There are few real-life angels and it's rare when we have one in our lives.  I am so blessed to have many angels in my life and there is one, in particular, that I dedicate this photo to.  She's an incredible friend and I love her dearly.  You know who you are and that my prayers are with you as you walk through this life.  There may be some tears but there will be a lot of laughter for you know how we are when we get together - you are my angel! 

 

Now, onto another kind of angel, the type that kept an eye on my dad this week.  Mom and I took Dad to the hospital Monday night due to chest pains; chest pains worse than he's had before (a man who had two open heart surgeries and three bypasses, and countless angina episodes).  The ER doctor did not like what he saw and kept Dad overnight and that overnight turned into three nights.

Around 3am on Tuesday morning, Dad's heart went into A-Fib (out of rhythm) and he realized the feeling was the same feeling he had two days before his last mini-stroke.  When his heart goes into A-Fib, the blood pools in a chamber of the heart and then it forms blood clots, one of which, broke loose and caused the mini-stroke.   

Dad's cardiologist saw him on Tuesday and ran a lot of tests then decided to do an angiogram Wednesday morning since he continued to have chest pains despite the blood thinner and nitroglycerin IV drips.  Not a good sign. The angiogram didn't show anything significant that would cause the severe chest pains so the docs were perplexed.   

The chest pains began to lessen and his condition stabilized and planned on releasing him Thursday afternoon, but before he left, they did a cardiopulmonary test.  We don't know the results yet but should hear something Monday.  His doc wants him to have an MRI of his chest and more blood tests.  

It's a great feeling to know that Dad's docs take good care of him and are digging deeper to find out what's going on with his heart.

Dad is happy to be home and Mom and I are keeping our eyes on him since he's unsteady on his feet and is on two new medications.  My siblings were great this week, pitching in to help and be there for Dad.  We're truly blessed to have angels as parents.   

It takes little to make a baby smile and that trait is something that we should carry with us as adults.  I find myself smiling constantly when I'm with all the babies, toddlers, and my nieces and nephews. 

While babysitting my grandniece, Eli last Friday at my house, she had eyes for my dad and it brought big smiles to his face and a tear or two in his eyes.  I snapped this photo when dad came downstairs to see what Eli and I were up to and this is the reaction he got.

 She's got so much love in her little body, it amazes me.  I took Eli with me to meet my friends for a late lunch and they loved her (again) and we had a lot of fun.  She didn't fuss at all and just took in all the new faces and sounds around her.  My friends got a laugh over the vibrating corncob toy (see last Monday's post "Gee Whiz... It Vibrates!", if you missed it!) ... you know I had to show them.  Me thinks I need to buy one for each of us now!  *snicker*

My grandnephew, Caleb is a cutie too.  He's the son of my nephew Tyler and his wife Sara (we have two Saras in our family).  Here is a video they made (it is set to music) of his first car.  He's 9 months old and weighs 24 lbs so he's a big guy and it's all muscle.

It's a great feeling seeing my nephews and nieces raising their own children. I'm so proud of all of them. Who in your life makes you smile?

I had a Gee Whiz moment Friday while watching my grandniece, Eli.  She grew tired of the set of toys she played with all day and I went to through the diaper bag to find another toy to entertain her.  I saw this cute little corn cob toy and I took it by the handle and proceeded across the room to give it to my young charge.  I grabbed the corn cob end to give it to Eli and as soon as I squeezed a bit, the corn cob vibrated!  Gee whiz - a corn cob that vibrates!  It's the John Deere Massaging Corn Teether.

It didn't occur to me how funny this was until I was telling Vickie about it Friday night.  We laughed and laughed over the fact that I had my Auntie Karen and Photographer hat on and didn't realize how funny it really was. 

Dang... I need to get me one of these!!  No, not for that...  It's a great little massager for stress relief... oh crap... never mind...  LOL

Gee whiz, it vibrates!Miss Eli and I had a great day together.  We played with toys, she ate lunch of sweet potatoes, we went for a walk around the apartment complex where there is lovely streams and ponds.  The ducks waddled and swam while we enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine.  Her daddy told me that taking her for a walk was a great way to get her to sleep, however, she did not fall asleep.  Rats.  She did take a short nap but she wanted to play more than anything.

It's amazing how much she changes in a week or two.  She is sitting up better and she is a lot more active; she really keeps me on my toes. 

While I tend Eli, I also get the pleasure of spoiling Bella, the Wonder Cat, and two dogs.  I'm allergic to dogs so I can't spoil them as much as I'd like but sometimes they don't care.  If Bella gets attention, they get attention!  Bella is usually a calm kitty but Friday, she was on crack!  Actually, she finally showed me her true personality and she is a hoot!  

Just My Size!She kept jumping up the wall to attack something that wasn't there, sliding and skitting around on the bathroom and kitchen floors, and sneaking up to the dogs and batting them on the heads a few times then running away.  She doesn't have claws so it was more irritating to them than anything and it made me laugh.  She tried to wear my Crocs on her paws and her head (I didn't get a shot of her head in the Croc - darn it!) and then flipping them around the floor.  She really got my attention when she kept trying to climb up my body (tough to do without claws!) until I finally sat down so she could share my lap with Eli. 

Eli was on my left and Bella was on my right and the two of them played a bit, Bella kissed Eli and she tugged on Bella's fur.  Bella buried her face between Eli's arm and body and nuzzled her a bit then she decided to climb my chest, which forced me to lay back in the chair.  She climbed over Eli and nuzzled my neck, then the next thing I knew, she flipped out my first earring hoop and had my second earring (a half carrot diamond!) in her mouth! 

I managed to get the diamond out of her mouth before she swallowed it and I thought she swallowed the other earring until I found it on the floor while looking for the back of the diamond earring.  I have no idea why she did it or how she could see my earrings because my hair covered them. Needless to say, I was a bit freaked but while Eli napped, she cuddled with me and kissed me all over my face so she's forgiven.  What a cat...

When Sara got home, I asked her if Bella was hitting the Nip.  She laughed and said it was normal for her to be hyper.  Bella never gets the Nip because she clearly does not need it!  ;-) 

I was outside for a bit over the weekend and took some photos of the latest blooms in my yard.  There are three daffodil blooms and about ten Forget-Me-Nots out so far.  The blue of the Forget-Me-Nots is so vibrant and I've waited a long time to get a good, clean shot of these.  Thanks to my lovely macro lens, I finally did it! 

Photos are copyrighted and can only be used with the expressed written permission by KJR.  

I wasn't able to attend the Wasatch Camera Club meeting tonight due to me feeling like poo.  My blood sugar dropped to 32 just before lunch today and despite me eating lunch AND a donut, it only got up to 80.  I felt rotten so I went home early to rest and do some work from home.  On the way home, I stopped and got a burrito, thinking the protein would help, which it did - a little.  My blood sugar went up a whole 10 points.  I am reactive hypoglycaemic and I've done well with controlling it by eating small meals five times a day but I don't know what happened yesterday but it hit me hard. 

After spending the evening feeling sorry for myself (LOL), I got a call from my friend, Darlene, who told me that she was bringing home a ribbon for me!  My photo of Eli, named "Sleeping Beauty" won 3rd place!  W00T!!  I'm so happy and excited - and of course, honored!  Darlene is bringing my ribbon to the pool this morning and I'm excited to show it off!  Darlene deserves part of the ribbon for helping me and encouraging me!  Thank you, Darlene!  You ROCK!  

I want to congratulate Darlene on placing 2nd with her photo!  WOOHOO!  We're both winners!   

Here is the photo of the Sleeping Beauty, Eli.  

 

Eli's mommy, Sara, sent me a photo of Eli eating her first veggie, sweet potatoes and to announce her first tooth finally broke through.  How cute is she?! 

I just love this little bug to pieces and it makes me feel good to have an active role in her life.  I love her daddy, Travis, as I would a son and her mommy like a daughter.  They love me for who I am and support me in whatever I do. 

Travis does me proud when plays practical jokes.  Speaking of jokes, I haven't heard how the letter did yet but I imagine Kent will get the letter today *evil grin*

 

Much happened to me and to those I love recently; some was rough, however, most made me smile.  I'm grateful for the good things and for everyone in my life.

My dear friend, Emma, finished a huge project that she began in December; she wrote a bookazine for children on gardening.  I am immensely proud of her and praise her for all her good and hard work. Congratulations, Emma!  You deserve a huge celebration because you worked so hard and you are an amazing lady. 

A few weeks ago, my dad's neurologist prescribed Aricept for Dad's memory and confusion (it's mostly used for Alzheimer's but also works for Lewy Body Dementia).  The past two weeks, MY DAD, the man I love with all my heart, began to reappear after 18 months of slowly disappearing.  I can see him coming back just by the look on his face as well as his sense of humor. 

Dad cracked me up Saturday night when we got home from my nephew Adam's wedding.  I brought the mail into the house, sorted it, and handed his mail.  Dad got an advertisement from a hearing aid company and he told me to "Trash that," then he waited a couple of seconds then asked me, "Say what?!"  He and I busted out laughing and Mom came in to see what we were laughing so hard about.  He's such a hoot.

My nephew Adam got married on Saturday to a lovely young lady, Shalise.  I'm so happy for them and they're such a beautiful couple.  I'm so proud... my little buddy grew up to be such an incredible young man.  Shalise is sweet and I know she loves Adam very much and he's in good hands.  (click on photos to EMBIGGEN)

They didn't have a traditional reception (YAY - Utah receptions are grueling), instead they had a big dinner for family and close friends.  It was perfect and everyone had a great time.  Taking photos outside was freezing, especially for Shalise!  Here is a photo of Adam, Shalise, my brother J Dee, SIL Patti, all their children, grandchildren, and my parents. 

Besides the wedding, there was exciting news to celebrate.  My cousin Teria and her husband are expecting their second child in September, her little sister, Lindsay, is getting married in August, and my nephew Jason is getting married in September.  Jason is J Dee and Patti's last child at home... at last, they'll have a honeymoon period.  It's great to see them so much in love still.  Patti asked me to take a photo of her and J Dee in front of the Bountiful Temple yesterday and I was honored to.

I got to see and hold cute little Eli and while my hands were full of her, my sister, Susie grabbed my camera and took a photo of Eli and me.  Geez.  That's the last time I leave my camera within her reach!  LOL  I might be persuaded to post it for Wordless Wednesday this week  ;-). 

My friend and partner-in-crime, Linda, is moving to my building at work!  We're both so excited.  We worked in the same building for almost 10 years before my organization moved to our current building, which is across the base (Hill AFB).  We used to play jokes constantly... especially the remote-controlled fart machine.  Ah, those were the days...  and NO - we'll never grow up.  We bring the best out in each other, that's for sure! 

I went spending when I got my tax return and bought a DVD-Recorder/VCR combination and a new camera lens.  The DVD Recorder, I used for dubbing a VHS tape of my family in 1990 and 1991.  I cracked up at most of it but there definitely treasures on the tape.  My late grandma and late SIL, Lisa were in parts... it took me back to that time and it felt as if they're not gone but when the tape was over, it hit me again that they are gone.  BUT - the great things are their memories and the fact that their memories are brought to life again.  I am excited to share them with my family.  I chatted with my niece, Morgan, Saturday, who was only 5 years old when her mom died.  This will be a chance for Morgan to see her mom in action and to hear her voice; she has all sorts of photos but nothing like a video.  It made me feel really good to see the look on Morgan's face when I told her. 

The video that cracked me up royally was my nephew Adam when he was 5, singing a naughty/kids version of the "Popeye the Sailor Man" and the camp song, "Scab Salad,"  while hanging upside down, eyes covered, and a pair of eyes and a nose painted on his chin.  I need to splice it and post it one of these days...............  Adam actually remembers doing it and how much fun we had.  There are more videos to be found and put on DVDs... now to find them! 

The camera lens I bought is a Olympus Zuiko 50mm Macro Telephoto lens and it is ooooo so lovely.  Here are photos of a mini purple calla lily, black jelly beans, tiny water droplets on foil.  I SO love this new lens!!   Now, if the snow would melt off the lawn and flower gardens so the lovely spring flowers can grow.  (The calla lily is in my house)

     

I got through my first time of "teaching" The Leadership Challenge Workshop last week.  My co-teacher said I did well but need to work on my confidence level.  He's right and next time, I should do better.  This week is Interviewing Skills and the Mock Interview is my section and I always have so much fun with it.  I appreciate all your good thoughts my way - it's great having my own cheer leading squad. 

The last thing is a bit sad.  My sexy man hurt his leg (at work - injured it twice) and had surgery on Saturday to reattach the thigh muscle to the bone.  I told him that I was kidding about both of us needing wheelchairs...  Sheesh.  *snicker*  Let your mind go where it will... it made him laugh.  He should be back to work in ten days and will have to wear a brace for a few weeks.  Hmmm... that means behaving.... at work, I mean.   

Friday morning I was so excited to tend my grandniece, Eli. I arrived early because traffic was nice for a change and it gave me a chance to visit with Travis and Sara before they had to leave for work. Eli and I got along fine, which I had no doubt about. I'm not one to change poopy diapers - never have - and I almost always throw up LOL However, a baby who is nursed is manageable, which is good because she had THREE poopy diapers. I did not even gag - GO Auntie Karen. There was a casualty of the cutest Eeyore outfit due to one of the diaper issues, but everything else was fine. She smiled a lot and squealed a lot too, which is a new thing. She didn't nap much, only 30 minutes then 45 minutes. I took my small camera with me that takes videos as well and here is one of the cutest while she was in her swing.



The bridal open house for my niece-to-be, Shalise, went well and we had a nice time visiting with family and friends. She is such a sweet lady and I know she and Adam will be so happy. We laughed about the fact that although Adam is living in their new house and has virtually nothing, he cannot use all the gifts until they're married and Shalise moves in. *evil grin*

I also had reports to complete for work on Friday and I managed to get them all done; I did three while watching Eli and then finished them after the open house... I was up until 2am but that was fine because I knew I could sleep in since D had such a late night.

My weekend didn't turn out as I expected it to. My sexy man worked 23.5 hours Friday, starting at 5am and not getting home until 3:30am Saturday. He called me at 11pm Friday night, on his way home, to tell me about his day and it was a rough one and he was really hurting. He thought he might be able to move by Saturday afternoon but he was in bed still when I called to check on him about 3pm. Poor guy. So, we planned for today, however, I had to cancel because something that was bothersome since Friday was a lot worse so I ended up going to the ER. I thought it was a blood clot due to discoloration of my calf, numbness on top of my foot, and a lot of pain that was different than RA pain. After spending about five hours there and having an ultrasound and blood tests, the news was no blood clot (whew) but cellulites, which is a skin infection. This is the third I've had since my fall back in Sept. The doc put me on more antibiotics and gave me some stronger pain pills and sent me home. I have to stay off of it as much as possible but I should be OK to go to work - I just have to keep it elevated while I'm sitting. David was relieved it wasn't a blood clot but when I told him how serious the infection is, he's worried about me. I will call my doc tomorrow and make an appt for Tuesday to make sure it's not spreading - if it is, it may mean hospitalization and/or IV antibiotics.

So... that was my weekend! How was yours?

I want to thank Merle, who gave me the Cheer Me Up Award.  I'm honored to receive this award from Merle because she always cheers me up.  I'd like to pass this award on to many special people in my life who always cheer me up.  I certainly don't want to leave anyone out so I will name a few who are always there for me when I need to be cheered up.  Vickie, Dawn, Hula, Raggedy, Margaret, Vickie B., Suzanne, Theresa, Annie, Emma, Sally, my cuz Hoss, Dave C., Michael (Big Orange), Dr. Mike, Rayne, Andrea, Pam B, Pam (Siamese), Princess Roo, Susan, Dyane, Skunk, Kirsi, and many more.  Please forgive me not linking to everyone - Blogrolling is down as I write this. 

It's so great that the weekend has arrived; it's been a long and busy week but it had its highlights.  I attended a workshop at work, "Crucial Confrontations" and I learned a lot and will use it in the future.  I was home sick on Wednesday with a tummy virus and luckily it only lasted a day.  

My nephew Travis called me this evening and asked what I am doing tomorrow (Friday).  I'm working from home but it's just light computer work so he asked if I could drive down to Salt Lake and watch little Eli for the day.  That's a big YES!!  I'm so excited to hold her and take lots of photos.  I also get to spend time with the kitty, Bella.  I'm hoping the big dogs are in their kennels; they're good dogs but they're a handful.  One is a Boxer and the other is a mix, like a small German Shepard. They also asked me to babysit on Valentine's Day and I think I should be able to since my sexy man will probably have to work. 

Tomorrow night is my niece-to-be, Shalise's, bridal open house (she's marrying my nephew Adam in March).  So, gee whiz, I'll be on the run all day and into the evening - as well as working on my reports for work. 

Saturday I will see my sexy man... and perhaps even Sunday, depending on his son's plans.  Gee whiz, I'm just a little excited............... and I'll leave it at that.  *snicker*  

Have a wonderful weekend!!   

Yesterday, we woke up to a foot of snow! While my mom, brother, nephew, and I were out clearing off the driveway, sidewalks, etc., another four inches fell in about an hour. We had fun and a lot of laughs, thanks to Adam throwing snow off my carport and onto his dad.






Mom is 5'4" and the snowbank is almost as tall as she is.


A little bit of my brother's truck from the other side of the snowbank.
This was before we cleared the front sidewalk... lots of snow!


We got a foot of snow over night and another four inches in the hour we were out there... and it snowed all day and some of the night with more snow coming today and every-other day this week. I know spring will come eventually! I'm still not complaining about the snow... I'm still loving it but my body thinks otherwise ;-)

Thank you all for the birthday wishes - I had a really nice birthday weekend!

My friend Linda and I had a plan.  I wanted two kittens and we planned to visit the animal shelters on our outing today in celebration of my birthday (Saturday).  The plan was to find the kittens, adopt them, and bring them home and tell Mom they were a gift and I could not return them.  That will show Mom, I thought, I am going to get two kittens and I don't care what fits she throws. 

Mom doesn't want another thing that she has to take care of since Dad needs a lot of care.  To be honest, I thought she was unreasonable because the kittens would be in my basement with me.  She would not have to take care of them. 

The more I thought about it, I had to laugh at my deviousness.  I even planned to take my kitty-carrier to Linda and tell Mom it was for her dog for an upcoming vet visit.  

The closer today came, more lies in my head built up, thinking I would tell a lie to cover up a lie.  Devious?  Yes, but also selfish and a liar. 

I began to feel a darkness that surrounded my thoughts of having two wonderful kitties and decided that was not what I want.  I don't want to make Mom miserable and add more to her already full plate; I love her too much to do that to her.  I also love myself and I did not like the person that was emerging with lie after lie - even if the lies were in my head.  I no longer laughed at how devious I was because my actions would hurt my mom and I couldn't go through with it. It's amazing how one can grow from something that never happened, just by looking within and not liking what one sees. 

When I get my kitties, I want it to be a really happy time and not have anything foreshadowing it.  I know I made the right decision and my conscience is clearer and lighter.  It's not the right time... not yet. 

I had a great day today with Linda - we had brunch then went to the mall while waiting for the movie to start and then we saw, I Am Legend.  Wow, what an intense movie but it was good.  Wil Smith did an excellent job; I swear, the man keeps getting better.   After the movie, we me the rest of the Motley Crew and had a nice early dinner. 

Plans for tomorrow are spending the day with my sexy man and then the family gathering for ice cream and cake tomorrow evening.  I'm thinking this will be the best birthday yet :-)  

Have a wonderful weekend - and let's hear it for the Groundhog tomorrow and hoping he won't see his shadow.   

We're finally reaching temps over 20F here in Utah (it's been below zero or near it at night and highs in the teens during the day)! Saturday it reached 35F and it was wonderful; I wondered outside and took photos of the ice cycles hanging off the drain pipes! The sky was such a gorgeous blue, as you can see in the photo below.

Yesterday reached a high of 42F the warm front brought a storm with it, in which they're expecting up to a foot in the valleys and 3 feet in the mountains. Yee haw. I'm not looking forward to the commute but am happy to have warmer temps, it's been so cold and my joints haven't been happy.

I even caught a cold but managed to nip it before it got too bad. The weekend was pretty good; yesterday was Mom's birthday and I cooked dinner and made four pies. My siblings (except Kathy) came over and some of their kids. I have new pics of my cute little grand niece, Eli (who is growing so big!) but they're still on my camera... and may stay there until the weekend because I have a lot of work to catch up on at work and I'm tired just thinking about it all. ;-)

Last week was good but so busy at work due to the Interviewing Skills workshop I'm involved in teaching. I ran the mock interviews and that was so fun; I had a great group of guys and although they learned a lot, we had a lot of laughs too. I was thanked by my coworkers for organizing it so well and the students mentioned how great the mock interviews were on their critiques, which made me feel good.

I'm rambling, aren't I?

OK... have a great day!

I sit here with my heart full, perhaps fuller than it has ever been.  There was so many blessings this year along with hard times and losses.  I remember my 2007 New Year started with coming out of my bedroom that morning, on my way to my bathroom, and I was startled by my dad standing in my way.  There stood the man that I love with all my heart, who the so-called physicians at Ogden Regional Hospital said would never walk without assistance again after his 9-week hospitalization.  The physical therapists never gave up, we never gave up and most importantly, Dad never gave up.  As my eyes filled with tears, I hugged my dad to make sure it was not a dream.  He had walked down the 14 stairs to my basement to tell me that he finished his physical therapy; mastering the stairs was his last hurdle.  During last Christmas, my family kept calling Dad our Christmas miracle because along with the negative assumptions of his walking was also accompanied by the assumptions that Dad would never regain his mental faculties.  He showed them!  We're so thankful for his new doctors and for all the blessings we've had this year.  Although we still face a battle every day, he's worth it.  Laughter and love go hand-in-hand in our family and he is the root of it all. 

The first ten months of the year sped by and most everything is a blur due to me taking the toughest classes of the four years I went to school.  I sacrificed a lot over the past four years but I was determined to finish my bachelors... and I did in October.  I have my beautiful diploma but my family is waiting to celebrate it on June 14, when the graduation ceremony is scheduled. 

My nephew Tyler and his wife, Sara, brought a sweet baby boy, Caleb, into the world last summer.  Then my nephew Travis and his wife, Sara, brought sweet Eli into the world and despite having a rough start, Eli thrives.  My niece Keldi and her husband Matt are expecting their second boy this April.  Our family is growing and it's awesome to see the people I love thrive and grow.  My niece Elyssa started a special school program and her teachers agree that she is indeed, brilliant; she just cannot say all she wants to.  There is still no diagnosis but we're focusing on her growing and being happy. 

The loser, Elyssa's so-called-father (we call him the sperm donor) was released to a half-way-house in early December.  My sister called the facility where he was held and made it clear that he was not living with her.  Although she hasn't gotten a divorce yet, it's a big step for her to say "no" to him.  He tries calling her often but she ignores the calls.  Kathy suffers from bi-polar and she's had a rough time of it for the past few weeks due to a medication change but she's starting to come out of it.  I know in my heart that if she gets strong enough to divorce him, she can do anything.  The school, bus drivers, and aides have all been warned about him, in case he tries anything.  I'd actually like to have him try something... because he'd land himself back in prison. 

I am grateful for all of my family.  I drove my parents to Idaho Falls, Idaho, Friday for my Aunt Lou Jean's 80th birthday celebration.  The weather was snowy but we made it there safely and back home Saturday, despite Idaho's *cough, cough* so-called snow removal services.  The celebration was wonderful and she deserved such a lovely party.  Cousins, aunts, uncle, were there; local and those who traveled from California, Utah, and Washington.  There is so much love in my family and as I hugged those who I have not seen in years, there was no love loss.  I enjoyed catching up with them all and was honored to be part of the celebration for Lou Jean.  Not many 80 year-olds can still hula like she can. 

In other news, I met someone special at the end of October and I've hesitated in sharing it on my blog - mostly because I did not want to jinx it, however, he is part of the reason why my heart is so full.  His name is David and he's the "special friend" who lost his sister recently.  The outpour of love and support for him has not only helped him and his family but it's made me appreciate you all the more.  David is an incredible man and we have a lot of hopes for the coming year.  He has two children, a daughter (who lives with her mother) and a son (who lives with David) and he is an incredible father, which makes me adore him even more.  He's funny, sensitive, romantic (he blows my mind), caring, and strong.  He actually lives in Utah (only an hour away from me), which means I was wrong when I said, "There are not any straight, great, handsome, sexy, available men in Utah who are not dorks."   He is a little nutty because he loves my sense of humor and he indulges my *snicker* moments.  Our time together has been limited due to work conflicts and the tragedy of his sister's death, but we're patient because we know our relationship is worth waiting and fighting for. The man makes me swoon.......... even through a text message. I wonder where he's been all my life and he asked me the same; however, I know that we've both been on our own journey and the journeys finally met.  

My life is full of incredible friends - each one is special to me and I'm so blessed to have them in my life.  I wish the very best of health, happiness, and peace for each of my friends in this new year.  You all are my friends and I appreciate the love and support you've shown me over the years; you've kept me strong and I've never felt alone with you all by my side.

It's been a year full of discovering and igniting passions within myself and it feels great to feel free enough to explore the person I want to become. I am a work-in-progress and have the self-love to continue the work; my self-esteem has always been low but it's getting higher. I believe that I cannot truly love another without first loving myself. It's been a year now since I opened this place, where I share my thoughts and passions. Again, I thank you all for your friendship and for your part in my journey.

I have a request for a friend of mine, Suzanne.  Her mother passed away yesterday morning and I ask that you keep her and her family in your thoughts. 

Gee whiz, the past few days have been a whirlwind of activity; first with all the cooking and baking I did then with the Christmas celebrations.  I have to admit, despite the sadness I've felt lately, this was one of the best Christmases I can recall.  My family focused more on one another than we have in the past.  My siblings and me pooled our money to purchase Mom and Dad a frost-free freezer.  Mom was upset with us at first, for spending the money, but once the freezer arrived and she realized how much work and energy this will save, she began to come around a bit.  I'm afraid she'll have to continue getting upset with us all because we plan on going in on gifts for her and Dad's birthdays as well as Mother's and Father's Days. 

Sara, Caleb, & TylerChristmas Eve, my two sisters, my niece Elyssa, and my brother Bob and his four kids (two have spouses), and two grandchildren came to dinner.  This is the first year in so long that they've all come and it made Mom and Dad so happy.  I got a lot of compliments on dinner and I think everyone had a good time.  Susie and I kicked Mom out of the kitchen so she could visit with Bob and his kids. 

Matt, Keldi, Jaxton, & BobThis was a hard Christmas for Bob, and I was happy to see his family rally around him.  His wife Kori is divorcing him due to problems she had with Bob's daughter, Heather.  He also said it all was a matter of bad timing - they remain friends - and who knows, when her son grows up and Heather does too (18 and 19 respectively) and they won't cause problems. 

After our dinner was over and Bob and his kids left, Mom, Dad, Susie, and Elyssa went to my brother J Dee's house.  I got my Christmas wish of having a white Christmas - it was wonderful!  Although driving in the blizzard of snow, up several hills, gee whiz, I could have used Santa's sleigh with Rudolph, but Santa needed it more than I did on his busy night.  When I arrived, feeling like I'd taken a dive, head first in the snow, Santa called out my name to sit on his lap.  I can't tell you what I wished for *snicker* but he and Mrs. Claus gave me a wink.  We saw all of J Dee and Patti's kids and grandkids while we were there. 

Chelese & Adam taken earlier this yearI also was able to congratulate my nephew Adam and his new fiance', Chelese; Adam proposed to her on Sunday night.  It was wonderful to see all my siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.  My heart was filled with love and happiness, which felt so good. 

Me holding Sweet EliSusie was holding sweet Eli and pointing out the fact that she had her and I didn't.  Right then, Eli decided to cry and Susie handed Eli over to me.  She calmed right down - proving once again, I have the magic touch and that Eli likes me and we have a special bond. ;-)  I cuddled Eli, talked to her, and she cooed back while I stood and rocked back and forth.  Pretty soon, her momma, Sara, covered her up with a blanket and she soon fell asleep. Gee whiz, that little girl has a hold of my heart strings.

Elyssa and vanityAfter Mom, Dad, and I got home, Mom and I finished cleaning up the dinner mess and then stayed up until midnight playing the roles of Santa's Elves to put Elyssa's lovely vanity together.  It was a labor of love, if not a royal pain!  Seeing her face Christmas morning was worth every bit of frustration we had.  I even had fun playing with the hair dryer, lipstick, cell phone, and scissors because it played noises when each one was lifted up.  What a hoot.   

After we opened gifts, I decided to go out and do some light shoveling (gee whiz, I think that is an oxymoron); we had another six inches of snow that fell during the night, which makes about 10-12 inches out of the whole storm.  It felt good to be outside in the lovely sunny day with everything covered in snow and breathing in the lovely fresh air.  I shoveled 1/3 of the triple car driveway then the front steps and walkway and was about to leave the rest for my brother when two neighbors walked over and finished the driveway and helped me finish the front sidewalks.  I offered them some treats but they both laughed and said they were shoveling snow to work off the Christmas goodies they had already eaten. 

The rest of the day, I relaxed and napped a bit, while begging my body to forgive me and to quit hurting, but alas, it did not.  I felt better yesterday and my muscles were sorer than my joints so I figured I was forgiven since I slept twelve hours that night.  

Today, I am working a 12-hour day (oh joy) and then another weekend will begin again; gee whiz, I could get used ti this.  Lots of snow is in the forecast so we'll see if it's a white New Year's too. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your families and those special to you.