The Newest Greatest Thing Ever!

I am so excited!  I have been Christmas shopping and it has been fun looking at all the wonderful things out there for Grandbabies and other loved ones.  My biggest problem is keeping them until Christmas.  I want them to have them now!  So I confess I ended up giving in to pressure and revealing what it was to one special person on my list. 

I had been searching for just the perfect gift for Christy for almost a year.  I had narrowed the search to maybe three specific items.  They had a very strict criteria to meet, would it totally do what it was intended, would it have longevity, did it have bells and whistles just in case needed and did it meet my budget requirements.  Some met part of the criteria or were just almost perfect, but not quite what I wanted.

Then I happened upon The One.  It was beautiful, met all the criteria and was affordable.  So since I am a confessed impulse buyer, I bought it.  I not only bought it, I bought one for me too!  Merry Christmas to me.  I know I should have given someone an opportunity to give, but it was just so perfect and such a good price.  It even came in one of my favorite colors, purple. 

I then immediately let Christy know that I had her Christmas on the way which led to the giving of clues.  It is a little thing we do each year.  She is more curious than a cat and I love making her wonder what in the world it could be.  You don't give out too much information, but you word your answer careful to keep them really curious.  I have to admit it is fun.  But, I knew this time I was going to break.  It was just too good to keep a secret.

Then I had a panic attack!  What if it wasn't all I wanted it to be.  What if the 30 day money back guarantee ran out and it was the worse present ever!  Fear gripped me and I called and confessed that I needed to give it early so we could return if not suitable.  So the call was made.  Then I find out that I had until January 31, 2011 to return.  Read the fine print dummy.  Regardless I was right on in the gift giving this year for her and I was so happy.  Here it is in all it's glory.  The perfect present for all time.

Isn't it beautiful?  It is just the coolest thing ever.  I started reading to Christy long before she could speak and like to think that is what birthed in her a desire to read and eventually author her own books.  She is so excited and I love mine.  I don't feel bad anymore about giving it early and spoiling Christmas Day because it was the perfect gift of all time.  As I said, she loves books and now she can have a whole library full.

In today's world of computing, we can go anywhere in the world and read so much about everything, but there is just something about reading a good book and getting lost in the imaginary world of the written word.  I had found myself reading less and blamed it on having less room to store my books.  I love books and have many in my office.  I have no more room for books.  I know there is always the Library, which is wonderful, but there is just something about owning a book.  With this wonderful little gadget I can have many bookshelves filled with My books and it is contained in a small 5x7 package.  How great is that!   Too bad I can't transport the ones I own into my E-reader, but I am sure that somewhere in the future someone will invent it for home use. 

Well I must close for now as I have to go read.  I have a time of morning devotion and one of the first books I bought for my E-reader was a Bible.  I am very thankful for technology, but actually some books are still meant to be read in original form and the Bible is one of them.  So even though I have my Bible on E-reader I choose this day to sit down with the original.  There is plenty of time for a good E-read later.

 

The Trip

Well I have recently returned from another great adventure of approximately 5000 miles in 12 days.  The first three days were long and hard, but I had only one thing on my mind and he was waiting at the end of the road for me to love on, Wyatt Jace Bradley.  He was worth driving 10000 miles for. 

The first day out we proved that "blackholes" really do exist in this great universe, they just renamed it Wyoming.  Night time in Wyoming is dark, very very dark.  I do want to thank the highway department for putting reflectors on the sides of the roads.  I found them very reassuring as I wasn't sure there was a side of the road there at all.  At one point in the journey, they even provided a pull off for a scenic view.  We saw black nothingness, so took a picture and moved on.  I was very excited when we finally saw the lights of our first nights destination of Buffalo.  Then there was a choice of which way to go with no clear direction.  Highways are confusing in day light when they change directions, but the black of night changes your perspective.  We decided to flip a coin and fortunately landed on the right highway to the most beautiful Comfort Inn I have ever seen, well in Wyoming anyway.  We discovered the next day that Wyoming was just as interesting in daylight as in dark.  It is a land of many antelope.  I thought Albert was going to leave me there if I sang "Home on the Range" one more time.  It was an unexplainable urge that I had no control over.  Must have been the after effects of the "blackhole."

Our next days journey took us through Denver.  I was in for culture shock.  I realize now living in little ol' Spokane has spoiled us.  We are very fortunate to live in a city with only one freeway to deal with and the traffic here is a pure delight.  Denver was my worst nightmare.  Lane after lane of nothing but cars going nowhere, literally.  One hour later we thought we had made it through and then there was another traffic hold up in the next town.  I have concluded that one day their new claim to fame will be mile wide freeways.  I will never complain about traffic in Spokane again!!  Love you Spokane and I really mean that!

Our third day started out beautiful as we drove through Texas (no comments people, native Texan here) to see my new grandbaby and then we reached what I remembered as a small little towns of Denton and McKinney.  Oh my goodness.  To begin with the posted speed limit is 65mph.  Now that would be great except for two things 1) unbelievable traffic and 2) you are racing from one red light to the next, OK maybe racing is not the proper term since it is impossible to do that because of all the traffic, but when you do have a break you best be prepared to join the herd.  I think they need to reconsider their speed limits.  I had these visions of Spokane doing that on Division, which would have been equivalent to where we were, and shuddered in fear.  I admittedly get frustrated because we can't do 35mph, but will never think 65mph a good idea anywhere! Then you have to factor in the road construction with bright flashing signs threatening you that they will be shutting down the road way at a certain time.  I finally figured out that everyone was in a panic to get where they were going in fear of being trapped in road construction hell all night. 

We actually make it through and arrived in Farmersville all in one piece, but then we realized we didn't know how to actually get to my son's home and had to call for a rescue.  We had a great visit and truly enjoyed the Old Town Days of Farmersville.  Their claim to fame is Audie Murphy and old Onion barns.  It is a quaint little town, great riding lawnmower pulls and what every western town needs is a good gun fight.  It was really fun and we enjoyed it a lot.  It is really a beautiful little town with brick streets and wonderful old buildings they are revitalizing.  I love it when cities appreciate what is already there.

After playing with baby for two and half days, we left for the next leg of our adventure.  Off to Albuquerque, NM.  On arrival we were pleasantly surprised by their beautiful freeway overpasses.  Salmon and turquoise graced them and it was quite artistic.  But, again, we were in for a little surprise.  Balloon Festival had increased their population by about 10000 plus people give or take a few thousand.  Bus loads of people from all over the world were there to see the 700 plus balloons in flight and other various festivities.  We talked to the hotel clerk to plan our route of escape and ended up getting the best view of the balloons ever.  They were landing in yards, stuck in between houses, kissing the tree tops and swooshing away.  It was spectacular! 

As we left New Mexico behind, we ran into thunderstorms at the four corners of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah.  I haven't seen those kind of clouds in quite a while.  Lightening, thunder, wind and prayers.  The clouds made me a little nervous and if we'd had a place of refuge, I would have done so. I did a lot of praying watching the clouds very closely, after all I am a Texas girl and if nothing else I know what certainly clouds mean.  We did hear after reaching Moab that they had tornadoes in Arizona.  Don't think I have ever heard of that before.  We made one quick stop to see Aztec ruins and I was in high gear.  Albert kept asking me what my hurry was and all I could do was encourage him to look and let's get out of there.  We had to cross a couple of low water crossings to get there and with the storms blowing in I knew we would take a chance of having to deal with flash flooding.  He just had to trust me on this one, but grouched all the way until we actually hit the storm on the way out.  We came to a small town that had a sheriff set up on each side of town.  I think they were watching the weather as it was raining too hard to be motivated for anything else.  We eventually drove out of it made it to our destination of Moab and prayed it would not be raining the next day.

We had a brief few hours of sunshine the next day and were able to go into Arches National Park and it was spectacular there.  If you have never traveled to that part of the world, I do highly recommend it.  It was beautiful and I look forward to going back to see the whole park and also to see the other parks of Utah one of these days.

We then ventured on to to our next destination.  So up to this point we had found the blackhole, survived Denver, laughed and cried through Denton and McKinney and got stormed on.  That was nothing compared to our drive through Salt Lake City.  Detours, road construction and at least 100 miles of the worst drivers I have ever seen anywhere!!!!!  Speed limits mean nothing and if you leave an inch between you and the car ahead they will instantly fill it without warning.  Turn signals mean nothing.  If you didn't leave enough room then they just pull over on you or even if you did leave enough room they pull over on you.  I am sure they thought I had lost my mind because I actually wanted them aware that I was trying to change lanes.  Speed limit was 55, they were doing 70 and passing two police cars we actually saw.  I thought their job was to control speeders or am I just foolish in thinking that.  Those people are out of control!  Evidently Salt Lake has a whole set of rules the rest of the world is unaware of.  Drivers BEWARE! I pray that I never never have to go there again.  Strange I said the very same thing the first time I had to go through there!!!!!  DANGER DANGER DANGER.   

We did make it to Blackfoot and got to play with the granddaughter for two days.  She is a little monkey and climbs everything.  Definitely takes after her Daddy.  She knows she is the center of attention and makes sure you are watching.  She has this mischievous little twinkle and then suddenly she will look at you and sweetly say in a soft little voice, "Hi."  Melts a Grandma and Grandpa's heart.  Next minute she is loudly barking unintelligible orders at whoever is hindering her at the moment.  You just wonder how such a tiny sweet little girl can make such a loud ruckus.  Oh the joys of Grandkids!  I just wish I was younger and could keep up a little better. 

We finally headed home and after being gone so long I was thrilled to see the mountains again.  There is just something about the Montana/Idaho border.  Believe it or not you can actually smell the evergreens and it is so refreshing.  My husband just thinks I have a vivid imagination, but I know it is real.

 We do plan another trip next spring, but it will not be through Denver, Denton, McKinney, Albuquerque or Salt Lake City.  We will find the less traveled back roads of this land even if it takes longer.  Besides that is where you find the best things to see.  Maybe even the biggest ball of twine or other wonderful treasures. Give me Small Town USA any day.

The Continued Saga of Little Trailer of Horrors

We knew we would have to get up early to begin our quest of the beast.  The alarm was set and as 6am rolled around we arose to a cold dreary day.  With dread we loaded the car with every weapon we could conceive not knowing what it would take to conquer the beast.  We questioned each other as to our preparedness, keys, tools, glasses, etc.  We were ready!

As we drove along rain began to pelt us, but even the thought of tromping through mud or Biscuit the Hound of Bob's Place would not deter our mission.  We had a determination as never before to finish this job in victory.  As we pulled up "IT" did not look so confident as before and Biscuit had not been released.  We had keys to the door and a determined look in our eye and no Biscuit to deal with. Only The Little Trailer of Horrors waited patiently knowing we would slip up at any moment and the tables would be turned.  The tables would turn, but not as it thought. I knew it was trembling in fear when our secret weapon arrived.  It didn't look so confident when "Joe" walked in.

Mud was tromped in everywhere leaving it's brown dirty mess on new clean floors, but it didn't matter.  The only thing that mattered was winning this battle.  The panel was removed to the dark depths where the heart of the beast, the illusive water heater, was thought to reside.  We all held our breath as Joe bravely and carefully reached in an arm.  He felt around and made contact with the levers that would turn off the flow of water. The hope of success was at hand.  Hot water turned, cold water turned and bypass turned with ease.  It had been conquered!  No more would we tremble when the fall leaves began to blow and the wind had a chill in the air.  We now knew it was the end of the reign of the Little Trailer of Horrors.  Peace had come at last to Bob's Place.  Ah, the smell of sweet success and antifreeze. With our secret weapon Joe we had succeeded in winterizing the Little Trailer of Horrors.  We were victorious and life was good.  What was a horror and finally become a second home.

We thanked our conquering hero "Joe" as he drove off into the sunrise to hunt other beast.  I am sure they too were trembling at the thought of his arrival.  He was our hero and we will be forever grateful!

We now look forward joyously to Spring and the promise of new adventures.  We are the Crazy Roses and the world had better be prepared.  We are coming!

Little Trailer of Horrors and Biscuit the Hound of Bob's

It is October and fall is in the air.  Leaves of gold are peacefully drifting in the air and there is a distinct sharpness to the wind.  So begins our tale. 

We left with all confidence that we would winterize our trailer and then be merrily on our way to enjoy the rest of our Saturday.  Right out of the shoot we, again, forgot the keys to the trailer and had to make a u-turn to fetch them after we were half way there.  We should have seen at that point the returning home part was the only thing that would be the right thing to do and staying would have saved our sanity. 

After a quick trip to Hayden to affirm what we knew about winterizing, we were on our way to get the job done.  Second stop was WalMart because Ron the trailer guy was convinced their antifreeze was cheaper, which it was not.  So on we went to Bob's Place where our trailer is wintering.  When we arrived we were greeted by the resident "guard dog" Biscuit.  Now with a name like Biscuit I envision a furry, dumpy little dog with big brown eyes.  Biscuit is a red something with no manners and annoying as all get out.  She jumps on you, gets in your face when you come near enough and generally is just a pest.  I would not classify her a an "A 1" guard dog except for the fact she would drive them crazy and they would retreat from her pestering.  Albert tied her up to keep her from under foot and she immediately chewed through the rope which I am sure she has had plenty of experience doing.  Now I know why Bob had what looked liked a ships chain on her.  She must have teethed on it and now has fangs of steel.

We retreated into the trailer to find the water heater.  Albert had good luck finding the plug on it outside and getting it drained.  I went on the hunt to find the pump and the inside part of the water heater.  Mission partly accomplished as I did find the pump.  The water heater however was somewhere in the vicinity of our kitchen window and kitchen cabinets.  We had two access panels which needed a screw driver we didn't have of course.  We commiserated over the fact we couldn't get the  winterizing done that day. 

We left the haven of the trailer to be greeted by Biscuit the hound of Bob's.  Word commands and firmness had no affect on this bundle of energy who desperately had the need to continuously jump on you.  I resorted to "stupid dog" and Albert's patience was growing weary just in general.  He opened the security gate for us to leave and of course Biscuit saw an opportunity to go visit.  I pulled out and Albert trotted off to find the wayward girl.  He was successful and quickly got her behind bars and we were on our merry way.

Half way home, of course, we realized we needed to bring the batteries so we could charge them, so we turned around and headed back to Bob's and Biscuit the hound of Bob's.  We were absolutely thrilled when we got there that Biscuit had disappeared.  I think the neighbor across the street reported to him that we had let her escape and he probably had her in protective custody.  We got the batteries and went merrily on our way again.

The next day we had taken the batteries to be charged and were  prepared to conquer the trailer.  Battery charging people call and say batteries are no good as they are dead.  We have not used said batteries so we are perplexed as to how they could be dead and immediately call the trailer place which of course was not open.  We decided to go to the trailer anyway and take the correct screw driver to find the elusive water heater.  It is fortunate we took many different sizes maybe 30 different sizes.  Did any of them fit NO.  We finally resorted to using something that sort of worked, but we were in fear that the screw would get stripped.  We got it open only to discover NOTHING.  It wasn't where it should be.  We went outside to be greeted by the Hound of Bob's place Biscuit.  Oh joy.  How a small dog can be in two places at one time is just eerie.  It was like there was two of her.  In your face, jumping and evil thoughts looming in our heads, Albert was just starting to use the safety chains on the front of the trailer when there was a whistle in the air to which she did respond.  Now I know she responds to something.  Thank you Bob. The search was on and the Little Trailer of Horrors won.  We left with our tail between our legs again defeated and frustrated.

Our trial is not over sad to say.  We still have to get the trailer winterized.  Just a 5 - 10 minute job everyone says.  Now I wonder if secretly they were laughing sinisterly as we walked away.  The trailer won this round, but we are coming back with a new weapon called a Joe.  It just thinks it is in control.  Now who is laughing.  

Those Crazy Roses

That is what my daughter calls us.  That statement could be well founded as I have wondered many times in the past few weeks.  It all started when we got a wild hair and decided to fulfill our dream as I had previously posted. Since our purchase we have had some interesting adventures.  Of course we haven't actually been out, but we are learning a lot.  I shared with everyone at work that we are practicing camping at Bob's place, which is where we have our trailer stored.

Our first "outing" involved remembering how to connect the trailer to the truck.  How many Roses does it take to do this, well evidently more than we have.  It only took us half an hour to get part A connected to part B and remember whether part C needed to be actually locked into part D.  It took a little longer figuring out how to get the trailer to release the truck so we could leave.  It was holding us hostage and I was beginning to think we would have to leave the truck attached and call for a ride home or the alternative was to take the trailer with us. After shaking, backing, pulling forward, praying and pleading the trailer decided to release us from captivity.  We were exhausted!

Twice now we have attempted to take some measurements to buy things for the trailer.  The first time we forgot the measuring device and the second time we forgot the keys to get into the trailer.  It is really a good thing we have until next spring to prepare ourselves for travel.  I do believe it will take us that long to get it all together.  I must say though we are having a good time and having a good laugh at our own expense.  Crazy or not we are happy little campers and are making plans for our first real grand adventure.  For the moment though we are content with practicing at Bob's place.

Fulfilling a Dream

Let me tell you about the past month.  We have long considered and dreamed of joining the RV world.  We have debated over and over whether to buy a motor home or a trailer.  Well the decision was made.  We first went looking with the intentions of buying a small enough trailer to pull with my Trail Blazer which meant it would be about the size of roomy closet with very small amenities.  Lovely as they were we just couldn't commit.


Then there was a huge sale on vehicles at the fairgrounds, so we went to just look.  Well that led us farther down the road, approximately 90 miles or so, to a car dealer in a small Idaho town that sells vehicles all over the US.  We found the perfect truck to do the job.  We were most proud of our new purchase which meant we could find a bigger and better trailer.  Our venture began. 

We called, searched the Internet and visited many many many trailers.  Front bath, front bedroom, slides, two doors, one door, so many decisions.  Brown, blue, purple (yes, there is no accounting for taste).  It was dizzying to say the least.  It is like buying a second home so we wanted to be sure we had just the right one.  It had to be just the right size for the truck, but it also had to be just the right size for us and one that we felt would feel like a home away from home. 

We had worn ourselves out with the search (and  unmentioned others).   Even when people just looked at us like we had lost our minds and expressed that they thought so, we persevered.  We finally narrowed it down to what we thought were the best two for us.  Still we just couldn't make that commitment.  Then we happened upon "the one."  It was perfect.  Things I thought I didn't want suddenly seemed like a good idea and things I thought I wanted seemed not so important.  It felt comfortable and seemed like perfect fit for the two us and for any company that might breakdown and decided to tag along.

Then we had to prepare for the arrival.  It was a torturous week.  We had not considered the parking issue or the fact that we didn't have any experience.  Fear set in immediately.  I started calling to find a winter home for our little arrival.  Prices were ridiculous and then there was the issue of having enough room to maneuver.  Then the nightmares started.  I parked trailers every night in my dreams over and over.  I woke up with dread and fear that I couldn't do it.  But, then I met Bob.  Bob had just the right place for our us to winter our home and a lot of room to maneuver and park.  I finally had peace, well momentarily.  Then there came the mirror issue as we realized we couldn't see around the big square box that would be trailing behind.  Many calls later we found a place to purchase them and was quoted a reasonable price and just come on in we will take care of you they said.  Right.  Got there and the guy was horrified at the price I had been quoted and said he didn't know where they got their information.  He quickly changed his tune when he saw my look of exasperation and what could have been water works in abundance.  No man likes a crying woman and I was trying to hold it together.  It had been a hard week.  I didn't even have the energy to get angry and demand they honor the price.  Instead I just looked at him and stupidly repeated what I had said and that we had been told the same information twice.  He caved and gave us a great deal.  I was one happy lady.  Finally, I could give a sigh of relief.  Mission accomplished.

I have finally been able to sleep again at night because I know that I am perfectly capable of learning to park and I realized that we have had a dream come true.  We will have hours and days of pleasure on the road doing exactly what we love to do more than anything, travel.  It is even better now because we can stop where we want and when we want.  Now, if we can just make it to retirement everything will be perfect.  Albert has already got our first major trip planned for 2011.  He is a great planner and I know our itinerary will be full of interesting finds.  Watch out World's Biggest Ball of Twine here we come. 

A Thing of Beauty

This is my husbands first tomato for this year.  There is a story to this tomato. I have to begin by saying that Albert farmed for many years.  Because he farmed, he doesn't know how to do things in a small way.   

One year we had so many squash we were taking 5 gallon buckets to the Union Gospel and blessing all our friends with our bounty in addition to a freezer full of beautiful yellow squash.  Then there were the green beans.  Again we fed the Union Gospel Mission, all our friends and finished filling the freezer with beans.  I snapped beans until my fingers were green.  Then there were the Potatoes.  Oh my, I think he got about 250lbs that year.  I dreamed about spuds.  Don't get me wrong.  I love fresh veggies, but there are only two of us in the household and we can only consume so much.  Part of his over production is because he has a generous spirit and particularly loves to share with those in need.

Last year because he was so ill and in the hospital at planting time, he didn't get to "farm" anything.  Well, this year he decided to go into the tomato business.  He purchased 24 plants (yes you read right) of various lovely fruits.  He carefully shopped for the right potting soil to mix into the garden and purchased just the right fertilizer.  At first we thought the cool weather and rains were going to finish them off, but then the rains abated and the sun came out.  If we have as many tomatoes as we have blooms, we will have a bumper crop of tomatoes.  I am sure I will learn to use tomatoes in many many ways.

He proudly came in yesterday and announced he had a $500 tomato on the vine and it was nearly ready to pick. It is a thing of beauty to my green thumbed farmer husband and I love to see him puttering around in his garden lovingly taking care of each one.  It isn't always about the money you spent, but the joy of watching something you have nurtured come to life and watching someone you love take a little pride in what he has done.  Thank you God for the sunshine that has brought a chuckle from my husband and given me the joy of having him well enough to grow $500 tomatoes.

Happy Birthday!

My Mom, Opal Jones, is going to be 93 on Sunday, July 11.  That is something to celebrate!  I think of all the things that have happened in my life time and can only be amazed at the things she has seen.  I keep telling her she will make 100 and if she does what a celebration that will have to be. 

4th of July

I hope all of you are spending your 4th weekend doing something fun!   I on the other hand am in the middle of a kitchen remodel.  There are upsides and downsides.  The downside is my life is not in order and I am a creature of habits, many habits.  The upside is there are no dirty dishes in the sink, because there is no sink and I don't have to cook.  Don't get me wrong.  I love to cook, but sometimes you just need a vacation from everything.

It is going to look really good when it is done.  I have labored over every decision.  I got new floors first.  That only took 3 years to decide to do and to save enough money.  Then there was the process of selection.  Albert made the comment that I could buy a car in 30 seconds so why does it take so much shopping and agonizing over floors and counter tops.  My theory on that is cars are disposable (well for me anyway) and a kitchen I have to be happy in every day at least twice a day.  My surroundings are a reflection of how well I cook.  Well not really, but it sounded good.

Anyway the decision was made and I love love love my new floors.  Then I decided I really could use a new stove with convection of course.  That led to new counter tops because the old looked really old with the new stuff.  Now I will have to refinish the cabinets themselves because they look worn next to the new.  My husband is hoping I just get it right the first time, unlike my car buying.

I will have to post pictures after it is all done.  Albert just informed me it is lunch time so I guess I better give him my order for pickup.  Oh the luxury of a day off.

Bragging Again

Yes, I just have to mention that I am Grandma again. Wyatt Jace was born April 19, 2010, 5lbs 12 oz and 18 inches long. He was a little guy because he came a month early. He was just destined to be born on the 19th. My son and daughter-in-law each have their birth date as the 19th and they were married on the 19th. Their due date was May 19th, but Wyatt had another idea and of course it was April 19th. God does have a sense of humor.

I can hardly wait to go see him. As I previously posted, we live 2000 miles away. We are packing up Grandpa, grandma and auntie in October for a trip to Texas. I haven't been home in many years and actually am looking forward to it. You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take the Texan out of the girl. I will always be a Texan no matter where I live. Yes, I am one of those who think there is no better place on earth and my pride is enormous. I get chided for it all the time. I always have a Texas story to tell. But, I see nothing wrong with having a little pride in something that is worth having pride in.

I also get to see my Grand-daughter this month for her first birthday. I can't believe that little cutie is a year old all ready and of course she is still beautiful and smart! No pride there. I am most blessed with 4 beautiful grand-children and they each are absolutely the best!

Mile Stones, Miracles and Moves

It is hard to believe that Zori is soon to be six months old! She is still the most beautiful baby in the world, to me. We have managed to squeeze in two visits and it has been more amazing each time. I do wish I could be there to watch her grow day by day, but we have learned to Skype. I will probably be 'computer Grandma' to her most of her life, but I will take what I can get.

Albert and I were able to visit the first of October for one last time. I had the distinct honor to be there when she found her voice and our visit was filled with the sounds of squeals and laughter. She is just such a happy baby and if she cries I never got to hear it. I think she just knew her Grandma was there and was on best behaviour. We took a ton of pictures and she will also probably grow up thinking we have these big black growths on our face. But, that too is ok because I love the subject and will continue to make her my little model. We Skyped recently and she was the cutest thing. She is now a growling baby girl. It was too cute for words. We got a really good laugh from it because her Dad use to say "Err" a lot, really a lot and she sounded just like him. I didn't realize those things were inherited and can't wait to see what else she comes up with.

One evening while I was holding her and talking to her, I got a phone call from my son in Texas. He hardly ever calls unless there is news (good or bad) so I was prepared for something. My first thought with the economy was that he was no longer employed. Was I relieved and over joyed when he said that they were pregnant!!!! What a perfect time to tell me. I got so excited that Zori probably thought her Grandma was losing it. Laying there in my arms and hearing the excitement in my sons voice, just made the news a little sweeter. She is due in May. My daughter-in-law has had a hard time and a lot of issues so I feel this baby is a real miracle. My son wants a girl so I am hoping he get his wish, but baby boys and just as sweet.

Unfortunately, they live 2000 miles away and have no internet. I am going to have to do a lot of praying so we can at least be 'Computer Grandma' to this one too. I will be doing a lot of traveling. I can see one on the way down to the other or even better maybe I can get them both to come to me and have a little family reunion. It has been many years since I have had all my children in one place at the same time.

My other news is that my daughter has finally found a home of her own. It is absolutely adorable. She found a condo with the perfect view of the mountains! It is all new and I am so proud for her. I am sure she will be bloggin about it soon. I was sad, but very glad to see her move. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy her company, but it was time for her to get a real life! Now she can have friends over and is fortunate enough to live a place that has a lot going on as a community. I think she will be very happy there for years to come.

I am one happy Mom and Grandma right now. This is a time of miracles and I have had my fair share this year. A husband who has been healed, two new babies and a home for my daughter. All is well with my kids and in this joyous season what more could you ask for than that!

Ok, I might be just a little proud, but this is a picture of the most beautiful child in the world! Meet Miss Azoria Marlae who made her entrance Tuesday, June 16, 2009 and her father Beau.

Need I say that he is a proud Daddy. She will definitely be a Daddy's girl. I think she already has him wrapped around her little finger.

Unfortunately, I have not had the privilege to meet her in person as she lives 8 hours away. I am however traveling as soon as possible. I already have plans to visit just about once a month until the snow starts. I am in hopes we will have a very very late winter. Of course judging by the past two, that won't happen.

I hope she isn't camera shy as I will be taking a lot of picture for posting.

My daughter and I had so much fun going shopping for baby things. They are just soooo cute now. I can't wait for her to grow into them. I think I will help her become a clothes hog for sure.

Beauty is Only Skin Deep

I have been giving a lot of thought to how I look lately. It isn't only the weight issue, but an age issue also. As I peer into the mirror, I am often surprised at who is looking back. After much thought I have concluded that I need to focus more on what the world really sees instead of just the superficial.

In today's society it is our looks that count the most. We are constantly encouraged to focus on ourselves and how we appear. This has become the focus of everything we see and hear. We are pressured from others, from advertising and by our own self image, to look as good as we can. The measure of who we are and what we are worth is placed in how we look.

But these things are nothing compared to how we really look on the inside. We may shine from without, but our inner person may for the most part be filled with all the ugliness of the world. Our whole nature may not be a pretty sight, but there is hope. There is a small part in each of us that remains enough like our creator that with some effort can push it's way to the outside to be revealed as God's shining glory.

It begins by admitting we have those things within us that are unpleasing to our Lord and accepting Him into our life. With the presence and the conviction of the Holy Spirit, we are then ready for the process of becoming the beautiful person God has always intended us to be. Not a superficial beauty, but a deep beauty that goes to the very heart of our souls. One that others will see and want.

Much like plastic surgery, it can be a very painful process at times, but the end product is magnificent. The mighty surgeon carefully cuts, snips, tucks and in the end all the junk of the world is slowly cut away leaving a fresh new you. This is an ongoing process which slowly restores us to what we were intended to look like from the very beginning.

We must be careful not to let ourselves become artificial in the process. Don't think you can get by with making yourself look good forever. God knows your heart. You can put on a good face, but it is what the Spirit has done on the inside that truly counts.

As the Word of God says in Proverbs 31:30, Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

Overload

Actually I should start this out by saying that I have miraculously lost another 2 lbs. Yeah for me. It has been hard, but at least there was a small reward at the end so I won't complain, well too much.

If nothing else, I have learned this past week that my body doesn't really really like fried foods. In a moment of 'I am too tired to cook,' we went to a local fish place to eat. Of course this place specializes in good ol' fried fish and chips. I not only ate 'fried' fish and chips, but because of a generous young man in the check out line, I took full advantage of the 'All You Can Eat' coupon he shared with us. Did dieting cross my mind? NO. All I could think was I am hungry and I get all I can eat. So I did. I did manage to get control of myself somewhat and stopped when I was really full instead of really really full. It wasn't until we were headed home that the reality of what I had just eaten hit me.

It didn't hit me in the fact I had just eaten a billion calories and fats. It hit me where it hurt. It was a good thing the family went to bed early so they didn't have to listen to my moans and groans. Was I sorry? Yes. Will I do it again? Probably because I am just a little stupid that way. Of course it won't be right away, but enough time will pass that the call of the greasy fried food of some sort will call my name and off I will go because it is the easy way out.

However, I am proud of myself that just last night I did not succumb to my weakness. My husband and I had a night alone and were going to go out for dinner. The more I thought about it the more I just couldn't think of a thing that sounded that good out there. We stayed home and I cooked a healthy dinner and have healthy leftovers for lunch. Pat on the back for me. I might actually get the hang of this yet. It has only taken me 40 years or so.

I do wish it would come off faster, but then I didn't put in on in a week. Slow and steady. Keeping the rules (well most of the time). I have to read my own blog to remember what they are. Maybe eating healthier will help my memory too. That is another story.