"It's a _____________ Life"

Here's my computer and a favorite picture/poster on the wall right beside me.  It's so true, isn't it?  It IS a "wonderful" life.  It sounds cheesy, and if we're all keepin' it real we know there are MANY other adjectives that could go right alongside  the "wonderful" in this title: crazy, fun, mixed-up, messy, funny, alarming, scary, joyful, happy, stressful, etc. etc. Even though in blogland most of prefer to write about the wonderful side of life, there are the occasional times when things are not so wonderful.  Aren't we fortunate that the wonderful usually far outweighs the not-so-wonderful?!

So, what's your word for today?
Right beside "wonderful", what would you write?
Fill in the blank - just keep it "real".  OK?
"It's a beautiful, ___________ life."

NOT REQUIRED!

I was privy to some GREAT relieving news yesterday! If you're squeamish or happen to be a needle-phob like me, you'll get this.  If not, this will seem like a "non-issue" to you, but to me it was BIG news.

I went with DD (dear daughter) to her OB/GYN appointment yesterday.  This was her first appointment with the doctor here, since she was living in TX at the beginning of her pregnancy.  The doctor was going over all the rules/requirements for the next two months.  We thought that DD (and her pregnancy coach = ME) would be required to attend "Epidural Class" that many hospitals require.  I have been dreading this class since I am a "Big Time Fainter".  How embarrassing would it be to faint during this class, especially when I'm not even the Mom-to-be"??!!  Yes.  I have done this sort of thing many times before...Imagine my relief when he said it was "NOT REQUIRED!".  *Insert Happy Dance here!

I'm from the school of thought that sometimes one can actually have too much information.  DD wants the epidural, and knows what/how it's done.  Spare us the pictures and the video of the actual procedure.  I've had them before but don't care to "see" the nitty-gritty!

Pity DD who has me for her labor coach, as I'm not very good "nursing" material.  I think I can do this.  I watched my last child being born (but I'd had some good drugs at that point), and I also saw my youngest granddoll born.  I think I can do this.

With all the adrenaline that comes with the excitement of a birth,
and a good dose of Valium,
I should be "good to go"!

Practicing my deep breathing as I type this.
"Whoo Whoo Hee Hee"

Friday Night Live!

Princess went to bed at 8:20.

Mister went to bed at 9:00.

Heck, even Boudxy is sound asleep!

I got out of the shower and yelled into the snoozing house,

"I'm clean! I'm clean!

Over, under, and in-between"

Yes, I say that every night, and every night Princess and Mister react as though they've just heard me say it for the first time.  They laugh and pretend I'm quite the comedian, which is one of the reasons I love them so!  Tonight my little shout of humor fell on sleeping ears.  Ah well, tomorrow I'll say it twice!


Actually it's kind of nice.
Everyone is snugged in and accounted for and I get some "me" time.
I've donned clean pj's and fuzzy socks.
"Beauty" rules, while the Beasts are asleep!"

Another quiet winter's night.

Happy People

I read an interesting online article about Happy People and some of the traits they all shared.  I'm hoping we are all one of the "Happy People" in the new year!

1. Happy people say YES more than they say NO.
2. Happy people laugh, joke, and have a sense of humor.
3. Happy people live with a feeling of Gratitude.
4. Happy people speak well of others more often than not.
5. Happy people Listen.
6. Happy people believe in something and they let go of control.
7. Happy people accept imperfections and are willing to forgive and move on.
8. Happy people are of service to others and have positive expectations
9. Happy people are detached from the approval of others.
10. Happy people actively focus on health, exercise and work/life balance.

For me personally, I would have to add that "Happy People need some sunshine on a regular basis".
AND
that "Happy People have a relationship with God", but perhaps that's under the umbrella of #6.

Agree with the List?
Disagree?
Can you add something to this list?

Love and Hate

Ten Things I Love About January

1. Soup
2. Lysol
3. Warm pj's
4. No need to shave my legs. (No judging allowed!)
5. Sweats and Yoga pants
6. Good TV programming
7. Kleenex
8. White sales
9. Hot Baths
10. It gives me great appreciation for the Summer months.

Ten Things I Hate About January

1. Cold Weather
2. Flu
3. Cold Weather
4. Eating dinner when it is dark outside
5. Cold Weather
6. Runny Noses
7. Cold Weather
8. Snow/Sleet
9. Cold Weather
10. It lasts for 31 days

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

I can do this,
even in January!
Everyday is truly a gift, isn't it?!

Private Space.

I love Pigpen
and I'm feeling as though I've bonded
with him in quite a personal way;

 he moves in a dirt bubble,

while I move in a germ bubble.

"Kindred Spirits" I think most would call us.

I'll spare you the details of this nasty cold I've claimed as my own, but as I move and have my being my entire household is keeping out of  "my space".

When I get out of my chair,
no one clamors to sit in it.

No one goes near my chair sidetable.

Snow?
Nope.  My private bag of used tissue.

(It can never be said that I don't keep it real!)

I've found when you cough, sneeze, and carry your own bag of used tissue, people tend to give  you lots of private space.  

That Pigpen is one smart guy!

Going through the CHANGE. . .

Change can be good.
Change can be bad.
But, mostly it often falls somewhere between the two.  We're going through a lot of "change" here on the home front.  It's initially made for a lot of work and bother, just speaking honestly.  However, I find if I pace myself, arm-twist and coerce those around me to help, it really helps with my stress level.


The office in our house has now been emptied, which was no small feat.  It's also been painted a cotton-candy shade of pink, and on it's way to becoming a nursery.  We'd like to have it all in order by the end of January and ready for the sweet granddoll who will join us by the end of March.  The carpet has been shampooed, then shampooed again with bleach water.  That was one BIG mistake.  "Live and learn".  Take it from someone who knows, you don't ever want to do this.  We're now shopping for a room size area rug.  *insert delirious laugh here*

Another big change is coming our way too.
My Mom is coming for an extended visit in late January, and possibly to live with us.  There is not much to be done to the house to prepare for her since the guest room stays pretty much "ready". . .My Mom is 83.  She has been a "rock" for me in so many ways throughout the years.  I love her so very much and there is so much I could say, but I won't for now, other than to say she has been blessed with health and strength her entire life until last October.  At that time the thieving hands of dementia began to rob her of what she has clutched tightly- her independence.  She is facing HUGE changes, none of which she is happy with. (bad sentence. Sorry.)  I want her to be able to live healthy, happy, and independently, but the doctors have said that it is no longer possible for her to live alone.  She doesn't understand the reasoning behind the (multiple) doctors findings, so now she is livid with anger towards my sister and and I.  She sees us as the "bad guys".  This is AWFUL - no way to sugarcoat this part of reality.  She's in the hospital in Tulsa at the moment and when the day comes for her to come with me to Louisiana she is going to be distraught and red-hot angry, for who knows how long.  When I think about this I cannot even imagine how this will unfold, but one thing she has told me all my adult life is she does not want to ever go into a nursing home.  My sister and I are going to try our very best to care for Mom our self.  I am totally moving into uncharted territory for me.  I admit I have no idea what I am doing, but I have been reading up on the subject of "dementia" and will give it my all.

Did I mention we're going through lots of "changes" here?

I pray for strength, wisdom, understanding, and a sweet spirit as I go forward.  I understand I am beginning a new season of life.  It always saddens me a bit to move from one life season to another because I dislike the idea of leaving a current season behind, but "God's grace is always sufficient", so on I go!

Belly Laugh

Our twelve year old Granddoll was asked what she would like for Christmas.
She replied, "I'm accepting Amazon gift cards this year".

Her parents grimaced at her reply and declared that she had seen waaaay too many TV commercials.

Doncha just love the things kids say?!!

"Afterglow"

Today was a marathon shopping day.
Daughter and I headed out the door with our list in hand and I was determined not to come home until I had everything on my list marked off.  And, by Golly, we did it, with only one exception, but that's really close enough, so I count today as a huge
V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!

Along the way, Daughter asked, "Ya know what part of Christmas I like best?".

"What?" (I'm quick like that, with a witty reply.)

To which she answered, "the days right after Christmas, the ones where we go to movies, play games and eat all the snacks".

I totally agree with her.
It's a time when everyone seems to "pause" and bask in the afterglow of the hectic shopping, decorating, and time-consuming "stuff" that is pre-Christmas.

I think we've stumbled across a new family holiday, "Afterglow".

Remember, you heard it here first!  *wink

Show and Tell

Cookie Fixin' Mess!

Yield: 2 batches of Peanut Butter Blossom 

cookie dough, frozen, and ready to be baked

for Christmas.  It's been a tradition in our family for years.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

These over-sized glasses were part of
this year's Girl's Getaway.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Boudxy the Grinch Dog"
He hates wearing a hat - can you tell?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you could only have one kind of Christmas Cookie,  which kind would you choose?

Not all sweet things are fattening. YEA!

I DID IT!
I managed to get into the attic and get down some Christmas clutter decorations!  Usually Princess climbs into the attic to retrieve the Christmas stuff and she hands it off to me while I'm posed on the ladder and then I hand it off to Mister who is waiting at the bottom of the ladder to catch us if we should fall - it's our system and we do it this way every year...However, since Mister has bad knees and Princess is "with child" I just wasn't sure we'd be able to pull it off this year.  But, somehow I managed to hoist myself into the attic in search of the Christmas goods, and it went off without a hitch or a trip to the ER. 
Woo Hoo!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Oldest daughter went into Panera Bread last week and placed her lunch order "to go".  When she went to pay the cashier she was told that her order had been paid by the customer who went before her.  Daughter actually talked with her benefactor and the woman told her each December she made it a practice to do a Random-Act-Of-Kindness each week, and daughter had been the recipient for the current week.  Isn't that sweet?  Daughter was taking soup into her grandmother/my Mom for lunch.  One good deed seemed to beget another.  Doncha' just love that?!

* * * * * * * * * * *

Last night was Mister's company Christmas party.  I'd rather have stayed home in my pj's eating "shoestring soup" than go to this, but I knew he wanted to go, and being the saint that I am, I glitzzed up a bit and we went to the party.  We signed in and were given a $50 gift card (just for showing up), then later in the evening there was a drawing (one of many) and Mister won another $50 gift card.  I'm finding sainthood really pays off!.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I've taken you down quite a rocky path with me lately,  so I wanted to be sure to tell you about some of the sweet things (and there are many) that have come along too.  I hope there are many sweet things in your life and that even more of the "sweet stuff" is in your future.

Randomly speaking. . .

I miss having time to blog and visit with my Bloggy friends, but I know things will settle down in a few months and I'll be able to play "catch up" with everyone when that happens.  Till then I'm just trying to stay afloat (is that a word?) with my blog and document a few things.  

I have been in Tulsa spending time with my Mom for 16 days out of the last 30 days.  Mom is dealing with a "new normal".  Her health issues seem to have stabilized and most days she does pretty well, with a bit of assistance from family members from time to time.  

I wish I lived closer to her but that simply isn't the case right now.

Princess is doing well and sporting an ever-growing baby bump.  The pregnancy is going well.  She is well.  She is working hard on her senior year of classes and is on target to graduate this Spring (if not even sooner).

I'm trying to Christmas shop.

There is very little order to my life at this moment

and for a gal who loves a good list

and "a place for everything
and everything in it's place",
I'm taking deep breaths and praying a lot,
and getting by quite well.

Don't even know if we'll have a Christmas Tree this year.
It will be the first Christmas EV-AH to not have a tree.

But there will definitely be family, food, fun,

and lots of presents.
I figure if we can do all of that, a Christmas

tree will barely be missed

I could probably handle

a small, sweet, tree, 

like the one below.

This would work for me!

I.Am.Totally.Serious.

*Good Night!*

A Princess in her Kingdom

Pretend with me.
Let your imagination wander.

Let's pretend we are a pretty Princess living alone in the kingdom.
We attend church, an occassional play,
go out to dinner with friends weekly, do our banking, and a bit of shopping as needed...We live in a suburb and drive a pretty, red SUV.  It's good being independent and a self-sufficient Princess.

Now - pretend the King decrees that YOU will no longer be allowed to drive.  Not a mile.  Not around the block.  Not even out of your driveway.  Your friends drive - their life in the kingdom remains unchanged, but yours has changed dramatically!
                 The End.

This is my Mom's reality.
She is a fiercely independent, capable woman, who is a widow.  She has always taken pride and joy in being able to take care of herself and her "business".  Then one day everything changed - her health became a bit "dicey" and the doctor said she should no longer drive.  She was crushed and sure the doctor was wrong.  Another doc was consulted.  He too agreed that she should not be driving.  Life as she knows it has now been forever changed...She is so very sad.

I suppose if we are granted longevity we will each reach a point where the privilege of driving is revoked.  This is my first time to get a peek at how this impacts a persons life.  Perhaps you have dealt with this in your family???

Driving = Mobility = Freedom
It would be painful to lose these things.
A Princess likes her freedom to go to the Ball.

M&M

Me and Mom.
I am in Oklahoma visiting with my Mom as she recovers from a bout of health problems.  Almost our entire family was here for Thanksgiving.  The weather was gorgeous and we had much to be especially thankful for this year.  Mister and Princess went back to Louisiana on Friday and I have remained behind to give Mom a bit of help as needed...

Being here is a bit like stepping back in time... The only channels on the TV are the free ones.  Since I am a devout TV-a holic this is a serious adjustment for me...Mom's driving privileges have been revoked by her doctor so I have become her chaufeur this week.  I have been rebuked for "following too closely" and for "talking and not paying attention to the road" when my sister was in the car with us.  I'm having flashbacks to my teen years...Mom doesn't cook any more so I have been cooking for her and she has been loving my cooking.  Only problem is that Mom ALWAYS finishes her lunch AND her dinner with a bowl of ice cream.  Every day.  Being the good hostess, she insists that I eat ice cream with her.  I am beginning to resemble Santa.

Mom has some challenges ahead, and the truth is I am honored and privileged to be here to help in any way I can.  We have laughed (and eaten ice cream).  We have shopped (and eaten ice cream).  We have talked late into the night (and eaten ice cream).  These are sweet days (filled with ice cream).

I've not had any time to read blogs lately so I am waaay behind.  If you are reading this I appreciate the fact that you've stopped by, and the next bowl of ice cream will be eaten in your honor. ;-)
Name your flavor.

"Don't want to miss a thing."

"I don't want to close my eyes
and I don't want to fall asleep,
'cause I don't want to miss a thing."

I love this old song by Aerosmith, and it's totally the way I feel.  I don't want to miss any of this ride around the sun.  I bet you feel the same way.

Last Saturday we "fetched" Princess and Boudxy and now we are all once again under the same roof, as we should be.  *sigh of relief and thanksgiving*   It is as though no time has passed and we are simply moving on as we were all along.  God is truly the "Healer".

We had no sooner loaded Princess and Boudxy into our car when my phone rang.  It was my sister telling me Mom had been taken to the hospital with a possible heart attack, but the emergency was over and she was resting well and waiting for test results.  Thankfully, her tests came back showing no damage to her heart and she was released from the hospital on Monday.  

Sooooo, Princess and I made the drive to Oklahoma to spend  the week with Mom as she was recouperating at home.  The week was not without some obstacles (2 more ER visits), and Mom has some serious challenges ahead, all of which serve to remind me once again of just how precious time is, and it's so true, "I don't want to miss a thing".

We are heading back to Oklahoma for the holiday week.  I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving, and let us all be mindful not "to miss a thing".

Ducks in a Row

I have been the "Cleaning/Purging Queen" for the last two weeks, and I have the clean closets to prove it.  I have hauled away lots of "stuff" to the Goodwill and lightened the load of this home by a good many pounds.  I've culled through stacks of things deciding what should go and what should stay. . .Then I watched the news and saw so many people who have lost everything.  I vow I will not complain about the job of cleaning closets.  I am blessed to have a messy closet full of things, and then to get to choose what to keep and what to let go of - this is a privilege when you really think about it.

Mister has not had a good week.  He has a cold/sore throat and pink eye in both eyes.  Yikes!  I can't even  imagine where he picked up these nasty germs.  I have been in full-blown Germaphoeb mode. I've doled out meds, cooked soup, and inhaled sprayed lots of Lysol, and I may have muttered "This is why I don't like winter" amidst the Lysol fumes.  Never mind that it has been in the 70's, sunshiney, and still officially Fall.  Someday some smart person will discover that some people are simply genetically wired to be cranky in November and December.  When that happens just remember that you heard it here first! OK?!

I appreciate those of you who stop by often to read my words. Thank you for caring.  Thank you for your prayers.  Thank you for your encouragement.  You have helped me through a difficult time and I pray God's blessing on you - you have made a difference to me!  I will not forget it, and you can be sure that I plan to "pay it forward" in your behalf.

Princess will be home today.
This is the answer to many prayers,
and many of them have been prayed
by you.  Thank you so very much.

And yes, Boudxy will be home too!

Coming Our Way.

It's a GIRL!
Princess will deliver this Granddoll in March.

This will be Granddoll #4.
"We do fluff & lace" is our motto!
Sonogram shows everything is
as it should be.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Wish List

This week I wish for:

NYC to get more relief from their suffering.

Special Blessings for those who minister/help/donate to relieve the needs of those in NYC. 

The election to go smoothly.
(no hanging, dangling, or sagging "chads" AND a clearly decided Winner)

To make great progress with my Closet Cleaning project(s).

A little cooperation from Mister in regards to the Closet Cleaning projects.  This man-of-mine does not understand the word "purge".  He wants to hang on to "stuff" for-evah!  He saves bits of paper, old clothes, books, bits of paper, magazines, Coke bottle tops, news clippings, bits of paper, HUGE bits of paper, etc. etc.  I love this man.  His "stuff"?  Not so much.


To find out the gender of our Grandbaby!!
(scheduled to make an appearance in March)
Girl?  Boy? Or Watermelon?
We'll find out Thursday.

To eat all the cookies I want and not gain a single pound.

"You" to have a wonderful, productive week, with a little "silly" in the mix to make it fun and memorable.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm not only "wishing" for these things

but asking for them in prayer.

10 + 10 = November

10 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT NOVEMBER!

1. It has a "v" in it.
2. It only lasts for 30 days.
3. Eating pie is acceptable during all 30 days.
4. Sweats
5. Fuzzy Throws
6. Grocery sales
7. Thanksgiving with my family
8. Insurance Reimbursement
9. Orange, Gold, and Brown
10. Apple Cider w/Red hots

10 THINGS I HATE DON'T LIKE ABOUT NOVEMBER!

1. Christmas Carols
2. Stress
3. Weight gain from eating too much pie
4. Stress
5. Road Trips
6. Stress
7. It means December is approaching
8. Stress
9. Nasty Cold Germs
10. Stress

Sometimes the truth is ugly. Real ugly.

"How much Halloween candy did you eat yesterday?"

(you know God reads my blog so you better be
tellin' the truth, GF.)

LOL!!!

I.ATE.NONE.
-0-
Zilch.
Nada.
Nil.
Sorry to brag.

Truth is, we were a "Stick-in-the-Mud".
(hanging my head in shame)
Here's where the truth turns ugly.
Real ugly.
We turned off all the lights and pretended
to be not-at-home.
It's an embarrassing truth.

I admit it.

I own it.
I failed to plan ahead.
I failed to buy candy.
I'll probably gain 12 lbs just because
I withheld sugar from sweet children.
It's what I deserve.
Yes, I have guilt issues.

* * * * * * * * *

I could say I was taking a stand for the next generation who are doomed to be fatties with rotten teeth - I hear that on TV all the time.
I could say that,
but I won't 'cause then I'd be a
"lying stick-in-the-mud"

which is even worse than simply being a regular
"stick-in-the-mud".

Yes, I know I'm babbling,
so I'll stop.
Right now.

*THE END*