TEA PARTIES..NOT JUST FOR LITTLE GIRLS!!!

I am still just flying high about my recent trip to the cornfields of Indiana. I love the midwest...wouldn't make a good midwesterner myself, but I love it from the open fields to the antiques to the warm friendly people i have met over the years. As I have said over and over I hit fifty a few weeks ago. Jim took me to see my friend Kim and she and her girls in turn, introduced me to some of their really good and special friends. Let's see,,,,there was Lindsey, Joy, Samantha, Trevor, Stephan, Grace & her parents (sorry, its a known fact if you have children you no longer h ave first names, just known as their parents, therefore I have omitted your names ON PURPOSE, HAHAHA!) and Kay (WOW, what a girl!!!)..I am sure I not only missed a few but totally messed up the spellings of your names....Now I know the only reason Kim & Steve still live in Nowhere, USA....its their friends..They are amazing!!!

Now Kim has always, always made me feel special even during times when I'm not, and I am sure she oversold me to her friends...haha..but who cares..I loved it... Kay made me feel so special on the day before we left Indiana--she threw a tea party and INVITED LIL OL ME!!!!....What a blast that was...She set the table and Joy (her daughter and might I just add she totally fits her name, she is truly a joy and darling as well) folded the napkins just like MARTHA would...the table was darling...We all had our own individual tea pots with tea (well except me, we drink ICED tea in Texas, haha) and she had the best little sandwiches and desserts that were to die for, complete with lemon curd!!!! Oh my..I felt like I had died and gone to the big tea party in the sky.....It was such a lovely morning and Kay, you truly have the gift of hospitality...Thank you for not only sharing your tea sets, your beautiful home and your daughter Joy with me, but it was so clear Jesus is the guest of all that goes on amongst your home. Thanks again for a memorable time in Indiana. I will always remember it and you!!!

Happy Anniversary

to the love of my life.... Wow, its been 31 years, can you believe it??? Where has the time gone? Are you as amazed at how fast its gone by and what we've bundled into those years as I am? Its been a great 31 and I am looking forward to the next 31. You are still the kind, caring man I fell in love with so many years ago. The blonde hair has been replaced with a few scraggly gray ones and there are now lines around your eyes, but your heart has remained the same. I love you for many, many things but mostly because you are you and you gave me Steve. I love you Jim...Happy Anniversary and may our journey continue. Love, Sandi

FINALLY HOME!!!

The next time I want to take a vacation for more than a week, would someone please STOP ME!!! haha! I love vacation but I love being home. Now don't get me wrong, vacation is great and friends are even better but being away from home for too long is not a good thing for me. I was never one as a child who enjoyed going to others to "spend the night"..I loved going to play or hang out but I always wanted to be back home when it was time for my head to hit the pillow. Now so much for that but here's to the fun stuff of my vacation....FRIENDS!!!!! Kim & I have been BFF'S for about 25 years, wow!!!! It was great to just go hang out, kick back and experience some of life's simple pleasures with her....like for instance---my 50th birthday..did I say thank you for making it so special and to Katianna for making me the most fabulous Italian b'day dinner complete with wine!!!! Oh yummy....and then there was that late night hot cocoa experience and I do say experience....that cocoa recipe was so much better than Starbucks....and lets not forget Rachels birthday gift to me...a great gift certificate to YOUR FIRED!! where she works and I got to pick out my own gift and shall we say "create" its outcome...haha!!! I do hate to brag so I won't go on and on about the wonderful footrub & manicure i got from Kati and Rachel except to say that sounds came out of my mouth from that that should not have...hahaha... At any rate, this was a very fun and relaxing part of our trip. Jim was thrilled to be with "his girls" once again..I happily share a piece of his heart with these 2 special girls..there are none like them.. Here's a quick couple of pics of my birthday party....now just a quick funny...Kim only had 25 of the 50 birthday candles needed for my cake...funny girl was going to light them twice...well, by the time she lite all the candles & I finally got them all blown out, the icing on the top of my cake was melting....hahahaha...meaning, she couldn't relight for fear we would set the house on fire...hahahaha....Thanks again, Mingles for the great and memorable birthday......

MRS. RUNYAN

Oh, my gosh, I just realized for the first time in my life when someone called me Mrs. Runyan I didn't correct them and say "hey my name is Sandi". After all Mrs. Runyan is my mother in law not me. Even when Steve was young and growing up all his friends called me Sandi or at worst Miss Sandi. That I could take. This Mrs. stuff just never seemed to fit me. I mean really, when you look at me don'tcha just see Sandi???Today one of Jim's fellow soldiers came in and of course he always calls me Mrs. Runyan ( I always correct, but he alwasy starts out that way, haha) but I have finally just accepted thats who I am now. All these years that name has felt so old, and so odd for me. I didn't even correct and boy is that weird for me. So weird that I am thinking, yep I am turning 50 and its goes with the territory.haha....For some odd reason when I look in the mirrow I still don't see anyone past say age 36, I mean I just don't see it..haha...I can feel it, but I don't see it..haha...At any rate, I guess I am just gonna have to own it now. I think I finally feel like Mrs. Runyan...oh geeze....what next!!!!

STIMULATING THE ECONOMY

(picture we took several years ago in Indiana on one of our fast trips there)

After all its our duty as Americans to do our part, so we are taking off....

I love holidays & vacation time..I especially love birthdays that are celebrated BIG!!! This year I turn 50. Now I know to some of you that is "getting there" but for me, it is just great that at least I "got there" , haha.

Jim is taking me to see one of my BFF's in Indiana. Its snowing & icing there but I don't care. I get to go and hang out, drink hot chocolate, get pampered, and chat to the wee hours of the night with someone who probably understands me better than I understand myself..scarry---just a bit, haha!!!!

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Kim & her family, meeting her new friends and shopping....ok, this is HUGE!! I'll let you in on a secret of mine...Kim lives 30 minutes from IKEA and that is a dream trip for me..haha...I know, I don't get out much do I, but my wants are so small haha...anyway, got my list, been shopping online and will come home with organizational stuff for the playroom and hopefully a few surprises for Amy & Steve.

I just finalized the hotel & car rental reservations so now I really feel like I'm going someplace. YEAH!!!!!! We are first headed to Ill. to visit with Jim's family for a few days. That will be great in itself as I love the St Louis area.

Then we will head out to Indiana...depending on the weather (which isn't so great right now) we will head up to the Amish Country (my birthday present). I just love it up there...I mean I just love to gwack..is that ok???? I am just amazed at how these people live in their simplicity...so glad God has never required that of me.... I mean I am allergic to animals, being outdoors, and manual labor just to start with. I love the modern conveniences but there is something so charming about this area and the people.... I did however learn after my last visit there that I was not suppose to take pics of the Amish's faces...yeah whatever, but they make such fabulous pics....thought I'd share with you.... anyhow, I now know the rules and will respect that but am hoping the weather holds out for us...

We are also headed to Louisville to pick up Jim's stuff from Iraq (and can I just say I will be so glad when he has possession of that stuff again, cuz I am so tired of hearing about it, haha) and then back to Ill for another mini visit with Jim's parents before we head home...by that time I will be so happy to be back at our warm spring like weather in south Texas...

Anyhow, got to run get ready for work and then the packing begins...we only have 4 days left..it will fly by, especially since I am working all 4 of them...Anyway, don't know if I'll have access to a computer (not taking the laptop, too much trouble with all we are bringing home) but i will post when I get home..until then....CHOW!!!

KUDOS, RACHEL

Meet our Rachel...Rachel came into our lives over 20 years ago. Wow, has it really been that long? We have watched Rachel grow from a small child into a wonderful young lady. The years have shaped Rachel into a very thought provocative person. She is a fun loving girl who enjoys life and feels strongly that those that are created be allowed to live as well.... Above is a picture of Rachel as she along with her friends and a group from a Catholic church embarked upon Washington DC the day after inauguration to let their voices speak for those who are not allowed a voice. Rachel, Jim & I are so very proud of you, not for just who you are but who you are becoming. We love you!!.Look out world, she is about to embark upon you!!!..Yes, you are our favorite...who cares, I said it..haha!!!

Transition Time

Jim & I made a few changes in our lives recently. This has put him at home---for very long periods of time( did you notice I said long?)...hahaha!!! He has developed new habits that I find so interesting. He loves to watch tv but he especially likes and watches for Martha. You know the blonde entrepreneur who did time in prison??? Jim loves to cook so that part I understand, but he now tries to tell me about the latest crafties Martha does and did I know such and such. If I don't, not to worry, he'll explain it down to the last detail and I should give it a try. He is always snarking about my one & only vice---my soap opera...Now, I don't hound him about Repo man and some of the other stup--ughh I mean programs he watches, but he always talks about how wasteful it is for me to watch the Y&R, then sits down and tells me what Mrs. Chancellor is going to do next and did I notice yesterday when Phyllis was in Paris yada yada yada happened...right, buddy, this is a waste of MY time..haha!!!! He also uses the clothes dryer as an iron..yeah thats right--that 220 volt piece of equipment that sends that meter rotating faster than a roller coaster. Which brings me to the kitchen. He must have never had to do a dish growing up cuz that man uses more dishes (plates, cups, mugs, doesn't matter, he doesn't discriminate) than anyone I've ever seen. If he's having a piece of toast, well forget that a napkin might work, lets bring out the stoneware...If its a holiday and dishes are a bit backed up or in the dishwasher, don't worry, we've got china for that piece of toast. And then there are those phone conversations I have with my friends. He will have nothing to say to me for most of the day UNTIL I dial a number..then he wants to know who I am calling and then proceed to have a conversation with me the whole time I am on the phone..Now don't get me wrong, I love having him around and there is nothing like that smile but doggone it, if this keeps up I'm gonna have to be on medication..haha.....have a fabulous tomorrow!!!

A Note to President & Mrs. Bush

Thank you for 8 years of service to our great country. For Jim, it was an honor to serve under your leadership. As Jim says, when that phone rings at 3 a.m it was George Bush he had confidence that could make a decision at that time and know it was right. As he left for Iraq, not once, but twice, he did so confidently knowing his "back would be covered" and knowing the mission was a just & worthy cause. Though not all share our feelings, I believe history will serve you well and you will be given credit where it is due. As with all of us, mistakes are made, it is just unfortunate that you are not given the grace we are all extended. Thank you for bringing calmness to our country during 9/11 and for always having the American's best interest at heart. But most of all, thank you for leading with conviction from your heart and a love for the God whose values our country was founded upon. And thank you so much for just being who you are. May God bless you and Laura and all that you do to continue to serve Him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEVEN!!

Have I ever told you how much I enjoy being an aunt? I became an aunt for the very first time when I was 16. I've enjoyed that title since the first time I saw this beautiful little red haired baby, it was definitely love at first sight. And I have to tell you, its even better the next generation around. I have 4 1/2 grand-nieces and 2 grand-nephews. Ah, be still my heart, grand doesn't even begin to describe it, haha!!! The girls are all in Oklahoma courtesy of Uncle Sam (can you tell I am pouting?) and we only get to see them occassionally, though I love them all the same. Then there is 1/2 pint who is due to arrive in late March, early April who is Loralee (and I am sure I misspelled it, but no worry, her mother won't see my blog anyway, haha) and who we can't wait to get here!!! Which brings me to "our boyz". Jayden & Deven. Wow!!! I love boys. I've always said since we could only have one child I am so glad it was a boy. There is nothing like them at all. Being around these two just bring back so many happy memories about Stevie and his growing up years, I think that is probably part of the attachment, besides them being so dang cute!!!

Anyway, lost my train (no pun intendend, but fight so well don'tcha think? wink, wink) of thought for a minute, or the reason of my 2nd blog for the day (yeah thats right 2, count them!!)...It was Deven's 3 rd birthday (and he does know how many fingers he is, he can pull those 3 fingers up if you ask him how old he is). So celebrate we did!!! Grandma Minerva pulled out all the stops complete with a jumping castle (was it castle????) and a real train (ok, a hot fixed up lawnmower, but it looked like one!!..It was a blast. The kids and adults all loved riding in the train and I did too..haha...Aunt Kat enjoyed being the Aunt of the day (come on Kat, now you know why I spoiled Bubba so much, don'tcha ya???? go ahead you can finnnnalllllllllllllllllllllllly admit it, and put those therapy sessions behind you!!!) and bought him the most beautiful cake for his special day. Deven loves all things animals especially those that growl and make noises (ok, jayden shares this as well, haha) so of course this cake had to be spectacular. Kat is our internet shopping queen. She can find and come up with anything as long as she has the internet at her fingers. Check out that cake!!! It was awesome not only in looks but flavorful as well. No HEB or Walmart cakes for her nephew..hhahahah...anyway, enjoy the pics and try not to drool over these boys too much. They won't be available until two thousand, well never. We will never let them go...haha....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVEN. You are loved by so many!!!

OOPS, I've done it again!!!

(I MEAN REALLY, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT ANY OF THESE BOYS! HAPPY 2009!!)

I've walked away from the blogging world!!! Life has become way to busy but with 2009 here, all things are changing. Jim and I are making major changes in our lives, one that will involve him no longer working away from home. Plans are in the make for him to return to school, and he retires from the reserves in May....Yeah!!! Way to go GI Jim.....He has quite a few medical things to get ahold of and his paperwork for school wasn't received (ughhh, though this almost seems to be a blessing) so he is going to be a househusband for a few months and concentrating on getting some much needed things done. Anyway, it is so great to have him home. I've really missed my best friend (though, I have to say, getting used to living together again full time has been no picnic), haha....I'm beginning to realize its really not all about me. Sad, but true..haha....Anyway, Jim has the greatest dispostion of anyone I know and just makes my days so happy.... Ok, so, here's whats been going on for the month of December. Jim was Santa once again for him unit at the 370th Christmas party and I have to say Jim makes a fabulous Santa and I say that without any prejudice whatsoever....just ask around..haha...Also, on Christmas morning, he was no longer Uncle JimaLee as he is so loving called by his grand-nephews, but Santa Claus. To say it was magical is no exaggeration. It was wonderful and the boys just loved him. I am thinking we can get one more year out of Santa before the boys realize its really JimaLee under that suit. I will be back in the new year posting ramblings on our comings & goings and what lies ahead. We have made our resolutions and hope to keep at least 2 of them..haha...Lets face it, it never happens..haha...Enjoy the pics and come back to visit us often.

The People Have Spoken!

Wow, after 2 long years, it's over in just a matter of a few hours! I would have loved to be celebrating McCain's appointment today as the leader of the free world, but it is a different kind of celebration. Though President-elect Obama was not our family's choice, he is the majority's choice. How wonderful to be an American and to know like it or not, our leader is our choice!!

Today we celebrate many things. The first being that we belong to the greatest country in the world and with that comes the privelege of being able to vote for our leader. We owe much gratitude to not only our forefathers, but the great men & women who have fought and continue to make sure we have this right.

We also celebrate that history has been made in our country. I can't deny how prideful as an American I was last night, as I saw a man stand on that stage in Chicago, be declared President-elect of the United States, and know that our country has moved forward from racial divide. No matter what party I voted for, it was really a defining moment--the black man was not secondary to the white man and it was very evident when Joe Biden joined Obama on the stage. It wasn't about the color. It was about the man and who he was. Men have died so that Senator Obama would have this privilege. We are created equal and like his politics or not, God had to be pleased that maybe "we are getting it" as a people.

I also celebrate that we are priveleged as a nation to do as God has called us to do, to pray for the leaders of our nation. We don't have to do it in secret or with fear, we are able to do as God has commanded us to do and this is huge as people all over the world suffer persucution just for seeking God out.

I also celebrate that many Americans have realized that their vote is important, it does matter. It was exciting to see a spark lite in so many people, some for the first time. Millions had registered to vote and stood in lines (many for hours) for the privelge of voting. Millions, thats incredible. I've never seen that before. It was awesome!

Whatever the future holds, its ok. As I told Steve this morning, this is not a surprise to God. He allowed it to happen for whatever reason. We will continue to pray for Obama & his family as we have as a family for President & Mrs Bush and their protection. He has a rough road ahead of him. We will do what Americans do best. Stand together and behind our new leader and unite as a country.

We may not have voted for the new president but we respect his position as President of the United States. We will not live our lives in fear but in anticipation that God is still in control, continues to have a plan for our lives, and nothing will happen that He has not allowed. So today, Jim has a new boss and we have a new President. God bless America and God bless us all!

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

TEXANS FOR MCCAIN/PALIN

This year has absolutely just flown by. I don't know whether its because I'm getting older or what is going on, but it seems like I was just getting excited because Thanksgiving was almost here. Well guess what? Thanksgiving is almost here-AGAIN!! We are really looking forward to it this year. I am hoping it will be nice and quiet. Jim & I are thinking of heading to San Antonio for the holiday and just eating out. No dishes to fix, clean up or put away. Am I just lazy that this is all I think about when it comes to the holidays? Or do I just like to spend my time being with Jim. Speaking of Jim. I have been out of pocket for the past 2 weeks on his days off and I have literally not seen him except once during that time. This working out of town is for the dogs but we have a plan that may just about to be changing our lives. Hey, change is good, especially if it means having my main squeeze around more. I miss having him around. He's such a good sport and lets me be queenie, but its ok cuz I let him be the king also so it works out just fine. He is missing Steve & I and everyone here misses him more I think. Anyway, changes are a coming!!

Hopefully you all have gotten out and voted. Jim and I voted early this past week and we are so praying the polls are wrong and McCain slides in for the win. We love America and all that being Americans entails so we are doing our part this weekend. I've committed to spending 6 hours on the phone trying to rally support for McCain between Saturday & Sunday. So once again, get out and vote if you've not done so. Just thought I'd share a photo of a sign I took to my gf & her hubby in the hill country last weekend. I am so proud Randy kept that sign up. He is a republican but doesn't advertise. Kudos to you Randy. You rock! If we win, its cuz of you and that sign. ;) Be blest everyone and God Bless America!

Back to blogging...

Wow, I have really missed this. And I am so surprised its been this long. Lots has been going on in our lives and with our family, but mostly good. We just survived Hurricane Dolly. Jim and I left for a long weekend to Alburqueque, New Mexico (wow, what a place!!!) and imagine to our surprise that a hurricane was within 48 hours of hitting us. The tv broke the news to us (hey we were on vacation,no one watches tv), we shook our shoulders, and we headed on about our business. Steve boarded up the house for us. Thank goodness for grown children. Jim headed to Kingsville to work for the week and I to Casa de Belmont, my favorite little B&B. Ok not really, but the mistress of the house can sure make you feel like you are at one. What did we do for 3 & 1/2 days? We had a hurricane party in Connie's croproom. Her cute and charming niece had come to visit her as well. It was nothing short of FABULOUS!!...If you are interested in what we did visit my new stamping blog snipsofpapershadesofink.blogspot.com I am wanting to keep our everyday life blog separate from my creative one.

Here are a couple pics of Jim and I on our trip to Albuquerque. We redid our vows on top of Sandi Mountain just about sunset one evening and I have to say that after almost 31 years of marriage this was so meaningful to both of us. I still feel very blest to have Jim in my life. The other is a picture of the nailless staircase at one of the Catholic churches in Santa Fe (Loretto). This was especially meaningful as my grandparents stood very much where we did many years ago viewing the same staircase. I sure do miss, but everytime I am in a Catholic church I think of them and reminded of how lucky I was to have them in my life. So enjoy and come back often to visit. If you like crafting join me at my other blog. It should be up and running in the next few days.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.....

Here we are practically on the eve of the biggest event of the year for my son. I had anticipated several times this week on what special "SUPER BOWL" treats to throw together for our biggest fan, Steve. Wings was first on the list, as he loves these. Of course, the dreaded coke was next, can't have a bowl party without the fizz. Pizza, he has to have pizza, cuz thats what he and his grandpa had every game day!!! I had gotten that far with the menu when I got the dreaded phone call. What? Not coming home this weekend? Huh?????? What do you mean you are staying home? Why? Oh, yeah, the new big screen tv had won out. Why of course he and Amy would watch from there. His plans are to go pick up the party goods after work tonight and be ready for the event first thing tomorrow. But for Steve, the Super bowl is more than just the teams, the food, the company. Its about memories. Steve didn't get to know his grandpa for very long (we lived away most of Steve's life until he was 12), but the few years he had, were very significant ones in his life. He LOVED his grandpa, without doub,without question. And the two of them loved sports!!! They shared many Sunday afternoons and evenings with pizza, coke and a tv. Bonds were made those days between the two. Shouts and laughter were always a part of the event. They seemed to feel they were there on the field,haha!! Steve looked forward to all his time with his grandpa and I know that tomorrow when the footbal is kicked for the first time, he is going to remember one man who spent many, many Sunday afternoons sharing time with him. Thanks, Dad, for sharing your love of sports with Steve and giving him so many heartfelt memories.

SURE YOU DO~WE ALL KNOW AT LEAST ONE.

The only child that thinks the world evolves only around them. I can say this, because I am the mother (no, not muther, don't EVEN go there) of an only child. It was your typical scrapbooking crop. Bright lights were on, empty tables eagerly awaiting all the scrapbooking tools and supplies,of oh say,maybe 4 per table!! The scrapbookers came in one by one, carrying or pulling overstuffed bags with supplies to help create those fabulous pages. Everyone scouted out the room to determine where and just how much space they'd each need (and yes, we do need room). There I am at the head of a table (which by the way, these tables are at 6 ft long and 3 ft deep, plenty of space) in my own little area, with room to grow. But there she comes, a newbie to the scrapbooking world,entering the room like, "here I am!!" She puts her things next to mine, or so i thought. I turn around from helping someone and there it all is, a store full of stuff totally layed out on the table, by colors, category, and tool. This newbie had a wonderful smile on her face and was so excited to be there to work on her creations....uh,,,,excuse me....whats this about ..apparently I am sharing my table with obsessive,compulsive , overly eager new scrapbooker!!!! There I am shoved in my own little corner with no place to grow.And scrapbookers need a place to grow, trust me.... Forget that other people were going to have to squeeze in somewhere else, because this one had "taken over" the table with no place for anyone else to sit.. Yes, we know, 'ITS ALL ABOUT YOOUUUUUUUU"!!!! To that I say 'TABLE HOG!!!'....yes, she has a name and I feel that to protect all my scrapbooking buddies out there is cyberspace I must report her name-----Heather----please be on the lookout for her....she's ruthless.....hahahahaha!!!! It was actually a fun day and reminded me of the fun I had when I first started scrapbooking. I think I had more fun watching her than working on my own pages yesterday....Heather, welcome to my world..I will let you shove me in a corner anytime...You are so much fun!!!!!!

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

But oh, my, how delightful!!!! Its here, its here--Winter has finally arrived. I was acually cold today for awhile. The hot flashes were totally controlled by the weather--imagine that!! We are under, hot your pants on-----freeze warnings...I love it!!! My favorite time of the year. My sinus' are reaping havoc on me though, but I can deal with it. It is great---hot cocoa, movies, a soft blankie, and homemade soups---ahh winter brings all those comfort things with it. I sleep so good, and of course I always cover my head in the winter while I sleep..Don't ask why? I don't know, i just do, kinda weird, but hey, who really cares..haha...and I have to set the alarm for 3o minutes earlier, because I have to push the snooze button at least 10 times before i get up. I can't help, its like I am trying to psych myself out..The weather will be this way for over a week, and I am sure I will be happy to see the warmth come back afterwards, but for now I will be enjoying this while it lasts. Welcome, winter!!!

UHHMMMM-REMEMBER THE RESOLUTIONS?

Well, here we are mid January and I have barely touched on my New Years Resolutions. I have the "diet" book and chart located and they are now on the desk. I don't really have plans to open that book today as tomorrow is Monday, and the rule is Monday is the beginning of any diet (yes, it is, just look at any diet rule book), and I am not quite ready to "start the dreaded diet". Oh, but news break, news break, Jim and I are joining a health club next week, so we will "have" to get started on our diets, so we are on the right track. I have conquered part of the cable problem. I am down to basic and what a challenge that is. Thank goodness for Fox News or I'd have to go cold turkey all together. I mean, really, have you really looked at the local news channel??? Paleeeze, is that really worthy to be called news. The reading is coming along. I have read a few more pages of my book and have the new one picked out. The purging continues. I am currently in Steve's room since he has moved out. This will become the study/game room. I am in the process of accessing what I can and can't get rid of....not because Steve says I can't, but because I am the Mom..I mean, how can we get rid of so many things. Two things for sure, the large arcade game and surf board must go. I am finding no attachments to them, though (I regress) Steve does. I am keeping with my promise to get rid of a large garbage bag of things a day though. Its wonderful....I have pulled out way too many things while assessing.oh, geez, what a mess , but I have vowed that from one side of this house to the other, everything will have a place and it will be in ints place by next weekend or I move. haha, ok just kidding!!!! Well, the resolutions continue and the list grows, but I am determined that 2007 will be a wonderful, productive, growing year for us all. There is much to be greatful for and to look forward to.

5 THINGS YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT ME

I belong to a Scrapbooking forum and we have a weekly challenge to which I am going to participate in at various times... here are my answers to this weeks challenge....
5 THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME

1. I love dark days with a touch of rain..yes, i do..i just love them!!...Whereas,
these types of days usually bring about signs of depression in some, I tend to
thrive in them. As usual, I am backwards!!!
2. At age 6 I sat down at the piano and started playing like I had been playing for years. I play by ear (ok, smart pants, not with my ear, by ear). My dad was a minister at a small church in Raymondville, Texas and they didn't have a pianist. One day while at the church as my dad was working, i sat at the bench and started playing. A definite gift from God (well, when I practiced, my brothers certainly didn't call it a gift) My parents had me take piano lessons, to which my teacher told them I had no talent. Probaby the first kid ever thrown out of music lessons,haha... Well,
here I am some 41 years later and I can rejoice to the Lord through what He gave
me. Hey , who needs talent, right?
3. I am not the mother of a small child..hard to believe, I know!!!.Everyone who hears me talk about my son, Stevie, are always shocked that he is 27 years old, and just die laughing when they find out. To you, I say thanks for thinking I am so young looking!!! hahaha
4. Since I was very young I have been fascinated ( ok, hold on to yourself here) with Winter Texan mobile home parks and living at one...I know, call me crazy, whatever!!! I don't even like camping, but as I have said before, this is not camping... I can't wait until Jim turns 55 (we are just a little over 3 years away) and we can move onto one..It looks like an absolute blast. A party going on every day of the week if you want..PARDY, PARDY, PARDDDYY!!! Woohoo!!!! I am very into tight spaces, no yard work to speak of, lots of friends to choose from, and lots going on...I am a party waiting to happen, I'm told!!!!
5. I hate WALMART....I know hate is a strong word, but I strongly hate Walmart and everything about it.I dislike shopping but if Walmart was all we had to choose from in America, I would literally never go. I probably go once or twice a year and usually I am held captive by someone who "just has to go", to you I say ughhhhhhhhhh......

THE DREADED 2007 RESOLUTIONS!!

Yes, its that time again...the dreaded New Year's Resolution list is now done!!!
Will I stick to it? I am hoping that by publishing it, that I can at least make
a positive attempt at it....here we go.....

1. yes, the ever yearly popular DIET.....I figure I am getting older and I would love to see my feet again while standing upright.

2. Church...I believe Jim and I are resolved on a church and are planning to get started once again. I miss the fellowship with other believers and I know God misses us visiting Him in his house. I long to be in a place where I can worship Him with others.

3. Bible study with Jim...oh how I have missed these..we got into very bad habits when he deployed when the war broke out and never restarted them when he returned home..i have a couple books already picked out just waiting for Jim to give the "OK".

4. Simplify....yes, that is word and I do know what it means...I am so tired of stuff..It not only clutters my home but my mind and beginning this weekend I intend to get rid of one bag of stuff daily for 30 days....

5. Let go of things and people that I can't change. It exhausts me!!!! And besides, once again , i am reminded that God doesn't need my help in this area. Geez, when will I ever learn this lesson...

6. Get caught up on my scrapbooking..I am going to organize all the
photos that are still not in their protective box. I am going to strive for a
minimum of scrapping 200 pages for 2007.

7. There is an issue I want to complete and have vowed to have it done this year. Only a few people know of this--Jim, Steve, Kim, & Connie. My trusted allies...

8. I am going to love the unlovable if it kills them and it may ME!!literally.haha...YOu know there are those people that are in our path that you'd just like to get a super sudsor to get them out of your way, but I know and you know they are there for a reason. I have vowed to love them in spite of ourselves. This is no way is related to #5 though you may think it is. In my mind, and thats all that matters, I have it separated..

9. Promote Jim to King this year. He has been my prince Charming for so long and is so good to me. Secret here, are you listening..(I am saying this in a whisper). Sometimes I take advantage of Jim.. Yes I do, I know, its true, and I am going to treat him like the royalty that he is...He is love of my life and I intend for him to know that every day...I of course , know that it does take 21 days to create a new habit, and I will need to remind him of this..haha

10. Read, I am going to read more often. For crying out loud I work in the library and don't read more than 2 books a year, if that. I am in the process of reading a new book right now and its political, of course.

11. Return sometime soon to the Green's Thursday Group. How have I
let life get in the way? You know when you know you are suppose to be somewhere
but you aren't? I miss this group, who it represents and the what Jim &
Sandy (yes, they have the same names) add to our lives. I need to make this a
priority!!!

12. A trip to Oklahoma City, where it all began for Jim and I. We
have both really been wanting to take a quick trip, visit our friends and
reminisce.

13. I am giving up cable tv. I used to never watch television, but once Jim's deployment came, I was glued to it. I will let you in on a secret--I am a news junkie. I am hoping to start recovering from this during this year. We have already canceled 120 channel and downsized to 40 channels. And the only reason I haven't just dumped cable all together is because I love FOX NEWS and crime tv..there its out in the open...I feel so much better. My plan is that by March 1 I will no longer "need" these shows in my life. I must be weined, I mean afterall, heroin addicts aren't just stripped of their drugs, right?

Any way, here are some of my resolutions. I think these are doable...Well, #1 will be the hardest, lets just be honest. I was doing so good while I had my surgery and then I went back to work and thats all it took...I had been had!!!! Anyway, good luck to all of you and your resolutions and I'll let you know how mine are coming along. A new year, a new beginning and a time to start over...I love new beginnings!!!.....

HEROES OF 2006

As a military wife, I know all too well the sacrifices some are asked to make. There are 4 little girls that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the past few years. While other children are out kicking ball with their dads, having a special movie date with him, or are being tucked into bed at night feeling secure knowing "their daddy" is in the other room sleeping, these little girls have given to their nation something most of our children are never asked to give. Yes, it is true, its their Daddy's profession that takes him away, but as children they pay a very big price for our freedom and security. If you know of a child who's parent is serving their country away, take the time to remember them and thank them and hey, how about a movie date with one of them. It would make their day!!! To Megan, Autum, Kylie, and our little Maddie I say thank you. You are our real heros. We are so proud of your Daddy for serving his country. I know you miss him and my prayer is that when you are reunited in about 8 weeks, that he will be with you for a very long time, before he is asked to "deploy" once again. You are such brave little girls and I am so proud of you all. You are growing into such beautiful and wonderful little girls and I know your daddy is very proud of you, as we all are. Thank you for all you have done for "your country". We love you all very much...Your Aunt Sandi and Uncle Jim