A Little Bit of Ramblin'

It is so good to be back after the holidays.  Holidays are fun but it's always good to get back into our more "normal" routines.  I'm such a routine person that I get sort of "cranky" when I'm out of it for very long. ~smile~  

I've been ailing with the "crud" again (my 3rd bout since the 1st of November) and am just not "up to par."  I did finally go to the Dr. this past Tuesday and got two shots and 2 medications.  I really thought that by today I would see a big improvement, but that just has not happened.  Surely by tomorrow I will be on the road upward. Everyone in our family has had it except for our son and his wife.  We're hoping they can escape it.

I've done so much "pot cooking" the past few weeks.  I always do that in the winter months.  It's a pot of chili, a pot of soup, or a pot of stew for dinner most winter evenings.  Thank goodness Hubby is good with that.  And, I always make more than we will eat and either share it with the kids or freeze it for another time.  This week I've made beef stew and chili and there's always a pan of cornbread made to go with it.  Last night I did change up the schedule a bit and we had a good ole hamburger.  I think Tommy was a bit surprised when he sat down to a plate instead of a bowl. ~smile~


I got a new vehicle last weekend and along with a new vehicle comes new "bells and whistles" to figure out.  I DO NOT like figuring them out, I want to just get in the car and know what buttons do what without ever looking at the guide manual. Well, it just doesn't work that way.  So, I've spent quite a bit of time sitting in my car with the manual, and little by little I'm getting things figured out.  I'm totally amazed at how much "they" can get these cars to do today. My seat practically ejects me when I go to get out of it. ~chuckle~ One thing that I can already tell I'm going to love is the Bluetooth connection for my phone. Yea!  And, another adjustment is the size.  It is a crossover vehicle and I've been driving either a van or a Suburban for over 25 years.  But, I was definitely ready to downsize, but it's a huge difference.

Tonight you will find Hubby and I  in front of the TV as our LSU Tigers  take on Texas A and M.  I'm certainly not a huge fan of football, but this will be one game that I will  keep one eye on.  After Arkansas' loss to Ohio State on Tuesday evening, LSU fans are not assuming anything.  Aren't we glad that it's "just a game."  Not sure all folks understand that! ~chuckle~

And, I just have to put this plug in since it's the first of the year.  If you gals are not familiar with Blog2Print ,
I hope you will check it out.  It is the greatest way to preserve your blog in book form.  I used it last year and am about to order another one of my last years blog entries.  It is very user friendly and I am hopeful that it will be something that my children will enjoy "one day."

I always enjoy connecting with the Company Girls are Friday.  What a special group of ladies and don't we just love our "fearless hostess" Rachel.  She's the BEST!  I never knew the friendships that would occur as a result of my blogging, but each of you truly do hold a special place in my heart. I wish we could have an old fashioned pallet party sometime.  Talk about fun! ~giggle~
 

Blessings for a beautiful week-end!

Hodgepodge Wednesday

I enjoyed our break from Hodgepodge, but I'm sure excited to be back with it this week.  I do hope Joyce enjoyed the break and so appreciate her hosting us each week.  If you want to check out more Hodgepodge Wednesday, just click the button and above and enjoy!

1. What three words would you use to describe 2010?

Never a dull moment!

Now, I could elaborate on that but I won't.  And, I tried to get it  in 3 words but just couldn't figure out another way to say it.

2. If fear were not an issue what is something you'd like to try?

If fear were not a factor I would love to try skydiving. It just looks like it would be an exhilarating feeling and an experience like none other. 

3. What do you add to your coffee or tea?

I drink it with 2 packages of artificial sweetener and a heaping teaspoon of powdered cream first thing in the mornings.  If I have any the rest of the day, I only use creamer.  I only want it sweet in the mornings and I always only want powdered cream.  And, I only drink it out of insulated mugs. I like HOT coffee and once it begins to cool, it's no longer good to me.

 4. What historical sporting event would you like to witness?

Well, I think it would have been neat to be at the very first Super Bowl in 1967.  The Green Bay Packers played the Kansas City Chiefs (the Packers won). I doubt anyone realized at the time what a big deal the Super Bowl would become in the world of football.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give your sixteen year old self?  To just enjoy being 16.  At 16 I could hardly wait to graduate from high school and get on with the next phase of my life.  As with most kids, I didn't know how quickly time would pass and how soon I would have the responsibilities of an adult.  If I could do it over, I'd savor all of my youth more than I did the first time around.

6. Are you a planner or do you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants?

A planner with a capitol P!!!!  Both of my parents were planners so I got a double dose of it.  Our household operated as a very well oiled machine when I was growing up and as a result I am very much an organized planner. And, while it has served me well and I feel that I am a most productive person, it can have it drawbacks.  I'll just leave it at that. ~laugh~

7. What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2011?

Hubby and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary on June 6th.  Now, I should be a whole lot older than I am to be celebrating 40 years of marriage.  I mean, really!  I stand amazed that a little 18 year old girl actually made it through those early years of marriage while living 1000 miles away from her parents. Thank the Lord Tommy was 24 and had a whole bunch of patience and hung in there while I finished growing up. ~giggle~

8. Insert your own random thought here.  I had to finally break down and go to the Dr. today with this "crud" that I seem to have had  off and on for the past 2 months.  My throat is sore, my head often feels like it may blow up, I have this aggravating cough and I'm just "not up to par."  Well, after a steroid shot in one hip, a Rochephin shot in the other hip, I could barely walk out of the Drs. office. ~grin~ That in addition to two prescriptions should either "kill me or cure me."  I'm going to sure hope it cures me.~smile~

Miscellany Monday

 {one}

 I can hardly believe that it has been 11 years since the year 2000. These past 11 years have been the most eventful years of any in our family.  What we experienced in this short time is:

 Both of our children graduated from high

school and college

My parents moved from Virginia to Louisiana so 

they would be near me in their latter years

Our daughter married in 2002

Our son married in 2004

My MIL died in January 2008

My Mother died in December 2008

Our first Grandchild was born in October 2008

Our second Grandchild was born October 2009

Hubby and I became 11 years older ~smile~

 It is wonderful that we do not know what the future holds. If we did, we would often just "cancel out" and tell the Lord that we  cannot go through it. But, it is with our trust in Him that we are able to face each tomorrow and it's uncertainties. I cannot help but wonder what the next 11 years hold..........

{two}

Our two precious Grans have been some sick little ones this past week.  Both had such chest congestion that they had to be given breathing treatments, strong antibiotics and a whole lot of TLC by their parents. 

 

 This was our sweet Clancy on about Day 3.  Poppa and I kept him for a little while so his Dad and Mom could go out and he still wasn't "up to par" and laid down on the couch and went sound to sleep. I'm pleased to report that both babies are almost "good as new" now. And, that's a good thing as both their Mommies had to report back to their teaching positions this morning.

{three}

Tommy loves to surprise me with flowers at totally random times.  One of these times was this past week.  He came in with this gorgeous arrangement of various colors of roses.  Needless to say, I was thrilled!

{four}

I've been pondering the new year  and what I desire to accomplish this year.  I like the feeling of a "fresh start" and a "clean slate."  I'm going to take Psalm 42:1 as my "verse of the year."  It states:

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.

I want to hunger and thirst after righteousness this year.  Certainly, if I do this, I cannot help but be a better servant for the Kingdom of God.  And, after all, in the life of a Christian, there is no higher calling. May I look back a year from now and see that I made "headway" in this desire of my heart.

{five}

My Dad supplied for our Pastor today and brought a very profound message to our congregation.  He has such a gift of bringing The Word alive and makes it so applicable to our lives today. He asked this question in the closing of his message:

What have I embraced in my life that is contrary to God's Word? 

Ouch! it's so easy to let those so called "little sins" just slip right by without a lot or any conviction. I'm afraid that I have embraced more than I would care to admit.  As I hunger and thirst may I be convicted about those things "contrary to His Word" in my life.

As always, it's  such a joy to link up with Carissa on Mondays.  She is a delight! For more Miscellany Mondays click on the button above and I promise, you will enjoy it!

Abundant blessings to each of you this first week of another new year!

 

A New Year Dawning

I always looks forward to the New Year.  It's like a fresh beginning and a clean slate.  I just like the feeling that it gives me. Although there is a sort of "gloominess" from the day after Christmas to about the first of February. I'm not sure what it is but I've heard a lot of other folks say the same thing.  But, as I said, I do look forward to a new year in spite of the "gloomies." ~smile~

  I ran across this New Year's Prayer and wanted to share it with you on this last day of 2010.

May God make your year a happy one!

Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, 

But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;

Not by making your path easy,

But by making you sturdy to travel any path;

Not by taking hardships from you,

But by taking fear from your heart;

Not by granting you unbroken sunshine,

But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;

Not by making your life always pleasant,

But, by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.

God's love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

And, I'm sending each of you a big ole Southern hug as a thank you for your friendship and inspiration in my life. 

Christmas Recap

It is hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone and another year is about to dawn.  

We had our Christmas with the kids last Wednesday evening since daughter and her family were headed to Oklahoma the following morning to be with SIL's family on Christmas.  It was a fun time and the babies at one and two years old were definitely the "  stars of the show."    Our first order of business before exchanging gifts was to celebrate Jesus' birthday.  The best part of that to the babies was blowing out the candle. ~smile~

We gave the babies Pottery Barn chairs and Clancy found his to be most relaxing. ~laugh~

Daughter and I in our Christmas hats.

Clancy carefully opening one of his gifts

Silly CiCi modeling her new Ugg boots

They looked much better with the proper attire but I thought I looked a little like one of Santa's elves. ~ chuckle~

 

Hubby modeling his new vest - looks like a real woodsman to me!

On Christmas Eve we had my Dad and step Mom over for dinner and then celebrated with them.

Me with my Dad - he's the only parent we have left

My Dad modeling his new vest. It's hard to believe he's really 81 years young. ~smile~

It was a wonderful Christmas and a lot of great memories were made.  Would love to have shared pictures of our adorable Granddaughter with you but as I stated in a previous post, we're not posting pictures of her on the internet at this time.  She's just so blooming cute, take my word for it! ~smile~

Blessings to each of you as you recover from Christmas and prepare for the new year!

Merry Christmas One and All

Wishing for you and yours

a most blessed

Christmas

and a lot of

memory making moments!

Love to you all!   

Lea

Hodgepodge Wednesday

It's Wednesday and that means more Hodgepodge which means fun blogging and reading.  For more just click the button above and enjoy!

1. Share your Christmas Eve traditions. They have changed a bit over the years, but at this time it is when we share Christmas with our children and their families. It includes a nice meal, sharing of the Christmas story and then opening gifts.  This year we will add a birthday party for Jesus because of the babies.  Our two year old Grandson will be so excited and have a little bit of understanding of what it's about.  Our one year old will just enjoy the celebration and the eating of the cake. ~smile~ We did this with our children until they were grown and I am so excited about starting the tradition again.  I actually order a "  real"   birthday cake from the bakery and we will read the Christmas story from a children's picture book, light the candle and talk about how Jesus came to be the Light of the World, and close with prayer. I'm in hopes it will be a very special time, not only for the little ones, but for the big ones as well.

2. What was the best book you read in 2010? (we're not going to include The Bible here)

 If you have not read this book, I would highly recommend it.  It was recommended to me or I probably would not have read it.  I had no idea of the depth of the book by the title, but it really helps to understand people and where they might be coming from.  And, in case you are wondering, there is no such thing as "  normal."    So, if you thought you were normal, well, I hate to tell you, you're not. Now, you can relax! ~chuckle~

  3. Do you have pets and if so do you allow them on the furniture?

 Oh, my gracious NO! NO! NO!  Above you will see our yellow lab, Rhett, and our chocolate lab, Rosco. Until about a year ago they were allowed in the house after dinner to enjoy some TV time with Hubby and me.  They had nice beds placed in a designated spot and they walked straight to their beds and never got out.  No joke, they knew that they had better not.  I do love them, but I just could not stand them walking or laying around all over our house.  And, I must admit that when we were allowing them to come in for that period of time each day, I enjoyed it.  But, when the Grans became mobile, it just was not feasible to leave their beds out.  The Grans thought the beds were to play in and that just couldn't happen.  So, they are no longer allowed in the house, but they do have a lovely kennel with nice igloo houses and nice warm beds.  We do have a Gran Toy Poodle named Bella and she has run of the house at our son and his wife's and she is the cutest little gal.  But, as for me and inside dogs/cats, don't think that's for me.  But, I'm not going to say never because I might have to eat those words. ~giggle~

 4. What event from 2010 are you most thankful for? Well, there's a lot, but one would be the time that Hubby, myself, my Dad and Step Mom, and my younger brother and his family got to spend together in Branson, Missouri.  It was just a very special time for us and I'm so thankful that we were able to "  make"   it happen.

5. What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before. I can't really think of anything other than riding a Segway and that happened in Branson, Missouri also.  Everyone is the vicinity knew that I was a "  rookie"   for sure.  I hollered all the way around the track the first round and then once I sort of got the hang of it, I quieted down. By the way, can I just tell you that I loved the helmet. NOT! ~smile~
 

6. Brussel sprouts...friend or foe?  Well, I may be weird, but I like brussel sprouts.  I do not get to eat them very often, but occasionally I will buy them in the frozen food section and put a cheese sauce over them.  Delicious!

7. Who would you nominate for man/woman of the year? 

Drew Brees -  Even though he was voted  Male Athlete of the Year he looks at himself as just a regular guy that takes a positive stand for faith and family values.  With his popularity he has chosen to use his influence in such a positive way and I cannot help but applaud him for that.  And, of course, it sure doesn't hurt that he's a good ole' Louisiana boy! 
 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 We will be celebrating Christmas with our two children and their families this evening.  Hubby and I look forward to sharing this special time each year and making  family Christmas memories.
Wishing for each of you wonderful Christmas memories!