Papa's "New" Truck

Well, we no longer have the BMW. Hubby decided to sell it in order to buy a used extended cab truck After many months of trying to sell the Beamer, a phone call came from a lady from Colorado who was in town visiting friends. Long story short, she bought the car with cash (the best kind of sale). After much Internet search for a truck, hubby found one in town that fit his criteria, and on the same day he sold the BMW. The truck is n-i-c-e! I wouldn't say that the old truck was a dump, but I was unable to drive it for many reasons. Upon seeing the new truck, our granddaughter, Toots, hopped in and approved it!! She told her Papa that he could just come to school, get in the car line, and pick her up one day after school. Papa chuckled, but not sure he is going to do that. Then while riding in the truck last night, Toots announced that she had never, ever ridden in a truck. She said it was really nice but wanted to know, "Papa, why did you have to buy a truck that plays sports on the radio?"

Blame It on My Iphone

So I guess it has been a while since I have posted. Blame it on my new Iphone. I love it!! I can check facebook in the comfort of my loveseat. I can search the web for anything without sitting at the BIG computer. I just haven't ventured into my blog from my Iphone. I know it can be done, but you know me and technology. We aren't the best of friends. In fact, I don't think we should be in the same room because we don't get along. That being said, I love my Iphone. I do not have many apps installed. I'm sure I only use a tenth of it's potential. But then we only use a tenth of our brains. Guess I should learn to develop both of them. But not right now. You see, I'm going in the living room to watch tv. That will really develop my brain while I check in with my Iphone, my friend.

Reflections of the Year Past and Resolutions of the Year Present

Ok, so the title is not original, but I'm tired and can't think. It seems as if 2010 has zoomed past me and at times dragged me along with it. I had many deadlines to meet, goals to accomplish, work to be done, and on and on. I guess it would behoove me to make a list of those things accomplished for my own sake, for motivation to do even more in 2011. So here goes in no particular order:

• Babysat my granddaughter on our days off from school, including most of the summer. We had lots of fun, learned a lot, and enjoyed our time.
• Welcomed a new grandson into the world. He is so cute. He loves to stick out his tongue, and he is only 8 months old. Looking forward to many new adventures.
• Enjoyed time with our step-grandsons (I hate that word step!) playing, eating, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, watching football, and just spending time together.
• Enjoyed time with my three children, their mates, and grandchildren, but always wishing it were more time.
• With a great group of people, we sewed and shipped 1001 diapers for the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. This is the most we have ever done. PTL
• Went on a mission trip to South Dakota to help build the addition to their church. In just 3 1/2 days the project went from a hole in the ground to complete roof.
• Went on a mission trip to Honduras where Lorraine and I helped with their sewing program. I took oversized and unwanted clothes and showed them how to make backpacks, bags, skirts from jeans, save items from the clothes and much more. I was so thrilled to be doing mission work in my area of skill.
• Worked Vacation Bible School which is always a fun activity to be with the children.
• Continued with Beginner Bible Bowl kids at our monthly competitions and the Nationals. The young ones keep you hopping and all was good!
• Attended the National Missionary Convention to renew our desire to work in missions, pick up new ideas, and make new contacts. It's better than a family reunion.
• Accepted the challenge and read through the Bible in one year along with 80+ others from our church.
• Continued with our small group for the third year. As a group we sent Children's Spanish Bibles to a project in Honduras, sold Christmas wreaths for project money, worked at SOS in town, sponsored a child for the year, and purchased Christmas for an extended family. We love getting together and especially eating.
• Finished agonizing physical therapy on my hip, and had a root canal. Yippee!
• Continued with our Sign Language Interpreters at church.
• Became Marty's nurse after he had shoulder surgery. I was creative on ways to make his recovery easier such as elastic bands to hold his phone and TV remote while he recovered in his recliner.
• Continued to serve on the Missions Team, collect food for the CARES program, and substitute at the Senior Dinners.
• Attended the graduation, honors dinner, and parties for my nephew, Kyle, who graduated second in his class. Way to go, Kyle!!
• Continued another year as teacher of fourth graders. I have a great class this year:)
• Celebrated 60 years of life and 38 years of marriage to my life partner, Marty. Looking forward to many more years of life and marriage.

As I have listed these accomplishments, it has been cathartic as well as encouraging to me. I see that I need to get busy on a whole new list of things to accomplish in the year 2011. God, I'm ready to serve.

Christmas Dinner Buca Style

Ok, I don't think I have ever gone out to dinner on Christmas to a restaurant. That is until this Christmas. Because my daughter couldn't come here, we went there or close to it. We went to Buca de Beppa for Christmas dinner. The place is right in the middle of the big city, complete with all the lights, and hustle and bustle. Except the bustle was not so much on Christmas night. But I digress. The place is authentic Italian food in HUGE helpings. We ordered some things individual servings and others as family style. Yum! And since both my birthday and my daughter's birthday were within 7 days of our time there, we received brownie sundaes, complete with ice cream and whipped topping. But we didn't stop there. We ordered the 28 inch dessert platter with 4 towering desserts. And my oldest daughter ordered her own piece of cake. We didn't eat it all, but we tried. Those left overs will take soooooo good and remind us of the wonderful Christmas dinner we had together. The guilt I was feeling for making the people work on Christmas soon dissipated as we wound our way through all the people waiting for their turn to gorge on the delicious food.

A Chia Cat Has Adopted Me

I met the mailman as he approached our door, his arms overflowing with packages. I could almost see his red suit, but he had traded his reindeer for a 4-wheel drive to trudge through the snow. Back to the packages--On closer examination we found one box to be elegantly addressed to ME! Carefully slicing through the plastic tape, the open box revealed a Chia Pet!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I felt as if I were living the movie where the boy gets his gun. The card with it did not reveal the sender, only stating, "Heard you have been good." So to whomever is out there that has recognized my goodness and rewarded said goodness with the ultimate gift, I THANK YOU!

My Birthday Reflections

I have not been looking forward to this birthday because the big round number is, well, big. None of the other mile-stone birthdays have bothered me. I sailed right through them all. But now at 60, I feel old. Even my granddaughter said that was really old. So to change these negative feelings, I need to reflect on the positives about being 60. If I forget any, you may add them on in the comments.

• Senior discount in most restaurants and stores
• I'm older, I have more insurance (I love that line.)
• Forgetfulness is expected and forgiven
• I have my own teeth
• My hair is my natural color (thanks, Dad) with gray highlights
• I have all my own body parts that are essential (don't stress on this one)
• Respect for elders
• A head full of stories of "When I was a kid..."
• Many years racked up at work
• Nearing retirement when I get to choose what to do
• Don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom
• Been there, done that, no thank you.
• A seat while others stand
• Selective deafness
• Ability to say NO, I'm not doing that...
• Elastic waistband pants
• Many good friends in the same age bracket
• Family
• The same husband for 38 years
• New phase in life where I can serve God in more ways

So as I have counted my blessings, I realize that reaching 60 is a big deal, and it really does mean I am old.

The Highly Anticipated/Dreaded Fall Party

As I arrived at school yesterday, I noticed that the children were a little more alive/out of control. I thought it was because of the Fall Party scheduled for later in the day. As we began class, I asked who had been trick or treating so far? About half of the class raised their hands. Then I asked who had eaten candy? About five admitted to eating candy for breakfast. No wonder they were so hyped. The day zoomed by quickly and their activities and volume escalated to a feverish pitch. At the time I could stand it no more, the party was ready to begin with parents AND siblings. At least half of the children brought something to share, so their plates were overflowing with iced cookies, candy, gum, and SUGAR. There were colored sprinkles all over the new carpet along with green punch spilled. I had to resort to blowing the whistle, literally, when it was time to clean up so that they could hear me over the noise. After the third blow they calmed to a low roar and began stuffing leftover candy, cookies and toys in their bags and prepared to go home. I knew that their parents would be so proud of them and their behavior as they arrived home for the evening. And I did not contribute one bite of sugar.

Dressed Down But Up for the Wedding

Yesterday was the wedding of two dear friends of ours. They were introduced to and got to know one another on mission trips from our church. I'm not sure when they fell in love, but if you can fall in love with someone on a mission trip, it must be love. For the wedding, my husband had this great idea. He suggested to all who have been on a mission trip with Justin and Barb over the past few years should wear some article of clothing from one of the trips. Wow! It was great. We saw two different kinds of shirts from the Indian reservation this summer, shirts from the Mexican trip, ladies hats from Barbados, sandals from Mexico and Barbados, shirt from Haiti diaper mission, sombrero, tool belt, sewing supplies, and shirts, shorts, and headbands from working in the heat in Barbados. The bride and groom loved it!! Both said they wish they had thought of it and worn something similar as their wedding attire. Thanks hubby for the close connection we felt to them through our outfits. May God allow us to go on many more trips with them.

School's Out for Summer

I'm officially on VACATION. I have great plans for many things to do this summer, but before I know it, school will be back in session. Don't want to look it that way. I want to enjoy my time off, do my mission trips, teach Vacation Bible School, enjoy my grandchildren, and just relax. Time will tell.

Grandson Home

Hubby and I got to see our grandson at home! He came home yesterday at 12 days old! I held him for a long time and looked at his long thin fingers, his long narrow feet with toes spread apart. He doesn't like a wet diaper and lets you know it by his screams. He draws back his feet when touched, cowers at sudden noises, and likes to grab for necklaces. His eyes are dark blue and he likes to peek out of his left one. Hubby got some cute pictures of him exercising his mouth--pursing his lips, making an O, and other expressions as he slept. What a wonderful Mother's Day present!!

Grandson Update

Good news about our grandson--he is off the oxygen and is feeding on his own. As soon as he gains some weight, he will be able to go home. His daddy said it could be this weekend, just in time for Mother's Day. That would be a great present for them.

Meeting Our Grandson

We got to see our newest grandson yesterday. He is so small. He is in a special care nursery where he is hooked up to many tubes for monitoring, feeding, oxygen, and antibiotics. To get to hold him, the nurse had to wade through the wires, pick him up, and hand him to me while I was seated. He was very alert, watching my face and listening to my voice. He doesn't like to be touched on his head--he flinched and drew inward. He grabbed on to my thumb with a free hand and held tightly. He didn't notice the tears that trickled down my face. Wonder if he could sense my joy? His parents call him Peanut, but I'm leaning toward Cubby. That name might change as I get to know him more. Thank you, God, for such a sweet blessing.

The Lord Provides

My nephew was just awarded a very profitable scholarship that will pay for all of his college. He is so worthy. Thank you, Lord.

My Last Amen

I heard this song, My Last Amen, on the Christian radio this past week and became an instant fan. The youtube version, is from a live concert and has an awesome coronet solo at the beginning. It is not the best for vocals, but you can hear it here.

Post 801

My daughter helped me start my blog in 2005. She started hers in 2003, while in school. I have surpassed her entries a long time ago. With Facebook, it is difficult to keep up both, but I do love my blog. Here is to another 800 entries.

Pizza and a Game

Hubby and I attended a birthday party for our 7 year-old step-grandson, D. The party was one of the pizza places with the games, go cart racing, buffet, etc. I felt like I was in a casino with gambling. If one were seizure prone or experienced migraines, that was not the place to spend much time. D enjoyed himself and racked in a ton of gifts. Toots enjoyed herself as well. And the pizza/game place enjoyed racking in our money.

New Car!

We got our new car--a new Nissan Cube. It is scarlet red with a dark, dark gray interior. It handles like a VW bug. We requested our daughter drive it while we were in the big city. It will be so much fun motoring around in it. More later.

Cookie Cutter Tree

Toots and I decorated this tree together. We placed 133 cookie cutters on it and added one more as a Christmas present. There are many antique metal cutters on it as well as cheap plastic ones in color. I actually have more cutters to make it all metal, but have never done it that way. The witch and bats for Halloween are in the back. The metal nativity pieces are at the bottom where Toots decided to place them. Now that Christmas is over, we need to put them all away until another year. But not yet. I enjoy the display so much.

Christmas Is Over

Christmas is over. I so enjoyed the season with the decorations, the music, lights, friends, gifts, and especially the reason--Christ's birth. I don't want to take down the trees and put away the lights. Suppose I could leave them up a while longer. I still enjoy them so.

"Twas a Techno Christmas

What a great Christmas! We enjoyed being with family most of all. And the gifts were great, too. So many techno gifts. Our 5 year-old granddaughter got a DS (whatever that is) and knows how to play/use it. Marty got an underwater camera so he can spy on the fish and frogs this next summer. Doug got so many gadgets for his camera that he will need a suitcase--wait, that's not techno enough--to carry it all. Heidi got a gps with a big screen. I got a digital photo billfold whatever. Instead of carrying photos in my wallet, I now can share all my pictures digitally. Ally got an Ipod that holds more gigs than our computer. Jason, however, did not go techno. He asked for and received a 35 pound kettle bell for weight training. Guess you can't actually lift weights digitally. And we all received cds of the latest stars. Wonder why Heidi got Glee 1 and I got Glee 2? And Ally got the Beatles? Marty had a plan for his download. The girls had plans for their uploads. I'm still trying to figure out how to play my cd on the "old-fashioned" cd/radio player.