Gifting Each Day

End of Year 2011

2011-12-28T10:54:00.000-08:00

I Know I've been MIA for a few months now but sometimes life catches up and even runs a person over. Mac Last March on his 82nd Birthday

We've had a hectic, sometimes very sad and sometimes very happy days lately. In October, after my last post, my father-in-law, Mac that had been living with us since last April and going through cancer treatments succumbed to the desease. He was in terrible pain in the last days and weeks and declined quickly. We are very sad but yet very thankful he is no longer in pain and suffering so.My Dad, My Husband and his father Mac

It's hard to help someone when all you can do is be there and can't take the pain and desease away from them. It was also bittersweet, spending those months with him because we got to spend alot of time talking and just doing little things that created comradere and closeness. I know my husband will always treasure those moments they spent just sitting together talking about nothing in particular. This summer before he got totally down with the cancer we were able to get him out fishing on the boat twice and fishing and sitting at the little ponds near our house several times as well. I took him on several drives up into the low lying hills against the mountains around Pikes Peak and just looked at the scenery. Mac's Last Boat Ride in September

Mac at the Ponds near our house

Our dogs, both Mrytle and Mable were his buddies and watched over him constantly. It was obvious they sensed his illness and pain and worried over him. They moped at the top of the stairs watching down at the front door waiting for him to come home, after he went to the hospital the last time, for days and days. I guess we have too in our own way.Mable

Through out all of this I have been extremely aware and talked to my father-in-law about the fact that "EACH DAY IS A GIFT!" I think he embraced that and tried to do just that. He kept his positive attitude and didn't give up until the very end. He did enjoy many of the small moments every day and got to read maybe 50 or 60 books over those months that he hasn't been able to do in many years. He loved reading and I was hard put to keep him supplied but it was such a joy to see him contentedly reading and not concentrating on his situation or pain.Some of Mac's Special moments and gifted days

Most people have experienced some kind of loss among their family and friends so I know you probably have had the wistful feelings of emptiness we are feeling here. He missed all the last major holidays this year that we were looking forward to making extra special for him knowing they would probably be his last, but nothing is worth going through the extreme pain many people experience with last stages of many types of cancer, so in the end we are thankful he is free. I do hope to get back to blogging more soon but have just been regrouping and keeping things going with family and friends through the busy holiday season and our mutts too. The grandkids needed attention of course and I hope to spend more time in that arena in the new year.I hope to get out and visit each of you as I can and see what all I've missed in your lives and blogs in the last few months.Take care and God Bless!

2011-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

FINALLY....I'm back.. We had our end of the season camping trip and boat rides and had a ball. We even celebrated 2 birthdays while we were there. This was my one and only camping trip for the year so I really enjoyed it.

First Evening at the Lake

First Evening at the LakeMy daughter, Amber, the other camera galOur 1 yr old Bully Dog, Mable's first boat ride!Mable stays by hubby just to be safeOur Veteran Bully Dogge Myrtle stands guard over Mable as the little one contemplates abandoning shipHad to have a fire..hotdogs and marshmellows, yummyThe boys show us how it's doneMy brother gives marshmellow roasting lessons to three students from India who joined us for the weekend. They had never tasted never a marshmellow never mind roasting one. Tulisa gives it a try first and become proficient immediatelyRama goes next and has no trouble roasting or eating the yummy treatSiva follows up a little more tentatively but enjoys his first experience quite wellGirls and Boys had to come back for seconds even though the giant marshmellow were each as large as 3 of the regular sized ones. Just too much fun.One Nephew just had to charbroil his just becase he could..of course.Amber and her youngest cuddle by the fireside. What better place for a little togetherness.Take a guess......It's the dancing moon of course...Then of course the was the birthday party...My dad turned 79 years old and Rama just turned into a young whipersnapper of a man...Uh..Oh... Rama knows something is up.....Talk about pie..oh..cake in the face..What a sport.. (especially since it was the second time in a week that Rama got a pie or cake in the face..)Rama knows how to share too, with my brother, the culprit that is..Dad is happy as a lark to be face cake free, which leaves more to eat, yumBet you can't guess who that is....smileCuriosity..moss twisted it's way up this dead bush by the lake's edge...hmmmEeek...Look what the kids found...a Trianchula (sp?) Gotta have a little excitement..THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "What goes around, comes around"...Just ask my brother, the cake instigator

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2011-10-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to post on my blog for awhile due to a gllitch in the system I guess. I have a complete blog ready but can't get it to post so I'm hoping this will go through and then maybe I'll try again. rjm

Whew..What a summer so far....

2011-07-16T19:06:00.001-07:00

Birthdays are a good thing...In Moderation..

2011-04-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

March is our biggest month for birthdays. Now counting other family and friends, we somehow try to go to or celebrate at least 6 of them every year. I'll get more into that in a bit.
First I want to take note of that night when the moon was the closest to the earth that it's going to be in for many eaons or so. Anyway, I didn't know until the next day about it (didn't listen to the news) so I decided the next night ought to be pretty amazing still and it definitely was. The temperature was cool with a slight haze of moisture in the air and so I ventured out into our front yard determined to get a picture of it for a keepsake. I took several but this is one of my favorites and I'm sharing it with you. Like it?

OUR EXTREMELY EXTRA CLOSE EARTHS MOON!

Of course since Pikes Peak is just outside my window I can't help but take pictures of it alot. I use my close up lens and can get it sharp enough to see most details, especially when there is some snow on it like right now. It's always beautiful to me. I've been to the top of Pikes Peak a few times (by car thank you very much) and looking down over the city and the mountainous terrain all around is breathtaking. We have the plains, the rivers and lakes and the mountains with streams and ponds to boot. Can't help but love it here always. We actually get all four seasons too.

PIKES PEAKS EAST SLOPE WITH SNOW

As time passes we are still progressing on house projects. My dad and his brother both in their upper 70's love doing what they've done all their lives. Create new things and make new from the old. They do great work too.

DAD AND UNCLE WORKING IN GARAGE LIKE THEY DID WHEN THEY WERE 20

My husband works alot so doesn't have much time to help make changes but when he get's the chance he likes to add his own touch and makes some trim and edging look professional and beautiful.

RICK MAKES HIS MARK ON THE KITCHEN

Our kitchen if finally finished, yea!!

Pikes Peak Again

Myrtle looks so dejected in her "Jail Cell." Actually it's her "cave" between the couch and recliner and she can watch for visiters coming in the front door.

"I'm in Jail and I'm not happy about it!"

Mable copies Myrtle in everything and finds her own jail cell.

Mables Jail Cell

One of the benefits of being the grandma of homeschooled children is I can sometimes get involved by being their substitute or specialty teacher. I love it of course. Ethan loves science so he and I did some science projects recently and had a ball. Here he is showing off a time elapse control project to show which liquid will produce the most mold or organisms in two days.

Ethan and his science Project

Here Ethan is learning about liquids and solids and playing with a solution/mixture that is both a liquid and a solid. When he tried to push it with his finger or hit it with his fist it is hard but when he held it in his hand it poured like liquid between his fingers.

Solid or Liquid, that is the question

Speaking of Birthdays, boy were we lamblasted with them this last month. Wow, but what fun too. We celebrated my father-in-laws first by going to lunch. He turned 82 years old and still enjoys going fishing and out to eat.

Mac turns 82 and keeps on smiling

Then there is my mom who just turned 75 or 3/4 of a century as she reminded me. We had a good time here and all of our siblings that live instate were here to help celebrate. Two are states away and couldn't attend unfortunately.

Here's what a 3/4 century cake looks like

Family hangs out with mom

Think she'll be able to blow out allll of those candles?

Many of the grandkids and great grandkids came. They wouldn't have all fit in the room if they'd all been there at once.
All kids love a birthday party

The day after mom's birthday bash we had an even larger one at County Buffett. four more birthdays were celebrated at once. Our two girls had birthdays on March 11 and 15th, then their husbands both had birthdays on the 21st and the 23rd. It couldn't have worked out better. Alot of good food and good fun for all.

Four in One, Krista, Amber, Steve and Luke, Happy Birthday

Tyler, the youngest one present enjoying the prospect of eating all his goodies

Amber's little 6 year old 'borrowed' my camera and went around the table taking at least 40 pictures of all kinds. Here is one practice closeup take of uncle Mike.

Well, Hello Mike..

What's a party unless a guy can get a closeup of themselves as least once.

Ethan's closeup

Now away from birthdays finally and on to kids visiting daddys work. Amber's husband works at an auto sound shop and their kids love checking out all the electronic man toys.

Standing on speakers under glass, it's heavy daddy

Our dogs have a on again off again relationship. Myrtle is jealous of Mable, the little one and yet she loves her sometimes too, at least when she's not showing off her puppy buggyness and getting in Myrtles face anyway. Here we caught them in a moment of sharing the early morning suns warmth. I'm sure it was begrudgingly on Myrtles side but Mable loves it when she can cuddle up with anyone, anywhere, anytimne.

Sharing the Morning Sunshine

Sunrise outside my back door

Pikes Peak from Afar

Jet taking off into the sunrise of Colorado

One Last Colorado Sunrise to note the beauty of God's world

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"If while on a walk downtown you came up on a dirty, raggedy old man beggin for help, what would you do? Call for help, give him money to shut him up, take him to a shelter or ignore him?" Each situation is different of course and you may have children with you or not but if you do have children, they will learn from you how these situations should be handled so think about it ahead of time and then using some commen sense decide what your situation calls for.

2011-02-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

Once again I am late in getting my blog up again. For being winter and oh so cold, it sure has been hectic and sometimes even overwhelming. But, FORTUNATELY, I haven't been sick this winter. Yea!!!
I am still concerned for others who are going through tough times physically and or emotionally due to medical or other issues in their lives. I was told at the end of 2006 I had less than a 20% chance of living 2 years! They decided to try one last thing and put me on a 24hour IVpump with a new medication that they hoped would buy me some time.
Obviously it has worked so far cause I'm still here. Because it was a mainline into my heart and because of the medication they gave me and due to being on anti rejection meds for my transplanted kidney, I had NUMEROUS hospital stays with massive blood infections with things like MRSA and pseudomonis and another one or two biggies. I've almost kicked the bucked several times due to those but with the miracle big bads, in other words the heaviest duty antibiotics they have, I eventually kicked each infection. Since the risk was getting bigger that the meds might not be able to kick it the next time the docs changed my IV to a subcutaneous form of getting the meds and since it does not go directly into my bloodstream I haven't had even one of the infections I did before. YEA again! It's been over a year so far and boy am I glad.
Because of the elapsed time since the last infection my body has definitelt gotten stronger which allows me more energy to do some things. My body isn't cured by any means but I have so far been given a stay of calling it quits I hope. The other thing I have to watch out for are lung bleeds and last June was the last time for that and only a tiny one so hopefully that will subside also. All in all I've had the best year I've had in a very long time. I can rejoice in that and enjoy each day as it comes with the full knowledge that I have lived my life fully and that I will continue to do so until the very end. As anyone would, I am planning on living at least until retirement age and beyond.
If you or anyone you know is living a precarious life I would really like to touch base with you/them and be able to share in the sorrow, the worry, the lost plans for a future and the joy of each day we live because each day really is a gift, whether we are sick, weak, or healthy. Only a person who can look at each day as if it were his/her last and can live it to the fullest is using their gift in the way God intended it. What a gift we can each offer to others who are down in the dumps, sick or on their death bed when we gift ourselves to them in hope, life, encouragement and any other way we can give them pleasure in their days.
I so love this life I have and want to share it with those around me. A distant relative, a police detective died recently due to a brain tumor, the most aggressive kind. He was diagnosed in early December and passed away this last week. Did he give up and curl into a corner? Not on your life. He immediately retired from the force of 30 years and spent his last 2 months sharing with others the joy of life and encoraging them to enjoy every mintute they might have with those they love because anyone, ANYONE could habve less days than they think to love others. He had a passion for the message of Jesus' love and he spent his 30 years as a cop loving everyone around him including those he arrested. His family received numerous letters from past detainees that he arrested, letting them know how kind he had been to them and that he encouraged them to do better with their lives. He was tough when needed but also had compassion for them all.
What a way to live life. Such a tough job but he still found a way to share in his joy for life and love for others and in Christ. Now that's what I call a natural witness and the best kind.
Ok, now that I've reintroduced myself and the reason I started my post in the first place I can share a few pieces of my life recently that make me smile.

Just incase I haven't posted this kind of picture enough in the past, this is what I look at from my neighborhood. Pikes Peak just makes me smile and sigh!
PIKES PEAK IN FEBRUARY

OUR NEWEST ADDITION AS POSTED LAST MONTH - MABELSmile!

MYRTLE AND MABLE - GUESS WHO'S JEALOUS Big Smile!

We finally got to go to Denver to see one of our other grandkids. Tyler and Grandpa got to play in the sand. We don't get to see him very often but we make the most of it and he is so much fun and has such a cute personality. He turned 2 in December. Lots of hugs and smiles!
TYLER AND GRANDPA

TYLER REBUILDS HIS MELTING SNOWMAN Another smile!

Amber's youngest son, Evan, turned 3 the other day. Amber balked and refused to call him 3 until just the moment of his birth that afternoon. She's done that with all of her kids, making them wait till the very last moment to celebrate their day. All in fun though since she, like most parents, watch their kids grow up way to fast.
EVAN'S BIRTHDAY CAKE (NOTE: Evan requested pink frosting and Amber let him but compromised with some blue on top). A giggle and a smile!

Note: I must wear oxygen but refuse to wear it for pictures. I like being seperate from my tools of survival like Oxygen and medical IV pumps and other nessessary meds etc. which helps people see me for the real me, not the extras. Just like those of us who have had to or still do use a wheelchair still like to sit on a regular chair at a resturant whenever possible. It is a psycological aide to help feel somewhat normal for just a few moments and to enjoy a temporary freedom from the stresses we face all day every day. I know other's who do the same and I think it helps.
Just like when I meet a small child or baby and see that they are worried or perplexed by my oxygen tubes on my face, I take them off for a moment and the child visibly relaxes and smiles because it takes the strangeness away until they are more comfortable. Ok, off the track and back to the party.
ME- GRANDMA AND BIRTHDAY BOY EVANLoving smile!

SMILE!

I am almost tired of the huge amount of rebuilding and refurbishing we've been doin on our house since last summer but we are almost there on the inside. When it's complete I will have a huge smile for sure!
My Dad and Husband working together to refinish our kitchen

My Dad working on rebuilding a pantry for our kitchen. He makes me smile all the time with love and awe!

My Dad and his brother Phil are quite a team and you would never guess that they are 78 and about 76 years of age. They have done carpentry, plumbing, electrical work along with heavy yard work and heavy equiptment use. They have dug up trees, planted others, smoothed out a large driveway with roadbase and even moved a self contained shed across the back yard on large pvc pipes. I've got that on video. They work hard and long and I can rarely get them to take it easy on themselves. I guess this is what keeps them going and healthy. They don't give up doing what they've always done with only a few small exceptions acording to the situation. Sure wish I could help them more but so far I do better just watching, asking lots of questions and mostly making a pest of myself. We call that directing the workforce, ha! Did you smile?

The Pantry framing continues I love watching the guys work although I'm sure they don't always smile at all my questions but they do smile when the day is done! :)

My Dad and my brother Jerry debate possible courses of action on the project. They are the real directors and contractors for our house projects. Jerry, my brother is always worth a laugh and a smile. My husband works at least 6 days a week and can only help out some when he gets home. He really always makes me smile and we love to be together whenever possible. Sometimes I have to share him with relatives but that's ok, I just smile!

The cabinets are in, the counters are finished and now we just need the backsplash and walls done which shouldn't take much time. I only had to do without a kitchen sink about a week but we don't have to camp in our house now. I hope not because we have scheduled a "Game Night" at our house in a week and a half with family and friends.
The Kitchen Takes Shape Yea, and yes, another smile from me!

Well, every day there is usually something to smile about, even when we don't think so. Sometimes we are lonely, in pain, don't think anybody cares or can't reach out for help. It sometimes takes alot of will power to do it but it can be done. I look inside my self regularly and try to find some good there and that is what I want to share with others. Giving of ourselves can help us feel better about ourselves and our own circumstances. Reaching out, offering a smile, or even asking for help can help another person and ourselves as well. Do you know someone you can gift your self to, even for a few moments or hours or a day? If not then just smile at someone today.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: What would you want someone to do for you or offer you if you were down and out right now? Try gifting that to someone else and see what happens!!

A new addition to our household

2011-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

YEP, We really do have a new member to our family.

She's only 12 weeks old and our 3 1/2 year old isn't sure what to do with her. Like all 3 1/2 year olds our oldest loves to play but sometimes plays too rough so we play referee most of the time. The youngest girl been with us only 1 1/2 weeks and the night and early morning trips to take care of her umm, bathroom needs really breaks up my sleep but we're surviving. We have decided to give her a really old style name just like we did with our oldest. She is now Mable and our oldest is Myrtle. If you are wondering..."What are you thinking??" I'll show you why we picked these particular names for our girls.

MYRTLE....MEET MABLE!

Mable is an english bull dog and Myrtle is "ye olde english bully dogge".
We are having lots of fun with Mable and so is Myrtle but sometimes Myrtle pouts and seems depressed. I don't she's exactly happy with us for bringing in an interloper.

We do our best to make sure she knows she's still our baby too and give her lots of individual attention. In order to do this sometimes we have to seperate them. The real challenge is getting Mable to learn the rules of engagement. Everything Mytle does she does too and get's right in Myrtles face while she does it. She eats her food, drinks out of Mytles water bowl, takes her toys right out of her mouth and takes over her bed. It's no wonder Myrtle get's perterbed and depressed. Myrtle let's her know when she's had enough and we (my husband and I) work hard at helping Mable learn what's acceptable and what's not.
Don't they look like two sisters who have been they HAVE to be nice to each other?

Here Mable entices Mable to play with her!

When they decide to play they rough house all over and tumble together too. Myrtle thinks Mable is just one of her toys at times and we have to remind her to be gentle and she is, usually. Sometimes Mable gets the upperhand when Myrtle purposefully turns onto her back and Mable get's to pounce on her neck. Myrtle wraps her front legs around her like arms and rolls back and forth as they go mouth to head in mock battle. They love it.

Here Mable takes over Myrtles bed by the stair rails

At night Mable does have to retreat to her own bed in her own kennel and Myrtle still gets to take her place at the foot of our bed. As Myrtle gets more used to the puppy and more accepting ratther than exasterbated by her and Mable learns to give Myrtle her own space then we will let her join us. But, until she is housebroken that's out for sure anyway.

Mable is doing very well with the potty training as long as we remember to let her out VERY often. She is learning to come and to 'sit' and 'get it' (stand up on hind legs) for a treat and knows her name pretty well too.

Myrtle knows 20 umpteen verbal and hand commands and knows our moods and voice inflections well. She loves to show off her stuff when we have company. We aren't a bit shy about offering to let her show off either. :O

Mable claimes my husband too and snuggles up for a football game on TV.

Mable will learn fast with Myrtle as a model and teacher so no problem there. Like any new addition to a family there are trials and lots of rewards so we are happy!

We did just get back from our trip to arizona to see family and we had a great time except for the snowstorm that tried to strand us in Flagstaff. An accident 20 miles south of us kept us stuck in the stalled traffic for 2 2/1 hours and then we were routed to a turn around and sent back to Flagstaff. Flagstaff is up in elevation at around 7,500 feet. I can't medically stay at any elevation higher than 5,600 or lower so 2 of my brothers (one in Pheonix and another back in Colorado) worked diligently online to find us an optional route so I could get down in elevation as soon as possible.
They kept us informed of all the routes that were already closed and eventually sent us west another 40 miles to a little town where my brother had already called and set up a motel room for us. What a nice bro. It took us another hour or more to get there in the snow but we did ok and got to rest in a clean warm room.
The next morning my brother called and said we couldn't go south to Prescott because that road also was closed so he researced more and suggested we head out of town to the west for anothr 60 miles or so and then go south.
As we first headed out of town we saw a flashing sign to the side that said "road closed" but it didn't seem to be manned or blocked and we figured it must have been closed during the night with the storm so we went on.
The road didn't look too bad but as we got a few miles out we realized that the road was actually a sheet of ice under a thin layer of snow. We then noticed that we were the only vehicle in sight traveling west or east. Hmmm...

evntually we saw a few vehicles off the road (empty) but then came on to a small minivan on the side with at least 7 young college aged men standing on the side. We stopped to see if they were all right and they reassured us they were and they had someone coming for them. The front of their car was smashed so it wasn't going anywhere. We did see a tow truck heading the other way that we figured would be coming for the college boys car but since they can't take passengers and especially not 7 strapping young men we hoped they had someone 'else' coming slso.
Three hours later (60+ miles) we did eventually reach dry roads and got to my brother's house all in one piece.
We had a wonderful visit with their whole family and got to spend some time with just the 4 of us adults over the weekend. That was a real treat for them for sure. I did, of course, have to check out the local ER from the inside one night but was released after 3 1/2 hours which is almost a matching record to my 3 hour visit to ours at home last June. All is well that ends well though but we did decide to come home a little early so I could be near my own doctors if need be.
So there you have it..My last month in a nutshell except for some ongoing house projects that I'll fill in later.

Just as I always say...Remenber to gift yourself to someone today and everyday! That means sharing your love, your talents, your time or understanding or patience with those around you. They will appreciate you (except some teenagers who will wait until they are mid 20's to 30 and THEN they'll get it, ha :O ). You will receive as much or more than they will for it.]
To see what 'gifting' yourself is like on a daily basis see my daughter's blog about her daily gift to her children. To check out Amber's gift click on her name or click on her link on my sidebar.

2010-12-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

I'm sure anyone reading this now had already given up on me ever getting back on here to continue my blogging saga as the Miracle Lady! Well.... you were wrong...but not by much I'll have to admit. Life is too short and too full to keep up with everything and everyone but mind you I'm definitely NOT complaining one little whit!

KIDS BEING SILLY AT DINNER TIME

ME AND MY BEST FRIEND KIMM

WE CAN BE SILLY TOO

MIKE TRIES TO BLOW OUT TRICK BIRTHDAY CANDLES

MIKE READY FOR HIS REVENGE AT THE SUMMER CAMPING TRIP

UH, OH, JUST NOT QUITE HIS SIZE? "I WANT A REFUND..."

DAD WILL KEEP WARM WHILE HUNTING WITH HIS NEW BONNET? NO, HIS CABELA'S CAP

AS THE FAMOUS CHARLES SCHULTZ'S CHARACTER CHARLIE BROWN WAS QUOTED AS SAYING...."ALL
I GOT WAS A....ROCK!"

LOOK, I'M A MECHANICAL ENGINEER BUT I REALLY ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A SAND ARTIST.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE
BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW ONE OF OUR OWN BLOGGERS WAS RUDOLPHS STAND IN FOR SANTA DID YOU?

I love being ABLE to be busy and to have so much to do and so mamy people in my life that I can't even keep up with all of them the way I would like. My blogging friends are also important to me and I don't want to neglect visiting you all too. I have done some visiting inbetween posts, even when I didn't have time to post myself. I know some of you can identify with me and I know some of you have tried to keep tabs on me because I find such nice little notes or emails once in awhile. Thank you for that. :)\

Here is another fun little synopsis, not of everything we've been up to but just a few things.

The house projects have continued and I am ready to take a break until next year. 2011 that is. The new windows have already helped dramatically with out heating nill and that's wonderful. Being able to walk across our bedroom without loding my balance due to an unbalanced foundation is surprising. I think I automatically lean to one side trying to compensate for the uneven floor that I navigated for over 15 years. Wow, what a difference. Our next and last project until summber is our kitchen but that will have to wait until January.

Otherwise, inbetween things we, like everyone else, has been busy with the holidays and get togethers and food up to our ears. So much fun but alot of work. Party's, games, gifts along with families and friends have definitely kept us busy and happy. We also hope to visit more family here on Christmas Eve and then to travel to Pheonix to visit more and more family. (We have a very large and varied family tree). Brenda and family has graciously offered to watch our house and our bully dogge, Myrtle while we are gone. Myrtle will miss us but she loves Brenda, Sunny and Grace so whe won't be in too much agony. When she was younger we left her at a kennel for a week and she was so mad at us and I don't blame her.

Ok, I'm going to keep this short sweet and simple:

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL AND DON'T FORGET TO...GIFT YOURSELVES TO OTHERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Oh, and Happy New Year too!!

House Projects Anyone?

2010-10-17T13:59:00.001-07:00

Here's the reason I haven't been blogging as much as I would like. Hopefully things will slow down soon.

One of the first thiugs we did this summer in our back yard was to remove the shrubery against our house in preperation for the foundation to be leveled. We didn't want to waste one little evergreen tree so we transplanted it.

Here my dad and uncle are taking it out of it's original spot behind the house.

em>Here they transplanted it along the area we prepared to seperate the new driveway (parking lot) we were going to put in.

My dad and uncle moved our shed to make room for the driveway as well.

On the move...<

Some Nephews were delivered to help gather all the tree limbs after we had our huge cottonwood tree trimmed. Dad got alot of fire wood out of the large limbs.

Kids will be kids as one takes a break and a ride.

It takes a team to get the job done when you have a pile of interwoven branches.

Just a note: These boys were donating their time to help us because their parents are teaching them that it is a good thing to help others and not get paid for it. They are learning a sense of community and did a great job that day. Since they are all cousins it was a wonderful time for them to do something as a team and spend time and comradere with each other.

Whew, that load is done and we are all proud of our efforts.

Well, once in awhile we did take a break. Msriah loved riding grandpa's new 4 wheeler with him.

Ethan loves sitting on Grandpa's riding lawn mower.

Evan was 'king' of the pile. Get it? ha.

We created a rock and bush barrier between the new driveway and the rest of the yard. My dad, uncle and husband worked diligently to do MY bidding. :)

My uncle liked things to be just so.

My husband built a beautiful border around my wishing well. My uncle built that for me several years ago. Shortly after we planted flowers in the outer border and in some planters.

Greatgrandpa and Ethan ride the rented tractor. He rattled a continuous flow of questions about how it worked.

Greatgrandpa and Evan ride and Evan's rapt attention was unbroken as he watched the shovel go up and down.

My dad uses his own invented and self built tractor to smooth out the road base we had dumped in the new driveway.

Then, the much awaited major project, the foundation lifting began. After the trench was dug all the way around the house they began to drill down with the hellical piers to the depth that gave enough 'torque' to hold the weight of the house. It became a challange when they had to go deeper than the 10-11 feet they expected and had to go down 29 1/12 feet deep to create enough torque. We live on top of clay on a hill no less so the house was sliding down on one end.

Finally the trench was filled all around. And yeah, instead of sleeping with my head down like a bat and leaning to the side and losing my balance as I walk beside my bed I can walk straight and sleep upright.

Whew are you as tired of reading/seeing all of this as I was doing it? Guess what?: We're not done yet. Because of the raising of the foundation there is alot of spaces, etc. throughout the house that need to be mended. ie: we had to have the water heater replaced due to major leaking suddenly. The heater fan won't shut off now and we are getting a new one next week. The showers have spaces in the caulking and walss etc. Plumbing pipes (a few are stretched and need replaced) the downstairs fireplace mantel fell off with a few bricks to boot, and the front door kinked up and we had to straighted out the door frame and level it again and I had to repaint the trin, etc. Need I go on?

Well, what's been going on at your house this summer/fall?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Do today whether you want to or not cause tomorrow will hold much more to do." RJM

Enjoy your gift of a day!

2010-10-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

Uh, Oh, what a way to get initiated into coming back to blogging!

I've been tagged by my daughter, Amber at http://www.faithlovekidsandme.blogspot.com. Now I've got to tell some of my deep dark secrets (maybe). Guess I'll get started, but she says I then need to tag 8 friends to answer some of my own homegrown questions so watch out, heh, heh. After answering Amber's tag questions below I have a list of people I'm tagging and a list of the 8 questions I want them to answer. If you would like to get tagged just answer the questions in the comments box or add them to your blog and post for all of us to see.

1. *If you could do one thing over in life what would it be?
answer: saying the wrong things to people and hurting them with my words.

2. *If you could go back in time and live as someone else, who would it be?
answer: Eve, and I'd keep my hands away from that darned apple! :) Not really, I guess I'd like to have been Helen Keller's teacher. What a wonderful beginning to the worlds second language.

3. *Chocolate with nuts or not?
answer: nuts of course.

4. *What do you think is the most important character trait in a person?
answer: honesty!

5. *What book or movie could you read or watch over and over and why?
answer: The sound of music. Even though it's not a totally acurate portrayal of events, it has so much hope for the love and trust in families and the wonderful ability that the nun had to bring others together.

6. *Who do you admire and why?
answer: Two people. My dad for sharing his knowledge of anything and everything in daily life with us and never saying "You can't". Also, my daughter for being there for me and my husband (her stepdad) through all of the really tough times the last several years. I admire her as a daughter, a mother and a woman of faith, strength, hope and resolve. I am so very proud of her.

7. *Jeans or sweats?
answer: Jeans. I've never been 'comfortable' in sweats. I know that sounds like a misnomer but for me that's true.

8. *What is the one thing you would want others to remember about you?
answer: that I lived each day fully with anticipation and that I truly love being a mother, a grandmother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt and a cousin. I love being with the people I love and love sharing my life with others who haven't had the love in life that I've been fortunate to have. (Oops that's more than one thing so just keep the first one I mentioned).

If you are on my list as being tagged you will find your name and blog address below. If you don't you are still welcome to join in.

Now for my questions:

1. If you had to choose only one favorite sweet thing what would it be?
2. Which is most like you; Pastels, rich reds and blues, greens and oranges and browns, lavendars and pinks?
3. what is your favorite memory of a childhood game or activity you enjoyed? (younger than 12)
4. which would you have most enjoyed as a career other than what you have or are doing now and why?
5. What have you secretly felt you are very good at but usually don't talk about?
6. If you had a million dollars handed to you what is the first thing you would BUY?
7. Have you ever shot a gun and have you ever been hunting?
8. Which would you be most likely to adopt? a cat or dog, a zoo animal, a child relative, a special needs child, a baby, a grandma, a pet rock or a street to clean?

Are these tough? hope they are fun and maybe even thought provoking.

Friends I have tagged today:

Brenda at http://itswonderfullygood.blogspot.com
Putz at http://barlowputz.blogspot.com
Amber at http://faithlovekidsandme.blogspot.com
Keetha at http://keethastuff.blogspot.com
Chris at http://chrislivessimple.blogspot.com
Beverly at http://beverlywhitcomb.blogspot.com
Ashlee at http://claywoman.blogspot.com
susan at http://penlesswriter.blogspot.com

This month has been the busiest so far so hope to catch up on more later. In the meantime enjoy a couple of quick picks and hope to touch base with you all soon.

A day at the lake and a lucky boy catches a frog!
Ethan and his prize

A night at the lake
Full Moon rising

The next morning
What a full moon does to our Mrytle, she slept under cover

The End

Playing Catchup

2010-09-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

I have obviously been off line for awhile now, just as I'm sure many others have been over the summer. What a busy time with family and household projects. Except for the 4 day stay in the hospital the first of June, I have been in pretty good shape and was able to do more at home. I have enjoyed it immensely, the staying well part and that has allowed me to enjoy the summer so much more.

I will mostly show in pictures what we've been up to. I hope you have all been busy having fun this summer and I will be checking to see what you've been up to also as soon as I finish this post.

I'll start with the July 4th camping trip that I couldn't attend so my sister Brenda took pictures for me. Here are some of my favorites.

While up there my Dad erected a zip line that stretched from up the hill on a tree down over creek and on to another upper bank.

of course some onery ones decided to use huge water cannons to douse the rider as they zipped through the thin mountain air. Even the younger set enjoyed flying through the air.

One 'nonconformist' brother of mine decided he could hang from the seat and ride over the creek while holding his legs in the air. He miscalculated his stretch and the stretch of the cable, and he ended up waterskiing and taking a dunking. Ha!

They added to the adventure with a huge group water fight, mostly kids against the adults. Each side said 'They' won.

Some of the older girls decided to build their own teepee with long poles and a sheet.

The finished product.

One night the kids performed skits and songs for the adults.

The boys had a log splitting contest but the 'men' followed with their prowess to show 'how it's done'!

Over the weekend there was plently of fishing going on and that was followed with some 'fish gutting' classes for the younger ones with Grandpa/Greatgrandpa.

Oh, and don't forget the wading in snow melt creek water to cool off in the warm mountain sunshine.

We got a new toy this summer for fishing and pleasure rides. It's a large pontoon boat that can hold up to 10 people. It is so much easier for me with all of my oxygen bottles and hoses and my balance issues and general comfort including a nice shade cover when the sun begins to beat down. I can just step onto the boat from the dock at the level rather than trying to climb up or down and tipping sideways like in our little alluminum boat we just sold. I've driven it on the lake and even onto the trailer when we were done.

Captn Rick and loyal dog Myrtle

Passengers enjoy the smooth ride and fresh air

Technology follows us everywhere

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"It's not what the day holds for us but what we put into our day that determines how we feel about it in the end." RJM
Grpa Mac and granddaughter Jazzy who is almost completely blind but enjoying the ride immensely

Jazzy gets to drive the boat

Mac perched on an old drift tree fishing

Many water birds make their nests in old trees swallowed by the lake almost 30 years ago

Jazz plays in the water enjoying the coolness on a hot day

It's About Time!!!

2010-06-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Yep, It's definitely about time I finally get back to blogging and visiting all my blogger friends again. Of course, since summer finally hit us with a bang, I'm sure many of you have taken time away to begin some of your summer activities as well.

Of course I did have to take a siesta of sorts and check into my suite at an area hospital or two for a few days but at least it wasn't a month or two this time. I had a little lung bleed but thankfully nothing like the times before and I mainly stayed in a few extra days after it quit on it's own so they could watch, just in case it started up again as a 'big' one. They said this could still just be the precursor to a 'big' one and so I have to behave myself and not push it. I especially can't go into any higher elevations and/or get on any really rough roads or get into any accidents (well duh..) Anyway, I'm back on track and just happy to be home and am as busy as ever with what I can do. Life really is grand, isn't it? I sure think so.

Since I haven't been on for so long I'm going to try to put in some more pictures as updates and add comments as I think of them. What I would really like is for some comments on the best thing you plan to do this summer or have already done. That can include giving grandbabies kisses if you want or your exciting vacation!

These first three pics are actually shown backwards but at least you can see the finished product first. I sometimes have fun trying out new ways to cook food. I experiement and sometimes it works and sometimes not so much. However, this time it worked pretty well.
I decided to bake some chicken breasts but I wanted to create some pizazz. I washed and trimmed a package of chicken breasts. I made a simple rub with pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and some sage.

NOTE: since I can't have much salt due to high blood pressure I try to use more seasonings that will spice up my foods so I don't miss the salt so much and it usually works.

I love the roasted green chilis you can buy at fairs, flea markets and some grocers. I bought a large batch of them last summer and when I got home I packaged them in baggies with about 5 or 6 in each, leaving the burnt crust on. Then when I want some I defrost the bag of chilis and slide off all the chili skins with black crust, then I slice them open and remove most but not all of the chili seeds. (The seeds add some heat). When they are washed, and seeded I sliced the chilis into thin strips and laid them over the chicken breasts.
Next I laid them in a glass baking dish addiing just a few drops of water for moisture. I covered the dish with aluminum foil and baked it for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Checking to be sure they are done (no pink in the middle of the thickest piece) then I cover each piece with either cheddar or pepperjack cheese and return to the oven uncovered just long enough to melt the cheese over the top.
As shown below the chicken can be served with flavored rice and mixed vegetables, bread and salad. A nice light summer time evening evening meal.
Southwestern chili striped Chicken bake

Add choice of Cheese

Fresh Chicken Breast and Chili strips

I tagged along with Amber and her children when we went for an outing to Little Mr*Biggs play place. The kids had a ball and especially since it was Ethans 6th birthday it was really special. They loved showing off for Grandma and Mama and I got several really cute pictures of them. Amber showed some of the fun on her site as well.
This is an action picture of Mariah jumping over a giant apple complete with worm. The room was full of school items at gigantic proportions.
Mariah, all into learnin

Ethan surfing along on the dragon. Instead of Pete's dragon I called this "Ethans Dragon"

Evan climbs on a Giant crayon

Amber and Evan try Farming

Because Myrtle gets hot so easily I bought her a new wading pool. She likes it but usually drinks the water and once in awhile walks through the pool to get one of her toys. She loves the water at the lake or stream but at first she thought this was another (shh) B..A..T..H..(whisper) and she thought I was setting a trap but she eventually decided to put her daintly little (huh?) paw in and try it out.
Myrtle, My Bully Dogge Eyes Her New Swimming Pool

This is the first picture of My dad and his wife on their new summer ride for hills.

Dad built a zip line in his back yard for the grandkids recently and they definitely had a ball. They are pushed up to the highest position way up on the trunk of a large tree and then they traverse about 50+ feet toward the garage and garden. Someone has to catch them to stopo or they end up in a fruit tree.

Here Grandpa catches Grace on her maiden ride.

Another very small but brave grandson flys by on his way to Grandpa's arms.

Uh-oh, Grandpa missed one but thankfully since I was behind the camera near the fruit tree landing I was able to grab Mariah. Note: we both almost ended up in the branches, ha!

Well, that's about all but there will hopefully be lots of news with the very large annual family camping trip that is going on right now in the hills of Colorado. I can't go but I have been promised lots of pictures so I can enjoy their trip also.

Until then...

THOGHT FOR THE DAY:
"Those who truly enjoy life are those who can probably enjoy their life anywhere, rich or poor, health or no good health. Those who complain all the time probably don't enjoy much of anything!" by RJM

Everything Pink

2010-05-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

This will be only about Pink Today!

Well, except for these pictures of a cute little guy. Isn't it nice when kids are young enough that grandma's are still cool? I love it.
Evan feeding baby bear a bottle
Evan and grandma sneak a peck

A week ago I finished refurbishing a $2.99 chair from good*will for my granddaughter, Mariah. I didn't think to take a before shot but it was skinned up black with an old dirty seat cover that was definitely worse for wear.

After some sanding down and repainting the frame and recovering and adding somemore padding, the finished product was just perfect for her little desk for homework. Not bad for a goodwill chair, goodwill padding and goodwill material piece. The paint was the only new cost.

I took way too many pictures of our crabapple trees during their blossom budding to opening stages and I loved it. I decided to make a slide show so enjoy but it may be a little long since I had a hard time cutting down to just a few.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"Those who plant their own seeds, water and tend their garden and share their bounty with others are good friends. Those who show other's how to plant and tend their own seeds will get to reap ALL that they sew." by RJM :)

Spring has Sprung, Yea!!!

2010-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Some of the first signs of Spring has finally arrived.

Some type of tulip in my yard

My Daffodiles with white collar.

Of course, here in Colorado that is said with tounge in cheek. Yesterday alot of the front range including half of Colorado Springs turned white, and not just a dusting. Woodland Park and the mountain areas here and north got anywhere from 6 - 16 inches. Some of the ski areas are very happy right now.
On the other hand, I am ready to get some garden seeds and starter plants going in the garden. This year I bought a blackberry and a rasberry plant for out back. They are in and doing well so I am hoping for at least a small crop of berries this summer. Yumm.
This lighthouse was made by my uncle (shown) and set in my front yard this weekend. Once we get the electrical set up the light in the top of the lighthouse will shine over our yard. My uncle Jim created the top light section and then uncle Phil created the lighthouse section and put it all together. This will probably be the last one he makes so I am honored to get it.

My new yard lighthouse made by my uncle.

We also took time this last week to go to Pueblo's Mineral Palace Park with our mom after lunch. We had a good time and enjoyed walking around the large goldfish pond and crossed it on an arched walk bridge. Myrtle (our bully dogge) decided the wall was too tall for her to see and she wanted to see what we were looking at so she stood up (below) to check it out. This is not an easy task for a big olde english bully dogge.
Myrtle checking out the goldfish pond at Mineral Palace Park

Mineral Palace Park Walking Bridge

This park and bridge over the pond has been there since at least the early 50's if not earlier. I remember fishing there when we were barely toddlers and preschool age. (am I giving my age away? Maybe).

A few weeks ago the weather was nice enough to visit the Garden of the Gods that is well known in Colorado. It is here right at the west end of the town, butting right up against the hills. The rocks are all a varigated blend of red tones that make it wonderful for picture backdrops. It is beautiful there. Here I am holding my newest grandchild, Ruby. (As usual I take off my oxygen hose for pictures because the hose is not me, it is just a tool I use to breathe. I can handle a few minutes without it for times like this)
Grandma and baby Ruby

Six Eyes Sister? Ha. My sister can really be funny at times and this is one of them. My husband called her six eyes and all she wanted to do was borrow my reading glasses to add to her own regular glasses to read a label. Pretty funny but it worked, so there!!
Six Eyes!

Myrtle with her two favorite stuffed pigs.
Myrtle has alot of stuffed toys and if you notice the little pig has no eyes. That's because Myrtle Preferes her pet toys to be blind. Maybe they seem threatening when they look at her. The large pink pig still has its eyes albeit temporarily. The eyes are already leaking some of the foam filler behind them.

Well, with no really poignant or thought provoking ideas to share I will close with the referral to my daughter Amber's blog that has been focusing on ways to treat your spouse to something they don't expect. Also to Brenda's blog that has put me in stitches more times than I can count and given really good values to think about also.

I have been out visiting some of your blogs and it's good when I can see alot of people staying so positive in their lives even when times are tough and to see everyone trying to uplift other's when they visit other blogs and leave such good helpful or encouraging comments. That's the biggest positive I've found in blogging. Thanks to those who have given me uplifts and for just being there in the first place.

Referring you today to a real marriage inspirational!

2010-04-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am referring all who have ever had a rough time in their marriage or are experiencing that now to please read the post written by AMBER the other day, dated April 1, called "One Comment Can Change Everything." That's all I need to say at this time, just click on her name and take a few minutes to be blessed and maybe encouraged to keep on loving your special someone.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
When you are at your lowest moments is when you can really hear and understand what God has intended for you all along.

Venison Jalapeno Sandwich Anyone?

2010-03-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of venison (deer) jalapeno sandwiches? I think my husband just made it up but he loves it. You take leftover fried venison steak and put it on fresh bread and top with jalapenos. That's it, nothing else, plain and simple but wonderful for all those wild guys and gals out there who like it hot and wild.
Ricks now famous venison jalapeno sandwich
This sandwich originally started out here, with my dad preparing his life long proven recipie and preperation techniques. He takes good venison steaks, pounds them on both sides then seasons and dips them in flour on both sides. In the meantime he has his comfortable cooking electric skillit (an iron one is great also) and when the oil (he grew up using lard) is ribboning (not quite sizziling) just right.

Dad/Grandpa/Greatgrandpa's famous venison steaks

Ethan and greatgrandpa learning how to prepare venison and liking it.

Greatgrandpa and Ethan preparing dinner

Ready to leave for the St.Pattrick's Day Parade downtown.

Amber and Evan wearing green

Brenda, Amber, Evan in back Grace, Ethan and Mariah in front

Hope everyone is wearing green!

Amber's homemade purse request filled

Another purse just because

Mike caught playing with toys, ha!

Mac turns 81 years young

We helped celebrate Rick's dad's 81st birthday on March 7th. The icecream cake was yummy.

Awwwww.. so sweet..!

Well... maybe a little onery in there too?...

Well, to end the day, here's Myrtle so tuckered out she's asleep and not caring that her puppy toy is resting on her like a little hippo mommy lifting her baby to the surface for air while she sleeps.
Myrtle all tucked in for the night

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY?

Even sharing a photo of yourself and activities can be a gift and a lift for someone elses day.

Don't forget to check out Amber and Brenda's sites for more fun and laugh's than mine. Oh, add Putz to your list too. (more next time)

Myrtle's a mommy??

2010-03-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

Another day in the life of a dog that looks more like a pig every day. Oops, look, Myrtle is hugging her favorite stuffed pink pig right now.
Some of her favorites hanging out!

After a nap, her little piglet must have gotten hungry and Myrtle obliged. Of course this humerous situation was the brain child (or piglet) of my sister, Brenda.

mommy and baby?

As usual, Myrtle went along with our shenanagans as long as she didn't have to lift a finger (paw). So lazy, Myrtle...

Well, I've checked out a few new bloggers and I've enjoyed meeting all of you. I think it's good to keep good friends and to seek out new ones too. Maybe I'll share some of those blogsites soon or you can look at my blogging friends list or my followers list to see if you may be missing out on some new folks out there.

By the way, here's one for you runners and weight loss participants out there. My daughter, Amber, has a new blog, besides her family one. She is chronicaling her path through weight loss and her goal to run a half marathon this fall. Check it out.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Expanding ones horizons may come in many different forms. Even one who can't get out there and be among new potential friends, can meet them in ingenious ways such as the blogging world.

Making a new friend includes the willingness to expend your own energy in keeping them in mind and being there for them in whatever manner you can. For many, these blogs are their only outlet for socialization.

Get out there and enjoy meeting a new friend and 'Gifting yourself' to them.

"A gift of you is a gift in deed!"
rjm

Myrtle - it's all in the name....

2010-03-01T11:14:00.001-08:00

Before we get to Myrtle, let's talk about Girl Scout Cookies.
You know, those name honored cookies sweet little girls who guilt us all into buying every year?
Well, we are some of those guilt ridden grandparents and aunts and uncles that are badgered (not really) by two little girls (Mariah and Grace) to add to our already holiday attached mid sections. After eating our limit and then buying more for the freezer (or maybe a midnight snack), we decided to have a little fun.
Enter Mike, my stepson who shows up for dinner every Tuesday evening for a free meal (invited of course). He is one of those guilt ridden guys that both Mariah and Grace acosted and made generous sales to.
It was a group think tank that came up with the idea and I decided it was a worthy plot. I very carefully opened up the bottom of several boxes of his cookies and removed the yummy morsels. We then replaced them with what ever food items weighed aproximately the same as the cookies and then I resealed the bottom with rubber cement. We then made some new little labels to cover and rename the cookies.
Note Mikes surprise when he opens the box "What's this?"

Here are some of the new names we used: Instead of "Tag-alongs" we named them "Tag-begones." For "Thank-You-Berry-Much" we named them "Thank-You-Soda-Much" and put soda crackers inside. Then for "Samoa's" we called them "Siyanara's."

Mike wasn't sure he appreciated the diet sugar free jello either.

Now for our Myrtle

Brenda and I like to go Thrift shopping at the local "Goodwill" and "ARC" stores. Once in awhile I rummage through the stuffed animals to find something for Myrtle to play with (she loves stuffed animals).
Here she is with a new one, resting after a rowdy game of keep away and fetch

Note how she has her toy under watchful eye from any sinister thief who might want to nab him.
She also likes these barbell shaped squeaky toys.

She really likes any toy, whether plastic or stuffed that has a squeaker in it. She plays with it, wrestles it, plays keep away, chases it and chews it until it squeaks no more. As my husband, Rick, likes to say...she thinks she's really putting the hurt on it when it squeaks, and she love's it. Eventually, she chews through it and pops the squeaker out onto the floor. Fortunately I've got her convinced they aren't for swallowing, at least for the most part.

She layed these two out and may be deciding which one she wants to play with first

Myrtle sometimes chooses favorites that she doesn't chew up or 'kill' off. Like the red barbell she got forChristmas. It is still intact and she is very gentle when playing with or carrying it and even when playing tug of war with it. She has a few stuffed animals like that too.

She does have a fetish though about stuffed animals when it comes to their eyes. She can't stand for them to look at her and the first thing she does when she get's a new one is to eat off their eyes. The only ones left with eyes are those with embroidered or stitched eyes. She tries with them too at first.
Do you see a crocadile around here anywhere?

Myrtle loves to lay on her back and play, either with one of us or a toy or just to lay in wait. Sometimes she even falls asleep in this position. Her jaws, teeth and jowels all give the impression of "Jaws" the movie or a swamp croc. She laid still this time for me to take a whole series of pictures (she loves to pose anyway) and I even placed her barbells on her for fun and she loved it.

Peek-a-boo I see you and I know what you are doing to me, your making me a star....

Ok, now watch out, I've held still long enough, now I'm off........

Soon you will be able to see her posing with all of her sightless toys over on Brenda's site. Keep an 'EYE' out why don't you!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

What kids and dogs teach us; love is easy to give, fun is whatever we make fun, each day is an adventure waiting to happen, innocence is precious, loyalty is to be honored, we are all social animals, a smile and a little time can go a long way!

Time for Change..

2010-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

It's time for a change! I wanted to create a 3 colume page with a matching background but that didn't happen, at least not yet. As you can see, I chose a fairly homey look with my own Christmas Cactus to display. With this coninuing Winter weather I felt like wrapping up in a ginham patterned quilt and reading a long novel while drinking some hot chocolate. Ahhh.. Anyway, now that I finally have my new computer up and running I can get back to posting again and visiting in between.

I am happy right now because I haven't had anymore infections for about 2 months now and I am looking forward to a much more healthy summer this year. I hope to be in the background of everyone's worries this year and I am hoping to really enjoy each day and oportunity to get out of the house and seeing people or soaking up some sunshine and fresh air. Enough is enough and I'm ready for a new start. ( We won't focus on things that could go wrong but what will be right).

My sister Brenda invited my daughter Amber and her kids over to decorate Valentines Day cookies and they sure were all sweet about it.

Their hands, faces and tounges were all sweet and their kisses were too.

They shared their beautiful work with those of us who didn't mind a little finger licking good frosting (if you know what I mean).

I am holding an art class today for Mariah and Grace, both 8 years old. Each of them recently learned how to and did make their own color wheels using only the primary colors, red, blue and yellow. Now they get to use their new found techniques to mix their own colors and to plan out and paint their own pictures. This is a great way to learn how all the colors we see around us in nature and in man made items are made. Since white is actually 'no' color, it can be used to lighten the primary colors so they will be able to use some of that to make pink, lavendar, etc.

Well, I decided to break off until after our little class. First they each had to plan what they wanted to paint and list the subjects for their painting and the colors they wanted to use.

Then they drew their pattern on paper, and followed up by using some tracing paper I had and tracing their pattern on their canvas board. After that they got to mix their own colors and paint their artist rendition.

Then they each got to display their art work and the coloir wheel they created for the project. I think they are proud, don't you? I know I am.

Our olde English Bully Dogge, Myrtle, has been inside all winter and hasn't gotten enough exercise. Along with all the finger snacks she get's from my husband, myself and my sister, she has gained alot of weight. Of course, she is very wide and solid just from her bully frame but now there are a few rolls to be seen on her sides and thickness everywhere. Her walks, when she get's them show her tiredness and need for much more than what she's getting. Just another reason for spring to hurry up and get here as far as I'm concerned.

That's enough for this blog so until next time...Gift yourself to someone today!

It's a bird, it's a plane..it's a..boomerang?..

2010-01-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

If you were given 30 seconds to figure out what word these clues were meant to depict, what would you guess? Quick now, your competing team is already guessing....got it? Find out at the bottom of the blog under Pictionary.

It's about time I put up another post. I have been cleaning up my computer and trying unsuccessfully to change the background and extras on my blog site but I'm just not able to get it. I think I need to upgrade my browser or something so I can download what I want but the help desk I called sure wasn't much help. They did change some things and helped speed things up somewhat but so far no luck on the backgrounds etc.

Sometimes I just have to back up and do what's most important. My daughter, Amber, just gave me the Beautiful Blogger award below and now I need to address that and pass it on. There are a few bloggers that I've followed that have inspired me, gave me food for thought, encouraged me and many who made me laugh. I wish I could cover all who I feel deserve this but I'll try to just pick a few and hope the rest will realize their input and gifting of their time.

1. My daughter, Amber

Amber, as my oldest child and the one who has been with me throughout her whole life, knows best all that I have gone through and she has definitely gone through it with me. Since she was 3 years old, our lives changed with the birth of her little brother, Jeremiah, who had medical problems and then died just before Amber turned 5. Since then we've gone through so many really good times and a lot of bad times too and I want to thank her for still being there with me as we face life as mother and daughter together. Thank you Amber.

2. My sister, Brenda

Brenda and I became sister's when she was just 5 and I was almost 10. I had lost my mother in a car accident and she lost her father from a heart attack. I always wanted a little sister since I already had two brothers. When our parents married, I not only gained my biggest wish for a sister, but I also gained 2 more brothers. The next little brother was born 2 years later. Wow was I blessed. Brenda and I spent many years away from each other as adults but the last several years we have gotten our sisterhood back together again. I so appreciate her love and understanding and help along the way. I love her blog and I've seen how it touches so many people in a wonderful and positive way. Thank you sister.

3. Mr. Barlow Putz

Mr. Putz is my hero. Even with medical issues and the discomfort he goes through each day, he never dwells on all that but puts himself out there for all to see. He isn't perfect and sometimes a little off the wall (I'm smiling when I say this Putz), but he is always up for a fun post or comment. He keeps me guessing and he keeps me aware that we are all different and can still see the good in our lives and even in our pasts. Putz gives a great sense of what life has been like in years past from a first person perspective and that keeps me coming back for more.

4. Nadine

Nadine Z. is a writer with her first novel published last year. I am so proud to know her to some little degree but I also want to complete my first novel and get it published, hopefully sooner rather than later. She has been an inspiration to me that it can be accomplished and I can really do it too. She has a great facebook page that is mostly geared for people interested in writing and she posts tiny little assignments to complete simple stories on her comment section. It is fun and keeps my imagination in gear and I can see what other's post and how they write also. I really appreciate her blog because she is true to her writing life and her personal one too. Thank you Nadine for your inspiration.

5. Cruisemom

Cruisemom is a new mom but not also. She has several kids and talks about her life as a mom in a large family. I can relate to her because I was from a large family and I had a large family myself. Faith sure does help and I enjoy her viewpoint because I agree with 99.9% of what she thinks about raising kids. Thank you for reminding me of what it's like to raise many kids and still try to have time for yourself.

6. Why yes I am crazy thank you for asking

Her blog has such humor in every post and yet so much truth to it that I can't help but laugh and nod my head at the same time. It refreshes me to be able to read someone else's thought and laugh out loud. Thank your for the laughs I've enjoyed.

*********

I could list more but then I wouldn't be able to keep your attention long enough to say that my health is somewhat better right now and I'm enjoying it. The subcutaneous method of administering my remodulin seems to be working but I'll see the specialist in Denver on Friday to make sure my heart is still doing ok and not working too hard.

Pictionary

I even enjoyed having family members come to our house last night for a great time of games. We started out with Pictionary. I had a large dry erase board on an easel and we divided up into two groups, men against women of course. It was a riot! The most fun/embarassing one was when I had to draw something to depict a 'porta-potty'. You can imagine what that entailed and what kind of guesses were thrown around, just ask Brenda :). By the way, the clues at the top of the post are what our brother, Jim used to get the correct answer which was 'Nerd'.

Amber watched all the kids so we could have some adult time to play games but next time she and her husband will be in on the act and that's a fact. ha.

Ok, I've done my part and filled you in on a few thoughts I have about other people you may be blogging with too. If you haven't, then please go check them out and I'm sure they will be thrilled that you looked in on them and hopefully will give them a comment.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

When at first you don't succeed and don't succeed and don't succeed yet again, then don't call me, call someone else, please! Not really, just kidding. Call a freind for some sympathy at least!

Time, Time, Time...Where does it go?

2010-01-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Ever felt out of kilter? Think outside the box and tilt your head for another perspective on your situation and maybe it'll all balance out.

I love old black and white pictures.

Buckskin Joe's near Canon City, CO, 1950's

I just can't seem to get things done on time around here. I have a list miles long and every project I even think about starting, there comes 2 or 3 more things that need to get done first and by that time another and another, so the first idea is lost in the shuffle. Does that ever happen to you?

Not counting the numerous hospital stays that ate up my time in 2009, I still get behind on even the ones I should be able to do. Of course, if something better comes along like my daughter and kiddos stopping by or a sunnuy day and restless dog begs for attention and action outside, then of course that comes first.

Let's see, besides paying more attention to my blogging friends and keeping my own blog up there are numerous things I would like to do this winter which, by the way, must ba half over considering the ridiculous amount of time it's been soooo cold already, don't you think? Anyway, because of hospital stays I didn't finish several sewing projects I had laid out and all the kiddos don't know they missed out on homemade aprons (even the boys) for when they help Mom out in the kitchen or for crafts and painting. Now they will hopefully get them for their Birthdays this year 2010.

I also promised my sister I would make her a nice purse and makeup bag to match for Christmas and alas it too is still waiting (I promise it's my next project for sure Brenda). I also promised her we would do some beginning crocheting lessons because Brenda is a great crafter and wants to expand her knowledge base of the yarn world. (Pick a day sis and we'll just sit down and do it, ok? ).

I have wanted to get back into my painting because I have been determined to paint each of my family members a picture while I'm still able but I have a ways to go yet and I just love to paint anyway. I hope to at least do one soon. Other's I have done are p0sted at the bottom of my blogging page. Not all of them are there but several.

On a more 'responsible' note, I must, absolutely MUST get my sewing/office room cleaned out completely and the guest room also. Then there are all the shelves of 'stuff' downstairs that still needs a home whether here or somewhere else. Our yard sale this summer was a huge success and we sold almost everything but the tea towels in the kitchen and yet somehow there is still so much more. Guess my husband is right and even though I'm not really old enough to fit the description, I'm a depression era gal and I keep EVERYTHING! Ha, ha, ha.

That's ok, but it does make it difficult to find anything. And I'm sure there is NO one else out there that does that.]

I have been doing and have finally completed scanning another box of pictures for my mom. She has been loaning me batches of old family pictures to scan into my computer and then make CDs for her to have them compiled and easy to find. Then she can put the original pictures away for safe keeping. This will also make it possible for the kids to all get a copy of the CDs and share. Here are a few cool old pictures I really liked out of the bunch.

Is'nt this beautiful? Two young teen girls 1930
Young girl in graduation dress 1931
Young girl toddler late 1930's
Remember the old silver trailers? 1953

Remember the Fedoras?

I'll try to keep this a little shorter than usual so I can get out and visit all of you. Thanks to each and every one of you who have kept me company on my blog and otherwise and for praying for me. So far it's been working great cause I'm still here by golly!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Stick to what's important and it's not always what's in the paper or on your list of things to do. It may be something or someone right in front of you!

HO HO HO and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-25T13:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Christmas is here today and so am I! (Yea!) My husband and I are enjoying a wonderfully quiet and peaceful Christmas day together along with Myrtle of course. We opened our gifts to each other and gave Myrtle her doggie stocking full of goodies and toys. She has been chasing balls around all over the house and teasing and enticing us to play with her by bringing her ball/toy to us and bumping our legs wirh a 'playful' little growl that begs attention. It usually works and we all have a little game of throw and fetch and of course chase as she expects us to chase her from room to room. Rick does most of that of course.
Rick has been working so many hours and days for a long time and then I've spent my time away at the 'Inn" in my 'suite' (hospital) so these 4 days off this week are a real blessing and truly enjoyed. Just sitting around doing nothing together and watching Myrtle play or whine to get attention is all we need for entertainment. Oops, well almost since there is the newest discovery by my husband of the sportsmans channel where he can watch hunting and fishing all day and all night if he wants. I can join in of course and I do for a little while but enough is enough for me like right now while I'm taking this break to do a little blogging.
I have made several Christmas Day calls to family and friends which is a nice way to share the day without all the travel and hullabaloo. We still have one more day of Christmas Cheer tomorrow as we go to our in-laws for a meal and game and then home where my daughter and sister and families will gather for a little while.
No matter what religion or beliefs a person has, I think this season has a reason and all people can use it as a time to share good feelings and good food and good deeds for and with others, whether that is with family or friends or strangers just needing a helping hand. I hope you are one of those people and I hope I'm one of them too. Please look for the good in the people around you and show them the giving side of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO Y'ALL......

Chrisrtmas Joy!

2009-12-16T20:28:00.000-08:00

This is where my mind is right now! Wish I was there.....

Well, I've finally returned to the blogging world after a brief (month) rest in some of my favorite private rooms at the "Inn". I would say "I'm baack!" again but then it would have been 'again' and 'again' and 'again' since I have had multiple trips to the hospital in the last month. (4 to be exact. Hence the reason it's been since November 1st since I last blogged).

I'll tell you, every time I've spent time locked up in a little room that I laughingly call my 'suite', and generally tied to my bed by cords and hoses and monitors, I feel like I've been there for ever and the four walls just keep closing in on me.

When I finally do leave I really do feel like an excapee from prison. On the way home while my husband or daughter or sister drives, I look at the world outside with a new wonder. The trees look alive and the motion of the cars is exciting. Birds in the air are a wonder and people going by just keep me busy trying to figure out what they have been doing that day.

I have actually felt like looking over my shoulder and almost felt guilty, thinking I would be in trouble for leaving. I know that may sound strange but being confined for long periods really does something to my psyche (sp?) While on the way home I begin to breathe deeper and I get excited when we drive up to the house in anticipation of seeing Myrtle again. You would not believe how much a person can miss a dog and I know she has missed me. Since I'm usually a little weaker and Myrtle would knock me over in her excitement, I stay in the car as they let her outside. She runs to my open car door and jumps up enough to kiss my face all over with love (the only time I allow her to apply her slobbers on my face). Her back end and tail are wagging back and forth so far and so fast her butt travels sideways in a wide swinging arc of wild joy! Her bully dogge face actually smiles, even with the saggy cheeks and we are in heaven, even if only for a few moments, together.

I stayed in the hospital just long enough that Rick and Brenda got the tree put up and decorated so I didn't have to lift a finger but I've been able to enjoy the scene. Now, the gift wrapping has begun and it seems to be never ending even though we really cut back this year in dollar amounts just like most people. It's a good thing Rick shops throughout the year and I got some early shopping done in early November otherwise no one would be getting much of anything. The grandkids would definitely be dissapointed but then life does happen.

Anyway, we are planning on having a wonderful Christmas filled with family and friends and I am planning on being home for Christmas this year for sure and healthier too.

This year that song "I'll be home for Christmas" really does have deep meaning for me. I have had to spend Christmas in the hospital in the past and have been in right up till just a couple of days before a few times too. It's always a close call that way every year, even for Thanksgiving just as it was this year.

I know I'm going on and on about the hospital but that has literally been my life so much the last several years and I deal with it by talking about it. No sympathy needed, it's just something many people have to deal with whether because of illness or accident and then to boot, the hospital is really a lonely time during the holidays.

I know I preach this alot but if you know someone who is alone in the hospital or at home during the holidays, please give them a call or a visit or at least a nice card or a sweet. Just let them know you know they exist and you care.

SHARE yourself at Christmas!

That is the best gift you can give anyone at anytime. MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!

2009-11-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

One of my past paintings and not a great photo of it, but this is the kind of country my husband and Dad are hunting in right now. Rick got a small 2 point today which is the only bagged mule deer in the bunch so far. Looks like we will be having some yummy venison meals this winter and I will definitely be looking forward to it.

Here we go again, the 'holidays'

What fun, what a bother,

stress for some, relaxation for others,

lots of work and too little time,

many on our lists and not enough money,

more purchases on top of bills or handmade gifts,

time with family and friends,

food galore and sweets abound,

but some go hungry and long for a full tummy.

kids bouncing on beds with excitement

and adults too sometimes.

Depression and loneliness for some

or too much music, laughter

and crowded homes for others,

stimulus overload and wishes for a silent night.

Missing loved ones or making up for lost time.

Remembering those who have gone on before us

and won't be with us this year

or inviting a lonely person or family

to share in our joy and abundance.

Family members away to war

or fighting gang wars right here at home.

From 50 to 100 or 1 to 49,

This Holiday season will touch us all somehow.

RJM 2009

What ever your thoughts or state mind and spirit, the holidays represent a time of extremes. If we remember that this next two months will be the most stressful months of the year for many, maybe we can be a little more prepared to work together to make it more enjoyable for ourselves and others around us.

Sometimes simpler is really better and if you start feeling stressed and pressured to keep up with traditions or expensive plans for Thanksgiving or Christmas, remember what the holiday really represents and go back to the basics. You may find this year to be the most enjoyable one you and your family will have.

Here are a few 'simpler' ideas but afterwards please make a list of your own to see what you can do to get back to the basics and fully enjoy the true meaning and reason for the season coming up. You may be creating new traditions that your family will remember and treasure the most. Please comment with some of your own ideas as I would love to hear them.

1. Tree or no tree. For some, especially the elderly, the chore of getting either a live tree or even setting up a 'fake' one as I call them is just too much. You can either buy a very small 'fake' tree that can set on a coffee table or end table which takes up little room and only needs a few little ornaments to make it pretty.

A fun craft is to make your own little tree with several readers digest magazines. I will add the instructions for making one in a future post well before Christmas. Offer to set up someones tree for them if they are not able but would still like to enjoy having one in their home.

2. Instead of exchanging expensive gifts among family adults, ask each to either make a small craft (wood, metals, fabrics, photos or painting. Even a personal letter letting that person know what they mean to you and how they have positively touched your life can make a very special gift. Just for fun, there is always the white elephant or gag gifts for the fun loving groups and these can have a dollar amount limit.

3. For kids, getting them involved with making and creating special gifts for others gives them a sense of acomplishment and they can realize that giving is actually enjoyable and good for them too. Even a homemade Christmas card colored with crayons can be special. NOTE: Every year I helped my children and foster children make gifts for their families and grandparents. We made wood crafts, homemade bread one year and pies the next. We made Christmas cards with white paper and glued yarn on the front to create Christmas scenes.

For a few years we made special Christmas baskets made out of whatever materials we could come up with and then we filled them with a few pieces of fruit, nuts and candy and then made little angel ornaments with noodles and painted them gold. These baskets were given to elderly people around our block and area that we knew were alone or had no family near.

4. Sharing with others: We usually host a fun Christmas party for some our extended family and friends and we try to include one or two neighbors or friends who are alone for the holidays or have a spouse in the war, etc. It's fun to get to know other people and they definitely gain the sense of family while they are with us.

5. Offering your time to other's can be a wonderful gift and giving a personal card with a 'gift certificate' from you offering or promising your time to help a neighbor clean out their garage, or a colleage help on a special project. Maybe, if you have a special talent you can offer that as a gift. A person's time is usually precious, especially now-a-days with all the hustle and bustle and technology. Whether you are too busy or just don't notice, there is always someone around you that needs a helping hand once in awhile.

6. If big meals are usually part of your holiday plans and you are usually the one to put on the 'feast' of the day, maybe you need to change to a potluck approach which let's everyone feel like they've shared in the meal. Don't be afraid to ask for some help for preperations before a get to gether and for help getting things put back in order afterwards.

Sometimes guests just don't know what you need or don't feel comfortable stepping in at someone elses home. I've always used a 'we're all at home' approach and I will usually delegate small dinner chores, even to guests if they seem interested. What a better way to make someone more comfortable in sharing time and a meal then to make them part of the process and part of the team.

There are so many more ideas and useful ways to make your life easier during the holidays but I would like to hear yours, ok? Please comment with your own ideas and I'll try to add them on my next post.

What an oportune time to gift yourself to someone this season.

I can't wait!

From Summer, straight to Winter?

2009-10-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a flurry of pictures showing what I/we have been up to recently.......

Brrrrr.... What a way to start Fall!

The beautiful leaf mats was the idea given by Brenda. She has done this every year with her girls. We had a good time making these after collecting different leaves from around here. Grace, Brenda and I made several and gave most of them away to some of the relatives in the family group picture above.

As you can see, even with limitations, life does not have to be boring, especially with family who are willing to help the gimp along.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"Loneliness is worse than any ailment. With family, friendship, love and companionship, even the worst disability is bearable!" RJM

I take my thoughts above from the months I spent in the hospital. Loneliness almost consumed me at times but knowing my family and friends would be taking time out to come see me, gave me hope. Those moments of companionship meant the most to me and I looked forward to them. I cried when they left and I missed them terribly, even my Myrtle, but I immediately began to count the hours until I would see them again.

Remember those who are in the hospitals, laid up at home or are in care centers. Their very hearts and lives can depend on visits and companionship. I know that even a stranger, willing to take time to talk and share a few moments wakes up the soul to hope and happiness.

Interim Post

2009-10-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

A quick note to let my blogging friends know an update is coming right away. I spent most of today just trying to change and update my page layout and etc. Still more work to do but I have a blog idea popping in my head and hopefully I'll be back in a day or two? Yep, that's the plan.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
"I'm done procrastinating. From now on I'll only put aside for tomorrow the things I can't do today and today I'll truly enjoy doing the things I can." RJM

more at ya!

Harvest time in Colorado

2009-09-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
If you were a seed, what kind of tree would you be?
An oak, so solid and strong? Maybe as Aspen, so willowy and pliable or how about an Evergreen that keeps all it's needles and green all winter long. Then there's a weeping willow or a very tall Red Wood tree. There's the gnarly old alpine bristle cone pine or a tiny well trimmed bonzae? Maybe you could be a common elm or a thorny Chinese elm. How about an apple or pear tree?
Can you identify this bark?
(answer at bottom of post)
Whatever tree you see yourself being or becoming, you are special and for different reasons than the orange tree person or palm tree person next to you. We all look different, smell different, give off differents fruits or nuts or seeds and we all live in different climates and altitudes and some of us are cultivated and well kept. Other's of us are old and beaten down from life's weather and there's the young saplings so tender and vulnerable, and there's the tall and thick and strong and ... you get the picture.

Rejoice in your differences and your strengths and your weaknesses because you can share and give to others and you can receive from other's something special. Oh, how I like our differences!

Just a thought!

BIRTH NOTICE:
My Newest Grandchild; Ruby, 6 lb 10 oz, born to my second daughter, Marti on September 13, 2009. This makes my 9th.
Ruby Margaret

This is the diaper bag I made for Ruby.

I am once again jumping back into blog land for a lookee see. I guess that I'm just a once in awhile blogger thru the warmer months when I'd much rather be outside while I can. Even on my down days I can enjoy the shade outside or a ride or just visiting relatives and friends.

Evan and Ethan teeter totter with mama Amber

We have been busy with a few projects, like sewing and yard sales and harvesting and cooking garden vegetables. Now we are into canning. While Brenda is living with us I am taking advantage of her willingness to jump in and help with whatever project we can cook up (pun intended). :)

Evan and Grandma trying out the tree swing

Evan's new pose now when someone points a camera at him. Guess he thinks he's being cute.....and he would be right!

The grandkids are by whenever they can and they love to help pick vegetables in the garden. They also like to taste the products for quality control.

So far they approve and are starting to really like and to try lots of new vegetables and fruits Amber says. Also, the garden has provided a handy way for the two homeschooling moms to teach some agriculture and science classes. Hands on is definitely the way to go no matter what the age.

Ethan with Grandpa's upside down tomatoe plants and with Grandma's wishing well.

Brenda and Grace and Myrtle helped pick apples from our grandma's old house. The easiest way to pick the ripe ones was to shake the tree limbs and let the apples fall onto sheets on the ground. Then Brenda bundled the sheet up and dumped them all into the plastic crate we brought along. The only downfall was the occasional apple that landed on heads or backs as she shook the tree.

Once we got back home Myrtle snatched one of the tart apples from the bin and claimed it for her own. She wanted to eat it since she likes apples but the tartness kept her licking her chops since she can't quite pucker up like we can.

We have already experimented with making and canning hot salsa and really hot salsa with our home grown tomatoes, garlic and onions. My husband says Brenda's yummy salsa, my hot salsa and 'really hot' salsa still aren't hot enough so guess I'll try one more batch of 'really extremely hot' salsa using the left over hobanero peppers I have waiting. We'll get to watch his ears turn red and steam come out his nose. Won't that be a hoot? smile!!!

We've also canned alot of pickles with two different recipies. We had so many cucumbers of all sizes that we have made 2 - two quart jars and 5 pint jars and I'll be making at least 2-3 more pint size jars of pickles yet. I didn't get any pitures of them yet but will ask Brenda to post some on her frugal site.

Now with all of the apples we brought home we are already canning apple sauce and then we'll make apple butter and will probably vacumn freeze apple slices for pies this winter. I wouldn't be able to do this all myself so I'm so thankful Brenda is here to help. We make a good team.

First came the apples, then the coring and slicing of apples (no peeling nessesary thank goodness)

Then came the cleaning and boiling of the canning jars and lids and cooking of apple quarters.

Next came removing apples from boiling water ( fork tender) and placing them in a food processor or blender.

We blended the apples until they were smooth like applesauce and no chunks.

iiiiiiiiiiii

Then we returned all the apples to one pan and added the sugar and some cinnamon and cooked just awhile longer.

Afterwards we removed one jar and lid set at a time and filled them with the applesauce and sealed the lids tightly and turned upside down on a towel.

After several minutes upside down the jars can be turned upright. Sometimes you can see or hear the lids 'pop' down wiath the suction and sealing of the lid due to the cooling process. Some lids may take awhile to pop down and sound more solid than hollow but it does work.

Brenda will put a complete recipie and instructions on her frugal site for those who would like to try canning applesauce or apple butter.

On my good days I try to take Myrtle for a walk down an old side road near here. It's along a ditch that is dry right now but the shade trees keep the walk cooler and it's very pleasant as long as we don't stop to rest beside one of the many huge ant hills along the way.

We found this old walk bridge that has seen better days and we made a wise choice in not trying to walk across it. Since the ditch was dry we decided to find a way down and look at the bridge from a different perspective. I found it to be very interesting and all the tree root systems and interesting bark was just at water's level where we would never have been able to see if water had been there. I love to get down and see things on a smaller scale and a different angle. Wouldn't it be interesting to see things from an ants perspective or a rabbit or some other small creature looking up at us just as I looked way up into the cottonwood tree above us?

Uh, oh, and analogy is coming on, I can feel it....

'Even when our lives are in a ditch and we look at our broken path, we can still see the light if we just look up!' rjm

Ok, this is long enough and I know there are many blogger friends that haven't heard from me in quite awhile so I'm going blogging around to their neighborhoods for a lookee see.

answer to trivia question: The bark belongs to a Cottonwood Tree

Hope you all have a VERY Good day :)

Rain, Rain, go away?

2009-08-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

What a wet ummer. We've seen such a short season of dry summer here in Colorado interspersed with more than our regular share of rain and cloudy days. I can't remember when we've had such a wet summer and such a green landscape on the flats and lowlands. Usually by this time of year everything except the trees and watered land and yards is mostly brown. Don't get me wrong here. I love the green and not having to water the grass so often, but I look forward all fall and winter to spring and summer and I'm just not finished with it yet.

I am hoping the weather will be nice for the last weekend of this month because we are having a huge yardsale. I have items from both sets of parents, my daughter Amber, my sister Brenda and of course mine and my husbands. We are hoping to make it a culdesac and more sale with neighbors holding sales for themselves as well. It'll be quite the event and loads of work of course. I will be doing most of the supervising with everyone else doing most of the heavy work. Guess being on oxygen has some advantages, huh!

Myrtle, my bully dogge posing

Last week we went to Pueblo to meet our mother at the park and we had a picnic. It was a sweltering day and humid too so the grass and huge shade trees were a welcoming setting. I brought Myrtle, our bully dogge and she loved it but was hot too. My neice, Grace (Brenda's daughter) gave Myrtle a cool drink for Myrtle's own water bottle. Since Myrtle was a puppy I have given her drinks from a spray bottle and she love's the squirting or spraying water like any good dog that drinks from a yard hose. Here she looks looks like a baby, but it sure comes in handy when she wants a drink while we are in the car and don't want a bowl of water sloshing around.

Grace giving Myrtle a drink of cool water

Our garden is doing great out back and one yellow summer squash plant has produced several siamese twins. These two inspired some of my handy work and became people. I gave them to my inlaws who they were slightly modeled after. With a smile of course.

As many toddlers do, our young grandson, Evan, loves to hang around like a bat every chance he gets. He looks for any opportunity to hang out, even leaning over a shoulder or arm of a couch. What fun to be so young.

Our little bat!

I still have my up and down days and today is one of the slightly down days. Yesterday, as sometimes happens, the bottom dropped out and I found myself feeling sickly and weak. Today I am taking it easy and trying to recoup some of my energy. That afforded me the time to catch up on my blog. Considering everything, I have done a little better this summer, even after the hospital stay in May. Pacing myself is everything and being able to recognize the symptoms of fatigue in time to stop before I get too run down and can't get back up for awhile. I have overdone it some lately and been stressed out over some stuff but now it's time to stop and slow down again. That is all against my nature, but nessesary, so I do it.

The kids are all ready for another school year, but since Amber and Brenda are both homeschooling they don't have to rush to the stores and scramble for the supplies and clothes and/or uniforms needed elsewhere. They are both already organized and have their supplies and books lined up. We went to a homeschoolers book sale where parents who homeschool can sell their used books and supplies that they are finished with. We saved bunches of money by shopping there and Amber even got supplies for the next few years to come at a huge discount. What a bonus.

I had a birthday on Sunday and Brenda, Amber and my husband made it a party. Rick, my husband made me a special birthday cake by scratch (Sourcream chocolate chip with a few walnuts). He made his own frosting with melted chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting from the store. It was wonderful.

I should be sad to be getting older but I'm not. I'm just happy I've made it this far with all my medical issues. Of course I do still use the women's perogative when it comes to claiming how old I am. So far I'm 35 and holding. I have a habit of messing with numbers and claim that I have dislexia when I get them backwards. So now you know.

Just an infomercial here: We have been ordering some food from an online site called Angel Food Ministries. The meat which is of good quality comes vacumn packed and frozen. Some vegatables come that way too. They have fresh fruit and vegetables and it's all delivered to a site close to us. It seems like the prices are about 25% cheaper than in stores and better I think. If you get a chance to check it out and see where the sites are in your area just use the url http://www.angelfoodministries.com/.

Ok, gotta go but will be visiting all again soon. Take care.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

Uh, I don't have one.....smile. Send me one of your favorite thoughts or quotes. I'd love to hear them and share them next time on my blog.

Even a Bully Dogge Needs a Little Time Out Once In Awhile!

2009-07-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday, Almost!

My Myrtle looks like she is in trouble and in time out in the corner, doesn't she? Maybe she's moping because she couldn't eat my supper for me, or maybe she is actually waiting patiently for a tidbit of meat from the casserole sitting on the counter just out of site but clearly within her smelling range!

Better late than Never?

2009-07-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

I'm always late. Late getting to bed at night, late getting up, late getting anywhere, late at getting dinner, etc. etc. My life has changed so much with all my medical stuff. Not much energy, foot pain, etc. etc. What a complainer I feel like sometimes too. I used to be the first one up each morning and always ready to go on a moments notice (just ask my kids). I went 90 miles an hour all day long and loved staying up late and getting up early. I feel like apologizing all the time but I know it's just the way it is now. Guess my blogging is that way too. Always late. And as I've heard someone say on TV who just passed away, "And that's the way it is!"

My new style of fishing:

#1 have husband lug everthing to the car and then the fishing spot when we arrive.

#2 Set up chair and large umbrella.

#3 bring dog for company and entertainment.

#4 throw in a line and wait for a bite.

#5 If no bites soon, open up cooler and take a bite myself and drink plenty of cold ice water.

#6 When it's time to leave have husband lug it all back.

#7 Have husband clean fish if it's a lucky day.

#8 If no luck, pull out fish sticks for supper.

#9 Let husband know how much he's appreciated.

#10 Love it all.

Me and my colorful shades

I'm so late and so far behind on my blogging that I know alot of people have gone along another trail by now. That's ok, I definitely understand because it can be boring checking into a site that just sits.
For being disabled I sure do lead a busy life. I guess since each day is a gift, then I feel the need to do all I can do every chance I get. The only problem though are those pesky hospital episodes, fatigue and lack of O2 at times, besides all those bothersome side affects from medicines I'm on and general health. (I don't say all these things to complain but my blog is meant as an informative site about what it's like to have health issues. Maybe someone else with health problems can relate and can feel a little better knowing it doesn't have to be so grave every day even if the situation is. Life is what we make of it and I choose to play out my life positively and realistically.)

I so appreciate my husband who puts in all the extra effort it takes for me to do things with him like keeping the vehicles loaded with O2 bottles and loading and unloading when we go somewhere like to the store, visiting family or going fishing. That includes making several trips from the car to the fishing spot to set up all my extras like an extra supportive folding chair with a huge beach umbrella and the cooler, etc. etc. and then lugging it all back up again.

What do I do?? Well, I get myself and an O2 bottle on my back there eventually (one trip) and maybe I carry my fishing poles. My balance isn't good and my ankles get weak and roll at times making me walk like a drunken sailor and sometimes I have to stop and rest and catch my breath but I eventually get where I'm going. I'm such a big help but I'm trying and doing good at that. Oh, and I carry my camera too. :)

The last two weekends we went fishing at the Pueblo resevoir and I didn't catch a thing. My husband, however did catch a 15" wide mouth bass last weekend. It doesn't bother me though because just getting out with my husband and spending some fun time outdoors is great. We just relax and let the dog (little miss Myrtle) play in the water and chase sticks.

My stepson, Mike went camping with my husband and about 30 other relatives over the 4th. You can tell he had a great time and is very proud of his catch. Brookies are great tasting fish so guess it was worth it huh?

Mikes girlfriend came along and must have thought she was going to the beach but she made use of her swim suit in the ice melt mountain stream. Bet that beach sounded real good after her dip in the pool.

One of my 'almost' daughter's (I had guardianship), just graduated with a GED recently and we decided to have a little party for her. I originally planned it for May, but alas, I ended up in the hospital during that time. The problem was that I forgot to let her know we needed to postpone the party so she showed up at the house expectantly. My sister, Brenda just moved in the day before, so she and Rick, my husband, graciously invited her to share their supper and then they called me. I was pretty upset that I forgot to let her know but we made up for it this week with a family party. She and Amber are just a few years apart, so it was nice for them to catch up on news also. Cerena has a 7 year old son, is a single mom and after finally getting her GED she is going to college already to become a nurse so we are doubly proud of her acomplishments and goals.

Amber and Cerena with ice cream sundaes

Last Sunday we celebrated Mariah's 8th birthday with a party and swimming in their backyard pool. It was fun and she had a great time with her young friends and cousin. Here they are being silly but cute too.

Birthday girl, Mariah, second from left

On my granddaughter's actual birthday (not the day we celebrated with a party), we went to the Calhan County Fair. We drove about 80 miles round trip to get there but it was great and the kids had a wonderful time. They got to pet baby farm animals.

Cousin Grace, Mariah and Ethan with hat

Ethan loved feeding the kid goats

Evan touches a baby goat with mom's help

We saw an educational reptile show with the real things, and we also saw some performing bears doing all kinds of activities like riding bikes and playing basketball and dancing a jig. It was very hot and I had to stop and get a ride back to the car from exhaustion but I'm glad I went. It was fun!

Mariah, Grace, Ethan and Evan in the corn bin

I think the corn bin was an exciting extra for the kids. They loved digging in and covering themselves with the dry corn. Evan, 18 months ended up with some in his diaper (don't know how that happened :) ) but Mom saved the day.

Whew, what a busy month so far. Thankfully there are a few slow days like today so I can touch base with everyone on my blogland. Miss talking on line but I just keep trying.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

If you feel stressed and overwhelmed, whether it's physically, mentally or emotionally, look to see what is actually an unnessesary add in and find ways to get rid of it. So many times we create our own stress by adding in extras to our lives, thinking it's a good thing to do, but if it can be eliminated and will take some pressure off, do it! "Oh, what a relief it is!"

June is my Middle Name

2009-06-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Two pretty cousins at another cousins wedding

June is my middle name and I think the month of June is my favorite month of the year. Spring has sprung, the rains have fallen and summer is emerging. The excitement of the summer season is contagious especially when around children.

Some people have other things to do

My grandchildren give me a spurt of excitement to look forward to the future, today and tomorrow and to overlook the frustrations of medical issues and things that might try to hold me down.

June is a big birthday month, family reunion picnics, vacation month and summer activity month with family. We've already celebrated 2 birthdays and a wedding and we have plans for countless yardsale days and fishing trips and even camping trips this summer.

Katie's my neice, her Dad is my brother Jim (Jimbo)

Jack is my brother and he played his own piano music at the reception

The family reunion camping trip is coming up over the 4th of July week and weekend. Since it's up at about 9,800 feet in altitude, I can't go but I have plenty of memories from when I have been up there. When I bemoan my houseboundness during that time, It's time to pull out the pictures from camping trips past.

I'll get a turn when we camp at the resevoir at Pueblo over a weekend later in the summer. It can't quite equal the high altitude solitude, mountains and small mountains streams that I loved to fish for brookies and trout. hiking up the mountain, just hoping to see some wildlife and absorbing the scenery and breathing the thin, crisp, and especially clear mountain air is such a precious gift and I cherished those times I went.

I decided to have a last minute surprise birthday party for my sister Brenda and since she is so good at being frugal and keeping track of prices, I made the party theme "The Price is Right, Right?"

We had a good time and she even won a dishwasher that is 5 STAR worthy. It save on water, electricity, and fits in small places. It is portable and can easily be transfered to new locations when needed. It has almost no upkeep or repair costs and is an energy saver which has won it's label as a 'green' machine. Brenda was thrilled.

She won other easy energy savers too. and if she hadn't won the washing machine above she would have won this one.

See below for some of her gifts and or games.

We did the "Alpine climb",

the "Higher Lower" game and several others. Other contestants also played and won some gifts for Brenda. What a sport she is.

My nephew had a party too and he is a proud 5 yrs old. He was so excited he was beside himself. Just looking at the presents and jumping up and down. Then when he opened the T-ball bat we gave him, the sparkle in his eyes and the bounding up and down with joy reminded me of the old Christmas movie called the "Christmas Story" where the little boy finally got to open up the bb-gun he had been wishing for all year. I loved it.

Ethan's Spiderman AND Batman Cake

Daddy gives Ethan a BIG bite of frosting

Ethan's new muscle shirt he's been begging for

Well, on this note, I think I'll close and beg forgiveness for being too busy to get down to writing to my blogging buddies. I will hopefully sign in to your sites asap.

Thought for the Day: "Please be patient, God isn't finished with me yet!"

News Flash!

2009-06-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Pikes Peak at Sunset

"News Flash!

Life has its bumps and bruises but as long as we keep getting up there is hope for us yet." rjm

I just got out of the hospital for the third time in 6 months. Fortunately I was only in for 9 1/2 days this time. A record considering the length of most of them. I had another infection in my blood and they had a heck of a time figuring out where it came from and aren't actually completely sure now. They also had to give me a few units of blood, after they took half my body weight in blood I thought.

I woke from a late nap on Tuesday evening with a 104.9 degree temp and my husband decided it was time to call a doctor which was smart enough to send us straight to the emergency room. The emergency room doctors looked up my history and were quick and got the mega gun antibiotics going right away even without having the blood cultures back.

I am going to keep this hospital and staff on their toes for a long time it looks like because I always have such weird stuff happen and because I intend to be around for a long time yet.

I will have to catch up on my post and on my blogger friends who have been keeping tabs on me even when I don't respond right away. Thanks again for that.

My sister, Brenda and family are finally here and partially moved in but still working on the rooms. Since I ended up in the hospital, some of the prep work I was going to get done wasn't, so they have picked up the ball and are fixing up the rooms themselves. I guess a pro to that is they'll get what they want and I don't have to do the work, ha.

They have already been a great help around the house too, with cooking and laundry so guess I'll keep them for awhile.

Pikes Peak mid April at Memorial Park

This is a short post as I'm in the middle of hemming some pretty pink curtains for Brenda's daughter's room and I am actually trying to get some of the summer outfits sewed up for all the grandkids like I've been planning.

Our garden is growing well and I have corn up a little (except what the dog chewed down), some watermellon leaves, lettuce and spinich, the greenbean plants are really doing well and the cucumbers are peeking through. My husband has spagetti squash, yellow squash, cucumbers, green bell peppers and lots of tomato plants all doing great. I also have two hot pepper plants in the front yard and some return strawberry plants. I just hope the ants and squirels don't get them first.

Pikes Peak Late Evening
Can you tell, I like taking pictures of Pikes Peak? Ok, more later, but after I get a chance to go visiting again in blog land. Take care and smile, someone else may need it!

Spring fever progresses into???

2009-05-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
"The pace we lead in life determines how many little miracles we will miss or enjoy with nature, our family, our friends and even our pets" rjm

I don't know about you all, but my spring fever has turned into a roaring furor of projects and activities. I'm sure I'm overdoing it some, what with all the gardening and sowing the baby plants inside in february even. One problem I keep forgetting to take into account when it comes to these projects of mine, is my energy level which depletes fairly fast and any walking lifting, bending, etc. All needed for decent gardening are very strenuous for me and so I need a chair or other sitting arrangement or getting on my knees to work. Getting on my knees can be difficult when it comes to getting up with an oxygen tank on my back. Most of the time I leave the O2 in the wheelbarrell that I use to transport my tools and plants.

Yesterday and today I have just about gotten all my planting done and then, lo and behold, I couldn't resist buying a few small bushes and ivy plants to find a place for.

I can't say I always think ahead with these kinds of things since I buy it cause I like the way it looks or the color or the perenialness of it, etc. Sometimes I don't take into account that I may be piling up some work for my husband with out his knowledge since I can't do some of the heavy stuff like digging deep holes for bushes and trees. I did that last year buying an apple tree, a pigme something tree and two evergreen type bushes for which I had to do some sweet talking and then bring up the need for holes. Thank goodness he loves me enough to put up with some of my 'surprise' projects. After planting the apple tree in our back yard and seeing it doing well this spring I was getting all excited with the prospects of getting some apples some day. But then my bubble was burst when I found out I needed two of the same kind of tree so they can polinate each other so now I'm in search of a like tree. Too bad I can't remember what the name of it is.

I am excited for all the possible fruits and vegetables we'll have this summer while Brenda is here. I planted; green beans, spinish, lettuce, onions, I already have some onions and garlic in the garden from last year, cucumbers, watermelon, corn, banana peppers and yellow sweet green peppers. My husband planted lots of tomato plants, spagetti squash, yellow squash, bell peppers and I'm not sure what all else. I sure hope it overflows this year.

Some family sharing Mother's Day Lunch

I had a fantastic Mother's day and enjoyed seeing my mom during the week at the park, then lunch with my husbands family on Sunday at Olive Garden and then going to my daughters that same evening for our families famous Spanish Cassarole, yumm. Of course we were plenty full by the time we went to bed on Sunday night.

Mariah ready to be a painting artists model
One of my granddaughter's loves to pose for pictures and when she and her mom came by our house after going to her girlscouts 'tea party' where the girls had to all dress up and learn table manners and how to set the table and numerous other fun stuff. Before she left we took a few pictures to remember the day.

Ah, a natural
I am hoping to take Mariah to see the new Hannah Montana Movie that's out. She's quite the fan and I've seen and heard good things about the movie too.
Katie modeling her new galashes

The day before Mother's day Amber and I went to my neices wedding shower and it was exactly that with yummy snacks too. This fun picture is Katie showing off her new galashes that someone gave her since after the wedding she is moving to Michigan to be with her new husband. I guess they will probably come in handy there.

Me and my neice Katie Jayne

Now, to top this off, as many of you already know, my sister Brenda and her family are coming to live with us for how ever long it takes while they get situated in a new state, a new town, and new jobs and eventually a new home. I am so excited, but I am also trying to get many little projects done before they get here so they'll have at least comfortable quarters to settle in. My dad is coming up in a few hours so maybe we'll at least have lighting in the room. The old wiring and lights are disfunctional to say the least and were tailored for the old seventies look with indirect lighting pointing to the ceiling, etc. which didn't leave much to be desired even when it worked.

One other great piece of news is that this weekend my husband and I get to go to Denver to babysit our newest grandson Tyler. He just had the skin under his tounge clipped to help him suckle and it should help with his speech later on too. While they had him under, they ended up putting tubes in in ears since he's had alot of fluid built up in them for several weeks already. They usually don't do that in babies so young, a little over 3 months, but ear infections and the need for tubes runs in the family and the docs decided it would help alleviate more problems later on to do it now. Anyway, he is feeling better and his parents will get a much needed break to go to a movie and eat lunch with some friends. I think they forgot how to do that!

2009-04-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day;

"A please now and then really doesn't hurt!" I saw this sign and just had to smile. I stopped too at the consternation of the driver behind me as I pulled out my camera to take a snapshot before moving on.

I am once again late at updating my blog. This time not from illness but because my computer was so overloaded with pictures and stuff that it just couldn't compute anymore. I have spent the last 2-3 weeks cleaning out, organizing and creating backup disks for everything I want to keep. I have a 58 gig computer and I had used almost 40 gig with stuff. Since I have alot of programs and even junk that I can't figure out how to get rid of, there wasn't much space left for computer thinking room. Everything took forever to do and my email and internet finally just locked up. What a mess, but now I have all but about 10 gig free. Yea!

Just before heading to surgery

Well, incase you haven't read Amber's blog, my son David went in for his (hopefully) first and last major surgery to remove the rest of his melanoma cancer. They found a small spot on the inside of his left hip area that they had to remove and since they couldn't find anymore, they went ahead and removed his apendix while they were at it. He is doing pretty well so far but sure does want to get back home. I am hoping to go up tomorrow and visit him and bring him a homemade pepperoni pizza. Mr. Green Jeans modernized!

He insists he can't and won't eat any hospital food there cause he can't stand it. I think it wouldn't be so bad this time, but he is remembering how bad it tasted when he was on all of that strong kemo medicine all last fall.

David, Izaiah and girlfriend

Well, my sister Brenda and her family will be here to stay in just a few weeks and I'm really excited and jazzed about it. Grace, her daughter, is the same age as Mariah and they will be able to spend some quality time with her this summer which will help Grace to transition and feel more comfortable with the move I hope. I'm not worried about Brenda transitioning cause she's so ready to be here she won't even notice real life worries for awhile because she'll be so happy to be here already.

Here is a fun picture of one of my grandsons, Evan at mealtime when I was babysitting him last week. As you can tell, he fully enjoys his eating. He was so hungry he was going at it with two utensils. Evan at meal time!

Of course his abilities falter somewhat compared to his gusto, especially when it came to the peas. fingers do nicely for those little guys.

Just to end this up, I'm posting these pictures from around my area. The skies have been beautiful and the mountains of course majestic.
A snowly bluff near Castle Rock

Pikes Peak in April Sunshine

Pink Clouds at Sunset Pikes Peak near Sunset

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-11T15:03:00.001-07:00

Easter is upon us. Here is a little project I have been working on and it turned out pretty cute.

Amber and her kids are doing something pretty similar and hopefully she will display the grandkids works of art on her blog soon.

I took some raw eggs and broke quarter size or larger holes in the top and removed all the yolk and whites. Then I rinsed them and let them dry.

In the meantime I started making the little chicks, using colorful fuzzy balls, googly eyes along with felt and a little glue. An easy and inexpensive fun project that kids can do too.

Then I painted the outside of the egg shell (I forgot and did it after I glued it into the yellow egg carton sections). The grass I cut from felt and glued around the carton and in a few I placed a few tiny silk flowers.

I made just enough for each grandchild that I'll be able to see soon and 2 mamas.

I am going to TRY to get busy and make each of the grandkids some summer outfits. Here are some of my patterns.

A couple of them can be used for more than one child since there are so many of them. I hope I can finish them in time to get some use out of them this summer. I'll have them model them when I'm finished eventually. Patterns for Summer.

Then, the other day the weather was just so beautiful I just had to get Myrtle, our bull dogge out for a walk. Since I've been struggling with Shingles in my right leg and the bottom of my right foot, it has been difficult to do much walking, even with plenty of pain pills on board. My foot has seemed a little better the last few days so I gulped a pill and off we went to the Fountain Creek Park. We walked almost half way around the little pond with some stops at two very handy park benches for me to get off my foot a little while. I had packed a little picnic lunch and we munched it down as I rested. I always bring her a slice of bologna and she even shared a few bites of my strawberries. It was fun though and she loves it. Myrtle didn't get much actual exercise but she got plenty of sniffing time in and I let her get into the water a few minutes too but it was pretty cold still and she got right back out in a jiffy. I always love looking at Pikes Peak and right now it has a wonderful snow cap so I took a picture of it before we headed back for the car.
Pikes Peak Snow Capped

At home the daffodils and crocusis and even the irises are coming up. I snapped a picture of one of them just coming up and blooming wide.

On Sunday I was surprised with a drop in visit of my previous foster daughter who I still think of as one of my daughters and she still calls me Mom.

She lived with me for 5 1/2 years from the age of almost 13 until 18. Her brother, James lived with me for 7 years until he emancipated also. I had guardianship of both of them and so they were truly a part of our family and still are.
Cerena's son, Ben, is just slightly younger than Mariah. (Another grandchild for me) He is a sweet boy and quite shy but he eventually warms up. I am so happy she keeps in touch with us and makes a point of calling and coming by so we can still feel like we are a part of her life. It is one of the rewards of fostering , when they come back! Adopting is also rewarding and sometimes painful just like any parenting situations when children find new and sometimes harmful ways of living. Anyway, I really enjoyed their visit.

Yesterday we had 3 nephews aged 11, 7 and 5 come and have a sleepover with us. They are very energetic but great behaved boys and it was a blast. We had planned on our grandson, Ethan, 4 1/2 joining us but he's been sick all week with a viral fever, etc and wasn't up to it.

The boys kept us busy and we started off our evening making personal pizzas. I had the dough ready and rising when they arrived and then they each had to spread their ball of dough out and top it with whatever they liked the best. Here is a picture of two of them 'guarding' the oven and their own ready to eat pizzas. After supper we made individual cakes in a mug with a special recipie that only takes 3 minutes in a microwave to cook. Yumm. I add the recipie at the bottom of my post.

After dessert we looked through my box of foreign coins and bills and very old American coins including a 1898 penny that was apparently tossed in the air and shot with a low caliber gun, probaby a 22 that left it dented with the shape and size of the penny. They also enjoyed holding a 14th century bronze brestshield piece from New Mexico area that a Spaniard apparently had on their armor.

Then came games, like good old 'Battle Ships'

And Lincoln Logs

and today we made more little Easter chicks and went to the Pioneer Museum in downtown Colorado Springs. Of course my husband had to take the oldest nephew to go to the "Man Store", which is what I call all of those wildlife and outdoor sports places that cater to fishermen and hunters and campers, and etc. I wouldn't be calling it a man store since I love doing all of the above too, but it just fits for my 'man' husband and many others I'm sure. Anyway, in all we had a great time.

Here is that very Yummy recipie:

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons baking/unsweetened cocoa powder

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

A small splash of vanilla extract

1 extra large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well.

Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. (I used 'high' and it did just fine)
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

(It's a large chunk of cake and my husband and I shared halves and added a scoop of ice cream. Super chocolately and Yummy!

Thought for the Day:

"Everyday holds exactly the energy and happiness that we put into it." RJM

Home Made and Home Grown

2009-04-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day!

"Old and New may seem ages apart but when accepted and tried, usually good can be found in both!" RJM

Home Made Bread! Modern and Early Nineteen Hundreds kinds!

Last week my husband got into a baking mode (one he get's into every so often) and decided to make some raisen bread. He uses the breadmaker I got him for Christmas several years ago and he makes some of the most wonderful breads, yumm. He started out making breads with the boxed kits that were recommended by the makers but he quickly graduated into making his own recipes he's found in some of the cooking books he's bought for himself.

I'm not sure what caused him to suddenly get a hankering for baking breads but I know he was great at coming up with some wonderful meals during the stretches of time that I've been laid up with my medical stuff. This loaf raised over 7 inches and when I sliced 1/2 to 3/4 inch slices of bread I had to then cut them in half to eat or for the toaster because they were so big.

I love homemade bread like my grandma's. I got her to show me how to make her special down home bread and rolls that she raised 9 kids (six boys) and a hungry husband on. It is wonderfully full and yummy but it takes some kneading which definitely made her a strong woman. She didn't use measuring cups or spoons, only a gallon bowl and her hands and eyes to measure. She taught me her technique step by step and I wrote it down and eventually put in the "Pikes Peak Foster Adopt Support Group Cook Book" that we made years ago.

Here is her recipie for those hardy enough to try it sometime. Me and my kids and foster kids made many loaves of it one Christmas time and gave the loaves away for gifts to family and friends. Instructions: Spread with real butter, homemade applebutter or jam. Fantastic and definitely not on the list for strict diet minded.

Grandma Cline's Bread

(makes 2 large loaves)

Use a 1 qt bowl

1 qt warm water

2 pkgs fresh yeast

Use a 1 gallon mixing bowl

Pour in sifted or unsifted flour until almost full, then make a deep well in the middle of the bowl of flour.

1 Tbl shortning

1/2 c. sugar

1 Tbl salt

Disolve yeast in warm water until it rises to surface. pour the yeast into the flour well and add remaining ingredients.

Stir in - in layers from well toward outside of bowl.

After mixture is formed into a ball of dough, knead 500 strokes, adding flour as needed. (This can be done on a lightly floured table or counter top). Add only a little flour at a time as needed to keep from sticking. You don't want to make the dough too stiff.

Grease the same bowl and place dough in to rise. Set in a warm place and cover with a clean cloth.

Let rise 2 hours. Punch and pan in greased bread loaf pans or pull dough into small fist sized balls and place side by side in greased cake pans for rolls.

Let rise till double in bulk.

Bake 350 degrees

Lg Loaves - bake 1 hr

Med and Sm loaves - 45 min

Rolls - 1/2 hr.

Submitted by Reva J. McCandless

Guaranteed to be delicious

______________________________________

Notes from Home:

Our young Granddaughter who is autistic spent some time with us last weekend with her little sister and we had a grand time. She sure does enjoy my exercise ball and can navigate it all over the living area.

She is doing really well in school and at home now. When I asked her to color me a picture she immediately wrote her name and her age in color crayons and then jumped up as if her school assignment was all done.

Coloring just for fun isn't really her thing so far but at least she complied and tried for me. When I asked her to draw me a happy face she wasn't too sure until I said to draw a happy face of me, then she did and asked if it was happy face and she said 'definitively', "YOU." She told me!

Notes on my son David:

He went to Denver on Friday for the results of his last Pet Scan last Monday and they said there was nothing to be found in his neck (DID YOU HEAR THAT?) There was NOTHING in his lymph nodes in his neck. There are however, some tumors in his stomach that they will have to take out on April 27th. They are apparently pretty confident so we are hoping for the best and feel much better about things since the lymph nodes are clear at this time which is the most serious and since the spots that were in his lung are gone too, he definitely has a much better chance of beating this thing all together. YEA!

Here is how my wayward cancer surviver is looking now adays, along with his almost cousin (my best friends daughter). They have known each other since Stephanie was born a little over a year after he was. Soon I will post a picture of the two of them as they were in my oldest daughters wedding as ring bearer and flower girl. You would never have guessed they'd end up looking like this. Note the green hair. Also his hair has come back in very curyly after he lost it all from the chemo treatments. Stephanie just decided to shave her's all off.

Now David is trucking around the neighborhood on his new wheels, which aren't street licenced of course but so 'cool' with all the younger teenagers. At least he's only driving in side neighborhoods and not on maid streets with lots of traffic. What do ya say to a nineteen year old with ideas of his own. Right now I just stay out of the way except to pray for him and love him and let him know I care.

Actually, I can't stand 'crotch rockets' because I not only have heard of the deaths these cause but I've witnessed what happens. Several years ago I took my kids and foster kids on a drive down my old memory lanes and went to Pueblo to show them the places and schools I went to. As I stopped to talk to a homeowner about the area we were in, we heard a revving of a motorcycle engine several times, approaching from a distance. Suddenly, as the gears rachetted up once again we heard 1/2 half a block behind us a horribly loud crash and crunching sound. I glanced in my rearview mirror long enough to see red fenders and bike parts flying and spinning on the pavement. We turned around and found an old pickup truck with an old man at the wheel looking stunned and not sure what was happening. People were around the bed of the pickup helping the motorcycle driver.

The pickup turned left across the other lane, heading for his house. He never saw or heard the motorcycle who was speeding extrememly up a darkly tree shaded street on a red crotch rocket. (The drivers are laying forward just like a bullet ready to fly). He hit the right passenger door of the pickup while still shifting up on his gears. He flew over the bike, through the open passenger window of the pickup and out the small back window glass (no helmet by the way). If he had hit the old man, I'm sure the man wouldn't have lived. The young motorcyclist had just turned eighteen and graduated from highschool the day before and the bike was a gift from his parents. He of course died the next day. I cried everyday foar awhile over that. I hoped my kids would have heard and seen the message that day on the dangers of those kinds of bikes.

Notes of my Best Friend:

Now for one more picture of my best friend that I've known for 25 years and we've done foster kids and adoptive kids together and we co-founded the 501C3 non profit support group I mentioned above and ran it in some capacity for 5 years and kept our fingers in it even longer. She is the one I made the wedding cake for that is shown at the bottom of my blogging page here. She and Ray were married August of 2007.

What's Good for Our Pets?

2009-03-31T14:15:00.001-07:00

Myrtle with her newest toy bunny

I haven't talked about Myrtle much lately cause I know that not all people think of their pets as members of their family exactly. I know I was one of those people for years and had the rule that pets belonged outside except for small dogs and cats and they had to be potty trained of course.
Well, since our kids all left home a few years ago, the house became awfully empty and quiet except when grandkids graced our home. Anyway, I bought my husband a 9 week old 'Ye Olde English Bully Dogge'.
She was precious and all teeth with all the puppy teething traits. She was so excited when someone came over and jumped on them and chewed on their shoes or any other hanging object she could reach. Of course we began training her and even took her for obedience lessons when she was about 6 months old.
She did great, but dogs only do as well as the humans who are training her. I decided that I would do as much as I could to make her a comfortable part of our family since I have so many medical issues at times that take all of my energy and strength away. I knew I had to get her inshape during the summer when I was feeling good and we could get her outside more to romp and train. She now knows about 20 commands and ignores several others when she's not in the mood to cooperate. She is a bull dog you know.
She is now turning 2 years old in April and I think she 'knows' she is one of us and expects all those special priviledges any child would have and sometimes more. Our bed is now a 3 person bed but I sure didn't intend for it to be that way in the beginning.
Sometimes we have to remind ourselves as well as her that she really is 'just' a dog and should not get everything she thinks she should have, like steak, chicken, cheeze, mashed potatoes, celery, peaches, oranges, chips, candy, and etc. etc.
We found a list of the no-nos for dogs that are dangerous and we are careful to not let her get any of those. Below is a list of dangerous foods that we all eat and may unknowingly share with our pets. This information was obtained from the internet and there may be other more sites with this information too.

1.Avacados - can harm heart, lungs, bodily tissues, it's high in fat and could cause respitory problems, severe vomiting, stomach upset, indegestion and more.

2. Chocolate - all chocolates are dangerous for dogs. Small amounts of dark chocolate could be fatal. It can cause seizures, coma and death.

3. Fruit Seeds - Seeds in fruits like apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and apricots contain high Cyanide doses. Cyanide in the body adds up over time and can be very dangerous.

4. Garlic - it can be injurious if large quantities are taken. Too much can cause destruction of red blood cells which causes anemia, weakness and respitory problems.

5. Grapes and Raisens - Even one grape or raisen could cause kidney failure in a dog.

6. Onion and Chives - can destroy red blood cells causing anemia, weakenss and respitory problems. Raw, cooked or powdered, even a small quantity might be fatal for your dog.

7. Tomato - intake of tomatos can cause weakness,lethargy, drooling, diffixculty breathing, colic, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, widely-dilated pupils, paralysis, heart problems, central nervous system disorders that include seizures and tremors.

8. Walnuts - flungus or molds in walnuts are extremely dangerous. Eating even a small portion could make your dog ill or die. Visible symptoms of walnut poisoning are vomiting, trembling, drooling, lethargy, loss of apetite, blood-tinged stool or vomit and jaundice.

Other foods to watch:

9. Except for rice, large amounts of whole grains may cause indegestion

10. Wild mushrooms can cause abdominal pain, liver damage, indigestion, diarrhea, coma, or death.

11. Coins can be extremely dangerous. A single penny can damage red blood cells and turn fatal.

12. Raw egg whites are high in protein called Avidin that can cause hair loss, weakness, growth retardation, or dkeleton deformity.

13. Cooked bones can spinter and tear internal organs.

14. Whole vegetables like lettuce, carrots, beans, yams as they are difficult to digest.

15. Dairy products with high fat content might cause diarrhea or indegestion.

16. Nutmeg causes tremors, seizures and death

17. Diet products containing Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures.

18. Macadamia nuts can cause weakeness, muscle tremor and paralysis.

19. Too much salt, fat, ham, bacon or liver will cause disorders like kidney problems, bloating, pancreatitis, gas, indigestion, deformity of bones, weight loss and anorexia.

If you know of other's please share them with us so we can protect our little guys and gals covered in fur.

Wow, what a list, but I was surprised at some of the things listed and it made me more aware of what we were feeding her alot more.
Most people try to be safe and aware of what their children are eating but pets aren't always so particular what they eat and we let them eat alot more than we should. I know that some people don't feed their pets any thing but pet food from a bag or can and that's fine if they feel strongly about it.
I'm just from the group that always tasted my babies formula or any babyfood before I fed it to them to see what it was like and if I couldn't stand it I didn't feed it to them. I also know (especially after some extended hospital stays) how boring it is to eat the same thing day after day. (Jello and unsalted chicken or beef broth isn't my cup of tea for sure).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

"What's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander."
RJM

Old Man Winter is Feeling Better

2009-03-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day:

This may not be quoted exactly word for word but I have always thought it has such a strong truth I want to share it.

"Character is something that can be measured by what a person does when no one is looking."

Remember the last time you were in someone's house or car and you found another person's money or other items lying in plain sight? What did you do? Walk away? Stuff it in your pocket? or were you possibly tempted? Measure yourself by your thoughts and then how you respond to them. Are you someone you would want hanging around your house or money?

Now for the weather:

Yup, just as I thought. Winter isn't through with us yet, even though we had more than a months repreve.

As you can see, the flowers that proudly raised toward the sun yesterday are now blanketed in a nice layer of the white stuff. We are supposed to get more tomorrow too so hope the plants can bear the cold for awhile and still come out later in the spring.

I am confident that our Colorado weather will continue to keep us guessing as usual so Happy Day ya'll.

NOTE about David: They did not do the surgery last Friday either or take any more tests. The surgeon has planned another PET scan for March 31st and then a preop day on April 3rd and depending on all that, they will probably schedule the surgerly for a week following. It is frustrating to say the least to have this all postponed even again, and I hope this isn't allowing the cancer to spread even further than they last saw. I hope the melanoma isn't progressing as fast as it was before the Chemo sessions since he can't have that done again very soon if ever. As far as I know, surgery is the only hope at this time.

I want to thank you all for your continued support and prayers for my son. I'll update as I find out.

Spring has Sprung

2009-03-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day:

"Spring has sprung, although old man winter has yet to be informed in some areas we know. Winter gave up a few times and let spring weather walk on his creaking back and what a relief it was. Now that he's feeling better we will surely be revisited soon so keep those jackets close." rjm

Happy Spring!

I have been wanting to show how early we're getting plants sprouting here. In Colorado, with winter weather usually strong in March, the flower's usually poke through the ground closer to April.

This year, however, it has been so warm and so dry, just a little watering and the plants have begun to spring up, even though the lawn is still lying mostly dormant. Notice that around the flowers in my front flower bed, it's still dry and dead but the flowers, like my crocuses and dafodills and tulips don't seem to mind a bit.

I don't either, really, because it gives me some wonderful color to enjoy during this dry time and hope for a great spring and summer (allowing that we really do need more moisture). Notice all the beautiful blooms on my large bush, but no green leaves or even buds are showing yet.

I know that alot of places across the country are getting much more snow and moisture than they need, but we are currently about 83% behind in moisture for this time of year. Ouch!!

We enjoyed having alot of birthdays this month and have had get togethers and birthday parties every week this month. My father-in-law turned 80 years old on the 7th of March. Then my step daughter turned 30 on the 11th and my daughter also turned 30 on the 15th. We followed that up with my uncle's on the 17th and my Mom's birthday on the 18th. My young nephews was about the 19th but we celebrated it on Friday the 20th.

Our little nephew just turned 5 years old. When he saw my husband a few weeks ago as they all traipsed all over the hills looking for deer antlers, he innocently asked Rick, "My birathday is in 3 days. Are you going to give me a present?" Sounds reasonable to a 5 yr old. He get's presents on Christmas and on birthdays so why wouldn't uncle Rick give him one. So.. we decided to be sure and give him a special birthday party so he would know he is special to us too. Here he is about to blow out his candles.

Mariah and Ethan helped Grandps bake a cake for their Mom, Amber and Dad, Steve so we could celebrate their birthday's on Sunday. Grandpa has a great sense of humor and baked them a cake with oreo cookies, white chocolate chips and then pieces of prunes fort the now 'over the hill' birthday couple, ha! (If you look closely you can see the box of prunes he has opened.)

While we were plotting all this fun, Amber and Steve went out for a much deserved birthday dinner out together (no kids) to Outback Resturant, which is one of their favorites. The kids helped decorate and set the table and wore 'Happy New Year' hats and blew the favored expandable noise makers as they came in the front door.

Then Mariah and Ethan each made birthday cards for their parents and painted them with squirt paint on construction paper. Mariah is a natural artist and did an excellent job.

Next, one of my son-in-laws birthday was the 21st and the other son-in-law had his today, on the 23rd. If my Grandma on my dad's side had lived one more year, she would have turned 100 on the 2nd of the month. There are one or two others and at least one anniversary in our extended family this month but there is just so much one can keep up with in one month.

On Saturday I was actually able to get out and fish with my husband, father and father-in-law all day along with our faithful little (not so little actually) bulldog, Myrtle. The weather was perfect and we didn't get one single fish. That was ok, though, since after the first 30 minutes we were pretty sure we wouldn't get any but we brought our picnic lunch and enjoyed some visiting and checking our poles once in awhile just for the show of it. Myrtle sure enjoyed playing in the lake water again, even though the water was freezing. She would play along the shore awhile and then sit by us shiverinf awhile and then go back and do it again. It's good it was 76+ degrees out that day.

I'm not posting a recipie today but will try to again next time.

Note about David: He did not have the surgery on Friday as planned. He had a new surgeon get involved who didn't feel he could do the surgery without another PET scan to see it all clearly. They will be doing more testing before moving forward. I can't seem to get alot of details from him or his dad so will have to wait for more news, but sure want to thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Food, Food, Food...and gardening

2009-03-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Thought for the Day:
"Sneeze or cough and someone blesses you, choke and someone punches you in the stomach. No blessing given, just life. Think I'd still rather sneeze and get a blessing." rjm :)

This will be more of a fun and delicious blog than I usually put out. I have been trying to get some papers cleaned out and finally got to my shelf full of recipe books and recipe card boxes and notebooks and sheets and notes full of recipies. I decided to gather all the little torn pieces of paper and notes and loose recipes and type them all up in my computer so I can print them to size on sheets for my 3 ring binder.
It is fun going through and discovering long lost family favorites and many I made up myself when I was a new mommy and was learning to cook for my own new little family. There were plenty of bombs along the way but once in awhile I actually did something right and supper was yummy, even for kids.
Also, years ago when I was co-leading a non profit support group for foster and adoptive families through the Social Services Dept. here, we created a family recipe book full of tried and true meals from foster parents and case workers own homes. They were all easy to make and used regular ingredients that most everyone would have on hand. They were especially geared for families with children and my kids loved them too. I entered a huge amount of recipes from my own kitchen and from my parents and grandparents too. There were even crafts for kids and home remedies in the back.
I have decided that once in awhile I would like to share some of these recipes with you all, just in case you like to try new and especially easy things like me. If I print a recipe here it is garanteed to be delicious. Hope you like them.
I will try to take pictures when I get around to making them myself again, but sometimes your imagination will have to do.
Here's two favorites of mine. Try them and let me know how you liked them for your self or your family.

Tuna Veggie Cassarole
By Reva McCandless

2 – 6 ½ oz cans tuna, drained
2 cups noodles, cooked
2 cups diced potatoes, cooked until slightly firm
1 sm can mixed vegetables
½ cup canned milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 Tbsp onion flakes
½ cup drained peas
salt and pepper to taste

mix gently into microwavable casserole dish.

Mix together 2 large shredded wheat bisguits, crushed, with 2-3 Tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over top of casserole mixture. Cover with clear baking roaster wrap. Microwave at high for 15-20 minutes, until hot throughout, or bake in moderate oven 30-40 minutes.

Here is a quick, easy and cheap chili recipi (especially good for new/young cooks)

Chile My way
by Reva McCandless

(this can be doubled or tripled easily)
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion (diced)
1 clove diced fresh garlic (can be substituted with a little garlic powder)
1 c. kidney beans
1 c. tomato sauce
1 c. diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp chili powder
black pepper to taste
2 tsp oregano

Saute beef, onion, fresh garlic. drain grease. Add kidney beans, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Add chili powder, black pepper and oregano to taste. You may add more of any seasoning if you prefer but let chili simmer awhile before adding more to make sure it's well absorbed. If you use powdered garlic rather than fresh, only use about 1-1 1/2 tsp to start.
Let chili simmer at least 20 - 30 minutes for full flavor. (I don't add salt since the canned foods are well salted.

This is good when topped with shredded cheddar or mozerella cheeze in the bowl. Ymm.

Now it's almost gardening time for those fresh ingredients in our new recipe's so I incorporated it into Mariahs class.
Today Mariah came over for a day of Grandma home schooling and after all her school work was done we did science. Today we studied, hands on, about gardening. I cheated and bought those little starter kits for seeds to make it easier but it still works. Anyway, she had to gently wet the little starter soil packets until they swelled up. Then she had to loosen the soil and poke a hole in the center and then put in one or two seeds in each hole and gently cover them up. A last little watering and we put the little garden greenhouse lid on and will wait for them to sprout in a few weeks. We will continue to talk about weather and seasons and watering needs for each type of flower or vegetable we planted and when time is right she'll get to plant them in the ground and care for them. I love hands on lessons for kids cause they get so into it and will remember the lesson so much better because it is fun!
Good job today Mariah, I had fun being your teacher.

NOTE: David will be going to Denver for his cancer surgery tomorrow, so please remember him in prayer. I probably won't know much about the results for awhile but will report when I do know. Thank you all so much for your caring and your diligence in prayer, it's very much appreciated.

On and on and on and ......

2009-03-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

I know my blogs have been spread over weeks instead of days, but I think I have a good excuse :).

I last reported that I was slowly getting my meds straightened out and allergic reactions cleared up and that's true. But... as usual lately, I had more symptoms show up that were confusing at first. Here's saga number 1,000,00....?

Just as I got some reactions cleared up and some infections cleared up I began to have quite a pinched nerve in my back. I even developed a steady headache that wouldn't go away so I was off to the chiropractor for a much needed adjustment. several days later when I got no relief I went back for another one and still it was no better. Now this was odd since usually one adjustment got things back in place and I could go about my days, but not this time.

After another day I realized my right foot felt like I had a spinter in it but I couldn't find one and hadn't been barefoot at all anyway. By that night I asked my husband to look at my foot (I'm not bending so easily at this stage anymore) and he saw a few red spots in a patch. Since I couldn't find a splinter and hadn't been in an ant pile I couldn't figure it out. Next day there were more and they began to look like white blisters under the skin. Maybe another reaction to something?
Pretty soon my whole foot was blistered and felt like I had cactus or glass shards in each of them and I sure as the dickens couldn't even touch the floor it hurt so bad. My back still hurt and the nerves down the back of my leg still burned and hurt and the blisters had me worried so I went in to my doctor for a look see.

By then the blisters had apparently burst under the skin and looked more like blood blisters and bruised patches. The doctor decided I probably had shingles and they cut one of the blisters open for a culture. I found out that the headache, the back and leg nerve pain and the blisters were all symptoms of shingles which is a herpes virus caused by the chicken pox virus. Anyone who has had chickenpox or the vaccine can get it but it is most commonly triggered in people with low immune symptoms like me. Since I'm on anti rejection medication for my transplanted kidney I am more suseptable to infections and illnesses anyway.

I was glad to find out what it is but it has been debilitating and kept me at home and off my feet and on pain meds for almost two weeks already. The doctor was surprised because it started showing first on the bottom of my foot instead of on my back or upper torso. Of course that shouldn't be too surprising since I seem to always do things backwards or weird medically all the time. I don't have normal simple colds or flu's, I skip 'Go' and go directly to 'Jail' (hospital or bed). Why fool around with the everyday stuff when there is more to experience? :)

I can actually touch the floor today, after taking my Vicodan that is, and sort of hop around without the crutches for a short distance. Yea!!!

Today I had a nice distraction because my granddaughter, Mariah spent the day with me and we did her homeschooling assignments her mom sent and then we did some painting together before her daddy picked her up this evening. We had lunch and supper together and she and her grandpa, my husband, played and teased each other insesantly. We all had a grand time.

Amber, my daughter, has been such a big blessing through all of this. Yesterday and today she drove me to doctor appointments and blood tests and trips to the pharmacy for my meds and even vacummed my living room for me twice and watered my house plants. I am glad Mariah and I could give her a little break from being teacher for a day at least.

Now I'm going to bed and get off my feet (foot) and rejuvinate after a full day so I won't put pictures up this time. Sorry, I know that's boring but maybe next time.

Thought for the Day:
There's one thing about pain and illness, when it's over even a cloudy day feels like sunshine and green meadows and rejoicing isn't work at all!
rjm

Another day or two or three

2009-02-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

Thought for the Day:

"We may be the sum of our past but our future is what we make of it."
Reva McCandless

And I thought winter would be quiet and dull around here. NOT. It seems like there is always something going on that keeps me from getting too lazy and dull. I am feeling so much better and getting more strength back and so I'm doing more around the house and getting out and about.

The day after Valentines day we went to celebrate my neices recent engagement. She is happy and getting ready for an early June wedding, then she will be moving to a new state to be with her new husband.

I love it when the grandkids come by, even if just for a few minutes as my daughter is running errands. Evan, the youngest is really grandma's boy and wants me to hold him all of the time. Of course that's such a burden on me ( ha) and we have a great time. Last week we had Evans 1st birthday party.

The older grandkids help keep our dog Myrtle happy as they all romp outside and play on the tree swing. I keep hoping to find a nice round plastic seat to put on the end of the tree swing rope but I haven't yet. Right now there is just a broken tree limb tied on the bottom of the rope and the kids straddle it and do just fine. Guess they won't know the difference if I don't tell them.

In March I have to go to Denver for my Dr. appointment with the specialist. I think it'll be a good visit this time with good reports, especially considering my recent hospital stays. My meds are pretty well leveled out and I don't have any extreme side effects, just those I am already used to, so that's good.

My husband has been off this past week due to a temporary lay off. Bet alot of you are feeling the economic pressures as well in your jobs, and I'm grateful he'll at least be going back to work soon. We will took advantage of the time off though to see and help some of our parents with projects they wanted done and to visit with other family as well. We even tried some fishing in a small local man made lake but no luck except to enjoy being outside for a change. He is off with my Dad and brother's to the hills today to do some target practicing with the shell's they loaded themselves the other day. This is a test run for hunting season I'm sure but they all really enjoy it.

We stopped by to see the newest grandson, Tyler, who is now 2 months old. He has grown alot and we needed to catch up on some of that cuddling time.

Taxes. Enough said about that since that word probably elicits the same tightening of the stomach muscles in everyone like it does me. I'm trying the free Turbo*Tax and it may even find more refunds for us. Sure hope so anyway.

We went to my nephews last basketball game last week and his team won 30 to 13. He's only in 5th grade but the boys were so good at making shots and passing the ball and taking the ball from the other team that I was surprised. It was fun. I think it's much more fun to watch sports when you personally know someone on the team. I took alot of blurry pictures since they were moving so much and the lighting in the gym didn't help either. He's number 21 in the light blue.

Now that I've rambled on about a hodgepodge of subjects, I'll try to get this posted before someone thinks I've left town or am sick or something. Keep smiling and enjoy your day so you can be the gift someone needs today!

Update on son David

2009-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Thought for the day: "Sunshine can only enter our lives when we open the curtains of our hearts!" (by me)

My son David, who had stage four melanoma cancer in his lymph nodes in his neck and a spot in his lung survived the 4 rounds of a chemo coctail this last fall. They thought they got it all except maybe a tiny spot in his neck. This last Friday they did another PET scan and discovered the spots still in his neck and now there is some in his stomach too.
At this time they have him scheduled for surgery on March 10 to remove the spot on his stomach and also the lymph nodes in his neck. He wants them to do an MRI on his head too to make sure it hasn't spread to his brain. Just when we began to think he would have a little breathing room from his ordeal it has sprung up again.
He is outwardly taking it pretty well and is keeping busy with his college classes and friends. I hope he can keep a positive attitude with it all and with continued thoughts and prayers he has a chance of getting through this round also. I'm not sure what his long term chances really are right now but I know we will have to help him focus on the good parts of his life and the positive possibilities still waiting for him. Please keep him in your prayers.
One of the ways he is living it up right now is by dying his hair green. Green? Yep, I said green. He has dark brown hair naturally so he dyed it blond first and then tried to dye it turqois but it came out green. Now he wants to try alot of other colors just for fun. I guess when you are young (19) and looking at cancer, you may want to try alot of crazy things just to keep out of the duldrums and depression. That's ok by me as long as he is not getting himself into trouble and is taking care of himself.

As far as my health, I'm feeling alot better but still battling some medication reactions. That should get better soon as we are adjusting dosages and types of meds I'm on. It wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to be on so many different things at once. A few of them overlap on their side affects which confuses things at times but I'm getting it all worked out a little at a time.

Grandson Tyler at about 4 wks
My newest grandson, Tyler, is about 6 weeks old now and the next oldest, Evan will be one year old on February 20th. Two little guys in less than a year is something to rejoice in. Evan is walking and even running around the house and climbing on everything, so he's a handfull. Tyler is still that tiny baby cuddler and I can't wait to hold him again. One of the joys of being a grandparent for sure.
Grandson Evan 10 months

To keep up with Evan and his brother and sister, check out my daughter's blog at 'Amber'. 'Brenda', my younger sister has her youngest daughter who is the same age as my granddaughter and since Brenda and Amber both homeschool their children they have alot in common with the girls. Mariah, my granddaughter and Grace, my niece get along great and have such fun when they are together. I know they will be good friends and cousins when they move out here near us. Brenda has a wonderful and always uplifting blog too and I encourage anyone to check out both blogs if you haven't already.

Brother Jimbo's homebuilt shed
My brother finished building his own shed, workshop and did a great job. He could have gotten a ready made one for just a few hundred more but the satisfaction of designing and building his own was worth more than the money. Now he can get caught up on all the family house and yard projects he wants to do.

Well, I'm really trying to keep my blogs a little shorter than I have in the past so I better knock off for now. If any of you have some favorite 'thoughts for the day' that you want to share, either send it to me and I'll add it to mine or put in on yours so we can all see it there.

I'm looking for another great day with lots of day gifters. Have you gifted yourself to someone today? Incase you're not sure what I mean by that, I believe we all have so many things about us that we need to share with others. Whether that is doing something nice for someone else, calling to check on a senior or sick friend, or just letting your grandkids crawl all over you when they visit, either way you are giving something wonderful to someone and you will be able to look in the mirror at night and say, "I feel good about myself." Don't forget that pat on your back either.

Happy blogging Day!

Thought for each day

2009-02-01T18:01:00.000-08:00

Things are looking up again. After another few weeks of discomfort and medicine adjustments I am starting to feel like I'm almost ready to join the regular day to day activitites around here. It seems like everytime I end up in the hospital for whatever reason I come out feeling wiped out and my body and its functions are all mixed up. Recovery just seems to take forever but that's partially because I can't stand to be tied down and out of the race, so to speak for very long. I love being active and part of things. Soo.. I'm coming up to the starting line and I'm already at the 'get ready, get set,' stage and waiting for the almighty 'GO!'

I just changed my page look to see if I can get 2009 off to a new and better start. I may have lost some pictures on the page but I plan on resetting those soon as I have time.

Also, I have so enjoyed hearing from everyone and I'm so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers that were sent my way. Life really is wonderful, even when I don't feel so good. Each day is special in it's own way and each person I come into contact with is part of it and that makes me happy.

This is just a short update to let you all know I really am still alive and kicking (some days more than others) and I'm looking forward to many more. Your blogs are all a part of my blogging days and they uplift me in each your own way. Your personalities show through and that is what makes us all unique and special. We are all worthy of being gifted to those around us. Your blogs are gifts to me and I thank you for sharing your selves with me.

As I feel better, I will do more updating and add some new pictures and I'm thinking of adding a 'thought for the day' paragraph each time too. I love short little statements that give me something to think about through the day and I hope you will like them too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
look in the mirror and smile at yourself while thinking of something nice you have done for someone recently, then reach over your shoulder and pat yourself on the back. Doesn't that feel good? We all have good in us and when we share it we reap the feel good part of it. Remember, it's easier for us to feel good about other people if we can feel good about ourselves first.

I'm Back Again???

2009-01-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

My newest Grandson that I haven't seen or held yet! Born December 21st, 6lbs, 1 oz. I am anxious to snuggle a tiny one again soon.

Yes, that's right, I'm back again. Just 2 weeks after getting out of the hospital on December 23rd, I landed back in for another 2 weeks. This time is was due to an accident by the radiologists staff. I went in for my 2 week check up and scan of my gall bladder to make sure everything was clear. It was, so they pulled out the drain tube that was inserted weeks earlier and sent me home.
I didn't even make it home, the pain was so bad and I had to pull the car over and call my husband to come get me. I was doubled over in pain but we went home and I tried to rest to see if it would go away. instead, it intensified and I called the ambulance.

Apparently, when they pulled out the drain tube it tore the gall bladder bile duct and it was all bleeding and draining into my tummy cavity. Fortunately they were able to take the gall bladder out laproscopically which is much easier that a large incision.

Anyway, after my last hospital stay in December, when a doctor inserted my Groshon (sp?) tubing that feeds into the right side of my heart into the wrong vein, he had to remove it because I had a major bolus with my IV meds, I am begining to think I am destined to experience everything a hospital or illness can provide. What an adventure, of sorts.

Please understand that the reason I can look back and almost laugh at all of this is because it is actually so overwhelming and even ridiculous at times. I sometimes can't see how I have survived so many very close calls. I know that there is someone stronger than me above that must be smiling on me and then I guess my body and spirit just doesn't want to give up. Actually I intend to leave here some day fighting and screaming but with a smile on my face for the wonderful life, friends and family I have had. The experiences I've had and the places I've been and the beautiful world that was made for us.

So until then I am happy and still enjoying each day and Gifting each day to someone near me! Today that was with my grandchildren as they came over to visit and to make sure Grandma was really OK. With all my medical issues, they have experienced a little of the emotionally tough side of life and even though the youngest ones doen't totally comprehend, they know hospitals are for very sick people so they worry.

I was blessed by a phone call from my 7 year old granddaughter the other day while I lay in my hospital room. She asked me sincerely and with some worry in her voice if I was going to be ok. I thanked her for caring about me and I assured her that I was doing much better and would be home soon, so today she insisted to her mommy that after school she wanted to come see me. It is such a good feeling to be loved by a child isn't it?

I will try again to get out and visit everyones blog pages soon. Thanks for caring and keeping me in your prayers. Prayer works!
OK, gift yourself and your day to someone and see what happens.

I'm Baaack! Finally.....

2009-01-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Just a quick one to let everyone know that I'm back.

My month long stay if my private condo was eventful, suspenseful, sometimes nail biting, with lots of activity that forbade any real rest and boy was I glad to get home.. I lost almost ten pounds during my stay and some people would be jealous of the quick loss, but I really wouldn't recommend doing it this way.

In case someone isn't sure what I'm talking about, I must have some heavy investment in the hospital industry because I sure do use it alot. Due to the infections I had I got a private room. The only let down on that is that everyone who came in had to wear a gown, gloves and a face mask. This made it very difficult to tell the visitors apart from the nurses and I think I hurt a few feelings when I asked them to dump my bed pan. (not really!) I did miss a few though and just looked at them dumbly wondering what they wanted to do to me now.

My aunt showed up all masked and gowned, holding a fedex box and I had no idea who she was and wondered who would be sending me a package at the hospital. She finally asked if I knew who she was before I really looked at her face and recognized her voice.

My family, as usual was so supportive and visited whenever they could. My husband took extra time off and came up to see me twice a day and took care of our baby at home (our bully dogge - Myrtle). She whined and pined for me all day I guess. Then one day, he showed up to visit with Myrtle in tow right up to my ICU room. Boy was I surprised.

Even with family visiting, Myrtle pined by the door!

I didn't even know the hospital allowed that but it sure was a blessing to me and to her. She was so happy to see me and jumped up on the side of the be trying to reach me. At first I wasn't able to reach down to her much and she just licked my fingers. Finally we lowered my bed and Rick put her up on the foot of my bed and she immediately circled around and snuggled in and took a nap. She was finally content. She found me and got to sleep by my feet like she does every night at home.

I can't say my stay was pleasant and it was way too long, but I was so happy to get home and I immediately felt a surge of strength and contentment go through me. I'm where I belong now and it has alot to do with all the thoughts and prayers of those like you who hold other's up and ask for healing. I had 3 of the worst kinds of infections all through my body, including MRSA, and yet I'm still here once again. Why? I'm not sure but what a blessing and I even made it home just before Christmas, Yea!

Oh, and we got a great Christmas gift early this year. My stepdaughter has been expecting a baby on January 15th but baby decided to pay and early visit and was born on Dec 21st. I got to go home on the 23rd and we celebrated with the other grandkids on Christmas day.

The newest grandbaby boy was 6lbs, 1oz and 20 1/2 inched long. Grandpa went up to see him las weekend and can you tell how proud he is? I am still on antibiotics for those infections so I stayed home.
Proud Grandpa with Tyler Lucas
Ok, I'll be coming around to visit you all as I can and I'll send more pics too. I have missed connecting with you all and I'm looking forward to seeing how your holidays went!

Take care and smile, a new year is here.
Happy New Year 2009!

And the race is on....

2008-11-16T18:32:00.000-08:00

Yup, the holiday race is officially on. Check out any retailer and they will let you know that you need to buy something right now while their prices are low and you need to buy from them. With the economy being as bad as it is right now, everyone is in a pinch, so it's a slow start. But, I've had years of experience of being in a pinch and believe me, the race can be a little slower and alot more personal and even more affordable.

For years I have raised not only my own kids but foster kids too. When I was orinally married it was tough and it was also tough when I became a single mother doing all the same things.

My daughter grew up going to Goodwill for our clothes shopping and even doing some Christmas shopping when she was very young. Through the roughest times, we still managed to have wonderful and fun Christmases and we learned to share with those around our little world.

Each year, since Amber was born, I have bought or made each child a new Christmas ornament and put their name and the year on the back or bottom. This tradition came to me because my first Christmas away from home was my most lonely and forlorn.

We had no money, and had just moved to a new community up in the mountains. We lived in a very small basement apartment, and had almost notfurniture. Our couch was an army cot with a large pink pillow my husbands old girlfriend made for him (fun for me). Our bed was a single mattress on the flour and we had no dining room chairs, just two yard sale bar stools.

We had no Christmas tree or ornaments or decorations at all. I made a construction Christmas tree with curled paper for the branches. It was 1 and 1/2 feet tall and I cut out pieces of some old wrapping paper I'd kept, into stars and lamenated them with clear sticky shelf paper.

My new husband at the time had to work all Christmas day and I was alone, sitting infront of my little tree and I cried. Coming from a large family (I was the oldest of 7) I was used to lots of commotion, people and excitment surrounding all of the holidays. This was such a culture shock I didn't know what to do. I didn't think of calling home to my family because I didn't want to barge in and bother them during their celebration. I was under the wrong assumption that once we left home we should not bother our parents for piddley little things like being lonely.

I decided when Amber was born that none of my children would leave home without some special Christmas items to remind them of home and their childhood and so the tradition began. As each of my children and foster children reached 18 or left home or went home to their families, I gave them all the Christmas ornaments that they had been putting on the tree every year they grew up. I am still carrying on the tradition with my grown children and all the grandchildren as well.

Anyway, doing without did help me to desire to reach out to others after that, so when my children reached toddler age and on, we also made special little baskets of fruits or nuts or some other munchy and we made noodle angels that we painted gold and put on strings for ornaments. We made styrafoam popcorn stringers for our tree and construction paper chains too.

Over the years we did such things as baking bread together and pies and pumpkin bread and we made wood crafts we painted or whatever. We gave them out to relatives and to older neighbors we met, even the mean old lady that lived next door that always yelled at my kids for who knows what. My very young daughter (at that time) learned that everyone needs to be cared about and deserves to receive a gift, even grouchy ones.

The foster children I cared for enthusiastically got involved and made something special for their parents and they were so proud. I think it is very important that children learn to care about other's while they are very young and that feeling will carry on into their teen and adult lives and as parents themselves.

I had guardianship of a boy with cerebral palsey in a wheel chair and mental age of about 2 or 3. He was 17 when I got him and he lived as part of our family until he turned 21. He also got involved and did his best to paint a craft for his mother and he laughed with the glee he felt for being involved with the whole family.

My daughter, Amber, began to carry on the tradition of giving homemade love gifts with her children since they were very small. It is something they look forward to and they love bringing Grandma and Grandpa something they made especially for us. It is really true that what we give to other's will eventually come back to us in some form or fashion and what better way to see something we have begun being shared with so many other's.

Amber may post on her blog about how she and her little brownie scout troop that her 7 year old daughter is in, gathered food from family and friends and delivered it to Care and Share last week. They collected 96 pounds of canned and dry foods. They helped the workers stock the shelves while they were there. Now, her daughter Mariah wants to have her birthday party there next summer and have her friends bring food and help stock their shelves.

When taught how to love and share, children are the most selfless people on earth. Not many grownups can say they would just love to celebrate their birthday party at Care and Share working!

Yesterday Amber and I, along with her baby, Evan, went to the baby shower for her stepsister who is having her first baby in January. She decided to have it extra early since the holidays are upon us and she will be due mid January. As a first baby there is always the chance she could deliver early too, making it too close after the holidays to have a shower with a time safety margin.

She already knows it'g going to be a boy so everyone knew what kinds of things to buy. Amber made a very warm baby blanket for her and I pitched in with the material. Her own kids all have one and they still use them all the time since they are really nice and big. Here it is below. the back has teddy bears and the front has fire engines and police cars etc. so it should be good for many years.

Today I had my granddaughter and neice, both close to the same age, and we went to the western 'Ghost Town' museum here in town. We had a great time. They especially loved the old western jail with a jailbird included.

The stage coaches and first motorized cars were so cool.

They saw a mercantile with the types of things people could buy back in the 1800's and there were no racks of cute clothes or shelves of games and toys or anything especially colorful but it was definitely a peek into a past they just couldn't imagine. I took several pictures of our fun.

There was even a bent mirror that made them look especially tall or extra short and they even got to pan for gold.

Well, last but not least, news about David that everyone has been so loving to think about and pray for. He chose to skip the PET scan appointment and said he didn't want to know. Actually he does but he is afraid they might say it's not all gone and they would have to do it again. He doesn't always think past today and when he is emotionally caught up in other issues he can't face this too. Not the wisest choice but he's 18 and want's us all to know that.

I am hoping and prayers are still needed that he will see the wisdom in getting this taken care of even if he does have to do the chemo one more time to be sure it's all gone. He still hasn't grasped the reality and the seriousness of his situation but I hope he will not let time pass much longer and will try to resolve all the effort that has been put into his getting well. He is so lucky so far and just doesn't get it yet, so please keep remembering him until he get's back to the doctor.

p.s. My husband, my brother with his 3 boys and my father, all went rabbit hunting today and got nothing. Are they bad hunter's or where have all the bunnies gone? At least they took their fishing poles and tossed their lines in the river and resevoir awhile too but not much luck there either.
I think those guys just go out there and sit around a little fire and roast hotdogs and tell tall stories all day. I may have to go along and make sure they are doing their duty out there. I told my husband I wanted some hosenfeffer for supper but nothing but an old beaver head skull did he find. The grandson liked that though.

Moral of the story? The more hunter's you send out, the less likely they will hunt!! Ha!

Catch up and join the Holiday race

2008-11-11T16:28:00.001-08:00

I've been neglecting my blogger friends so decided it was about time to get off, oh no, I mean on my duff and write.

My hunter came back home last week safe and sound and nary a rack in sight. Of course he didn't have a license this year since he didn't get lucky in the state draw, but never the less he did see some deer. My dad did get a buck after all, so at least someone will have some good eatin meat on their table. Maybe we'll be more lucky next year.

Halloween candy still permeates my house and in fact I'm munching on some of those sour little things I love right now. I sure don't need them, but since they're sitting right here by my computer...(don't know how that happened), I might as well enjoy them until I'm all puckered up. Maybe then I'll go find my hunting hubby and see if he can pucker too!

I thought it would slow down once the weather cooled but not so. Between trips to Denver for my son's chemo treatments, my own doctor appointments, hunting season on top of Halloween and playing with the grandkids then of course walking Myrtle at the park, I've been pretty busy. That's not counting taking my car in for a new starter and then for a door replacement after a lady backed into it, and writting some more for my book.

I have also been creating some word puzzles for all my grandkids and young neices and nephews for Christmas. Then there's cooking for my love, and trying not to over do myself to boot. I haven't done any painting since last spring, but I plan to start that again too. It's hard to keep balance in my life but that's how I've always thrived in the past. I don't let things keep me down any longer than I can help it and I can't help but look for more to do than I can actually do.

Even as I am writing this, I'm still not doing enough. See how Myrtle looks so dejected?

That's because she brought me her ball to play a few minutes ago and I told her I would play with her later. Now doesn't that sound just like all us mother's and father's when our little one's come along and want to play?

You will be happy to know that I took a break to play with Myrtle just now so she knows that even she is important enough for me to put what I'm doing down and spend a little time with just her.

I guess that can be my main point tonight. It's not how much we do or accomplish, it's who we spend our time with and how we do it. Do we rush our time with our loved ones or do it with half our attention? Are we invested in our relationships with other people and especially our children enough to pull away from our own hustle and bustle to really see them and hear them and hug them, and play with them? That can go for our husbands and wives just as much.

As the holiday season get's going, how are you going to be sure you have enough time to spend with those you love most? I know I will definitely have to cut out some of the busyness and even fun projects that can run my life if I let it.

Since I have been so ill, and even before things got really bad, I had to learn how to say no to things. Things someone else asked me to do or things I put on myself when I did what comes naturally to me, and that's to over schedule my time and energy.

I am hoping for a peaceful holiday season sprinkled with enough energy to have fun with those I love. I wish the same for you!

Indian Summer?

2008-11-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

My husband left me!

Well, sort of anyway. He went hunting for the weekend and will be back on Monday. Unfortunately he didn't get a buck or elk license this year but goes for moral support and cooking and just to be part of it.

Hightailing it for the hills

All of my family has hunted for many years and in fact the place they are hunting at right now is where my Dad and his Dad and brother's have hunted continuously for almost 50 years. I used to hunt but of course I can't now so I'm glad my husband get's to go and hang out with the other guys.
Our family has always used the buddy system so no one has to go up hunting by themselves. The unlicensed people go with the rest for fun and for safety. It has been used for good several times when someone has been injured or has become sick.
Several years ago, my husband and my dad were hiking along the hills when Dad became very tired and lethargic. His limbs were heavy and he just couldn't go on. His lips and hands began to feel numb and tingly too. He was about 70 at the time and is like a mountain goat when it comes to hiking in the hills but this time he was in trouble. My husband left him on the hill and hightailed it back to camp for the truck. He picked Dad up shortly near the trail where Dad managed to climb down to and waited on a rock. Rick and my brother's loaded up camp double time and headed back to town with Dad.
He has had 2 previous heart attacks and has some stints in his artery's so they were worried it was his heart. When they got back to town and got him checked out they eventually found out it was a reaction to a new medication the doctor gave him just before leaving for hunting. Once he quit taking it he cleared up in a day or so thankfully.
Dad is 76 this year and doing quite well and is having a great time. This morning he was the only one that got lined up with a buck and he almost got a five point. (In Colorado when we say a 5 point, we mean the buck had 5 points on each side, not altogether).

Now for the holiday of the month. Halloween!

What a beautiful Halloween we all had in Colorado. The weather was perfect and I looked forward to having kids come by for treats knowing that they weren't freezing or bundled up in coats and gloves over their costumes. It was great to have all of our grandkids come by for something special from Grandma and Grandpa. I even took the time to make a bunch of homemade popcorn balls and some caramel covered apples for them.

I took some cute pictures of them here.
Our cute little witches??

A Bear, A Mermaid, and a Dragon

Maybe Pete's Dragon? Big sister's little bear!

Amber made Mariah's little Mermaid costume last year and she wanted to wear it again. She makes a great mermaid.

A baby bear or an

opposum?

My little Mermaid

Little Bear meets Bully Dog

Grandma's little bear

I was a little surprised that we didn't have more trick or treaters come by, not even the teenagers that invariably come looking for something sweet. Even with good weather I guess most kids go to family or friends parties or go to the spook houses that are so much fun. I loaded all the kids down with a toy, a handful of candy and a home made popcorn ball on a stick.
One of the scary items I had for kids to feel in a pot!

For the older kids and preteens I had a pot inside of a black bag. Inside were some items that felt like eyeballs, liver, and a brain. they loved it and I supplied hand wipes for clean up. I think most kids like to be grossed out and maybe even a tiny bit scared, which is what makes Halloween so fun. I don't believe that having fun in this way is somehow going to bring evil into a childs mind. I always did however forbid my kids to wear witchy or devil type costumes and had them choose fun or funny costumes. We usually made them up at home anyway.

I guess every holiday has changed alot over the years and even Christmas, Hannakah or whatever holiday we each celebrate isn't quite the same anymore. The holidays have become so commercial that the real reason for it is almost lost. It becomes each families choice on how their kids view them and how they celebrate them.

For Christmas each year we usually baked a birthday cake for Jesus (as well as one for my brother who was born on Christmas Eve, poor guy). The manger scene and the story of Jesus birth was read when they were young too. We enjoyed the fun parts too with Santa and all the gifts to each other. Every Holiday is so much more fun and rich and enjoyable when kids are part of it. Their innocence and excitement and exuberance just spills over and infects everyone around them.

I really miss that, especially on Christmas morning. It's only benn a couple of years since I haven't had a child waking up on Christmas morning to the wonder and excitement of the day. It's just not the same at home and that's exactly where my grandchildren come in. We are lucky enough to be able to share in some little way with them through the holidays, even if it's not that particular day. I guess my ideals comes from my past, growing up in a large family and raising a large family.

I think it's interesting to learn about other people's traditions at the holiday's and I hope to read about your's soon.

The best gift in life is life! So..share it!

Share a little, get a little

2008-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mysterious Liquid

My sister shared with me this cute award. Thank you! To claim my fabulous prize of four cyber coffee cups full of mysterious liquid, (I'm hoping mine is hotchocolate)I must answer the following questions and provide links to my unsuspecting victims:

1. Do you have the same friends since childhood? No. I did keep in touch with 2 for years, but I haven't been in contact for years now. I would like to again sometime though. I have a few really special ones that I've known for 20+ years now.

2. What do you value most about your friends? Being able to share good and bad experiences and feelings and knowing we will still be loved and accepted. A good ear is a special gift.

3. Are your friends your sounding boards? Many times, especially when all of our kids were still at home.

4. What is your favorite activity to share with your friends? Phone talk and getting out to eat a bite and just see each other. A good old ice cream sundae or bananasplit tops it off.

Since there are 4 cups of liquid, I'm keeping one for myself and passing the others along to....

1. My Daugher, Amber
2. My New blogging Mr. Friend, Putz
3. Positive thinking friend, MeMe Lorie's
who talked about coffee on her blog this week.

I am also updating on my son David's situation. I went to Denver to visit him in the hospital on Thursday as he underwent his 4th round of biochemo therapy for his stage four melanoma. Since, after the first two rounds, his body responded well to the chemo and the cancer was greatly reduced and in fact gone from his lung, the doctor's have had positive hope that this will actually beat the cancer. We won't know for a few more weeks yet, after they do another PET scan to see if it is all gone. I sure hope so. They usually never do more than four rounds since it is so hard on a person's body, but if there is a need and it will finish off any little bit left, the doctor could opt to do a 5th and final round. My prayer is that this 4th one will do the trick and it will all be over for David so he can get on with his young 18 year old life.
Thank you all who have kept him and our family in your prayers because I know it has helped. I will update again after the PET scan report is in. Thanks again!

Well, I'll be checking out my blogging friends sites and keeping in touch soon. Enjoy your Day because it is a gift to you and you are a gift to those who love you!

Wordless Wednesday a Day Late

2008-10-14T22:33:00.001-07:00

Things about me

2008-10-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Twenty things about me:
(I'll stop when I'm tired and finish another time)

1. Mother of Many; I bore 2 (one died at 22 months, adopted 3, had guardianship of 3, fostered many and did childcare for years, took in 3 other teens (one my kids friend, one run-away, one cousin, oh and one other adult friend)

2. positive thinker; there's power in being positive in all things

Cottonwood Pass, Colo.

3. I love camping, fishing, hunting, outdoors and travel

Rockies, Colo.

4. I enjoy all animals, including nonvenimous snakes

5. I don't like conflict; I'm usually a peacekeeper

6. I have artistic ability; I can draw, paint, do crafts, photography, sewing (I sewed both my wedding dresses and have made several wedding veils for others. I used to be a seamstress at a drycleaners store

7. I like word and number's and other types of puzzles and I create crossword and word search puzzles for family and friends

Some of my favorite people:

8. I am currently writing a novel about 2 girls, growing up in parrallel lives, living real life issues past and present

9. I love to read

10. My favorite authors are: Catherine Coulter, James Patterson, Robin Cook, Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, John Grisham and of course Louis L'Amour and I've read every one of his

11. I love movies

12. My favorite movies are: Posideon Adventure, Sound of Music, The Notebook, Lonesome Dove, Sleepless in Seattle, French Kiss and other romantic comedys

13. My favorite place: high mountain trails by streams and ponds

Elevenmile Resevoir, Colo.

14. My favorite vacation destination: Cancun and Jamaica (been both places and loved it)

15. I don't like politics or politicians. But I am watching this race closely and hoping for stability and safety for our society here and in foreign affairs. We can't afford to pussyfoot around with terrorists. We will recover from the financial issues but it will take time and belt tightening for all (hey, maybe I'll lose a few pounds??ha :)

16.My favorite color: a mixture of mauvey pink, steel grey blues, and soft lavenders

17. Favorite food: Mexican - 'hands down!'

18. Favorite icecream: sudae with LOTS of hot fudge, strawberries and nuts. No whipped cream or marachino cherry

19. Favorite pie: Cherry

20. I have my own strong Christian Faith. But, I can't stand religeous (taker) preachers on TV that just want our hard earned money. A lot of talk and lot's of guilt ridden listners with their arms being twisted for money. I want those preachers to offer phone number's for the poor to call and GET some of that offering money. Not just some book either, something concrete like a local assistance number or someone to follow up on the callers to see how they are doing.

Well, guess I've preached enough on that subject. I'll post another set later when I figure myself out a little more.

By the way, I went to the specialists in Denver today and had yet another echocardiogram done and it looks like the right side of my heart that has been all stretched out and hardly beating at all is finally showing a tiny bit of shrinkage and a little stronger beating function. YEA! Who knows how much more it can improve but anything is sure hopeful since it hasn't visually shown any real physical difference in 2 years. Time, rest and prayer, what a combination.

Gotta go and see you all in blogland!