Visual sharing...

I've finally had some time to get Mom and Dad's pics loaded to the hard drive from CD so that I can share some of them from my trip. I still have to get mine off the camera, etc. So all the credit for these next several entries go to my parents!

These first few are several shots from our shopping at several markets in Chiang Mai - Warorot and Bontawai.

So close... and yet still too far!

Well, my parents made it safe and sound and with all of their luggage in tact - thank you, Lord. Mom called me on Saturday afternoon to let me know. They were tired and were intending an early evening, but they were good. Now Richmond, VA doesn't really seem all that close to Nashville, TN when you look at a map of the U.S., but when you are used to looking at a world map and how far away Chiang Mai, Thailand is from Nashville, TN... it's all in your perspective. It's hard to know they are this close and not take the opportunity to go see them. The only thing holding me in check is that I just was with them, and the travel money is not in the budget for right now.

On another note, I'm still in the last stages of this cold thing that I got coming home. I really had felt much better last week and thought it was pretty much gone. Saturday I was up early, showered, eaten and devotions done and left the house for some errands. I went and spent a little over an hour in the library picking out audio books, then did the grocery shopping and was home with everything put away by 12:30! I felt very good about what I'd accomplished, but also was pretty worn out. Maybe not so close to "well" as I thought. The rest of the day went fine though - I did a couple loads of laundry, baked and frosted my birthday cake (yes, sometimes you just have to do your own), cleaned up the kitchen, finished a book and watched some TV while continuing to knit on an afghan I'm working on. I went to bed around 10pm which is a decent time for me when I don't have to get up till 7am. However, sometime in the early morning hours I woke up coughing and was up for the better part of an hour until I could settle down enough to lay down and go back to sleep and I was exhausted. A little after 7am I had another round and decided maybe I'd better not try to go to church. It was a good thing, I had several rounds of coughing throughout the day and even decided to take another dose of the cough syrup before bedtime. Not so bad today, but I still have that kinda half catch thing I can feel. So it will be early to bed again tonight. I really want this gone - all the way gone!

I had wanted to do some scrapping yesterday afternoon, but just didn't have the energy to put the thought into it. Oh well, at least the table is all cleaned off and ready for me... maybe some evening this week or next weekend I'll get some things done. I did finish another book yesterday, though, and made a chicken tettrazini for dinner! YUM!! I have to make something tonight for a potluck at the office tomorrow, so I'll do that as soon as I get home. I think I'm going to do a cranberry cheese bar thing - a new recipe I found. We'll see what I feel like when I get home in an hour or so.

Happy Monday!

One Day at a Time

One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus

I'm only human, I'm just a woman.
Help me believe in what I could be
And all that I am.
Show me the stairway, I have to climb.
Lord for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.

Chorus:
One day at a time sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.
Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time.

Do you remember, when you walked among men?
Well Jesus you know if you're looking below
It's worse now, than then.
Cheating and stealing, violence and crime
So for my sake, teach me to take
One day at a time.

(Chorus)

-------------------------------
So many times when I'm having a really hard time with something or just getting through, the Holy Spirit will whisper the first four lines of this chorus to my heart. Today, I felt His urging to google and refresh my memory of all of the words.

I just wanted to share... maybe He'll touch someone else that needed to hear this today as well. We aren't promised tomorrow, or even the next hour, so what a poignant reminder to go afresh to my Savior every day for not only the strength for that day, but also the direction for where He wants me to put that strength to use.

May He be your strength today for whatever you might be facing, small or large.
May He remind you not to worry about yesterday's mistakes, or what tomorrow may or may not bring.
Rest in His arms today.

Travel prayers

Mom and Dad are leaving at a little after midnight tonight and will arrive in Virginia on Saturday just before noon - yes, that's 35 hours from gate to gate and doesn't include the time to be at the first airport early, or the gathering of luggage and travel to where they are staying after arrival in Richmond. They will be here for two weeks for Mom to attend a conference the first week and a little R&R the second week in Williamsburg. Their return trip is from 7:00 am on Friday morning (03/30) through 9:00 pm Saturday night (03/31) - this one is 38 hours gate to gate.

Please pray for safe and smooth travel, the ability to rest in route, quick time adjustments, as well as good health during and after their trip. Mom has still been struggling with a cough that just won't completely go away from a bout with bronchial infection over a month ago. It isn't constant, but when she has the coughing fits, they tire and weary her. And travel always exposes you to much more than you realize, as well as being tiring you and lessening your natural immunity ability. So please ask for special health protection for them both.

One other thing that I would ask you to lift up is that Mom will be renewing her Visa while she is here to be on a 1 year immigrant Visa (this is the same as they got at the very beginning before their original trip). Please petition the Father that all the paperwork, processing and mailing back and forth would go smoothly and in a timely fashion so as not to hold up their return as scheduled.

Short and sweet today, but I appreciate your prayers!

** Note: all travel times are given in Central Daylight Time - I convert them all for myself ahead of time to make it easier.

Thai trip

Well, I've actually been back for a week and a half and had intended to write before this, but I came back very sick. Sick enough that I couldn't even wait to see a doc on Monday, but went to the ER on Sunday morning when I got up after a fairly sleepless night, which had followed a mostly sleepless 24 hours of travel. Praise God it was nothing serious, but they did give me some meds to ease the pain from the deep, dry cough as well as to break it up. When I returned home from the pharmacy I took the meds and then for the next 67 hours or so I slept, except for the times I got up to eat. I had some chicken broth from a dear friend and some eggs for breakfasts. Each time I was up for 1-2 hours to eat and a few times I would watch a half hour of TV, but then I was falling asleep and it was back to bed. The rest of the week (Wed-Fri) at work was rough, but I made it through and was in bed each night and asleep by 7pm. Finally, today I really feel mostly back to myself. A few residual coughs, but glad that it's this week and not last week. And yes, this means my birthday was miserable and no fun! Oh well, you can't win them all.

Thankfully, I didn't start feeling badly until really the last day in Bangkok, so we had a really wonderful time. We had back/shoulders/head massages twice, plus Mom and I did a full afternoon spa package (herbal steam, body scrub, aromatherapy oil massage, facial, manicure & pedicure) one day. We got my salwahr kameezes made - Mom had bought the fabric when she was in India last fall for 2 outfits, and we went to a seamstress that lives near one of the Thai girls that works in the office. A week later we went back and they were done and they fit perfectly. I even wore one of them the first afternoon we were in Bangkok because you had to have long pants for the Emerald Palace tour. They are actually very comfortable and I can't wait to wear them around here. I'm planning to wear the fancier one for Easter.

Let's see... We went to several market areas for shopping and I bought a few things for me and several things for the family here. The day I arrived we went to church, so I got to meet some of the folks that Mom and Dad know from there. We also had 3 afternoons of teaching English to the children in a very poor area and it was just delightful. We went to dinner one night with a couple that Mom and Dad have Bible study with and another night most of the office staff went to a Thai Cultural Center for dinner and a show of some of the traditional dances.

Saturday we borrowed a company car and Dad drove us up north toward Chiang Rai (and the Myanmar border). It was a really nice day and a nice drive up into the mountains and out of the city. We stopped one place at Hot Springs where there is a market of the hill tribes. Then we drove further to a nice resort place on the river that has delicious pies - this is not something served in the normal Thai culture and there are few places to get them. We had lunch there - and of course, we had pie... one piece there and one to go for each of us!!

Sunday was really just a day of rest. We stayed around the apartment the entire day and just hung out. Monday we did a day trip with the lady that had taken Mom and Dad on their border run to Myanmar last fall. We saw an orchid farm first - orchids are very abundant over there and you see them everywhere, they are absolutely beautiful! Then we stopped at a place that makes elephant dung paper! It was very interesting and something I never would have thought of, but you really can't tell the difference between it and the mulberry paper. I bought a few sheets to use when I do my scrapbooking pages of this trip!

Then we went on out of the city to an elephant camp. We got to ride the elephants, and it was a nice long ride probably 30-45 minutes. Then we rode an ox cart back to where we had started and they even let me drive the ox cart for a short time! We then got to see them wash the elephants in the river before they did their show for us. They played sports, showed how they get on and off, showed how they can carry and move heavy logs, how amazing their balance is, and one of them even paints pictures holding the paint bruch in the end of his trunk! After the show, we went around and had a buffet lunch at a place on the river, then relaxed on a bamboo raft ride down the river, again probably 30-45 minutes long. This was no tourist trap place, it was really well done on all counts!

On the way home we stopped at a family owned lacquer place and watched them at work. We learned that they use eggshell bits to create their mosaics. They also painted some pieces. It was a very interesting place and many beautiful pieces. Lastly we stopped at a Celadon place and again were able to watch them at work on the pieces. Amazing artistry and craftsmanship that you don't see too much anymore in this country. Beautiful, beautiful pieces! I got some chop stick rests for the chopsticks I had bought earlier at one of the markets. It was a long day, but very nice and so pleasant without having to think about where to go, Pontip, our guide took care of it all.

Thursday morning we left early for the airport and headed to Bangkok. We arrived there and took a cab to the Marriott where we were staying - that was a little harrying, but we made it safe and sound. We had just enough time after we checked in to run across the street to grab a sandwich that we took back to the room to eat and then changed our clothes for our afternoon tour. We saw the Grand Palace and grounds as well as the famous Emerald buddha. We didn't stay in the temple very long. After walking around there we headed to our next destination which was a canal tour. It was a very, very hot day and we had to slip in the 7/11 as we went through the market and stand in the A/C for 15 minutes or so with cool wet towels so that Mom and I could come back to normal. Then once we got to the canal boats the rest of the day wasn't bad as we spent most of the day motoring on the canals and enjoying the breeze. We also took in the barge museum where we saw the ceremonial long boats that they use, and one other temple place we stopped at. It was neat because one king built it and then another king (many years later) decorated it, and the decorations were mosaics done with old broken pottery! There really is nothing new under the sun!

That night we ate at the Japanese steakhouse in the hotel and it was delicious! I had lamb (the high class places get lamb and beef from Australia) as my main dish and it melted in my mouth! Friday we toured for the day out to the floating market and around some more canals, then to the Rose Garden resort for another buffet lunch and then their cultural show which was very nice also. It was different from the one in Chiang Mai and we enjoyed it from fairly cool seats. Again that night we ate at the hotel, this time choosing the cafe restaurant that had a huge, huge buffet. We all ate way too much there, but it was delicious as well!

The next morning it was early rise and off to the airport. We got me checked in and had breakfast together - we had brought bread and cheese and fruit for this purpose - before we had to say good-bye so they could get checked in and we all could get through security and to our gates on time, since our flights were actually due to depart at the same time. It was hard to come home, but I'm thankful for the time we enjoyed together and the things I was able see and learn and experience about God's people on the other side of the world. I'll see about doing another post or two maybe with some reflections about some of the things, but at least wanted to share the basics of the trip this time around.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hope all of you who have "sweeties" or "honeys" have given them a nice surprise of some kind today - even if it was handmade or just some extra time focused on them! That'll help make up some for those of us who don't have a "sweetie" or a "honey" yet. Anyway, I've had a really nice day so far. God sent me snow flurries this morning and, in the non-food category, other than having delivered me a bouquet of irises and lilacs - that's the best thing in my book!

We had a potluck lunch - my contribution was quiche, and it was yummy - and someone brought mini-cheesecakes!

Baked mini-cheesecakes!

Not those gelatin kind, but the real thing!

With strawberries!

Those of you who know me well know that this is my all-time, ultimate favorite! So, as I said, for someone without a "sweetie" or a "honey" I'm having a pretty good day! And it will just continue to get better. I made a special torte for my in-town family and I'm going to head over there for a short time this evening before I go home to finish packing, to head towards my parents! Oh yeah, the torte...

It's actually the first time I've ever tried one. For those of you who are not culinary-types, a torte is a cake but made without flour. Most of the time it is made with ground nuts instead, sometimes without even that. I chose this because several members of my family have found that they are allergic to the wheat and have been doing without if for quite some time now. So this allowed me to make them a special treat to show them how special they are to me AND stick to there special needs all at the same time. Anyway, mine called for the ground nuts and I used almonds. Then instead of frosting, which once again I'm not a big fan of, it is covered in chocolate ganache. Then I fancied it up by putting little Ghiradelli bars stuck in the top standing up and a little powdered sugar to look like snow! I'll try to remember to take a picure before we devour it and show it to you later! Anyway, I'm looking forward to dessert with my family tonight.

Hope whatever you've done today or have planned for tonight that you enjoy your time with people who are special to you. And please don't forget the Lover of your soul, too. God loves you more than anyone else could ever even want to, and He will lavish you with His love if you will accept it!

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Well, God gave me a hug last night or early this morning when he dumped about 1-2 inches of snow at my home and immediate area! In fact, I even got to enjoy it out the window of my office until around 1 or 2 this afternoon. There is still some left, but it's mostly gone. Those of you who know me well, know how much I dearly love winter and especially the snow! I don't get as much here as I remember getting growing up in Indiana, but I certainly do get more than I got in the 11 years spent in Dallas! I'm a happy girl when the world is blanketed in white! I talked to my "local family" around 11:00 this morning and my 3 nephews had already been out playing - twice - the first time at 5:30 this morning!! So, for those of you in the area who are averse to this, please just bear with us - I guarantee it lasts a whole lot shorter time than the 90-100 degree summers do!

I also wanted to share a song I just heard, and I'm sure you may know it and I'm sure that I've heard it many, many times before, but the words really came across today. Every moment we have is made for worshipping, because that is our purpose on this earth. If only that thought would permeate my being and be the uppermost thought at all times... and if only I could follow through with the action every moment... I'm sure everything else would fall into line behind it. Are you worshipping Him with all you are in all the time He's given you? Let these words seep into your heart!

Moment Made for Worshipping
by Steven Curtis Chapman

6:30 Monday morning
I'm here hiding in my bed
A song plays on my alarm clock
As I cover up my head
And somewhere in the distance
I remember yesterday
Singing "Hallelujah"
Full of wonder, awe and grace
But now I'm just wondering
Why I don't feel anything
At all

CHORUS:
This is a moment made for worshipping
Cause this is a moment I'm alive
And this is a moment I was made to sing
A song of living sacrifice
For every moment that I live and breathe
This is a moment made for worshipping

When I'm praying with my children
As they're running off to school
When I kiss my wife good morning
Just to say I still love you
When I'm feeling loved and happy
When I'm feeling all alone
When I'm failing to remember
All the love that I've been shown
Every single beat of my heart
Is another new place to start
To know

CHORUS

Every single beat of my heart
Is another new place to start
Right now

CHORUS

From the rising of the sun
To the setting the sun
The name of the Lord is worthy to be praised

Hard work is satisfying

I had a very long and productive weekend and once again was amazed at how good I felt when at the end I sat back and took in what all I had accomplished. You would think that I would remember that doing the hard work each time brings satisfying results that I can then thoroughly enjoy, but it seems I always forget and continue to put things off. Anyway, many areas of my house have needed major overhaul and reorganization for close to a year now, but since it is just me I tend to continue to put it off and just keep walking around all the things that are sitting in boxes in every room of my house.

A few months ago I did take a Saturday and did my bedroom and have managed to keep it quite well in the interim, but I needed to continue in other rooms too. So this weekend I worked diligently in the computer/sewing room and really made some progress. I'm hoping to keep up the momentum over the next couple weeks as well. My next project is yarn sorting. I know that doesn't sound like it should even be deemed a "project", but you must understand that I probably have enough yarn to open a small yarn store of my own. I brought it home from my grandmother's when passed away and I know I will eventually use it all, but the trick is finding a way and a place to store it. I've purchased some of the big see-through plastic tubs, now I just have to sort and pack it away. Then I will really have only two more major areas of the house to work in, so I'm really feeling good about it. My ultimate goal is that I will again be able to have people over at anytime, announce or unannounced and have places for them to sit and feel comfortable and at home.

On another note, I'm looking forward to doing some scrapbooking and fellowshipping with some friends Friday night. We had intended to go to a local store, but are on the waiting list, so we may end up at my house instead - either of which sounds great to me! Saturday morning I'm babysitting for some friends as they finish up at a prayer retreat being held by their church. That afternoon I'm getting my hair permed and trimmed - it's been way too long and it's really starting to look bad. It will be a busy day. Then Sunday I'm looking forward to visiting Brentwood Baptist Church again. I really liked the Sunday School class that I visited this past Sunday and will go again this coming week. Please send up a little prayer for me that God would continue to guide and direct if this is the place He is calling me.

Winter!!

Finally!!

It's gotten below 60!!

We still don't have any snow, and I'll hold out hope until spring comes, but at last it is some decent cold weather! Of course, this is the year that I choose to have a very early vacation, and of course I'm going somewhere that cold & winter don't even exist! Oh well. All I know is that for now, I breathe deeply and with joy when I'm outside.

In other news, I enjoyed a pleasant evening on Friday with my friend Sarah at Scrap n' Memories, which is just down the road from me, working on pages and chatting. I was there for 4 hours and finished 5 pages, so I felt pretty good about that. Then on Saturday I diligently worked on a late Christmas gift and finished up two audio books and started a 3rd one.

Last night I had a brilliant idea for scrap pages. I have these little books that I bought several years ago for my parents and grandparents and they have filled them out and returned them. There was a different question on each page for each day of the year, and the questions were directed to help them tell me more about them - their growing up years, etc. Well, I haven't taken the time to read them since they gave them back filled out, so I started at the beginning of this year and am reading a page a day. Anyway, after reading some of the questions, I realized that a lot of them are good questions for me to answer about myself and that they would make good topics for scrap pages! Especially for those who are wanting to pass info on to their children and don't know where to start. Now, I'm a chronological scrapper, but I'm going to keep this idea in my hat, so to speak, for once I catch up to the present on my photos. If anyone is interested, I'd be glad to share some of the questions, just let me know...

Well, that about catches me up for the moment. Hope everyone is having a good week!

Things to aspire to...

So… it’s time to put down my thoughts on the up coming year, while it still appears to have a fresh clean slate and positive opportunity in appearance. I think I mentioned that I’m not much of a “goal” maker, I always hated those questions in school… Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Everytime I answered them with my hopes, dreams or wishes, the 5 or 10 years would pass and I’d realize I was still nowhere close to those things and so after so many times of being disappointed I decided it was much better just not to say them outloud or put them down on paper. Instead I tend to do something more along the lines of deciding on several things or areas that I know I need to work on or improve in.

Last year one of my top areas of improvement was my finances! I’m a recovering credit card user and I’ve been “sober” for a year now. Yes, this means that I’ve been credit card free…

not using any cards…

no charges racking up my debt…

since January 2006!!

What a weight lifted from my shoulders! Now the flip side of that is that in order to make this possible my parents were gracious enough to help me out by giving me a loan that I never would have been able to achieve from a bank (because I didn’t want it tied to my mortgage), so I’m in the process of paying them off and working towards really being debt free. Though I achieved not adding to the debt, I still spent down to the wire most paydays and did quite a bit of spending that I shouldn’t have and achieved no savings except what I put away from my last tax refund.

So… this year, I’m going to work on not spending the money just because it’s in the account and actually contributing regularly to the savings account. To help me in this process I was able to catch up my records this weekend in Quicken (I had done really well at keeping current until my computer problems exploded, and had not taken the chance to catch up once I got the computer up and running) and also have all my records ready to go to do my taxes. I just have to pick up the new Turbo Tax and wait on my W-2.

I also achieved one of the other things I wanted to do last year, but want to improve upon this year. I read through the Bible. Though I didn’t do it every day as was the intent… there were several months in the middle of the year that I got out of the habit, then when I started up again I was able to catch up and finish. This year I want to stay at it daily, it is very important to me. My regular reading time is in the morning and I have a plan that I follow that has some OT, some NT, some Psalms and some Proverbs each day. I also have decided that this year I want to end my day with something as well. I’ve got a ladies devotional book that I’m using as one thing for each night and then I also am going to work at catching up on my issues of a magazine called Discipleship Journal and/or any other Christian (educational-type) books that I might be interested in. I still will enjoy reading before bedtime, but just changing the focus of what I’m reading. I will still have plenty of time to read my other books as well.

And last but not least, I did not do as well last year at eating healthy and exercising, so it will again go on the list of things to continue chipping away on. I’m planning to sit down this coming weekend and do some menu planning to help me get started. I would like to follow the South Beach plan as it has worked well for me before, but I just have to set a date, prepare and then force myself to do it. It’s just so much harder to get it going alone! Exercising is the same story, it’s not fun for me and therefore, doing it alone is even harder so I just have to force myself to start. Once the habits are formed it’s a little easier.

So that’s my take on the good ‘ole “New Year’s Resolutions” gig. Maybe I’ve triggered some thoughts for you or helped inspire you – at least I hope so. Please feel free to leave me comments and let me know your slant on the subject if you have one! In the meantime, have a great week all!

Blessings

I had a really nice trip to visit my friends in Houston. I stayed with one family whom I've been close to for many, many years now and also got to see another friend and her two boys for a few hours when we met up at The Cheesecake Factory! Yes, it was yummy as always! I got a pizza - I had never tried their pizza and it was delicious. Then for my cheesecake I chose a new flavor that had chocolate and coconut and it was out of this world! We got to attend a Christmas Eve service and had a quiet morning of breakfast and gift opening - or as quiet as it gets with an 8- and 6-year old in the house! All of Dana-Susan's family came for dinner and a couple hours of visiting. Then that afternoon we went and rented a movie - we watched Nanny McPhee!

Anyway, I had a really enjoyable, active, yet relaxing stay. What a blessing to spend time with friends, especially ones I hadn't seen in awhile and especially when my family was out of reach. The worst part was that by the time I got home I had caught a cold - traveling this time of year it's almost impossible to avoid the germs, unfortunately. However, I am almost back to 100% now.

Anyway, I had grand plans of getting a bunch of household organizing accomplished when I returned home and it didn't happen. But I did sleep alot and finished several books as well as watched some TV and a movie. So I will have to begin tackling the house bit-by-bit over the next couple weeks. I'm also trying to finish up my SIL's Christmas gift so that I can get their package sent to them! I also had intended to mail Christmas cards out when I got home before New Year's and it didn't happen either. I'd still like to try to get those out here shortly too!

I have a few things to share with you regarding the new year, but that will have to be on another post in the next few days. I've never been one for "goals" per se, but I do usually put some thought into things I'd like to work on and I've been mulling through those and will explain them all soon.

In other news, I only have 6 more weeks before I head across the world again! I'll be spending some time with my parents again - for the last time before they come in Feb of 2008. I'm going to spend the entire time with them in their city this time and we will be doing some sightseeing around there, and then the last couple days they will go with me to Bangkok so that I can see a few things there, before I head back to the US. Please continue to pray for their visa process, they are supposed to take the last few steps while I'm there that should make them good for the remainder of their time in country. Another prayer matter in general for them (as well as the company as a whole) is that the exchange rate is continuing to drop. It held pretty steady for their first 18 months or so at around 40 baht = $1, but it is now down to 35 baht = $1 and continuing to decline.

Well, I suppose that's all for now. Hope you all had a great Christmas season and were able to celebrate with friends or family the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Happy New Year to all!

Sharing a song

I'm really missing this place this year! I'll try to enjoy my memories, though. Hopetown beach and lighthouse in Hopetown, Abaco, The Bahamas.

I really enjoy music, but Christmas music is even more special to me and those of you who know me well, know I thoroughly enjoy singing. Most people know most Christmas songs, but there are some from my childhood that we don't seem to hear much anymore. There is one in particular that I remember learning out of a big Christmas piano book that mom had. I don't remember ever hearing it anywhere else, recorded or sung by anyone but I still to this day remember all the words and like the style of it. Sorry I can't convey the tune here, but I will give you the words as they are something to think about...

C is for the Christ child born on Christmas day,
H for Herald angels in the night,
R is our Redeemer,
I means Israel,
S is for the Star that shone so bright.
T is for three wise men, they who traveled far,
M is for the manger where he laid,
A's for all He stands for,
S mean shepherds came,
and that's why there's a Christmas day.

Simple but so full of meaning. If you have any favorites that really touch your heart, please feel free to share them... whether they are well known or not. A few of my favorites include The First Noel, O Holy Night and Joy to the World.

My Holiday Season... so far...

Well, some of you may think that because I haven't blogged in awhile that I've been caught up in the frenzy of the season... the rushing here and there... and the feeling that it's all passing me by too quickly. And that's been the case in years past way more often that it ought to have been. However, this year, due to my particular, unique and unusual (for me at least) set of circumstances I've actually felt like time was dragging by and can't believe we're still 4 days away from Christmas Day itself.

I bought my parents' gift several months ago when I saw something that I thought they'd like that was comparatively small and lightweight and had it wrapped and sent across the world before Thanksgiving. Wanted to take no chances near the holidays of it not getting there (besides I was sending some other things they needed anyway). Most of the gifts for friends I'm making and so have been working on them since sometime in August. My brother, sister-in-law and nephew I shopped for online and had them delivered to the house, except one thing I'm making for my SIL and that is not quite finished, so I will wrap and mail all of those the end of next week. They are actually going to be out of town all next week anyway so won't be there to receive them until after that. I celebrated Christmas with my "local" family this past Saturday because they left Tuesday for Susannah's parents' for 10 days. I got puppets for the boys so they were again an online order and Anna got a hat and mittens, just in time to head north!

Once I found I would be heading to Houston for about 5 days to spend Christmas with some very dear friends (read more extended family - yes I seem to have them everywhere!) I was able to order gifts for that niece and nephew and have them shipped straight to their house so I don't have to haul them in the suitcase, and for their parents I have a small gift that I can carry that I got in Thailand. I gave my neighbors (the ones who graciously watch my house the many times a year I travel) a meal and dessert in a jar and they seeme to love it!

So that covers any and all shopping issues - there weren't any!

As far as activities go, I'm in the process of looking at a new church, so I didn't have a SS class party to go to, nor was I in the choir this year so no rehearsal or performance times to deal with. I chose not to go to my office party - I'm just not usually fond of those types of things and I don't really have anyone I'd really call "friend" from the office (for the first time ever in my career, actually). As it turns out it was a God-lead decision for sure as I spent that day/afternoon/evening at the Sammons' residence and ended up staying with 3 of the kids that evening while Mom and Dad took the other to the ER after a fall on the concrete floor. All is well and everyone was fine, but we also praise God, for his orchestration of my time.

I've done a few other babysitting evenings for a couple other friends that I don't usually do for and it was fun! I went to a crop at a new Scrapbook store (with 2 friends I usually crop with) on the 8th and that was enjoyable. We took my nephews and niece to see Charlotte's Web on it's opening night and had fun. That next morning I took the boys shopping for gifts for their parents and that did a terrific job and we had a lot of fun picking things out!

The biggest, busiest thing I've had to do the past couple weeks is try to keep up with my parents! They spent a wonderful, much-needed, relaxing week at a resort down in Phuket (Thailand). But found out just before they left for that, that they would be gone 4 days of the following week as well. They had to make a trip to Vientianne (sp?), Laos to do some paperwork. So Mom called me this morning and they have safely returned home from that trip. Last Saturday I also received a box from them with all sorts of treasures for Christmas from Nepal and Thailand. I'm thrilled with them all! It's so neat to see the things made in such different cultures. It's hard to believe that they've been over there almost 2 years already! Time does fly, even when you aren't always having fun!

So I'll be leaving tomorrow to head to Houston and Christmas with another family. What a blessing to be invited in to the habits, traditions and celebrations of another family and to be considered part of that family. I must also thank Sarah for her gracious offer to spend that day of days with her family had I not been able to travel. The offer itself means as much to me as the actual event - to know that I actually had my pick of which family to be claimed part of so that I would not be alone. I am truly blessed to have such loving and caring friends! In addition, I get to see another friend of mine, who also lives in the greater Houston area, for an afternoon while I'm there - we're going to the Cheesecake Factory! This is one of my favorite places on earth!

I've been enjoying the Christmas music as always - sometimes I wish we'd mix in a little of it all year round. Maybe I'll just try that this year, regardless of what some people might think or say! It's just that some of the music and words are so beautiful and bless me tremendously. So it's home to pack up the suitcase and after I work several hours tomorrow I'll hit the air. I'm praying that I'll stay healthy - that's really the one issue I have with flying this time of year! Up the dose of Vitamin C!!

Have a very merry Christmas and please try to take some quiet moments not just with your family or friends, but with the Lord Jesus Christ. After all, it is his birth we remember and celebrate... if He'd not come as a child to earth, He'd not have been able to die on the cross some thirty years later, thus paying the price for all my sins, 2000 years before I even came to be. And the good news is He didn't do it just for me, but for you too. Remember to thank Him and praise Him for loving you that much. If for some reason (and the possibilities are many and diverse) this holiday season is a little harder for you than it has been previously - let Him heal your heart. May God bless you richly and show you His Joy this year.

Merry Christmas!

25 Christmas tidbits!

Got this from a friend this afternoon and thought I'd share my answers with you! Feel free to leave me comments with your answers or email them to me!


1. Eggnog or Hot Chocolate?? Hot chocolate

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Currently there are no Santa presents, as most recent years there hasn't been a tree either - but when we were little, Santa always wrapped our presents, unless it was something big!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Always been colored

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No

5. When do you put your decorations up? Ususally right after Thanksgiving if I do at all.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Don't know that I have one, we usually have everything from our holiday throughout the year too, so we don't really have any true "holiday" dishes.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child. That I lived far enough north to have some white Christmases!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't ever remember believing in Santa. We had gifts from Santa, but always knew it was Mom and Dad.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Once or twice we did growing up, but mostly all on Christmas morning. Now we do it anywhere from Thanksgiving to the end of January - whenever we are able to be together.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? I haven't put up a tree since 2001, but the decorations I have are a lot of old ones from when I was a kid and some that I've made since then.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it with every fiber of my being!! Wish I had more of it every year!!

12. Can you ice skate? Yes

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It's changed over the years and I'm not sure I remember all of them, but in the last few years I've come to treasure "time" with my parents, brother sister-in-law and nephew, grandparents, aunts uncles and cousins, whether at Christmas or any time of the year. Since I don't have a family of my own, these are the people I'm closest to and I don't get to see any of them nearly as often as I'd wish.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Remembering the birth of my Savior. He chose to be born a man that He might save us all from our sins that once we accept His gift we might dwell with Him forever.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cheesecake, homemade cookies

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Christmas music and being with family

17. What tops your tree? An angel

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving - I always love to see the look of happiness on someone's face when they are surprised!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night, The First Noel, Silent Night and Joy to the World - it's really hard to pick favorites, I love them all

20. Candy Canes! yuck or yummy? They're alright, not too much or they get too sweet really quickly

21. Fave Christmas Movie? Don't know that I have one

22. When do you take your Christmas decor down? Sometime in January when I get to it

23. Do you have your Christmas shopping finished or even started? Lacking only one item - I'm usually done by Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter, I shop throughout the year as I see things - it spreads the cost out.

24. What are you wishing for Santa to bring you this year? The husband He's chosen for me

25. What special way will you allow the Lord to Touch others with His Fingerprints this Christmas Season? I'm spending some time with friends this year and hoping that I can bring some smiles and help a little to share their burdens - they've had some rough times the last several years and her parents are overseas on the mission field too. Hopefully people will always notice something different about me through my words and actions, throughout the year, even if they don't realize at first that it's Christ in me.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Mine was great! I drove to the Dayton, Ohio area on Wednesday night to stay with my aunt and uncle for the duration. The traffic was a little hectic in spots and the KY state cops were out with a vengeance, but I stuck to the speed limit and had no problems. When I got there and unloaded the car, we visited as we rolled out cinnamon rolls - for breakfast the next morning. My uncle and I spent a 1/2 hour in the hot tub then before bed. I was up at 6:00 the next morning and read for a couple hours while they slept in. Then we made all the preparations (we weren't having our dinner and celebration until Friday), a quick trip to the store, and even worked at organizing my aunt's office. After a late dinner and some conversation, I enjoyed the hot tub once again before I went to bed. Uncle DeVon was up early Friday and did some shopping and returned just as I was getting up. Grandpa came in about 10:30 or so during our continued preparations. We were ready to eat by around 1:00pm, when 2 of my 3 cousins arrived with their wives. The oldest one and his wife live in San Antonio and had actually had another aunt and uncle and 2 other cousins (also living in the San Antonio area) over the day before for fried turkey. Anyway, plenty of food was had by all and everything was delicious. We spent the afternoon and evening playing games, chatting, watching old videos that Grandpa brought and munching on leftovers, snacks and desserts. Later in the evening we all go to talk to my parents over the computer as well.

Saturday we slept in, lounged around, watched another video from Grandpa and had lunch. Grandpa left shortly after lunch and we spent the afternoon working in my aunt's office and then started a puzzle. After dinner, we didn't stay up too late - we were all pretty tired! I did take advantage of the hot tub again for the last evening. Sunday morning I went to church with my aunt while my uncle was working at the museum. I packed up everything when we got home and then when my uncle got back we headed over to the mall to have lunch at bd's Mongolian Barbecue (http://www.gomongo.com/). It was good! After we got back to the house I worked on the puzzle a little more before loading up the car and heading out.

I was a little tired and stopped about 1/2 hour before Louisville. I got gas and then slept for a little over and hour. That's what I needed, when I got back on the highway, I was not tired the rest of the way. I got home and was bushed though by the time I'd unloaded the car and unpacked. It was bedtime. All in all it was a really good holiday, I was thankful to spend the time with this part of my family, especially since my parents are on the other side of the world.

Now I'm going to try to stay thankful and upbeat as we go into this Christmas season. I've been offered the opportunity just a few days ago, to fly to Houston to spend a few days over Christmas with my very dear friends (read adopted family) Bill & Dana-Susan and their children and I'm greatful for that as I've not seen them all in over 3 years. I am also thankful to Sarah and her family who were prepared to have me join their family here for Christmas before I found out I could travel. It's the first time ever I've spent both holidays away from my parents (who are currently still my closest family since I don't have a husband or children of my own) in the same year and it's very trying. When I found out that Marc & Susannah and the kids were going to PA to spend Christmas with her parents, and then that my aunt and uncle were going to San Antonio, I really wasn't sure what to do. I felt kind of awkward inviting myself anywhere, but did send a note to several close friends that I knew wouldn't mind - it was better than spending it alone and finding out afterward that I should have just asked. Thanks Sarah - hope I didn't disappoint you too much by changing my plans after your generous kindhearted offer!

Well, I hope that you all had a restful and thankful holiday and that you will remember to continue to be thankful as we head into the Christmas holidays. Remember to take time to enjoy your family and praise and celebrate the Savior!

Election Day and other tidbits!

I tried a couple times last week to write, but one time Blogger was messing with me and another, my work computer blitzed out just as I was ready to hit post! It's so hard to write a nice long post and then have it gone - I began to rewrite, but it's really tough to write all over what you've just finished, so I gave up.

Halloween was good, I went to Franklin with some friends and the boys went trick-or-treating - they were a knight, a pirate and Scooby Doo! I brought some special treats from the Cocoa Tree in Franklin. If you've never tried them, and you live in the area, you've got to look them up! They are on 3rd, north of the circle about a block on the left. They are expensive, but ohh so worth it.

Not much going on at the moment. It's rainy and dreary and has been since sometime yesterday, but at least the temperatures are reflecting fall now - thankfully!! Natures beautiful canvas has turned a corner though, unfortunately the fire is gone from the reds and the glint from the golds. It was gorgeous while it lasted and I enjoyed it immensely as I do every year...

driving around or just standing looking out my door...
able again to take a deep breath...

of colder... cleaner... crisper air...
then letting it out on a sigh...
and a smile...
joyous... just to see God's handiwork.

I'm continuing to work on Christmas gifts and reading quite a bit. I've been re-reading some old books from my childhood recently. Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Borrowers, The Boxcar Children. I started in on it a couple months ago when I started taking The Borrowers and the Boxcar Children books to Ethan to read. I decided that I'd re-read them too so that I could talk to him about them and just for the enjoyment. Of course, they are much easier now and don't take real long. I've finished all of The Borrowers series and am up to the 7th Nancy and the 3rd Trixie. I also bought some used books of older mysteries too - Ellery Queen, Lord Peter Whimsey and also a few of the Bobbsey Twins (more kids' easy reads).

I also took the boys bowling this past Saturday and yes, we finally got there when they had some open lanes! We bowled one game, Isaac 118, me 101, Elijah 76 and Ethan 64. Of course, the little ones had the help of the ramp or Aunt Debby and Ethan did his all by himself!! Oh, and we all had the help of the bumpers and thus, no gutter balls. Little did I think though, about how exhausting it would be for me. Am I that out of shape? I guess so - but it was a blast none the less! The boys had fun and Mom and Dad got a little bit of a break.

I also began watching a history series that Mom and Dad bought and gave me when they were done with it. It's on the Civil War. I'm not too far into it (have only listened to the first two), but so far it seems pretty good. Each lecture is 30 minutes. I'll keep you posted as I go along.

It's Election Day today. I so hope that you exercised your privilege of living in this great country of ours and went to the polls. Democracy only works if we all take the responsibility to make our voices heard. There is a lot at stake right now in our country, and though I'd never be confused with a "politically-minded" person by any stretch of the imagination, I do think it is important to know the issues on the ballot and vote on them. I also think it is a good reminder that we definitely need to be in prayer for our nation, for our nation's leaders, and our nation's law makers. I'm in agreement with Dr. James Dobson, when he said that he still believes that God's word is true and He will keep His promises, and if we would get down on our knees, as individuals and as a nation, in humility and cry out to Him, He will heal our nation (II Chronicles 7:14).

And, it's almost Thanksgiving - who'd have believed it! With the turn of the month it also became official... I've now lived in the same house for 5 years, which by the way is the longest I've ever lived in one abode in my entire 37+ years. This is quite an accomplishment, let me tell you. As you might gather from this... "home" to me is not a place, but a gathering of the people I call family, wherever we happen to be at the time. Over the years I've learned to appreciate this more and more. I guess I still have a small amount of envy of those who grew up in the same place, with the same people all their lives, they always seem to have a connectedness that I've never known. But I also know that it reminds me much more often that this world is not my "home", I'm just an alien here and am passing through. I'm looking forward, more with each new day, to going where I know that I'll feel more "at home" than I ever could have here, even if I'd lived in the same house every day of my earthly life. Christ is preparing my mansion in His "home" and I can't wait to see it and to have the privilege of singing His praises around the throne for eternity.

All that said, I've had several rough weeks lately and though I won't bore you or bring you down with all of it here, if you think of me say a little prayer for me. I'm struggling with a few very heavy things right now. I'm trying to stay focused on the blessings, but they are seeming far outweighed these days. Thanks.

Last Week's News Today

I tried to post this last Thursday, but blogger wasn't cooperating with the pictures. So I got a chance to try again today. Sorry for the delay...

Well, I had a good weekend with Grandpa! We played a lot of games and that was great - it's one thing I definitely miss about living alone. We played 6 dice, Kings-on-the-Corners, Sequence and we even played several games of pool up at the "big house". It was gorgeous weather (IMHO) and their leaves were prettier than ours, though ours have made tremendous progress in the past week. The drive to and from was uneventful.

I did find an excellent radio station on my way home going through Anderson/Indianapolis. They were playing some great Christian music and I liked it because it was quite a bit of older or lesser known songs - not just the "what's hot right now" pop Christian tunes. Don't get me wrong, I like those too, but there are sooooo many songs out there from the past that I get frustrated at hearing the same things over and over day after day. Anyway, I made note of the station number and when I got to work on Monday I brought up my good friend "Google" and found the station. I can play it through the computer here at the office, which is great because ever since I moved to my new office several months ago, my usual "pop Christian" station hasn't come in very well on the radio, so I've just been doing without. The extra bonus is that as I've listened this week, I've found that this new station also has many excellent Bible-based talk shows each day... Midday Connection, Focus on the Family, etc. and I've found that since my work requires little to no thought processes, I'm able to listen all day as I work. This has really been helpful this week and I'm learning alot.

Also over the weekend, we finally made it over the last hurdle in my home computer saga!! WOOHOO!! Marc, my incredibly patient and muchly appreciated resident computer expert, put in the new power supply (yes, they finally sent us the correct replacement part). I talked to Mom on Tuesday night and as far as I can tell, it's working like a dream! Praise God, this 6-month journey is finally over.

I found out today that the other big thing that I had in the works I did not get. I'm wrestling through receiving that news. Although I didn't necessarily get my hopes too high, I really wanted it - as it sounded exactly like what I've wanted to do for several years - and therefore, it was really a let-down. I will now begin my own search in the next day or two. So please continue praying about this in general and I'll update you when anything happens.

Mom and Dad had a good trip last week to Delhi and accomplished what was needed. Dad did catch a cold though and has missed at least half the week of work once they were home. He did go to the doc and is taking some meds and getting quite a bit of rest. I'm hoping he's back in the office tonight and I'll get to talk to him and see how he's feeling. We are praying that he recuperates quickly and that Mom keeps from catching it as well. Mom told me that they bought two different sets of fabric for me while they were there and we will have them made up into salwar kameez's when I'm over there in February. Today she sent me pics of the fabric - take a peek...

Reflections

Well, it's been a terribly long time since I've updated this and I've been meaning to for some weeks now, but just hadn't made the time. So here I am... I've skipped an entire month and am watching October rapidly disappear as well!

September was busy, but nothing really significant going on. The first weekend of the month (Labor Day weekend) I took another scrapbook store tour with my friends on Saturday. We went to 2 stores in Cookeville and then headed to Bowling Green for a third one. During the ride I made arrangements with one of the girls to buy her used QuicKutz blue handle and cradle for $15 - for those of you not in the SB (ScrapBook) world, this is a terrific deal! So at the first store we went to they were having a sale on the QK and I purchased the Marisa font alphabet/numbers in the classic size, includes both upper and lower case. I also bought a binder to store them in. I've since purchased a Phoebe skinni mini on Ebay for $70 - again a terrific deal for upper, lower and numbers. They have all kinds of shapes for die cuts, but I don't plan to do very many of those - at least not right now due to the expense. But the alphabets are a tremendous addition to my supplies and will be used a great deal I'm sure. Anyway, we had a lovely day and all spoke of doing it again when possible!

My aunt and uncle and my aunt's parents were in town for a week during September and I enjoyed playing tour/restaurant guide in the evenings. My uncle's yearly conference was being held at the Opryland hotel so we operated out of there. I was lucky enough to join them on a Saturday night for dinner and a performance at the Grand 'Ole Opry. We also had dinner 4 other nights, so if you are ever wanting a recommendation for a nice dinner out on the town here in Nashville, please let me know - I've now had a chance to try some of them out! It was great to be able to chat and catch up each evening as well and I enjoyed spending some time with them all!

I enjoyed two Pampered Chef parties - one the end of August and one in September. These are always fun for me! Whether I'm able to buy anything or not, just getting together with friends, and talking about kitchen stuff and sharing tips is a blast for me. Probably because I love to cook and bake. Speaking of which, I tried 2 new homemade soup recipes the end of September that are absolutely scrumptious - in fact I'm still finishing them up for lunches! One was a creamy tomato basil and the other a cream of asparagus, but I liked the fact that neither really has a lot of cream in them, they are mostly thickened by pureeing the veggies. The asparagus one also had leeks in it, which was a yummy combination. So if you love soup like I do, and are looking for something new, let me know, I'd be glad to share! Tonight for dinner is a leg of lamb roast with garlic and rosemary and sweet potatoes and parsnips - can't wait!

The last weekend of the month I went to Croptoberfest in Sevierville, TN (east over by Gatlinburg in the mountains), which was a scrapbooking retreat at a Baptist Youth Camp. It started on Thursday, but since I had to work on Friday, I arrived at the place late on Friday night. I loved the scenery and being in the mountains and woods! I got quite a bit accomplished and enjoyed my time with the others as well.

You will all be happy to know that after so many months of frustration my home computer is 95% back. It has been up and running well for the last several weeks on it's old power supply waiting for the 2nd new one to come in (the 1st new one having died in less than 30 days, I was able to exchange at no extra charge, but the first time they sent me a motherboard instead of a power supply). The 2nd new one is here now and is just waiting on Marc to have a few minutes to come and change it out for me. YEAH!!!

The weather here has been unseasonably hot until this past weekend, which was gorgeous. I was able to have the windows open all weekend long and really enjoyed it. I also spent several hours out working with the pool trying to prepare it for winterizing and covering. It still needs some work, but I'm progressing. It's a challenge as the water is already pretty cold. These past couple days it's been back up in the 80's again, but I've heard it's supposed to drop back to fall weather again by week's end. I hope so. Our leaves have not really begun to color yet, but are beginning to fall, we really need a visit from Jack... Frost that is. I'm hoping for a really nice winter this year and praying for at least one good bout of snow, if not a couple.

Last week I tried once again to take my nephews bowling, but "I'm sorry we don't have any open lanes until 9pm" and since their bedtime is between 7:30 and 8:00, this was not going to work again. We've been trying on Wednesday nights (that's when we went last year when I took just Ethan) because they have a special - $0.99 per game! Well, needless to say, we were disappointed and returned home. The boys did a great job in understanding and not being too upset. I promised them we would try again, maybe this time we'll try a Saturday and plan to be there when they open. I was just so proud of their reaction and flexibility - they are growing up so fast and learning all the time. Elijah is beginning to read now - it's so exciting! He also told me a couple weeks ago that he was "a Christian with God". Indeed, he has recently prayed that special prayer and accepted Jesus as his Savior! Praise His name for another soul saved!

This weekend I'm heading to Grandpa's and am looking forward to spending some time with him. I'm hoping for good weather for the drive as well as looking forward to maybe seeing a little more color up that way than we currently have. Did I ever mention this is my favorite time of the year?!?! I don't know if he has any plans for us or not, but I'm looking forward to playing some games at least. I'm singing in church on Sunday morning and really need to get some practice time in before then.

I've begun on some Christmas gifts and am making great progress so far. I can't mention what they are, of course because I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise for anyone reading this, but I'm enjoying myself that's for sure. It's coming faster than you think!

I have one other big thing in the works, that I emailed some of you about a week and a half ago. It is still in process, so please continue praying for me. From what I can tell the possibilities are very good, I'll keep you posted. While you are at it, please keep my parents in your prayers. Two things - one is an administrative issue that actually effects two of the company offices in their city, theirs and another. I musn't give any other details, but this could potentially be serious (though no one is in danger) and is time critical - this has nothing to do with the recent events and all are safe. Please pray for the Master Organizer to be at the center and work out all the details according to His plan and in His timing. The second is they are actually out of their country right now on a business trip into one of the countries they support. They arrived there this morning (US time) and will return home Sunday evening (US time). Please pray for their safety as well as the accomplishment of His agenda. There are some peculiarities of their location that could make their tasks challenging as well. Thanks so much for your pleas to the Father on their behalf!

Speaking of travel, that's one other thing that we've gotten accomplished in my absence from here. My ticket is purchased and I plan to spend the last 2 weeks of February with them in their city. We intend to do some sightseeing in the area, take another cooking class, and possibly take a couple side trips to neighboring countries (a day or two each), then at the end of the trip they are going with me to Bangkok for a couple days before I leave to come home, so I will get to see some of that city as well. I'm also looking forward to attending church with them this time, which I was unable to do last time I was there.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. I think this hits the highlights of activities and news that has occurred during my sabbatical. Please leave me comments, I really enjoy hearing from you too! Have a great rest of the week!

Computer Saga, Take Two!

Hello all. I've been very remiss of late and not getting things up here, and I'm going to try to do better. But most of what's been going on of late is just more struggles with electronic equipment and customer service reps. Just when I thought the tide was turning - we got my computer back to working status and Marc hooked it all up for me. Less than a week later, I was leaving for a 4-day weekend and so I turned it off before I left, which is my usual modus operandi when leaving for a trip. Two days after I returned I went in after dinner to do a little work on catching up from the 4-months without a computer and it wouldn't turn on. I tried everything, for 10 minutes and it's simply dead... as a doornail... dead. I'll admit at this point I broke down and cried for half an hour I was so frustrated. Though most of you know I'm not a violent-natured person at all, I had vivid thoughts of throwing the whole thing through the window! But I didn't want to have to pay to fix a window, so then I thought about dropping it in my big trash container! Those thought passed quickly and then I was flooded with the familiar series of what if it can't be fixed, we've done everything Marc knows to do and it ran fine for just under a week while it was on. So I've done some exploring and know what I'll probably be getting, but I held off. Marc & Sus and the kids were on vacation and I didn't want to ruin it by calling or emailing to tell them the news. They arrived home last night, so I will talk with them sometime today or tomorrow about it. I'm giving us probably a week or so and if nothing happens in that span of time, then I'll be ordering a new one and this time I'll be paying for the 4-year warranty!!

In other news, the 4-day weekend mentioned above was to see my parents while they were stateside. I got a full 3-days with them (and 2 partials) in Indiana just before they left to head home to Thailand. It was way too short, but good to see them. My Dad had unexpected surgery while they were in Dallas to remove a cancerous spot from his nose, but all went well and he's continuing to heal well. We were just thankful that God's timing allowed for this to be discovered and taken care of while they were here as it much more of a "plastic surgery" (for lack of a better term) type surgery than the spot on his head that he had removed in Thailand. He is continuing to heal well and they arrived home safely. We are working on vacation plans now for Februrary.

I've finished another afghan and started on a sweater, which is the first fitted (with the exception of baby Anna's sweater) item I've attempted. Mom and I went through some more stuff in the storage room at Grandpa's and along with tons more yarn, I brought home a few pattern books. I found one I liked and decided to try it, we'll see how it goes. Seemingly slower than the afghans at that moment. I've also started on a Christmas present for friends this weekend. I know it's still in the 90's outside, but the fall is coming and I'm anxiously anticipating it! I've also been reading and listening to audio books per usual. I'm hooked on a series of mysteries about an archaeologist that my parents started me on, they are by Elizabeth Peters. I also listened to All Quiet on the Western Front and finished two books by Nora Roberts. She's one of my favorites as well.

This past Friday night I was at Sarah's for scrapbooking with friends. I finished 8 more pages in my "life" book and we talked alot about the upcoming Octoberfest that I'm attending with some of them. It is basically a retreat for scrapbooking and this one is held at a camp in Sevierville, TN. It is the first time I will have paid to scrapbook somewhere, but I thought that $90 for 2 nights and 6 meals was a pretty good deal! I'm even going to participate in the friendship page swap. I had decided originally I wasn't going to and I was just going to kind of soak it all this first time, but Sarah talked me into it. And, over the rest of this weekend, not only did I get my design for my page all planned out, but I've already begun working on the pages! I've got to keep slowly chipping away at it... the weekend is just over 5 weeks away!

Well, I suppose that's enough for the moment, I should get back to the daily grind. Please pray for my computer if you think about it... and my sanity. Have a great week and hopefully I'll be back sooner than later :o)

WOW! It's the end of July?!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last sat and wrote. Things have been frustrating to say the least. We are still working on the home computer - we have a third part on order that should be here this week and if you could say a little prayer that this will make it all work, I'd be much obliged. If not, I'll return all the parts (minus a restocking fee) and have to begin looking at new computers - this I don't really want to do.

I've also been struggling with my pool cleaner for the last couple weeks. I got some new parts put on the old one and it still wasn't really doing the job so I ordered a spiffy new one that should really be great and it came on Friday. When I went to put it in on Sunday I realized one of the major parts is missing! So I called the place yesterday, they are going to pick up the old one today and ship a new - hopefully it will be here by the end of the week. Meanwhile the ladybug is struggling along doing her best.

And last but not least, my TV went out on Friday. I'm currently leaning on the graciousness of friends who are letting me borrow one of theirs. But as soon as the computer issue is settled then, I will have to see about getting a new TV. Not a good summer for electronics and finances!

In other news, I have almost finished 3 afghans that I'm making for my nephews. They each got to choose their own colors and I will eventually get pictures taken and up here so you can see. I'm 8 rows from finishing the last one! I've progressed some in my scrapbooking as well. I got to play with the tools of a friend and cut out letters for all of the title pages in my portfolio book and got some of them done at the last crop I attended. Always more work to do though.

My parents are in the US (Dallas, right now) and I'm supposed to get to see them in a little over a week. However my Mom called last night and I'd appreciate your prayers for timing and medical issues. Dad is having a biopsy today and our doc is pretty sure that they will then need to remove a spot. However, the oncologist will not remove until they have the biopsy results. The hard part is that they are supposed to fly back to Indiana a week from today and the results usually take that long to receive and then they would have to schedule and so forth. They are due to fly back to Thailand from Indiana on the 8th. We really need God's hand to move things along more quickly and efficiently than normal in this situation. But above all we stand in His will and the knowledge that His timing is best and we will deal with whatever He brings us.

That's about it for now. Work is hectic and nerve-wracking, but I'm doing it day-by-day.

I'd love to hear from any of you and how things are going for you!