Goodbye Little One's

College is very nice, but little nieces are too small to go, so little girls kiss me goodbye. Children wrap their little arms around me for a hug. Than I leave and I cry, because I love my nieces and nephews, but I would rather hurt for missing them, than to have never have known them at all.

There is just something...

very nice about siblings...








...even when they are bigger than you, because than they are wiser than you.

All this because....

Two people fell in love


Happy 43rd Anniversary mom and dad.

Through the Fog

Looking at the fog covered mountain reminded me of something, my goal. Right now I sometimes feel like I'm living in a state of fog. Only able to know a small portion of what lies ahead. Everything else is simply black and unknown. Being at school has been different, somewhat like I've imagined and yet so very new at the same time.

Life has been very wonderful. At last I have a sister that sleeps on the other side of the room. And even more close by. Giggles and more giggles echo out of the windows late into the night. Friendly teasing make one feel very at home. Teasing may look like its disliked but on the contrary I love it. By the way did you know Ramon Noodles grow in NE? You may harvest beef or chicken.

Jesting isn't the only spirit lifter. When a person who failed their English placement test told me of their 48% score I felt ever so much better.

Feeling good can't always be. Giggles from tiny lips ring in my ears making me wish they were close by. An opportunity to just to talk with my parents is longed for. The bond that only siblings have is longed for. Moments like this make me sad to the point of tears. Then I wonder why.

Why am I here? Eleven hours away from home, possibly missing the holidays because of the awful distance. Other reasons swirl through my brain but I silence them. Right now I live in a haze of fog not knowing what will come with each new day. However I can see the top of the mountain. The triumph of finishing a school year and finishing it in God's strength. I cannot see the way through only a few steps ahead. God does so I will only follow knowing He will take me to the top.

I remember this truth and let it wash away the hurt. My family will always be missed but even they are far God is so near. Just this thought makes me smile as I proceed into another day of very fun and random collage life.

Home is Where the Heart is

Every house that posed a “For Sale” sign I imagined what it would be like to be welcomed into when coming home from collage. Mom and Dad were house hunting the other night. The thought dreaded at one time turned into a rather fun evening.

I’ve known for a long time that the farm where I cherish many memories will soon no longer be my home. Mom and Dad will be entering a new stage of life soon, one that does not include the farm.

Our farm given to us by God flourished under dad’s care. Long ago are the days where I rode the combine watching the wheat stalks disappear. Faintly I can remember the day it was sold signaling the end of crop production for our farm In more recent thoughts I can still remember feeding the hogs and best of all “sorting” hogs. One of my favorite activates but those soon came to an end as well along with the disappearance of plentiful pork products. Now just a few days ago the last load of cattle made their way to market. Never again will I bottle a baby calf something I never thought I would miss. Hay is being put up thus the old John Deere keeps putting a long. Before long it too will be silent. An era started over 20 years ago is coming to a close.

Change is not something I often welcome. Sometimes I wish mom and dad could live here forever. I imagine bringing home a young man to show the farm. Letting my children see the animals. I want to be able to always walk in the prairie grass letting only the gentle wind fill my ears. Yes I am sad to leave the farm yet I can only look forward to the next home with anticipation.

Though I will remain a farm girl at heart I think the town not so bad. Neighbors will be readily available to reach out too. Convenience will be very nice, who wouldn’t want Wal-Mart at their finger tips? Town streets are rather quiet too and provide ample walking space. Even smooth pavement for bike riding. Best of all I know that where ever my parents dwell it will always be home simply because they are there.

Home is not a farm, place, or house. It’s the place that rings with laughter, jokes, tears, and love. People, the one’s you love turn a cold strange house into a loving home. Naturally I will be sad to leave this house I’ve known for 19 years. I will miss it greatly but will not allow the pain of losing something to overtake the joy of a new thing. Home is not leaving and it never will.

Gone...but only from Our Sight

I watched as the hearse slowly pulled out of our driveway. Grandma was leaving what had been her home for the last several years for the last time. In truth she had left hours before when took her last breath and at long last met her Savior face to face. Her body in deteriorating shape was no longer a prison but now only shell; having served grandma very well during her 96 years of life.

I felt very selfish during the days and hours following that beautiful Sunday morning. I wished to see grandma's face light up once more as I stopped in for a visit. I wanted to scoop up the frail hand and let's its warmth fill my heart one more time. Times like those are gone now. Sorrow and joy are left in their place. Lots of joy.

How can we help but rejoice. I imagine that grandma's smile never leaves her face now. Grandma is running with the children that left this earth before they could even be named. There is the One who knew grandma better than any of us. Grandma sought after Him her whole life always looking for a opportunity to follow the Lord's command. Whether it was passing out tracks with her home baked cookies on Halloween. Serving faithfully for years at the Source of Light Bible Correspondence school. Or just the chance to worship with other believers. Grandma now is spending every possible moment with the Lord she longed for all her life. Just the tinniest thought of what Grandma is doing now makes me happy. Yet there is sorrow.

Moments are long gone of stories shared from the past. I miss eating the yummy bakery items from her fridge. Late night visits because everyone else was in bed I found very comforting. Good night kisses were the best because I rarely got them anywhere else. Grandma was notorious for frugal ways. Living through depression meant grandma knew how to make the most of everything.

At first glance it may have appeared grandma lived a life of not enough, but that is what the world would see. Riches, grandma had more wealth than most her age. When grandma slipped away to glory 10 children, 48 grandchildren, and 95 great grandchildren mourned her death. Grandpa who waited patiently 2 years to marry his bride welcomed grandma along with 2 of the children gone before.

Memento's to remember grandma have been bestowed on us but it's just stuff that one day we too shall leave. No the real treasure is vibrantly living and breathing. Carrying on grandma's legacy until we shall meet triumphantly meet in the clouds.

A christian legacy means more than looking back and remembering the blessings of our loved one's life; it also means looking ahead and recognizing that our loved one has gone before us and given us a pathway of faith to follow.
Roy Lessin

Grandma enjoying breakfast with one of her great granddaughter's.

Special Things

Birthday's are so very special because its the one's most special to that make you feel so loved.

You know what my friends did, who could ask for dearer friends! But you don't know that my daddy took me out on date last night for ice cream. Forcing him to stay up long into the wee morning hours to study his Sunday school lesson. A certain very special somebody called to wish me happy birthday. My day was fairly brimming over after a delightful meal with my aunts with lovely gifts. One special little journal traveled all the way from Africa! Thinking perhaps my fill of celebration was had I felt very light and happy and chattered blissfully away with my brother. Only to be interrupted with a visit from the family I used to help with another birthday surprise. Perhaps was this how how someone feels when they are pardoned. So very undeserving.

My present chapter in life is not over. Someday I will shall with you thoughts only a precious few have heard. Proclaiming what a glorious thing God had done.

For now I am acutely reminded of God's wondrous grace. Do I dare question God as to why He prompted to all of these very many people to bless in me in such a way? I cannot begin to fathom God's mercies or grace. Only can I seek to tell all will listen who this God is. Sharing of a gift taken already me to give again. Selfish would it be for me to keep it to myself.

Thank you to everyone who gave words, thoughts, gifts, and time.

Thank you to my Lord who saved me with His grace.

To my Big Sister on her Birthday

Written May 12, 2009

Today is my sister's birthday I suppose I should write out 25 things for her like I did my brother. However my sister is not 25 and writing out a thing for each year would disclose the age. Really it is a great many things for which I don't have the time at this moment. Memories cannot be counted for I think the be many more than the few I'm about to share.

I came into the world just 5 short weeks before Charlene's wedding. Thus I felt in my younger years that I was being raised by two mothers. At the time the fact was probably resented but now I feel very appreciated to be able to have the extra advice that few girls such as myself get to have.
Charlene in many ways treated me as her own daughter. I spent many wonderful occasions staying at her home and playing with my nieces who reside close in age to myself. For a person such as myself who loved traveling and packing it was terribly exciting to spend the overnight and someone else's house. Breakfast of course was the best part. Cold cereal was reserved for Sunday's at our house. Usually it was just cornflakes and maybe Raisin Bran. Charlene however kept her cupboard well stocked with things like Apple Jack's and Frosted Shredded Wheat and many others that were all sugar coated. To me it was like eating in candy land now I hear they serve up smoothies with homemade yogurt. I do believe I think I would like those just as well. Especially since I have grown more healthy with my age as my sister did.

I mentioned above how Charlene stepped up sometimes to the role of mother. I'll never forget the times she kindly passed on advice to me. Often in such a subtle way that it felt not even noticeable yet at the same time I knew it was very needed. Charlene gave many things to me, I know when I look her she someone truly knows how to be joy giver instead of a taker. I know where the joy comes from though, straight from God.

Give, Charlene has gave and gave for my life and so many others. By far one of the bestest one's were her two oldest daughters. I think they make great sisters! Special birthday's and Christmas's and just because. The beautiful photo collage made for my graduation. Favorite books, half my collection comes from Charlene's alone!. Ideas given turned into plans by me. Helps with my first make-up application. So many tangible things yet so very much of something that appears in words, actions, and gifts only. Love. I found I can't say anything but...

Thank you.
Happy Birthday from your youngest sister. I hope so very much that when I've had many birthdays like you I will have learned wisdom enough to fill a fine treasure chest.

My sisters and I at Charlen's wedding. Guess which one I am:)

Oh the Life of a Farm Girl

I've been helping out with the cattle chores of late. Apart from the fact I'm strongly tempted to feed the bovine in my pajamas I don't mind it all. Perhaps I don't look like a farm girl as another farm boy once pointed out to me many years ago, but I do my best to fill the part when necessary. With three brothers I lived the life of leisure of cooking enormous meals and washing filthy clothes. As they left it was time for me to fill their shoes. Pun attended, I never got my own coveralls and rubber boots. My brothers old one's worked fine.

I liked it best when I got to sort hogs. This may sound anomalous but I rather enjoyed sorting the fat piggy’s on their way to market. Granted I did enjoy cleaning up afterwards as well. Just a small side note, If you happen to get pig manure (i.e. poop) on your bedroom carpet do not judge the severity of the stain by smelling the pile at close range. Just ask my mom, she nearly fainted after doing so.

Another piece of advice as well if you are short in physique beware that the pigs may want to escape using any possible route including the opening between your legs. Let me put it this way when a pig runs under a short person there is simply not enough room for both. Therefore you might find yourself in the position of taking up hog riding for a living. I am still not sure how much money we lost by not getting this endeavor on video.

Though I'm not sure I always made a very good farm girl I loved being on the farm. The combine has been sold for many years now but I can still remember how much fun harvest was. Chewing on the fresh wheat kernels before enjoying an afternoon lunch. Getting those delightful suckers from the Co-op. Riding in the cab of the combine and even more fun standing on the running board. Admittedly I must say I never had the experience of having to haul the grain in the truck. Sisters and in-laws have a few stories about such experience. Trucks do have a funny way of stalling on the grain scales. But I've said too much.

Even were there the times when I had my own livestock to chore. I spent a whole winter tending to my two little piggies. Faithfully giving them water even when I had to break the ice on bitter winter days. Spending hours stuck in the feed bin because those things are terribly hard to get out of. All for $60, I thought that was appalling little compensation for all the trouble I had gone to. I decided never to repeat that entrepreneur ever again.

I fared better with the bottle calves. I didn't mind so much making the bottles and delivering morning and night. I found their noses to be quite slimy and nasty when rubbed all over me. When the milk spilled it did make me cry and have less than nice thoughts for the dear calf. I relished the fact of position as a milk maid and secretly longed for a cow to milk.

I must say that this sounds like I had an awful time on the farm. This is true. However character lessons were learned that you just can't find anywhere else. They say the farm never leaves a person. And I think it’s true. Every time I eat beef or pork I feel very smug to know its sitting on my plate and not out in the pen waiting to be fed.

This World Shall Pass Away

This blog absence is most inexcusable I know. Perhaps some day I will write more often with a vengeance. For now the days are busy and right now very hard.

My uncle had surgery yesterday. For weeks already the doctors have suspected cancer. That dreaded word. The disease that took the life of my uncle. Cancer that flipped the lives of our family upside down, five times. And now yet again we find ourselves faced with the reality that we live in a fallen world. The doctors were unable to remove the cancer yesterday. Seven children heard the awful news about their father yesterday. Cousins, aunts, and uncles all around the world grieved.

Yet our Lord is faithful. We have hope, pain and sorrow may be our reality right now but someday it won't. Someday we will worship at the feet of Jesus forever. Knowing it was all so worth it.

The road ahead will not be easy for my aunt. Please pray. They have seven children and 7 soon to be 9 grandchildren. My uncle has 11 siblings, 2 already waiting in heaven. Including his twin brother.

"Neither shall there be any more pain".
Revelation 21:4

Just Saying Hello

I'm not entirely sure that anyone actually reads this blog however readers is not the point developing writing skills is. Mother always says that every writer likes to have an audience. Quite true.

So here is a post for my grand audience of three people:)

My nieces and nephews were over the other day. They toiled the day away on our lawn playing games that only come from the spark of the imagination. By late afternoon they still had endless energy and slight sunburns.

My nephew of three years came and told me that grandma said that he could have another cupcake. You don't say? I thought to myself. I told them that there were none to give as they had been devoured. I didn't tell him I was sure he was telling falsehoods.

We had our annual egg hunt as well after dying the eggs. Egg salad was served for lunch minus four them that remained unfound in the garden.

Crispy oven baked chicken was our supper menu tonight. I got the recipe from a very dear friend of mine. Find it here and then make it. You may be assured that your family will be very happy.

Later we are having warm apple crisp just because my dear big brother will be home for Easter weekend. Loveliness.

Prayer as always is a good thing. A few things on my list.

My uncle who is facing a possible cancer diagnosis
My friend's husband who is dying of cancer
Frontier School of the Bible, very possible that their school may be closed.
Myself, it feels selfish but I'm in the process of sorting a few things out in life.

There may be more than 3 of you, I really do hope so:) Just so you know I love all of you so very much, thanks for putting up with all this gibberish and spelling errors.

25 for my Big Brother's 25th Birthday

If your on Facebook you have seen the recent craze of 25 things notes. Well I decided I would write a special one dedicated to my brother and I on his birthday.

1. My brother and I are 6 years apart in age. Which makes me think he’s like really big and I’m really little.

2. Ben communicated exclusively by fighting growing up. I of course always won.

3. We don’t clash anymore except for when it comes to the virtues of eating salad vs. the deviousness of steak.

4. During a particular boring moment during school one day Ben stole the teacher’s red pen and drew underneath his toes nails giving the appearance that blood seeping from them. Then announced a trip the ER was in order. Mom was very smart of course and saw right through it. I still laugh about it to this day.

5. One sunny day Ben and I went out to play hide and seek. Wanting to make it easy on my brother I told him where I would be hiding. Ben was kind enough to inform that when you hide you don’t tell your hiding spot. I knew he always would make a good FBI agent.

6. I don’t like to brag but if weren’t for me Ben wouldn’t like chocolate. After years of scraping the chocolate layer off of the ice cream cake for his birthday Ben finally gave in and admitted that chocolate is heaven on earth. If Ben were here I would make him a chocolate ice cream cake.

7. A sprained ankle laid Ben up for a few days. I despised the extra attention given to him. Now I clean the house just for his arrival home. and even bake pie

8. Ben used to pay me to clean his room. I found organizing a guy’s room to be most boring but the pay was nice.

9. Ben will make a good husband some day because well he knows a girl needs certain items. He has been known to take me home get a forgotten item or bring my purse when I left it.

10. Banana shake always has been a shared favorite. One day Ben was making it with many more bananas than milk. The blender couldn’t handle such a load so Ben tried rousing it causing the concoction to “burp” all over the kitchen. Thankfully mom was out of the house at this point in time and still doesn’t know of the hasty redecorating of her kitchen.

11. I was a business partner to Ben in his chicken business. Which meant I fed and washed the eggs and Ben just kind of took care of the profits. I’m still ever so grateful to this day that Ben “forgot” to close the coop door thus leaving the chickens to their death and I to my happiness of never having to wash eggs again.

12. During school we would constantly be involved in cat and dog fights. Prompting mother to instruct us not to speak to each other. Thus causing me to commit the sin of getting angry at Ben for talking to me.

13. If I gave Ben a $1 for every time he gave my advice he would be living in a condo on a Florida beach.

14. Ben always has delighted in killing snakes and then showing me the carcasses. I was never impressed.

15. Ben left home 2 weeks after I got my learners permit thus he has never ridden with me. What a wimp!

16. My brother and I would never make it to “American Idol” singing a duet in fact we probably couldn’t sing on the same key together not to mention the right note even if you paid us.

17. When Ben would entertain his friends I thought it was cool to hang out them. They didn’t. I’m still embarrassed to this day when I think about the pesky little sister I ahem used to be.

18. People say that we look alike but they have overlooked the fact that Ben is nearly a foot taller than me and has irresistible short curly hair. And most importantly sports a beard. Do I look like I have a beard?

19. Ben is the only person in my life that will listen to me for an extraordinarily long time on the phone. Uttering only the few words that are necessitated.

20. Ben and I call each other….well never mind.

21. Ben has a real heart for children and is a stellar teacher nearly idolized by his people’s. During my 8^th grade year I helped teach a Good News club with him and I always got to do the verse. Twas Ben that started me down my lifelong path of children’s work.

22. Ben has laid down quite a few rules concerning me and guys which are entirely too strict and Ben will therefore be notified of such a relationship by form of a wedding invitation.

23. Levels of spiritual discipline are displayed by Ben in every area of life. I feel compelled to brag about him to my friends because he is just an incredibly good guy.

24. My nieces frequently tell me I need to marry Ben; I smile and tell them that wouldn’t work because it just would be gross. I smile and wish that I would meet Ben’s carbon copy so their matchmaking avowal could be fulfilled.

25. Ben is 25 today which makes me feel so little to have a brother so very old. But that’s okay because than he is all the wiser with wisdom to surpass down to me.

Her Children will Call Her Blessed

Today my mother is celebrating a very special day, her birthday. I won't tell which one but it is far more than the 18 years I have known her. Five weeks after giving birth to me my mother was not only a new new mother but a mother of the bride. Just a few years later mother proudly took on the role of grandma. Thus mother wears many hats. Each one displays sacrificial love on her part. Putting others first, ahead of her own wishes.

Nearly every Sunday our congregation is blessed by the music my mother plays. Offertories, impromptu specials, choir numbers, you name and mom can play it.

I see mom drop everything to be with her grandchildren. No matter how messy the project, time consuming or complex. Eagerly mom will make sure each child gets to participate. Even though it will mean losing a whole night of sleep the grandchildren are almost ordered to come over for a sleepover. Children obviously are something to care and enjoy in mother's point of view. Instilling in myself a prime example of motherhood.

Even while parenting three generations of children mom takes time out of each day and sometimes all day to honor both of her mothers. By birth and by marriage. Mom will rearrange her whole schedule to make sure their needs are met. Letting me see that truly it is more blessed to give than receive.

All this mother does because she loves her friends and family. All this I see and makes me love my mother.

We all have hero's, old and modern day. We admire those people for their great acts of courage. Daring feats and trust in God. Our mother's often fall first on our list because we get to watch them live life every day. Learning from their mistakes and teaching us lessons they were taught by the Lord. And that's why I think my mommy is the best in the world!

Happy Birthday Mom!

"Oh Brother"!

I am the baby of the family. Coming along shortly before me sister's wedding I served as a flower girl twice before I was three in both of my sisters weddings.

So I was left to fend for myself with my three brothers.

Life is perhaps very different for someone with just brothers. You might call it disgusting, triple recipes, or even enlightening. Lessons are being learned from my male siblings, I haven't stopped learning them either. Who was the one who taught me just how to measure the success of a belch?

I always know to what to use for a pillow case when none is available thanks to my brother. Ever tried using a t-shirt for one? Use one that says "Panama" and your sure to have exotic dreams.

Though the table is rarely graced by my bothers presence any more I still double recipes resulting in many meals to come. Ben comes home and he's eating peanut butter to fill up because I forgot to make enough. I still haven't received my fill of chick flicks since I never got to watch them growing up. Occasionally the rule was broken and my brothers pronounced them just silly.

My brothers would sternly warn me about sashaying about in large cites alone. Ever vigilant for their little sister making sure I stayed safe and had lots of fun. Thoughtfully my brothers include me in their circle of friends. Planning parties for our circle of friends because theirs are mine. Giving me a 16th birthday party with the infamous "bubble gum" skit") Enriched my social life is because I have big brothers.

Living with boys is perhaps great wife training. Guy's are quite different from girls I already know that. Why I would never drive home across lawn instead of the driveway. I'm sure there was a good reason, surely there must or they wouldn't do it all the time.

I think I know far more about dating and marriage than Josh Haris's siblings. It was my brother who passed along the information on getting to know that special someone. Was my brother who told me it's okay to want to be married. Dear brother who assured me that matchmaking would happen very frequently to me:) My brother told me the inside secret to life. Brothers never let on that they mind when their little sister talks their ear off for hours. Brothers give advice straight and too the point, just the way it needs to be heard.

So I thank my big brother for all the life lessons. Even the gross one's, especially for the humorous one's. And thanks for always reminding me of the important one's.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve for me is even more special than Christmas day. The night St. Nick is zooming around the earth on his sleigh we are already being given our gifts. Christmas eve is as Traditional as Fiddler on the Roof's "Tradition.

Morning and afternoon is pretty much a normal farm work day for the household. I stir up eggnog while listening to "A Christmas Carol". Tradition was strict when it came to supper, sub sandwiches is the meal enjoyed every year. My brothers prepared the meal while mom and I wrapped last minute presents. We would linger over the very simple yet delirious meal. One year the talk was of the family Christmas present. The boys had been informed of the gift and talked about till I almost cried. Finally when I was informed I was appalled to learn it would be clippers to cut the boys hair with. To this day I haven't even been allowed to touch the clippers:)

Following the meal dad shares a devotional and the Christmas story. A few times I even obliged my family with special music. A tradition long since given up:)

Mom never uses wrapping paper, bags fashioned out of Christmas fabric sewn by mother herself hold gifts nicely. There was always the family bag, filled with an assortment of gifts, where we would each take turns reaching in and pulling something out. Two of the more memorable gifts I remember was the beautiful rocker still cold from being hidden in the Garage. Heida my "last doll" mom told me, accompanied me everywhere for many Christmas to come. Dressed always in the latest fashions from mom's sewing machine.

The real fun came after the bottom of the tree was emptied. I brought out the eggnog topped with fresh whipped cream and dusted with nutmeg. Our traditional Chex Mix, cheese ball, and other goodies, made for quite a succulent feast! Our plates filled we would sit back and watch "It's a Wonderful Life". Laughing at all the punch lines as if we had never heard them.

Before I went to bed in my new pajamas my brothers and I would see the night out playing games. Listening to the Christmas songs of old.

Every Christmas Eve I remember going to bed so happy. I had spent the day with family to me that was the best Christmas present ever. Twas the night before Christmas that found our family laughing, talking, and enjoying one another.

Deck the Halls

Christmas, the word to so many people means memories. Family celebrations, special traditions, memorable gifts, so many precious thoughts. This week I thought I would share with you some of my Christmas memories. I shall start with one of our traditions, decorating my grandma’s house for Christmas.

My family would journey to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. Literally we went over the hills through the woods to Grandma’s house. Upon arrival we walked through the door, my brother would promptly turn on the football game. I went to find grandma in kitchen preparing the meal. Various other relatives and friends would join us for the holiday. Later in the afternoon mom and dad went home. But not us children, no we got to stay at grandma’s house for two nights! Our job would be to help grandma trim the tree. We started that very night by putting up Grandma’s ceramic Christmas tree. Then
Grandma and I would venture out to see if any Christmas lights were up. Usually there were a few. Morning brought three eager young workers ready to do whatever needed done. After we enjoyed the rare treat of cold cereal smothered in sugar energy would stream through us to put to use in decorating. Christmas music piped from the stereo as we dug out the decorations from the basement. Before long we had decked the halls and even the porch. We would help grandma with various other odd jobs throughout the day. When evening came Grandma prepared our traditional supper, waffles with white sauce and sausage. A real treat since waffles usually were not on our menu at home.

Grandma and I again would drive around to look at lights after meal. This time we would be delighted to find more to gaze at. Upon returning to grandma’s house we spent the evening playing games while Christmas played in the background. Before bed ice cream was served a treat enjoyed quite frequently at grandmas!

As we exited the door grandma would slip us spending money for our pockets for our “hard” work. The trim stood ready and trimmed beckoning us to return for Christmas day. Celebrating Christmas with Grandma started at Thanksgiving and finished at Christmas. Now grandma’s house is gone, no room is there for the fancy decorations. However the memories of the annual decorating party will linger and remain in my heart forever.

A Different Kind of Friend

Saturday I had the privilege of attending our first Christmas gathering. Really this was my grandma’s cousins, however through the years my mom’s cousins started coming. And since I go everywhere with mom I was there as well. I probably “hang out” around the “older” generation more than most young folks my age. While I pretend to complain about my lack of socialization, I secretly enjoy it.

Everyone warmly gave their greetings to me when I arrived. Compliments were passed out on my hairstyle “that made me look older”:). Some wondered if perhaps I was on a diet do to the fact I just picked at the main dishes. Truth was I was saving room for the chocolate. Yes, Nestle chocolate straight from Switzerland! Life doesn’t get any better. Oh those truffles are the best; I must say I ate my fair share. You must be proud of me that I resisted the urge to stash some away in my purse to take home:).

Then there were the door prizes, being the only person under 50 I got to draw the number. So I promptly drew my own:).

What can I say, I may have more friends over 60 than under 20 but it sure does have its perks:). Me thinks that I have a very special bonus that most teenagers don’t have. Dinning and laughing with people who will listen to my life then tell me about theirs. Then we will laugh together and talk about how good the Lord is. Seniors and chocolate truffles make a splendid combination I do dare say.

It's Begining to look a lot like Christmas...Part 2

Mom and I delighted in trimming the tree this Christmas season. Every light and decoration was placed to perfection. We coordinated it red in gold this year.


This a vintage ceramic Christmas tree that belonged to my Grandma. Thanksgiving evening Grandma would bring it up from the basement and put it up. It was the first decoration to go up and the first one to go down. Surrounding the tree are some toys from my mom's cousin passed on of her childhood. Grandchildren are allowed to play but with caution:)

Christmas past of my childhood brings memories of playing the rocking horse collection. Often the horses suffered of broken limbs:) Now they are carefully placed out of reach of little hands.

Sitting on the kitchen bay window is our Christmas dishes. Plates are a thrift store find and the gold rimmed tea cups came from Germany. I believe they came from my grandma.

It's Begining to look a lot like Christmas...Part 1

We decorated the house for Christmas this past Tuesday. This year it was extra fun because my brother Ben was home to help. Dad put up the tree and Ben offered help when it came for getting the lights working. Mom and I put up the other decorations. We ended our evening with sugar cookies and white chocolate punch served out of Christmas tea cups. Hot cocoa would have been more fitting but the thought didn't occur to my absent mind:)

This nativity scene is very antique, so we've been told. Years past Ben and I used to fight over who got to put it up. I was so pleased that he was here for the first time in four years to put it up. I didn't let out a peep...well not too loud of a one anyway:)

Here is the tree, notice we are going green literally. With a very green tree:) Actually we decided it needed more lights. I find the tree looks rather Grinch like at the moment:)