Two Weeks Ago:

At this very moment, Tish was driving herself home from Mesquite, little realizing that she was in labor.
She was hurting so bad and wanted to hurry up and get home to Mom.
When she arrived, we timed her contractions for a half an hour and I decided we needed to go to the hospital and get her checked out.
Upon our arrival, she was sent to the labor and delivery floor and eight hours later gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.
Needless to say, he has taken over just about every aspect of life in this house. Funny thing is, no one really seems to mind.
Grandpa and I can barely take our eyes off of him. Every little squeak and grunt is a new wonder.
He responds to our voices, when we talk to him and he smiled for his grandpa tonight.
Tish is a wonderful and doting Mother. She is tuned in to what every little noise means.
She takes excellent care of her son. Occasionally she will allow me to feed him or change his diaper if she is eating or taking a shower, but usually, I just get to be Grandma. I get to hold him and play with him any time I want. She and Christian wait up for me at night and when I get home from work at around 10:30 p.m. I get to snuggle him for a little while before I crash for the night.
Christian has definately brought something special into our home.
God is so good.
I love all of my grandchildren. I wish I didn't have to work this hard shift.
I would really like to see more of Jacob and Lucy. I remember when they were little like Christian and all I wanted to do was hold them and gaze in wonder at how perfect they were.
Of course they are still perfect and even more fun, now.
Jacob is so smart and intuitive and Lucy is so loving and sensitive.
Every child that is born is a blessing and every grandchild, a miracle.
I am so blessed to be able to share in the lives of so many miracles.

Update on Christian!

Here's a couple of new pics of our handsome little man.

He is doing well.

We took him to the pediatrician yesterday, he has a slight heart murmur and the doctor wanted to follow up.

The doctor said it is very slight and pronounced Christian healthy. He is eating, sleeping and doing all the other things a 4 day old baby should be doing at 4 days old.

I love watching Tish care for him. She is a wonderful Mommy. I never had any doubts that she would be.

She is feeling okay, although, I think the adrenaline rush is starting to wear off. She is beginning to feel some discomfort. Her milk has come in, she is bottle feeding, so there isn't really a way for her to ease the fullness right now. The doctor gave her some pain medication and it helps.

Besides that, she is still having some back pain. But, I think that is related more to our outing yesterday, than to anything else.

She insisted on carrying Christian in his carseat rather than let me carry it for her and I think she overdid it a little.

His next appointment is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Jerry will be starting a new job next month. He is returning to his number one love. Law Enforcement. I am glad for him. I believe that he is most happy doing that.

I am also starting a new position. I am going to go back to the floor. I will still be working Mon-Fri.

Still have week-ends off. And I will be home in the mornings to help Tish. Geri Alice has been working at her new job for several days now and seems to be enjoying it. It is perfect for her. She is not a morning person and she now works 1p.m. -9p.m. Good hours for her.

Krysta, Cotton and the kids came over to see the new baby. Jacob and Lucy held him. The were so cute. You could see the wonder and awe in their faces. I know they are going to be so sweet when their little brother arrives in a few weeks. Christian and Samuel are going to be so close in age. I have a feeling when those cousins get together there will always be a show going on.

Life is beautiful right now. Everyone is healthy, happy and mostly content.

We are blesssed with an abundance of children, grandchildren, good jobs, comfortable homes, and the love of our Lord. We have our faith and our health. We have a loving and beautiful family. What eelse could we possibly need in this world.

Thank you, Lord for all the MANY BLESSINGS in my life. I give to you all the praise and glory.

I am a happy woman!

Introducing, Christian Andrew!!!!!

Proud Parents, Tish and Chase.

Christian, just minutes old.

Born:
January 14, 2007
6:36 a.m.
Weight:
7 pounds, 1.8 ounces
At 19.5 inches long, he is definately a keeper.
I am exhausted. Tish is ecstatic, Chase is overwhelmed and Grandpa is thrilled.
One big happy family.
Mommy, Tish and baby, Christian are doing wonderfully.

Time for a well deserved nap!!!

It's Been a Week!

And I thought I better write a little something for those who are actually interested in my life.
Tish is getting closer and closer to bringing her new little guy into this world. She gave her notice today. This will be her last week at work until after her maternity leave. She is feeling the effects of the last few weeks of pregnancy. Lots of back pain and really tired.
Krysta is doing well so far. She is having the same Anemia issues that Tish has been having. Along with being tired. I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact that she is pregnant, has a household to run and two small, extremely energetic children to care for.
Jerry and I are still doing well, he has now lost 36 pounds, as of his weigh-in today. I am so proud of him. Losing weight and completely changing your eating habits is not really easy to do. He has stuck with the program and added his favorite exercise regime to it. Fishing, of course. But the real exercise is the paddling of the kayak to get to the fishing hole. He has also started "walking" Saul. Or maybe Saul is walking him!
I am looking forward to spending a week of quality time with Tish and Christian when he arrives. I have let my bosses at work know, so when the actual time comes, I will be able to take some time off and stay home with her for the first few days. I also plan to take off a couple of days when Samuel arrives and help Krysta out with Jacob and Lucy so she can rest a little.
That is, if she wants me!
I spoke with Mom this evening and Beth is having some issues with her eye surgery. The drain they put in is not working like it is supposed to. We could certainly use prayer. Beth only has the one eye that she can see anything with and if she loses it she will be completely blind. Prayer is really the only thing that can help her right now. She goes back to the doctor in a few days for a laser procedure that will hopefully clear the drain so it will work like it is supposed to.
She is hoping to recover enough to be able to return to school this semester.
She is studying to be a "special needs" teacher. She definately has the brains and the heart to do it.
Mom is doing well, as is Eddy.
Grandma is still back and forth with her health. She needs our prayers, too.
I haven't spoken to Aaron since he went back to Washington. I tried to call him this evening. I know he will call me when he sees the missed call. I really miss him. I know he is doing well. He has really put on some weight since he joined the Army. Not fat! Not at all. But he looks better and healthier now than he did when he was playing football.
The nurses and CNAs that I work with are all in love with him.
He has to walk the whole building, hugging women, when he comes back! LOL!
Geri is looking for a job and has an interview tomorrow. Pray about that, too, please. She is settled back into her room. She and Brian got her TV and DVD player all hooked up and she has her computer. So she is connected to the world. I hope she is happy. It is hard to leave some things behind you. It can be a real trial. She is handling it in typical Geri style. She is still smiling. Sometimes she really amazes me. Some people claim to have faith. Geri doesn't claim to have it, she lives it!
Now, as to the hairier half of the family, Mocha is getting to be a real little toot. She has discovered how to climb. And she climbs! She has learned how to get on top of the table, and knows not to do it when she is being watched! Typical Chihuahua!
I'm sure Krysta, Geri, Aaron and Tish remember the incident with Hershey and the Strawberry Cake. Not to mention the pound of Bologna! Hershey figured out the best ways to steal food when no one was watching! Mocha is developing the same talent. Oh, and she likes coffee, too!!!
Junior is growing. He is already bigger the his Daddy was. He is now four months old. He has so many of Snickers traits, it is almost spooky. He loves to play with squeaky toys and will play fetch for hours. He is so smart. He uses his front feet like hands to hold things. He will pull your hand to his chest with his front feet for a scratch. His is even funnier looking than Snickers, as if that were possible. His ears don't lay down or stand up. They just, kind of, stick straight out to the sides. His hair isn't sure if it is going to be long or short or straight or wiry. We will definately have to wait and see, I don't have any clue what he is going to end up looking like.
Spike has returned with Geri and has reclaimed his territory. He is not the least bit afraid of the dogs. Although they torment him constantly.
Sami just takes it all in stride. He is too old to really care. He watches for a little while and then nods off. He is getting fat in his old age. He is happy and content with his life and that is what counts.
Alex is still the "King Of The House" as far as he is concerned and is very vocal about it. Especially at dinner time. I have spoiled him terribly and he now expects to be served his dinner along with the rest of the family! I have created a little green monster. No, he was already a little green monster. I have created a SPOILED little green monster. Right Alex!
The baby finches now have orange beaks. They are well on their way to being independent. Mama and Papa do not have to feed them any more although they all still sleep together. Kind like Mama and Papa Cates. LOL!!!!!!!!
On that note, I better stop before I really do get in trouble.
By the way, the new BABY MAGIC smells the same as the original!

Blue!

It's getting late! I'm sitting here at my computer feeling a little blue. Aaron is packing his suitcase. He is leaving very early in the morning. He has to be at DFW airport at 5:00 a.m.
Jerry is taking him. They will leave here around 3:30 a.m. in order to get there for his flight.
It has been so good to have him home. I miss him terribly all the time.
I hate seeing him go.
Jerry and I cooked dinner for the whole family tonight so everyone would be able to see Aaron before he leaves. Krysta, Cotton and the grandbabies came over. Geri and Tish were here. So we had all of us together.
I know he doesn't want to leave yet.
I hope that he has had as much fun here as we have had having him.
I am so proud of you, son.
With all you have been through and all you have now accomplished, you have truly grown into a fine young man!
I am no longer worried about you becoming "fish vomit".
I love you and I am going to miss you.
Come back as soon as you can. You have two little nephews to meet when you come home again.
I know they will love their Uncle Bonk.
Stay safe!

Dinner with the family!

Friday night we had dinner with the whole family.
We had a blast. Jerry and I took all the kids to San Miguels in McKinney for mexican food.
Aaron was in the mood for some good Tex-Mex. He says they have some decent Mexican food in Washington, but not GOOD Mexican food.
Everyone I work with thinks San Miguels is the best, so we tried it. It was good, but the fact that I had everyone together at the same time made it great.
We missed Cotton, he had to work. I wish he could have been there.
We finally got Krysta and Tish together for some sister "belly pics".
Christian got to meet Samuel.
Jerry and Jacob clowned around and Lucy and I visited.
Geri Alice was funny, as always!
We all laughed, a lot.
Aaron poised for a pic with Krysta.
All in all, we enjoyed the food and the company.
Aaron leaves on Wednesday morning to go back to Washington.
I have really enjoyed having him home and I will miss him terribly until he returns.
It's been a great holiday and I am looking forward to a wonderful next year.
With two more grandbabies on the way, how can it be anything less than wonderful.
I am so blessed to have such a beautiful and loving family.
God is so good to me!

Oh Yeah, I stole the pictures from Krysta's blog. Dummy me, I didn't take my camera!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!

I got my Christmas wish, last night.
My broken heart was healed as I spent the evening with my oldest daughter, her sweet husband and my two beautiful and intellegient grandchildren!
God is good all the time!
It has been a good Christmas, although money is scarce, I feel like the richest woman on earth.
As I said before, there is no better way to spend Christmas than surrounded by a loving family.
And I have been able to spend time with all of my children and of course, my wonderful husband, my cup definately "runneth over".
Thank you Lord, for my loving family!!!!!

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas Morning. Jerry and I are the only ones moving around, so far. Well, we are the only humans. The finches are wide awake and making plenty of squeeking noises. Alex in mumbling something unintellegible, the puppies are stirring around very slightly in the beds. But every one else is still sleeping.
Tish conned Aaron into going to Blockbuster with her last night. Geri, Brian, Aaron and Tish stayed up late watching movies. I went to bed around 11:00. Jerry had already gone to bed.
We had a great time last night. We had a great meal and a fun "Birthday Party".
Spiral cut glazed ham, complete with sweet potato cassorole, green beans, corn, pea salad, deviled eggs, hot rolls and a Triple Chocolate Fudge Birthday cake with Triple Chocolate Fudge Icing, topped with crushed peppermint sprinkles.
Aaron got his Birthday party for Jesus. We all had a fun time and got some cool presents.

Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ, surrounded by family. I feel so blessed.

Thank you Lord, for all the blessings in my life. Thank you, that we are able to celebrate the gift of Your Son, as a family.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed 'round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
secure and surrounded by love, I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
so I slumbered, perhaps, I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But, I opened my eyes, when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know
then the sure sounds of footsteps, outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
and I crept to the door, just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled
standing watch over me, my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment, I saw his eyes shift,
away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts
to the window that danced with a warm fires' light
then he sighed and he said, "It's really alright,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
that separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me.
I'm proud to stand here, like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at "Pearl" on a day in December."
Then he sighed,"That's a Christmas, Gram always remembers."

"My Dad stood his watch in the jungles of "Nam",
and now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag
the red, white and blue...an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and being alone,
away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat
I can carry the weight of killing another
or lay down my life with my sister and brother

who stand at the front against any and all
to ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.
So go back inside," he said," harbor no fright,
your family is waiting and I'll be alright."

"But, isn't there something, I can do, at the least,
Give you money?" I asked,"Or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done
for being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eyes welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us, you love us, and never forget
to fight for our rights, back at home, while we're gone,
to stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
to know you remember, we fought and we bled
is payment enough and with that we will trust
that we mattered to you, as you mattered to us."
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Just a reminder that our heroes are out there standing guard for us, protecting us and keeping us safe. Don't forget to pray for our soldiers this Christmas and for their families.

I get to have my soldier home this year! I will be praying for all of the wives, mothers, and fathers who will be missing theirs.

All Dressed Up!

Jerry and I were invited to an intimate, little, Christmas luncheon with the pastor, today.












There were approximately 30 people there.
We got all dressed up for the occasion.
I don't often get dressed up and wear real shoes, so, I thought you might enjoy some pictures.
I think we look pretty good.
My top is very glittery, which doesn't show well in the pictures.










Jerry was afraid I was going to get him covered in glitter.
I did. Oh well, we had a very nice lunch, good conversation and good fellowship. It was definately worth shaving my legs.

Home For Christmas!

I spoke to my soldier on the phone, the other night. He is coming home for Christmas. I am so excited. I guess you just don't realize how much you can miss someone in your life until you don't get to see them for 6 months.
I miss Aaron, so much.
I can't wait to give him a big hug (and sneak a kiss on the cheek).
I asked him what he wanted me to cook for him. He mentioned a couple of casseroles that he is particularly fond of. I am sure no one will mind.
Then he asked,"Are we going to have a birthday cake?"
If you are not one of my children, you will not understand this request, so I will explain.
Every year while my children were growing up, we celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve.
We had a nice dinner and after dinner, we had birthday cake, with candles. We blew out the candles and sang "Happy Birthday to Jesus".
I wanted them to understand what Christmas was really all about. I didn't want them to think it was just Santa Claus and lots of food, candy and presents.
I explained, to them that Chirstmas is the day we celebrate Jesus' birthday, we give gifts to one another to express our love. We give them to each other because we can't really give them to Jesus. When we show our love for each other and the people we are close to, we are showing our love for Him.

"Are we going to have a birthday cake?"

I wiped the tears from my eyes and answered, "Of course, we will!"

I guess my soldier misses our family Christmas traditions as much as I miss him.

Thank you Lord for my children. They know how to make me feel special.

Just Ramblin'

Unbelieveable, but true!
On the news:
Top story, Saturday night on the local news, "Tom Bean gets a new fire truck"
Second story, "Van Alstyne cheerleaders fundraiser"
Followed by,"Anna's Christmas Parade"

What a wonderful place to live, when the top news story is all about a nearby small town getting a new fire truck!
The rest of the first 1/2 hour was filled with various stories about the nearby Christmas Lights displays and parades in small towns in the area!
I love it, I always hated watching the evening news. It seems the whole world is out to destroy one another, it almost seems as if nothing good ever happens. Then: on the local T.V. news, "Tom Bean gets a new firetruck."
I was impressed. It made me feel good inside to know that the little things in life still count in "The Big Picture".


Baby finches:
They are as big as "Big Daddy" and "Little Mama".
They are doing very well and keep the grown-ups hopping, ALL DAY LONG!
Both of them are flying around quite a bit, but they will be totally dependent upon their parents to feed them and keep them warm at night for at least another month.
They won't get their adult markings until they are about 6 months old. So, Until then, they will be known as, "Captain Adventure" and "Fraidy Pants".

The rest of the gang is doing well, "Alex" is a character, as always. We had a little yard sale on Saturday. A lady, I work with stopped by. I took "Alex" outside for her to see him. I had talked about him at work and she was curious to meet the famous, "Alex".
After a couple of tries, he finally gave me "kisses" for her, then, he promptly nipped me on the nose and started laughing, hysterically. Needless to say, my friend and her husband started laughing, which encouraged him even more. The good news is, he didn't really bite. And it didn't hurt. I guess he has figured out, he can achieve the laughter, without actually hurting anyone! What A Ham!!!!!!

"Mocha" definately is NOT a social creature! She gets exteremely nervous and upset, when meeting new people, I took her outside, but she tried to climb inside my shirt and hide. She doesn't mind company as long as she meets them on her own terms. She really is quite shy about meeting people out of her element.

"Junior" is growing, growing, growing. He is a real, little, "Funny Boy". He has so many of the same personality characteristics as "Snickers" He absolutely loves Jerry. He likes to play with "Mocha" and he has favorite toys, that he will drag out to play with. He has learned, "Out", "Leave it" and "Down". We are working on, "Sit".

Tish is getting bigger. She hadn't gained any more weight last week when she went to the doctor. He asked her, "What's up with that?". She hasn't had much of an appetite, lately. Add a cold to the mix and she is just not feeling great. She goes back to the doctor next week. If her appetite hasn't improved, she is going to ask him about it. So far, at nearly 8 months, she has only gained 18 pounds. She eats about the same amount as she has always eaten. I am her Mom, so of course, I am a little worried about it. At least, she is here, so I can keep an eye on her. She is having some "Braxton-Hicks" contractions. Christian is positioned head-down. I don't think we will be waiting until Jan. 29, for the little guy to get here. I do think, it will be Jan.

Other news:
Jerry will be celebrating his 53rd birthday, on Tuesday. Happy birthday!!! I love him so much and am so blessed to have him in my life for so many years. God, keep him heathly and safe with me for many, many more years!!

More Finch News!

I had to separate the finches! "Big Daddy" became a little aggressive with "Little Mama". He seemed more interested in creating a new nest full of hatchlings than feeding the two he already has. After a little research, I found that the cure for that is to put "Big Daddy" in a separate cage with his own baby to feed and leave the other baby with "Little Mama".
I was a little skeptical about it, but I tried it and it is really working.
"Captain Adventure" is living with "Big Daddy", and "Fraidy Pants" is living with "Little Mama".
Both parents are doing well feeding their little one.
After a few weeks, I can put them all back together, minus the nesting box.
I want to give them a little break before I let them breed again.
By the way, "Fraidy Pants" is now exploring his environment!
Til' next time!

It's "Captain Adventure and Fraidy Pants"

It's the adventures of the new and improved "Captain Adventure" and his sidekick, "Fraidy Pants".

All super Heroes need a (scaredy-cat) side sick.

"Fraidy Pants" is no exception. He is the perfect side kick.

While "Captain Adventure" emerges from his secret Super Hero Hideout to explore the surroundings of his home.

"Fraidy Pants" stays behind with his head down, hoping no-one will see him.

The adventure is brought to an end, when "Big Daddy" steps and and sends tiny, 4 week old, "Captain Adventure" back to the nest with his brother.

No matter how loudly "Captain Adventure" protests, "Big Daddy" always has the last word.





Stay tuned for more exciting updates from "Captain Adventure and Fraidy Pants".

Quiet Time

I'm sitting at the computer, as you can tell.
It's very quiet in the house right now. All of the animals are asleep. Even Alex is sleeping with his little green head tucked under his wing.
The finch chicks still have not peeked out of their nest yet. Mama and Daddy are still sleeping with them at night.
Jerry and Tish are sleeping in anticipation of a busy day at work tomorrow. I can't seem to sleep.
This is a happy home. I look around and see the evidence everywhere. There are little toys scattered around the floor as if, we still had small children. The puppies love to play with their toys. I put them away and they methodically get each one out of the box. Junior makes a little pile of all of his favorites and lays with his head resting on them.Mocha sneaks up on him then quickly snatches one away, the game begins. Back and forth the toy goes as each puppy takes it away from the other while they chase each other madly around the house. then almost at the same time they fall on the floor in exhaustion and go to sleep. I pick them up and place them in the crates for the night.
There is a shredded paper towel laying near the keyboard from Jerry and Alex playing "tug-of-war". After Jerry went to bed and Alex began dozing on his gym. I picked him up and placed him back in his cage for the evening. He mumbled something to me that might have been "night-night" or "thank you".
I enjoy my evenings with my family and my assorted babies. But, I also enjoy this time, when everyone is asleep and safe in their beds and the house is quiet. I have time to reflect on my blessings. I have time to plan my day tomorrow, or I have time to do nothing at all.
When all of your children are grown and on their own, the general idea is that a mother is supposed to be sad and lonely. Or suffer "empty nest". I guess I don't know what that is. After raising four children, it feels kinda right that I have the ability to not have to worry about things any more. I don't have "empty nest" anything.
They also say that marriages fall apart after the children leave. Supposedly that is because the married couple suddenly discover they have nothing in common. I think that also is a bunch of bunk! Jerry and I do have our differing interests, we are different people. We have time to spend doing all the things we never had time to do before. He can finally go fishing any time he wants, tie jigs and flies, play on the computer or do nothing. Unlike the years past when all he had time to do was work to support a larger than average family. I believe he has earned his right to be happy and support him whole-heartedly. I don't think anything has changed between us simply because we fulfilled our parental obligations. I think we now have the opportunity to pursue our separate interests and then discuss in great detail our separate interests. We are no longer obligated to discuss report cards, school supplies, bedtimes, or any other subject that deals with rearing children. We can talk about us!
We will be married 31 years next month. I cannot imagine my life without him. I am 47, that is three quarters of my life with my lifelong love beside me. No, nothing has changed for us, except that maybe we are more sensitive to each others needs, more rspectful of one anothers feelings or maybe we are more comfortable with one another. Maybe our love has just gotten to the point that it is hard to see where one of us stops and the other begins. However it goes. I love him and always will.
I do really enjoy my quiet time alone. It gives me an opportunity to look at my life and realize how incredibly blessed, I really am.
Thank you Lord, for all of my blessings.

Baby Finch Update

The baby finches hatched sometime before Thanksgiving. I am really not sure of the date. We had to listen to them cry for "Mama and Daddy" the whole time Mom was here.
I checked on them over the week-end. They had some wing and tail feathers at that time. I grew hopeful that these two would survive. The last bunch didn't.
Apparantly, "Mama and Daddy" have matured some since the last group of nestlings.
I took a good look at them today when I got home from work.
Both babies are now fully feathered.
My research has led me to believe that they will be emerging from the nest in the near future.
I can't wait to see them in good light.
So far, all I can tell is they don't have any color to their feathers yet. No bright orange checks and their beaks are black.
Both look heathly and fat.
No worries now! I think they are gonna make it!!!!! Yeah!!!!

Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Future

Christmas Past:
waking up on Christmas morning as a small child, running to the living room to take a peek under the tree, at what Santa left, the odd "new plastic" smell of the sweet new baby doll, the whole house smelling of Grandma's Spice Cake and HOMEMADE Hot Cocoa.
Waking up on Christmas morning to the excited voices of my own 4 children, "Mama, Daddy, WAKE UP, Santa was here!" as if they were surprised that he actually came.
then later in life, colored paper, ribbons and bows covering the floor as my grandchildren rip into the gifts and stockings at Grandma's house and a big family dinner, full bellies and laughter.

Christmas Present:
God's blessings on my life are too numerous to count. I am thankful for all He has provided. I have a good life and a content heart.
My wish would be for ALL of my children to come together to celebrate. I want to cook for them, fill stockings with little surprises and see the joy on their faces as they open the gifts their Dad and I picked out especially for each of them.
I will have Christmas, and even if I can't have my wish, I will have each of them there in my heart and in the memories of Christmases Past.

Christmas Future:
Down the road of life, we can never predict what the future will bring.
I pray for many happy Christmases with the love of my beautiful family surrounding me.

God grant me Peace this Christmas and for those yet to come.Bless my children and grandchildren with an overflowing abundance of happiness and love.

For my family, those close and those far away:
May all of your Christmases, past, present and future, bring you fond memories and a happy heart. I love you, all!!!

Beth's Cake!!!

Mom and Beth, decorating her cake. I think she did a great job. More important she had a really good time doing it! Way to go Beth. You can always take up cake decorating, if the Education thing doesn't work out.LOL!!!

It's Hard to say, "Good-Bye"

What a wonderful week-end!
I just waved "Good-bye" to Mom, Eddy and Beth. They are headed back to Shreveport. We all had such a good time. I got to show off my cooking and Eddy got to eat, and eat and eat.
Mom made Grandma's Spice Cakes. It is a traditional family recipe that my Great-Grandma Wynn used to make. I guess the recipe is at least 100 years old by now. The smell of the Spice Cakes baking brought back some fond childhood memories. It is the scent of happy times at Grandma's house. Licking the batter off the beaters, I felt like a little kid again!
Mom loved it here. Eddy commented on the fact that when he was outside, two cars and a lady walking her dog passed by. This is a peaceful little neighborhood.
Beth got an opportunity to bake and decorate a cake. She really enjoyed it. I sent her cake home with her so she could show off her artistic abilities and so we wouldn't eat any more. Although Weight Watchers doesn't put any restrictions on what you eat. A dark chocolate cake with rich dark chocolate icing and decorated with Buttercream icing is probably not a good thing to keep around.
It's really hard to express the joy I felt this week-end having my family here and being able to cook for them and show them personally how much I love them.
I hope that they all enjoyed their visit as much as Jerry, Tish and I enjoyed having them. I hope that they will return again very soon.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am having a great Thanksgiving! Mom, Eddy and Beth are here! Geri and Brian came over for lunch and we ALL pigged out on Honey Brined Smoked Turkey, Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze, My Famous Cornbread Dressing, Sweet Potato Cassarole, Mashed Potatoes, Giblet Gravy, and among other holiday traditional dishes, a brand new favorite recipe.........Fresh Cranberry Salsa. That's right, salsa made with Cranberries. It was great.
After eating ourselves silly, Mom and I sat at the table and just visited. That was nice.
Tish played the Wii with Brian and beat him silly.
The younger crowd took Saul for a walk(drag) while us older folks chilled!
Now all the food is put away, the guys have gone to bed and we are all just winding down to go to bed.

All in all, it has been a wonderful day.

In recognition of the day's meaning, I am going to take just a moment to list those things I am personally thankful for.
I am BLESSED to have a wonderful husband who adores me and treats me like a queen. I have 4 healthy, grown children, 2 gorgeous grandchildren and 2 more on the way. I have a comfortable home, a good job, and enough money to stay content. I have my precious Mom, my sweet step-dad, my great, little sister. I have my brother and step-sister, whom I love dearly and best of all, I have my Salvation and my Faith in God. I have the belief that I am protected and loved by my family and my God.

I have a good life and I am more blessed than many people in this world.

For all that, I AM THANKFUL!!!!