And to All... A Good Night

I am home again. 3 days in balmy/freezing cold Pensacola, WAY too much eating, and MANY MANY MANY long hours in the car... and now we are back at Home Sweet Army base. We had a nice visit with Dan's family. Both happy moments and sad... more on this later.

Did I mention the car ride?

I think somewhere on I-20 (with the unending view of pavement ahead) I said,

"I am not in the Christmas spirit."

Now, 12 hours later, I am beginning to feel it returning.

This is my FAVORITE night of the year.

Christmas Eve.

Just the name makes me smile.

I still have LOADS more things to do, but I am... strangely... at peace.

May your "eve" be blessed and happy and fun and magical and all the things it should be.

Tour of Home

Yes, I know. That title is supposed to say "Tour of HomeS." But, I have yet to figure out that whole blog-linking thingy. And, I only have one home. (My beach cottage is undergoing renovations... in my mind...) So for now...this is all you get to see.

Everyone in blog world is showing off all their Christmas finery. If you have a chance, you should check out my friend Amy's decorations at Franklin 4. Now that girl can haul out the holly!

Here's our litttle tribute to the season...


These are just SOME of the vast collection of Nutcrackers we have. In truth, they belong to the boy... he gets a new one every Christmas Eve. And, no, I have not been using the dudes in Photo #3 to press garlic... it was just in the picture!






The outside of our humble abode... (We have a snowman on the porch, too. He couldn't make it for the picture.)





I just love this guy...


and this guy... (he's new this year!)


and is it obvious? We ALL love this guy...




There are Santas (my "collection") on the bookcases...






The tree...


I've heard it said that you can tell a lot about a family by the ornaments on their tree.

Let's see...
What makes Christmas so magical for us...


Proof that we are a bunch of kids at heart...


How we manage to get through most days...


What we pray for...


The reason we pray...


And last, but not least...

These folks have been with us a LONG time. 15 years to be exact. They are definately a little worn and weary. I think that they probably felt very worn and weary that night in Bethlehem, too. All that traveling and stress and uncertainty. But, then the joy. The unimaginable joy and hope they must have felt.

That's our prayer for you this Christmas...that same joy and hope in your hearts and in your homes.

How Many Days Do I Have Left?

An entire day spent (wasted) shopping.

And, I am not even CLOSE to being finished.

Why do I put it off EVERY year?

EVERY year, people.

I say I'm gonna get better, but I don't.

And, to top off my day...

"Toys R Us" (a.k.a. "Hell on Earth") was out of these...





Hee Hee.. just kiddin'... but wouldn't that make for a GREAT Christmas morning?

A Lovely Little Song

As sung by the boy.

While he was in the bathroom this afternoon.

"Going" to the bathroom.

And singing at the same time.

To me.

His mom.

(The wonderful person who birthed his fat self.)


"Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you, my mommy. You better start celebrating... before you turn to dust."

Lovely.

No one can brighten your day AND remind you just how badly you need Botox like a little boy.

(I thought it was funny LAST month when he sang a different version... still including the "turn to dust" line... to his uncle. I'm sorry little brother. It ain't funny anymore.)

Family Bonding

I am no expert when it comes to outdoor sports, hunting, or shooting. I plead ignorance for many reasons.

But, I am no dummy. (No comments here, please.) I do have a limited knowledge of this stuff.

So... on a cold Thanksgiving-y day, I happened to look out of my parents' window. I fully expected to see some serious bonding going on between my son, husband, father, and brother.

Something like this...



Oh, but no.

Apparently, shooting clay targets gets boring very quickly. So someone in the group (who shall remain nameless for legal reasons) thought to himself,

"I'll bet I could catch one of those!"

Now, before anyone calls Child Protective Services on me, let me say that at THIS point, ALL guns were put away. I repeat, there were NO guns present at the time the following pictures were taken.



It appears, perhaps, that trying to catch clay targets is like trying to catch a frisbee.





And, it also appears that RACING for the clay target makes it even more fun.





What (almost) 60 year-old grandpa in his right mind would allow these shenanigans to continue? Well? One who JOINS IN, of course!





I think at this point, I opened the back door and yelled. (in my best redneck voice... 'cause my husband LOVES it when I yell like a redneck)
"Who's gonna pay for the trip to the orthodontist when that thing smacks ya'll in the teeth?!?"





Is using a hat a legal move in this game? Or is he trying to protect his teeth? Or are there any rules anyway?





It IS possible to CATCH clay targets. Or, is my brother square-dancin' in this picture? Hard to tell.



I told you I was no dummy.

So...

OK boys, here goes:
They are "clay TARGETS."

You are supposed to SHOOT them. With a gun. And bullets.

Or, for you "intellectual types" out there... a firearm and ammunition.



What's that? You had fun anyway? Truth be told, it WAS fun watching ya'll, too.

Bonding accomplished.





PS... I know... I changed the blog background again. I liked the red, but that pink center was beginning to bug me. And, it didn't look so great with all these "manly" photos. AND...picking out the snowmen keeps me from having to change it again after Christmas!! Yeah! Plan in anticipation of your own laziness, I always say!

Let the Madness Begin

Reality hurts. It hurts real bad.

Nothing like waking up on a cold Monday morning to a mountain of bags to unpack, a house that needs groceries, a pile o'laundry to wash, and a sleepy boy to wake.

Thanksgiving was wonderful...and over way too soon.

We traveled to Florida "unexpectedly" to see family. We wouldn't normally drive that far for a short visit, but Dan's grandpa is very ill. So... we made a visit, and it was nice to see everyone. It's just the "getting there" that stinks. It was a 12 hour drive. It made our California trip feel like a quick ride to Dairy Queen. Have I mentioned that I do not enjoy a long car ride? Throw in a squirmy 9 year old, two whiny cats, and about a zillion other holiday travelers. Oh, and a little road construction. Good times, people. Good times.

Then, we drove... again... to spend a little time with my family. Had to get my hands on that nephew of mine. Oh so sweet. There was lots more food, a little shopping, and plenty of laughs. My son, husband, father, and brother even invented a new "man game" while we were there. But it deserves its own post. Stay tuned...

And now the Christmas season is UPON us.

I SHOULD be stressed.

Like my sister-in-law told me (at least 923 times) this weekend,

"Christmas is only 27 days away!" Well, honey, now it's 24.

But, oddly, I am not stressed... YET.

I found myself giddy at the sights of Christmas lights on houses as we drove home last night.

Not giddy at the ENORMOUS amount of cars on the road that turned our 4 hour drive into a 6 1/2 hour drive. We had to get OFF the interstate and take "back roads" to make it home before Wednesday.

Wanna know the worst part about back roads? No Starbucks. I was forced to drink a Sonic coffee. Desperate times, people. Desperate times.

Wanna know the best part about taking "back roads" to make it home before Wednesday?

Christmas lights on houses. I was smiling in the dark... sipping my Sonic coffee.

I feel a little inspired. I might even be stringing up my own festive display tonight...

Me and The Butter Queen

There's no denying I am a fan.

I own several of her cookbooks (autographed!), one of her sons' cookbooks, lots of the magazines, and I am (at this moment) seriously considering buying some of the dishes she's signed her name to. I just gotta justify putting out the moolah. Apparently, fame ain't cheap.

Yes, friends I am talking about Paula Deen. The one-time small-town Southern cook who now reigns supreme at the Food Network. She came to see me this week, and I just wanted to share my pictures with ya'll.

Here's me. Standing in the FREEZING cold with my tickets, waiting to get in.


Here's a snowflake on my hand, people. I said it was cold. Yes. It SNOWED while we were in line. Snowed.




Here's the "tent" where the event was held. We Army folks love us some tents.



And, here she is. Yes. My pictures are grainy. I need (want) a new camera. That's my hint to Santa. Or the Easter Bunny. Or the Deployment Fairy.


Did ya notice something? She didn't cook. Nope. No food. No stove. No sink. And, to my husband's dismay, no free tastings. She just talked.

At first, I was miffed. (Not as much as the lady behind me... but, that's another story...) I wanted to see some cooking. But, she actually was quite honest and up-front when she told us...

"Ya'll can turn on the TV 4 times a day and see me cooking. I just wanted to come here to talk to ya'll."

And talk we did. A microphone was passed around the audience, and several people asked questions. Food-related and not food-related. And, the butter queen answered them. She was kind-hearted, genuine, and FUNNY. Very funny. Tears-in-ya-eyes funny.

She thanked the soldiers there for their service and sacrifices. She called up a female soldier and congratulated her on receiving the Silver Star. She recognized two widows in the audience who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. She thanked us all over and over again. Such a nice lady.


Oh yeah... her cute little husband came with her, too. He was as funny and entertaining as she was.


It was all over way too soon. Of course, her newest "label" was promoted... Smithfield Hams. There was a giant truck in the parking lot passing out free hams to soldiers who had received vouchers for them. Soldiers who probably wouldn't be able to afford them otherwise.

As she left, we overheard her staff mention that she was running behind schedule to visit "Womack." That means she was on her way to visit our hospital. To see wounded soldiers. Very nice lady indeed.

My Wednesday Sermon

I'm gonna do a little preachin' here, so brace yourselves. Something has been on my mind A LOT lately. And, if you know me at all, there is limited space up there (in my mind). So, the fact that this thought keeps sticking around MUST mean something.


In my Bible study discussion group last week, we were talkin' about Moses. More specifically, the battle between Joshua (with the Israelite army) and the Amalekites. If you get the urge to look it up, it's in Exodus 17, verses 8-13.

When Joshua went into battle, old-man Moses climbed a hill nearby with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his staff raised into the air (to signify GOD's power and leadership), Joshua led the fight. If Moses' arms were to drop, the battle would be won by the Amalekites. A very cool story that gives you a lot to think about.

We spent a long time talking about Aaron and Hur. What great friends they were! Not only did they go and keep Moses company up on that hill; they pulled up a rock and propped Moses up when he got tired! And then... my favorite part... they HELD HIS ARMS UP FOR HIM when he felt like he couldn't go on. One on each side. Can't you just picture it?



"Don't worry, Moses. We're right here beside you. We won't leave until this thing is finished."



Aren't those the kind of friends we all want? Aren't those the kind of friends we all need to BE?

In our discussion, it was said that those we love need to be told we are STILL there for them. Still thinking of them. Still praying for them. Still hoping for the best for them. Even when the "battle" they may be fighting seems to go on and on.

I can't help but think of the people I've told, "Sure! I'll pray for you." And I did. But, somewhere along the way, I stopped. I didn't necessarily forget about them or the problem they were dealing with... I just didn't continue to stand there and help them hold up their arms.

We have friends who are missionaries to Papua New Guinea. Good friends. We would do anything in the world for them. I need to KEEP holding up their arms.




We have friends who are dealing with family problems. I need to keep holding up their arms.

I know someone facing medical problems. I need to keep holding up her arms.

I have friends thinking about adoption,
friends trying to sell a house,
friends concerned about their preteens and teens (and Lord help me, I'm not far behind them!),
friends mourning death,
friends whose husbands are deployed,
friends thinking of changing careers,
and the list goes on and on.

I'll bet your list could, too.






In turn, I want to say thank you to those friends who have stood beside me. To those friends (and family) who have held up my arms in battle. To those friends and family who have stood beside those I love when they were feeling too weak to carry on alone. You may not have realized the depth of what you were accomplishing at the time...

That's the kind of person I want to be. That's the kind of friend I want to be.


"I'm still here... holding up your arms for you."

PS... The Amalekites were defeated... thanks to those arm holding friends.

Glorious

Have I mentioned that I'm glad to be back where the trees do this?





Or that I am thoroughly enjoying walking around in this?





No, I have not had to rake them... yet.
No, I have not had to scrape ice from my windshield... yet.
No, I have not had to get out the flannel sheets... yet.
No, I am not a "hater" o' Summer.
I am just a lover of Seasons.
And this one... I love.

A Little Giraffe Update

For those who have been asking...

My adorable nephew is actually doing lots better. Since a change in his medicine, he's a "new man." He's eating VERY well, and his mommy and daddy seem to be relieved. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers and concern.

How cute can a giraffe be??

A Halloweenie Sort of Week

The "festivities" actually began earlier in the week with our neighborhood's carnival. We had some popcorn, entered a costume contest, hung out with our friends, and stood in a very LONG line for free hot dogs. And then, I dropped mine on the ground.

For the record, that is frustrating.

After standing in a very LONG line and getting your hot dog fixed "just so" with the right amount of chili, mustard, and ketchup... you really do not want to drop it on the ground. Trust me. It's frustrating. Anyway, we all enjoyed ourselves. Especially the kids. And, isn't that what Halloween is all about? (Not me and sad, dirty, grass-covered hot dogs.)

Here's our cutie Harry Potter with his friends, the nurse and the werewolf. (aka... Jeanna's kids, Dori and Bennett)


And here's Harry painting a pumpkin. Wouldn't a spell be easier?


And who knew Harry Potter could dance so well? Go, Harry. Go, Harry.


Again, for the record, I found out later that my friend dropped her hot dog, too! Why does that make me happy?



And then... Halloween day arrived. We thought we'd start the sugar coma a little early by making cookies. Icing COVERED cookies. Because we weren't gonna have any more sweets that day.



Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part...


"Give me candy or I'll put the Imperious Curse on you!"

My 2nd Favorite Holiday

May all your candy be chocolate.

May all your bags and plastic punkins' and pillowcases be full to the top.

May you not run out of candy (at home) to GIVE out.

May you not wet your pants if someone jumps out at you. (for those of us who have issues with this...)

May your costume be appropriate for the weather... wherever you are. (no sweating in furry suits nor freezing in skimpy thin things)

May you not get "tricked" (too badly).

May all your funny and scary and groovy outfits stay in one piece until you get home tonight. ('cause there's nothing worse than your costume falling apart by the 3rd house)

May your yard not be covered in toilet paper in the morning.

May you not throw up 10 pounds of candy in the middle of the night.

May you not have to clean UP thown up candy in the middle of the night.

Have a SAFE and AWESOME Halloween. BOO!!

My Request for Today

Just a quick post to ask for prayers for my favorite little guy. My nephew, Noah, has not been feeling well lately. He's seeing lots of doctors, and he's getting the best of care... but, prayers are needed, too. Especially for the mom and dad. 'Cause we (moms and dads) don't EVER worry or stress about our kids, do we?


PS (On a "lighter note") Check out for yourselves the foreheads on my son and my nephew. Wow. We grow big-brained babies in this family. No apologies.

"Heart Breaker, Dream Maker..."

Geez. If you see this picture again, say.... on our Christmas card... pretend you haven't seen it. I couldn't wait to post it. It's from last week. We were getting the boy's Halloween costume on so we could go to our neighborhood carnival. I went to get the camera to take some quick pictures of the ENTIRE outfit, but when I came into the room, there he sat. In his little tie. And button-down shirt. I just about died of heart failure from the "glimpse into my future" it gave me. I don't think he was all too thrilled that I was standing there and staring at him. He gave me this look...



Happy Halloween...

My Long-Overdue Story

How cool is God? I know that there are those among us who would take offense to the idea that God is "cool." He is so many things, and I just happen to like the word "cool" for this story.

Way back in the 1990's, while I was continuing my higher education, I had a room-mate. Not any old "pre-assigned" room-mate, mind you. A room-mate I CHOSE. Jeanna. We had known each other for a few years, we got along, and we both happened to think that everything was funny. Everything. I'm not joking people. We laughed at EVERYTHING. It was a fun few years! When she graduated and moved out, the apartment was a little quieter! She got married to her college sweetie, and I was able to be in her wedding. After I graduated (and married my college sweetie), we kept up with each other through Christmas cards and the occasional "hello-how-are-you" note. Want to see us in 1992? I knew you did.



Yes, I know. The hair... Big hair was still in, folks. We obviously had enough for the entire campus.



FAST FORWARD 12 YEARS...



I knew that her husband had been a minister, and I knew that they had eventually joined the Army. I knew he was a chaplain, and I knew they were living in South Carolina.

When my own husband decided that ministry was best carried out wearing combat boots, we were following in their footsteps. We even got to see them for about 5 minutes at Dan's "chaplain training graduation." They spent the next few years in Korea, and we headed off to California. We did not stay in touch as well as we should have, but that would have ruined my story. And the surprise.



FAST FORWARD 3 YEARS...



We (Dan and I) were working in Children's Sunday School (here at Ft. Bragg) one morning in August. I hear Dan calling my name, so I turn around... and there stands my roomie!!


Jeanna!!


It was that odd brain moment of "Why am I seeing THIS person in THIS place?!?"


"OH MY GOSH!"


We both shrieked and hugged each other and totally disrupted third grade Sunday School. She and her family had just arrived at Ft. Bragg from Korea. HOW COOL IS GOD?!?



Two months earlier, I'd left a great group of close girl-friends back in the desert, and I had yet to "reach out" to anyone new. The Army will do that to you. You either become SUPER-FRIEND MAKER or you tend to retreat into your own little world of unpacking and not putting yourself out there. I was retreating. It's often so hard to get to know people. Especially when you know you will have to leave them. I, honestly, had not prayed about finding new friends. I didn't want "new" friends.


So, God brought me an old friend.


(Jeanna, you are not old... I just meant I've known you for a long time.)



Wanna see us now? I knew you did.



Yep. Less hair. Lots less hair. (I am not bald, folks. I really do have some hair. It's just shorter now. It was a hot afternoon, and in this photo, I have apparently shoved it all behind my ears and sunglasses in an attempt to stay cool. Yikes.)

We have spent the last few months "catching up" on the last 15 years. Our husbands were buddies back in the day, too.



Yep. LOTS less hair, too. It's a job requirement. (Or so they say.)

And, we are all having a hoot of a time. Reminiscing and finding out how much we've changed and haven't changed. And, for the record, Jeanna and I STILL laugh at everything. EVERYTHING.

(For those of you wondering... the pictures were made on a hayride... in a wagon with a top and no hay. But I'll save that for another post. We're not in a school bus... even though it looks like it.)




By the way, I have made some "new" friends, too. They are great... all chaplain's wives. (We've decided there's safety in numbers.)

How cool is that.