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

SOLDIER OR CANCER VICTIM!

What does someone expect at 6 am on a Sunday morning..Did I get any appreciation out of this deal???????Nope, not any, or at least, yet. This is Jim's weekend to "play Army" and somehow this became my problem. Jim needed a haircut. I told him his hair was getting a little long. He put it off, came home yesterday and announced at dinner, "I need to get a haircut", then proceeded to tell me about Loya and how he messed up his hair and had to shave it all off. Loya's comrades proceeded to call him Uncle Fester all day yesterday. Well, for some reason Jim has decided he doesn't want to spend $7.50 on a haircut(yeah, whatever, bet you won't make that mistake again!!!). Jim is a collector of gadgets, he loves them all and believes they all work. He bought this ridiculous 1 inch haircutter to take with him when he left for Iraq. Let me assure you, it doesn't work. Here I was at 6 am ( I know, what was I thinking. I tell Jim I'll do something for him and he literally takes it as a spoken contract), doing his hair before he has to leave. Well, first off, Jim has hair like a cat. Soft, limp, and unruly(yes, that is a word). I did what he told me to do, and when I stood back to take a look at the final results of my early morning labor, I couldn't control it---I burst out laughing and couldn't stop. He looked like a cat who had gotten wet...His hair was a mess. There were patches that were cut to the skin(don't know how I did that), and some hair was scraggly. Jim just sat there and reminded me , he was going to be in formation with 30 something of America's finest in about an hour and Fester. He went into the bathroom to asess the damage. All I heard was my name in a very loud voice "SANDRA". Well, it didn't sound very friendly and Jim is not in a habit of raising his voice to me, so I tried to ignore it and went back to bed. Well, there he was at the foot of the bed telling me he couldn't and wouldn't walk out of the house looking like a cancer victim(now please do not take offense to this, he only meant that his hair looked like it had come in in different lengths all over). He had found Steve's hair trimmer and told me to just cut it off all over. I got up and did it, laughing the whole time. I couldn't help it, really, I couldn't. Alas, it was over!!! I stood back and again burst out laughing (come on, it was 6:30 and i was not fully awake yet, not to mention I had not even smelled the aroma of coffee at this point!). He had more hair coming out his nose and off his eyebrows than he did off his head. But at least it was even. My suggestion for the next time he doesn't want to spend $7.50 for a haircut, use my Nair for legs. It works perfect everytime. Well, I can't wait to hear what America's finest name will be for my soldier today when he gets home. All I can is what goes around, comes around. And Jim, didn't your beany fit a little looser today since you had no hair?????bwahahahaha...don't worry, honey, I am laughing with you, not at you...Oh i forgot , you aren't laughing...Ok, I feel like I can go back to bed now...My duty to America is over....

THANKSGIVING AND BLACK FRIDAY....

Well, we have another successful T'giving behind us....it all went without incident until about 8:30p.m. Take into mind I made the pies...after our 2nd go round of "the feast", some of us were finishing it off with dessert...Krissy yells from the kitchen, Sandra there's a nail in this pie...now, you have to understand,Krissy is our a brunette in a blondes' body at times (sorry, Kris, but its true, right Kat???) Knowing I had put cloves in the pie, i thought thats probably a piece of clove that didn't get ground up...I looked, of course it wasn't a nail, it was a screw, yes a screw!!!!!! GREAT FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTORS, where the heck did that come from..it was lodged at the bottom of the pie,just on top of the crust, so it had to have come from the pumpkin mixture..I was sure I had solved the mystery, thinking that when i beat it with my electric mixer maybe it had come loose..i mean what else could it be or have come from?????NO SUCH LUCK..ALL SCREWS WERE INTACT UPON INSPECTION.... Poor Bubba, said" I would have a second piece but i'm afraid you might have a razor blade in there somewhere".Kenny was appalled that after he graciously invited me over for Thanksgiving that this is how I would repay them..Minerva ended it with "are you trying to screw us????"""""The ironic thing is I was very careful to make sure that none of the hair that i am loosing by the handfuls would end up in the pie....Now, we have decided it was in the can of pumkin or evaporated milk...but we have moved on, but unfortunately this is something i will be living with at least through the Christmas holiday and every Thanksgiving from now on....Now, did I mention black friday????? I had never been to a black friday event ever...how I let my nieces talk me into going (to which one didn't end up coming anyway) is still beyond me...I had just turned over early this morning thinking , thank goodness the girls decided not to go......well as soon as i entered into the sleep zone again, i thought i heard something..yes, there it is again. Yep, the dreaded phone call came...It was Minerva..are you ready????No, i don't think I should go....come on..no, you know standing in line and walking on the cement is not good for my knee...come on, we have mom's handicap parking thing, you can ride in the scooter ,, we''ll park in the handicap parking,but you have to come..are you sure i need to come...yes i'm sure..get up......ok....I DID IT!!!!!!! I can't believe I did it..We stood in line for about 30 minutes, it was a long line, i had my scooter (the thing ran so slow, i had to abandon it eventually, yes i know, but hey the crowds were crazy....).I do not shop so this is a HUGE DEAL to Jim...now rewind to 9 p.m. last night...got the call from Steve...he was headed to Best Buy to camp out...there were tents set up, football and soccer going on in the parking lot and bbq's at his spot...he was camping out to get a chance on a
$300 computer for Amy....I called him early this morning...HE GOT IT!!!!!Steve is an avid black friday shopper...he does what needs to be done to get the good deal, even if its sleeping out...So this is my life in the last 24hours...what am i doing now??? I called Minerva, we both decided we are ready to venture out again-----to WALMART...I never go---i hate that store, but for some reason we both want to go, so i am headed in for another shower and the tennies are at the front door...I am ready for the holidays...........................

NOVEMBER & THANKSGIVING...

Absolutely my most favorite month and holiday. November is the promise of 2 months of holidays and in the middle Thanksgiving. The day I have anticipated all year long. I have rarely ever cooked "ole Tom" myself. Those who know and love me would just as soon I stay away from the bird. My past experiences with Tommy havn't been so good, so I do what I do best. I am the "guest". I know, I know, you think its because I adorn a tiara, isn't it? Trust me, this is an act of love that I do for my family. One of my best friends and sister-in-law, Minerva, does the spread...and once you've had her menu, well, lets just say, you'd understand why no one wants me to mess with our fine feathered friend....But I do bring desserts. That is my contribution each holiday season. I save everyone the chance of food poisoning but bless this with my sweets...it works well for everyone..Ask anyone in my family....I have been up since 7 and have 2 fresh strawberry pies cooling, and of course, I just pulled out the pumpkin pies...my house smells wonderful!!!! I called Minerva to check on her and what is going on at the Simpson compound, and well, lets just say, she's had a minor setback..Now, we didn't plan on smoked turkey, but, ummm, dinner has been delayed while my brother, Kenny put the fire out in the oven....Don't be alarmed, the firetrucks were not called, he showed up in the nick of time and saved the day with a box of salt....apparently Minerva had way too many things going on at once and the aluminum pan had a hole poked in it...the sounds she heard coming from the oven, were not the results of her basting Tom, it was her basting dripping on the heating element, thus the fire....we laughed and then I remembered my own mishap 2 years ago...Again, I was up early, hmmming christmas carols(so what, i like them). I was baking 2 lemon meringue pies. I had lost my recipe for meringue, but i clearly remembered you just add sugar to egg whites and beat till they peak..well, apparently, too much sugar is NOT a good thing...the fire alarms went off, Jim ran into the kitchen, I am wondering what is going on...I was just thinking, I should have cleaned the oven before I started baking...Jim opened the oven and there were my 2 pies---ON FIRE--flames were all over them..Jim threw them in the sink and turned the water on...did that tick me off or what? I mean I had been squeezing lemons all morning and had plans for these pies...he didn't have to throw them in the sink...couldn't he have scooped the fire in the sink instead???? He says it didn't work that way, but I could have saved those pies...I learned a very valuable lesson that day...egg whites and too much sugar can be lethal..hahaha...use a recipe!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone...

WHO IS YOUR AUNT 'REA'

Every family has one, or should....You know, the aunt, when just by the mention of her name brings a smile to your face instantly and brings warmth to your heart....She's the one you can call when you're going to be in "town" and she'll leave light on..Hospitality is her middle name....On the Simpson side of our family, it is our 'Aunt Rea'. I don't know exactly when Marie Simpson Ellis got the name Rea, but I am sure it came from the mouth of one of her first nieces or nephews. She is Marie to everyone else...The name Aunt Rea brings to mind many, many things... It brings memories of the best grape jelly ever to be canned and has made its way to homes all over the U.S. Everyone looks forward to it and secretly hopes she has made a little extra for them to take home in their suitcases. Aunt Rea has the wonderful gift of patience, and, well, lets just say most of us don't have it without medication..haha!!! I've never heard her raise her voice. She is the glue that has kept the Simpson clan tied together for many, many years and family is probably the most important thing to her. I regret living so far and being a homebody (to which I must blame this on her brother, Richard, as I take after him,hehe) because I have not gotten to know her even a fraction of what I would have liked to...I do know that I am warmed by thoughts and memories of her as I am sure everyone that knows her are. I also know, that I strive to be the 'Aunt Rea' in my own neices and nephews lives. She is a wonderful role model and am so happy she belongs to "us".....I love you Aunt Rea..I know I don't tell you have as much as I should and I admire you so very, very much...I love who you are and wish you a blest and Happy, Happy Birthday......Sandra

24 HOURS WITH NO CONSEQUENCES...

Ok, here's the scenario...If you could do anything for a 24 hour period and there would be no consequences what would it be....Now, I 've given this a lot of thought lately and here's what I'd do...I'd wake up early so I wouldn't waste one minute...I'd pull on my old blue jeans, throw on my sneakers and burn my bra---hey, no consequences right??? forget about it!!!!.Now of course I would have to include all those around me in this as well. I mean, I am not a selfish person....I would send Jim on an all expenses paid hunting trip to Colorado or Alaska on his private plane that I would have purchased..he, of course could take Steve, Kim's husband with him. Now, for you Kim, I would walk into Steve's work and quit his job for him----don't panic, Kim, at least for 24 hours, there are no consequences. don't wurrryyyyy about it!~OH, and I'd buy you that cute little house you saw in the city just for securtiy purposes..haha...In 24 hours, I'd have my mobile home, please don't gasp here, Connie, moved to your front yard right next to your pond at Casa de Belmont..Don't worry its not tacky and its not tin...you could say its the maids quarters.hahaha except a queen lives there......Hey, look at the bright side of it, I'd be right there...Ahh, still more time....I'd buy a home for Steve and Amy and hey, why not a few kids as well...I'm WAITING--- to be a grandma....Now here's the good part, I'd go to one of those hypnotist so i could loose weight..I wouldn't have to worry about what they'd get "out of me" cuz there are no consequences,,,who cares right??????? I would eat ice cream, brownies and not fudge all day long, cuz , say it with me----'THERE'S NO CONSEQUENCES'.....really, it couldn't get much better...well, it could,, i'd run to Hobby Lobby and tie about 10 carts together and throw in all sorts of scrapbook and stamping stuff and I'd fill those carts to the brim...all because i could...ahhhhhhhhhhh, oh no, its almost midnight, i'm about to turn back into the queen and my mobile home is back in Harlingen, my stomache really hurts and I'm bloated.ughhh....what??? you mean i had to come back?????

PURGING.....

Wow, who would know how much 2 people can accumulate over the years...I have been purging the drawers, closets and tossing just about anything thats not nailed or glued down lately...Whereas I love decorating and all my country and primitive "stuff" I am liking the dusting a lot less these days...Now, I hate to admit this....In my hall, sits, well stacked are thin boxes of laminate flooring I got over 2 years ago...yes, 2 years ago..they are out of the way, thats why I've been able to live with them there that long....dirtball, go ahead and say it...i have!!!! Anyway, the goal is to get the stuff down before November1...why that shouldn't be a problem should it??? well, in order to do this we have to rearrange the furniture..Jim bought me a beautiful oak shrunk for my 23 birthday in Belgium years ago, notice I said I was 23, and it is going to house our tv in our bedroom. So we are rearranging the house....in between all of this, I have decided I want to redo the kitchen...that all started with a piece of antique ceiling tin connie gave me...Jim says , thanks Connie....(between you and me, he didn't say it with the niceness he normally does, but you are still getting "the bag" anyway!!!,,a wink goes here)haha!!! So back to the purging...Oh my flying spaghetti monsters...I have filled up another 4 bags tonight..not the white ones that go in the kitchen, those big, black monster ones for yardwork (thats another blog!!!) Where does this junk come from???? Well, I have to admit we are all collectors here, but bless his heart, Jim feels its his duty as an American to pick up every pamphlet, magazine and newspaper that has "free" on it..I won't even tell you what he does with his highlighter with these things....hahaha!!!! Now I am reclaiming part of the walk in closet in our bathroom...Jim has slowly, but surely moved me out of there???? What's with that??? Has he overlooked my tiara at some point??? It was a slow process but I did notice..I just let him hang "my things" in the closet in my "crop room" though most is fold up stuff...thank you Jim for letting me still have my drawers...anyway, my goal is to be through every closet but that one by Friday..thats how I will spend my day off...all that military junk and his "collections" are coming out....I have plans...and while I am at it, I am going to help him say good-bye to a few of his things he has had a hard time letting go of....Now, what's up with size 34 pants, sorry, Jim but its been a while since you've seen that size!!!!Those are gone..Shoes, come on, some of these went out in the 80's, platforms, please!!!..just cuz you bought them in Europe, doesn't make them a collectable or heirloom.....Knives, one of Jim's collections...we have every size knife you can imagine from the smallest of pocket knives to the full blown swords(he thinks I didn't notice that he snuck a few in with my Delft pieces in the curio, I did, they're coming out)..he's always wanted to own his own business so he's getting to----he's going to be learning ebay...they're outta here....now poor Jim you say...don't feel sorry for Jim, he's got these things in every drawer , nook and cranny in this house....Now i have been going through my things also, but remember, as I tell him, my things are what make our house a home, plain and simple....no discussion!!!! right???? There was a time I'd say its the knives or me, but at this point i'm not sure I would win out, so I won't give that ultimatum, I'll just do it all myself....hahaha..oh well, so the purge continues.....

ALL FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST

The Amish---they've always intrigued me. Jim took me on a trip to Amish country a couple of years ago before he left for Iraq. I was in awe at how they lived their lives. Life was simple yet hard (or at least to the modern American). Everything was black and white, and never has there been more evidence of this than the past week. Black and white, not gray, clearly black and white. The world was watching. Many were interested in the story of the five little girls that had been murdered in their one room shoolhouse by a neighbor. The news media was scurring around trying to get the story and to give us a clear picture into the Amish world. A peculiar world to many. They were living their lives in front of America clearly walking what they know to be true. This queit community did more for the cause of Christ in a few short days than many of us do in a lifetime. They lived out their beliefs in front of all of us. They lived out Corinthians 4 -----"Love is patient, Love is kind,It does not envy, it does not boast,It is not proud, It is not rude,It is not self-seeking,It is not easily angered,It keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil,but rejoices with the truth.Love always protects, always trusts,always hopes, always perseveres.Love bears all things, believes all things,hopes all things, endures all things.Love never ends. LOVE NEAR FAILS.... This community showed the world what only we can do if we have Christ in our lives---we can forgive the unforgivable. This week America saw the face of God. They have clearly "got it"--none of what we do on earth is about us---it truly is all about Him...I know for myself that I am challenged by them to represent my God just little better, to be just a little more forgiving, and to show his love just a little more. If we all did this, wow, what a world we'd have!!!

THANK YOU, ANDI....

Now don't let her size fool you...she's about 38 inches tall and weighs in somewhere around 30 lbs....She's kinda a strawberry blonde and has a spark in her eyes that is very noticable!!!! In fact, let's just say its in both eyes!!! Who is this miniaure person???...Andi , of course...Now, I've heard about her (ok, braggings about her , is more like it!!!) for almost 2 years plus the nine months her mom carried her, from her "GRANDMA" Connie, and everything she's ever said about her is true and so much more...Look out world, you are going to know who Andi is..She will make her mark, trust me...she won't be living in our world, she'll be running it!!! She won't be just playing, she will be looking for adventure...Andi won't ever be driven anywhere, she'll be doing the driving, even if the wheels not attached to her hands and even at the very young age of two...She has her Moms beauty, her personality is definitely chipped off our Daddy, her need to constantly be moving around comes from you, Grandma Connie (its true!!) and I predict she'll be her Grandpa Randy's sidekick in about 1 year...yes, I can see it coming...I've seen the pictures and I''ve spent 6 or 7 hours with her, and she'll be driving Randy around in the mule on the family property.She won't be talking to those cute trees with faces at the casa, she'll be climbing them..She'll be herding the cows around, and probably leading her little cousin Adah on long walks at Casa de Belmont..They will get lost occassionally, but she'll never let anyone know she's sweating out anything..she'll be the one to inherit her grandpa's love of the outdoors, and dare i say she'll be his hunting buddy before your 1st grandson has a chance..(sorry Con, I call it like I see it!!!hahaha)..Randy, get ready, I promise, you'll be buying her, her first bebe gun in 3 years.....she's adorable, she's spunky (I like spunky), she's dainty with a tad of enough tomboyish in her to just make her cute, she's adventurous, and above all she's got that independence that will open up many doors for her.....Thank you Andi, for letting me spend your 2nd birthday with you...Connie's right, there can be nothing that matches being a grandparent...Now I know why your Grandma Connie and Grandpa Randy love you so much, they can't help it, even i fell under your spell.....You go girl!!!!!!

WELCOME HOME, JIM.....

I turned the corner into the arrival area of the airport and the first thing I see is a recognizable figure (no pun intended here). I'd recognize him anywhere!!!! It's been 29 years and I still get butterflies in my stomach when I see my Jim, especially after he's been gone awhile...a week is good ( just enough time to make me remember why i married him in the first place), anything more is way too long (sort of like, i realize how spoiled he's made he, and i love it, thank you very much!!!)...Jim's been away doing 2 weeks military duty and i hope this is it for awhile, but I doubt it...I'll enjoy him while I've got him....He came home and realized just how much he is needed ( I like to make him feel good you know)...the trash needed to be taken out, groceries needed to be bought(hey, he's the one who wants to go, don't look at me that way!!!), the water cooler was empty (uhh, HELLLOOOO,its too heavy for me and i'm a queen!!), and he realized that my talking to myself was not mentally healthy!!!!hahaha!!!!! After a quick how was your trip, how was life going here, he took me to lunch and a quick trip to Michaels...ahhh, an enabler to both my weaknesses...Now maybe thats part of the reason he still gives me butterflies!!!! Bad news for me was I had to go to work, good news for him---he got to go home and get prepared for the reintroduction of life at home...gotta love it!!!!!

HIS NAME IS RALPHIE..............

OK, we've all seen them....the kids that are doing a balancing act to keep their pants on..I know you've seen them...They are the ones who wear printed underwear(boxers , no doubt), no belt, and their pants hang about 12 inches below their waist. The pockets of their pants are literally at their knees...Yeah, see I told you, you've seen them...Well, I have finally figured out how they keep their pants on..just when I figured it out, one of the magazine news shows did a report on them also and observed exactly the same thing..I have been watching one person in particular and his name is Ralphie and have I had an education this summer,hahaha..Now here's the secret.It's in the knees..yes, the knees....Its all about balance and coordination. These kids turn their knees out a certain way and are slightly bent and they are just balanced on. That's it!!!! Now along with this balancing of the pants goes a whole other language, one set apart from any other. It seems they walk hand in hand....they throw their head slightly back, and to the left. Their eyes are only opened slightly. Then there's this arm thing going on where they extend from side to side and hands are pointed upwarded and then out from their mouths comes, yeah thats it, you've heard it!!!----"WASSUP"..I have to admit that I have probalby given way too much thought than anyway should to this, but hey, if a news magazine does a show on it, I can't be alone in my wonderings. hahahah!!!! so, 'WASSUP, RALPHIE!!'

ROAD TRIP, ROAD TRIP.....

Well, its been quite a while since I have hit the road...Jim leaves for 2 weeks of "play Army", so I am headed out of town for 4 days...where am I going? REally, come on you know, right?.....to Connie's!!!! Where else? I mean she treats me like the queen that I am, Randy lets us play in the scraproom, and its the best B&B this side of San Antonio...We will scrapbook and make cards all weekend, with the exception of Sat where I get to be a guest at Andi Mercer's 2nd birthday...wow, how did I rate that!!!!Note to STeve: please note that you went to school with Andi's dad and he has a 2 year old child.hmmmmph...anyway,don't want to make a big deal out of it, just want to point it out in case you haven't realized how long its been!!Please feel no pressure coming from me,hehehe...now back to the trip... A friend from work and I are traveling together, she is headed to go see her sister in nearby Austin....I am waving at you Edna!!!! Over here...she wants to leave at 5 (I am anxious to go but not that anxious,know what I mean???hahaha), but we are going to take off at 6. I would hate to get to Con's before she rolls out of bed...oops....sorry, Con, did I just let your "little secret" out of the bag? bwahahahahaha, not to worry, no one reads this blog anyway..ehehehe.....i will try to finally post some pics of our trip on here if i can ever figure it out(I am not really a computer guru, you know, but really a basic picture should be doable, yes?)Well, haven't been blogging much lately, but need to get started again soon... Well, I am off to get my stamps together............

9-11-2001

9-11-01 Those numbers represent a day like no other. They bring with it a vision like many of us have never seen before and one we will never forget. We all know where we were, who we were with and what we felt from the very moment we saw that plane hit the first twin tower. I saw America feeling vulnerable for the first time in my lifetime. I saw Americans in tears, on their knees looking to someone greater than themselves, helping one another, dying for their neighbor, it brought unity. Ironically, it was also one of America's finest moments. 9-11 changed our lives forever. It brought with it a new respect for our country, and many of its leaders, that our flag really did represent something, and a very real realization that we really weren't promised tomorrow. Life as we knew it was over. We had just realized something so horrific and couldn't believe that it happened on our soil. We witnessed something many people in other countries live through day after day. We saw the face of hate and what it brings. 9-11 brought a change to our military. Many of us sent loved ones to a foreign country within months to begin to put a stop to terrorism. Because of 9-11 we have buried hundreds of America's finest soldiers. We had a new found pride in those who served and represented us. On the fifth anniversary of 9-11, I didn't want to relive those moments..they are embedded in my memory forever. Instead, I chose to thank God for all the years He's had his hand upon our country. I realized that God could have stopped that day and we could have carried on. I can also see that as we wept that day, that God also wept. He not only wept for His children that were lost, but for the realization that so many of His other children were crying out to him, some for the very first time. Has America not realized it's been the hand of God all these years that has protected this country? My hope and prayer for America, is that as many of us remember 9-11 that we never forget our horror and feelings and realize where our comfort and our hope came from that day and the one who carried us through it all. Ironically, the source has always been and will always be from the one and only true God. May we never forget 9-11 but always look to the comforter of that day...........