmas gifts you didn't like is:
"You shouldn't have! I mean it -- you really shouldn't have!"

WELCOME BABY STOCKWELL

WELCOME
HARRISON WILLIAM STOCKWELL
BORN THIS MORNING 12/21/06
8# 12 OZ & 20"
CONGRATULATIONS
JEREMY AND CHRISTY !

Harrison Ford as Han Solo