Monday, December 24, 2007

The un-rhyming night before Christmas


‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house the music was loudly playing you’d never hear a mouse.
The neighbor gifts are all out and delivered, and the family gifts are wrapped and under the trees.
The scone dough has risen and once punched down now in its place in the crowed fridge, next to the hams, cooling Jell-O, honey butter and cheese balls.
The very last minute vinyl project for a frantic friend is now done, put on and picked up.
The clam chowder is starting to cook, the movie tickets have been purchased for tonight.
The house is clean and vacuumed one last time, in preparation for Santa and Family to arrive.
I love the feeling of Christmas, the smells, the traditions, the music, the family, the gifts, the shopping, the treats, the snow, the lights, the nativity sets, the surprise and the excitement.
PJ’s will be opened tonight, and worn if they fit, and games will be played after dinner and treats.
All the kid’s will be home and that alone makes me smile, even if tomorrow they have to scatter and be shared with others.
The men are out making last minute purchases as the snow starts to fall.
There may be too much commercialism is Christmas, I just don’t care. It’s what we feel and who we love that matters the most.
So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Tearful Sunday

I think I’ve mentioned before having days when tears are just a thought away, any thought. Well to day was another one of those days. It started out that I painted a shelve with what turned out to be bad and too old of paint and it pretty much ruined the shelve or at least has caused me tons more work before it can be hung. And I got mad at the wrong person over it. And I did apologize and someday I’ll fix the shelve.

Then I forgot that I was going to buy our choir director and the pianist a corsage. No one asked me to or put me in charge, actually I think the choir president should do it, but she doesn’t. I did it on my own last year and just felt I should do the same this year. Well it’s Sunday and shopping isn’t something I do on Sunday, plus no floral shops are open. For some reason I was prompted to call Albertsons in another city and their florist said she’d make me two right a way. I cried all the way to the store. Needless to say I didn’t turn in the receipt to the ward budget.

I also kept feeling bad and sad about Melanie and Justin’s disappointing news. It is true that having a baby doesn’t just happen to the one person, it affects every family member.

Then I find out I am not a very good person because I like people to say Merry Christmas. I won’t apologize because what season is it? It’s The Christmas Season. I also won’t push my thinking on anyone who thinks differently, but please don’t try and make me change my mind because you don’t agree with me, and I won’t try and change yours.

Finally I am a little scared about having knee surgery this week. Mostly just because I really don’t know what to expect. I am sure everything will go just fine, and I keep saying it’s no big deal, so I’m sure it will be fine.

Anyway it’s been a very tearful day to say the lest. Then I went to a gal at works mom’s viewing who died this week, and that didn’t make me cry. I am so messed up. And I can’t even blame it on hormones.

I really am excited for Christmas and all the family gatherings. It is getting more and more complicated as our families grow, but if we are willing to make a few adjustments it can all still be a great time. I am grateful for Christmas

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Christmas time is almost here.


I have been out and about today, only having to do a little grocery shopping and gift delivering. But Jodi tells me I am not being Christian when I don't give to all the Bell-Ringers. My system is if they say Merry Christmas, then when I come out they get a hand full of change. But if they say Season greetings or happy holiday or aren't really greeting the people or are standing there smoking, then I opt do not donate. Trust me I have given more than not. Also when ever someone says season greetings or have a nice holiday I always reply with Merry Christmas. So shot me if I'm wrong or non christian in my attitude. I am not offended by others views I just want Christmas to be mentioned in the Season of Christmas. We don't say happy holiday at Valentines or Easter, and mothers and fathers day isn't greeted with happy parent day for those who have one or same sex parents. ( Different topic all together). So at Christmas I will celebrate CHRISTmas, and I will con't to be tolerant of those who see it differently and then give freely to those who are tolerant of me.


I am grateful for Christmas and family and the great feelings that come from this wonderful time of year. It is a feeling that we should try and keep all year long and then that way it would be easier to keep Christ in Christmas. Merry Christmas to all.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

It's A Wonderful Life Ending

This is just the ending, but you need to watch the whole thing.

Head Cold


I can't remember the last time I stayed at home for 3 solid days, didn't leave my home, never put on makeup, wore sweat shirts and PJ bottoms and only did my hair 1 day. I did shower every day thank goodness. Today I think I'll live. I tyred the Zicam pills, maybe I started too late, but NyQuil is great at night. Having that many days off, at home and getting nothing accomplished is really a drag.


I think I am finally ready for Christmas, but I am just waiting for a few more special delivery orders to come, and to make a few treats. I guess I still have all the neighbor gifts to do and the little things I'm doing for work people, so maybe I'm not really ready, but it did sound good.


But one thing I haven't done yet this year is watch "It's a wonderful Life" something I do, almost always alone, every year for as long as I can remember. There is just something about that movie that makes me tear up and feel emotional and thankful every time I watch it. So for me is just isn't Christmas with out seeing it at least once, so maybe tomorrow.


I am grateful for having a Wonderful Life and that friends and family and God really are what it's all about, not just Christmas but Life.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Front row groupies



Sat. night was so much fun. Kim and I went to the Gleen Beck Christmas show. He is such a great story teller,and that is pretty much what her did. It had no political stuff, just trying to find the true meaning of Christmas and the fun and crazy stories of families and traditions that every family have. I had no idea he was so funny. Our seats were great. We were center front row, and we didn't even have sore necks watching. There were however cameras everywhere, not just for the jumbo-trons but they were filming it also. The whole show lasted just under 4 hours.
The last hour or so was an extra. Desert Book had wanted him to tape his conversion story, so SLC was the place to do that. Then there were even more film cameras everywhere. He had a great story about how bad his life had been, the unbelievable amts. of money he was making and that he snorted it all and drank it all away. But he was never happy, and he kept thinking the next job, the next pay increase the next city, the next thing would make him happy, and after he hit rock bottom and I guess his wife left him and he had thought about suicide he meet a girl who wouldn't have anything to do with him unless he had some faith, or religion. So the two of them went on a religion hunt and eventually found the strange and true church. Any way you had to be there to truly appreciate how fun and the show was, and at times how spiritual it was. Something I am sure non LDS people maybe didn't enjoy or expect.
The weekend was busy as usual but well worth it. But today I had a much to do list a of all the things I needed to get done, and I woke up with a painful head cold, so part of the day was spent back in bed and the rest just dragging butt.
I did manage to get some presents wrapped, most of my vinyl projects done, only one load of wash done, there is a lot more waiting,(it's not going anywhere) no errands ran, my phone never seemed to stop ringing. But all is well and I took a sick day tomorrow, so I'll try and finish it up then and hopefully feel better.
I am grateful that head colds are temporary and that I understand that happiness doesn't come from stuff but from doing what our Father in Heaven asks us to do.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

We need a little christmas NOW

So when we think about favorites this is one of mine. The movie Mame is actually where I heard it first. Whenever I hear the song I get a warm and fuzzy feeling and a big silly smile and people would probably wonder what my problem was. I can remember the show and the dancing and the feeling. I have one other favorite, but the video isn't as fun, so maybe I'll share it later. Enjoy.
After my Day from ---- at work this is exactly what I needed and I do feel better.
I am so grateful there are things in life that can make us smile and remember a better day.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

#3 happened

On Sunday I mentioned that we had had 2 funerals in 2 weeks, well #3 happened. We had a still birth Mon. and they are having a grave side service,and a lunch after on Sat. So maybe we are done now for a few months. These kind of things are so difficult. Since I've been in the the RS presidency we have had 2 baby deaths. These kinds of things are hard to understand. Especially when you see mom's who really don't want and can't care for the ones they have.

Tonight after work the other counselor and I meet the Bishop at the DI for the bishops DI shopping night. We had 3 sisters who needed help for Christmas and so the Bishop gave them a dollar amt. and they can shop. There are a lot of totally new things, blankets, toys, bedding, coats, and odds and ends and then the normal DI stuff. They are so organized and ready for the shoppers. It is very very crowded, not just with the shoppers, but all the RS leaders and all the Bishops. Mostly we just stand around and wonder around looking at stuff, and telling each other "I could use this", and "I wish I could shop".
What amazed me the most is what they choose to buy. One women was totally practical. New coat, bedding, towels, game, a few VHS movies, pillows. Just stuff that seemed necessary, but not really fun. The other women did get her young son new boots, coat and snow pants, but the rest was just junk, really, junk. I'm not even sure what she planned to do with these things. They didn't seem to be gifts for anyone, just random stuff. I guess everyone has different needs.
So what would you buy at the DI, assuming most of you have been there before, if you were given $150.00? It really is a nice program and it lets the Welfare system shine and be put to good use.

I am so grateful that we have programs like this in the church that can help those who need help, and hopefully they are humbled and grateful for the blessings. I am of course grateful that I can contribute to the cause and that I do not have to take. Our family has been blessed through and through.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

I think I'm back

When people say they are so busy, we all roll our eyes and say, silently of-course, "ya right, let me tell you about busy". Well I've been sooo busy.


Thanksgiving was great and it was even spent in a log cabin of sorts. Greg and Sally hosted the dinner and did a great job. It was her first time to cook, and everything turned out nice. We were only missing the youngest Hardcastle and family, Brooke was having a lot of labour pains and so she stayed home in bed, the baby is now due in 1 week.


I've gotten a good start on Christmas, not to compare with the younger girls who claim to have it all done, but I'm making some headway.


Our ward has had 2 funerals in the past 2 weeks so we're waiting for #3, it really does seem to happen that way. Lucky or unlucky for me they seem to fall on my days off, so I get to help for hours and hours in the kitchen and clean up.


I've cleaned and rearranged and got all the Christmas decorating done and so now I can enjoy the season a little bit more. We have had one sad Nativity incident so far this year. Last year I got the Boyds Bear set and Jodi wanted it displayed with honor, so I guess it was, and Simon, with honor, ate the Camel. It was cold outside so we let him in and I guess he was hungry. Jodi thinks "we" or in other words ME can save him. You decide.


My lesson is tomorrow in RS, and the only reason I'm writing tonight is because I finally got my notes together and I think I'm ready. My topic was picked months and months ago, and it really helped that Pres. Ewing gave a talk on the same subject in General conference, Remember, Remember and write it down. I really do try and think of things each day that I am thankful for and write them when I blog. 2 weeks ago I gave the sisters a card that said; I Am Thankful for: and 10 lines, with the hope that they will have written something or at least thought of things and will be able to share in my lesson. I learned from a wise instructor once that if you want your class to care and participate ,then make them part of the lesson and make them care. So that was my goal. I'll let you know how it went. But I took my own challenge and these are my 14 days worth of being grateful.


Sun. Sundays when I get to feed 8, and Sundays when I only feed 4


Mon. E-mail with friends, the amazing world of computers.


Tues. Old friends that still let you come visit, and seem to care about you. (VT in my old ward)


Wed. Being dependable and on time for work, and my children following that example.


Thurs. That my children are learning to be adults and had to bring a side dish to Thanksgiving dinner. And I didn't.


Fri. That at this point in my life I can shop for Christmas and other simple things without having panic attacks about money every step of the way.


Sat. Hot Hot Long Long showers and no one cares and we won't run out of hot water.


Sun. Slow relaxing Sundays as work when you can talk and make a few new friendships.


Mon. My collections of Nativity sets and being able to share with Jodi our love for them.


Tues. Internet shopping and the ease and gas saving, and time saving results.


Wed. Coming home to my family after one of the worst days ever at work.


Thurs. Having a hobby I enjoy and that can make a little money, and being so busy I can honestly say "I am behind on orders" but I'll get them done.


Fri. Finding a note from Matt that said, "Mom the house looks nice, Thanks"


Sat. Being busy from early till late, shopping, funeral, Kim's work party, family wedding reception in Sandy, working on lesson and blogging. But being able to do it all.


At the party a women whom we have know for years came as a newly retired employee, and she has end stage Cancer, she isn't much older than me, and I am grateful for everything I am and have, and for the things I don't have to endure.