Prom 2013

Today is Sunday, April 14, 2013. Yesterday was Nicole's Senior Prom; another "last" that I will remember as long as I live. This prom was especially memorable because both David and Nikki went. David has been out of high school since 2010 and never went to prom while he was a high school student. However, he went this year with his girlfriend, Shadi, who is graduating from high school with Nikki. It's hard to describe the pride I felt seeing my two youngest children dressed up and ready to go out last night. David is so handsome with his dark hair, fair skin and golden eyes. Nikki is also breathtakenly beautiful; tall, slender with light brown hair, green eyes and her father's golden skin. She's almost as tall as her brother! 

We began getting ready a few weeks ago shopping in the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. We went two days in a row and she finally found and bought a beautiful dress. Once she got the dress home, she proceeded to customize it to suit her taste buy removing the gold chain trim and replacing it with a gold stud trim, then adding a slit on the left side of the skirt. Those alterations gave the dress a very classy, understated look. She chose gold accessories and her shoes were black suede platform pumps with gold trim. Her dress, accessories, hair and make up reflected her taste and she looked so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. We spent yesterday morning getting her hair and make up done, then Chuck arrived and it was time for her to get dressed. Chuck is tall, dark and very handsome. He wore a classic black suit, white shirt and black bow tie; together they made a very elegant couple.

David rented his tux but, as luck would have it, the pants that came with the jacket and vest were not the ones he'd originally tried on. The pants were baggier and a size too large for him. At 3:30 he asked if we could go to H&M in the mall to see if we could find pants that fit him better and were more to his liking.  Luckily, my dear friend (who makes his living in fashion and has impecable taste) was here and able to go to the mall with us. David found the perfect pair of pants, we bought them and were home in an hour. He got dressed in his new pants, with the rented black shirt, vest and jacket and put on the turquoise tie that was matched to Shadi's dress. We went to Nikki's friends' house to take pictures of Nikki, Chuck and her friends, then drove back to our house to wait for Shadi and her friend.  The friend's date arrived about 5:15 and then he and David waited for the girls to arrive. The boys were a little nervous as they discussed how late it was getting. The girls finally arrived and they were gorgeous. Shadi is petite and her dress was very beautiful. She looked radiant as she posed by herself and with David for her mother, Candie and me. David looked very happy and proud of her. Finally the kids got into David's car and they left to take more pictures at a park.

Ray, my friend and I came in the house and started discussing dinner. All of a sudden, I realized how quiet the house was without the kids there, and that this was the last time I would prepare them for a prom and I started crying. Part of my tears came from the place in my heart that aches everytime my late husband misses a significant event in his kids' lives, and the rest were because the prom preparation experience was over forever. I'm reminded once again that "lasts" are just as special as "firsts" in children's lives. I'm grateful to be able to share experiences like this with my children and thank God every day for lending them to me to enjoy in this life.  Nikki's graduation is coming next month; this coming September will be the first time since 1980 that I'm not sending a child to school and my heart is hurting over the end of that phase of my life.

Please remember to celebrate the "firsts" and "lasts" in your life. God bless everyone, especially our troops and their families.

Time to Update My Profile?

After I put up my last post I caught a glimpse of my profile...I think it's time to update. I will do that as soon as I'm done here.

Firsts and Lasts

It's Thursday evening which means Ray is bowling. It seems like just last week that, when Ray would bowl I'd be home with the kids watching while they did homework or running to Target for something they need for school. My how things have changed! These days David is usually gone visiting his girlfriend or attending a Honda meet. My usual companions on Thursday nights are Nicole and her boyfriend Chuck. I really enjoy spending time with them; they get along well and seem to enjoy each other's company very much. I remember when I used to bowl with Ray. The kids would go with us and have dinner at the bowling alley. In between bowling I would go and sit with them. It was fun for a while but then they got a little older and started staying home while we bowled. It's amazing how quickly that happened; one day they were always with me and the next they were old enough to stay home. Sometimes I see young mothers treating their kids like little adults. It breaks my heart because they don't realize that much too soon your children are adults and all you have are memories of them. I believe that "firsts" are important memories for children but "lasts" are important memories for parents. "Lasts" are: the last time you change their diaper, the last time you carry your child on your hip, the last time you give them a bath. Celebrate the "firsts" but treasure the "lasts". On another note, I've been complaining to Ray lately that I don't have anything of my own. In order to avoid becoming a whiny, needy woman I've decided to dedicate more time to my blog. I like writing because I never know where it's going to end up. Tonight I sat at my computer and started with one subject and ended up writing about something else entirely. I hope if you're reading this you'll follow my blog and leave a comment every once in a while. Please continue to pray for our troops overseas. Be good to your loved ones and yourself. God bless you!

Update On My Life

When I started blogging a few years ago I decided to write about things that happened in my life, sharing my experiences and putting my thoughts about my life in writing. Then suddenly my life got incredibly busy and I didn't have time to think about my life, much less write about it. Well, now my children are almost adults, I'm a grandmother and there are times that I find myself at loose ends because I have nothing to do but watch TV. Time has passed by so quickly! Nicole is in her senior year in high school and we're preparing for her graduation. She was co-captain of the varsity volley ball team (she made the team her freshman year) and is currently coaching a youth team with her friend, Anyssa. She has a boyfriend (they've been together a year now) and a driver's license and a car! Thankfully, her boyfriend is a great guy and they get along well. I really like him, not only as her boyfriend but as a person. So far he's taken her to the prom and homecoming. It was really fun getting her ready for those events. Sometimes my heart hurts when I realize I will never again see my curly-headed 5-year old again. What I wouldn't give to spend a day with that little girl again. I actually have voice mails from her between the ages of 5 - 7 saved on my voice mail at work. Sometimes I listen to them just to hear that baby voice again. I wonder if there's a way to put them on a CD or something? My David is 20 years old now and out of high school. He reminds me of his father so much! He's had some ups and downs in his life but seems to be figuring things out so I'm pretty proud of him. He is hoping to get into a program at college to become a diesel mechanic. Cars have always been a huge interest for him and I'm happy that he will be able to make a living doing something he really loves. He has a girlfriend and she has been a positive influence in his life. I like her and I like when they spend time here at home with us. She recently invited him to the Sadie Hawkins dance at school...it was incredibly sweet and I'm looking forward to seeing them go. Graduation this year will be special because both Nicole and David's girlfriend will be graduating. Candie and Thomas are living close by now. Thomas left the Army after Noah was born and is now gainfully employed. Candie works part time and is an incredible mother to her son. They are looking for a house to buy and Noah is now a 4-year old little boy. While Candie was going to school for her EMT license, we had the pleasure of taking care of him until his daddy got off work. It was wonderful to spend evenings with him, watering the roses, palm trees and Lantana in the yard. He's so smart, loves the ocean and performing. I will have to devote an entire blog to Noah because the child is absolutely incredible! Rick and Mandy are still together and seem to be happy. They get along well and I'm grateful that they have made a nice life for themselves. This past Christmas I suddenly realized that all of my children are paired off and I had a wave of nostalgia thinking about what it was like before I met Ray, when the kids were all young. I can't close before saying a little bit about my life with Ray. We are preparing to celebrate out 8th wedding anniversary next month! We hope to renew our vows for our 10th anniversary (if we were younger we would wait until our 25th but we didn't get married until we were 51 so you do the math-LOL) I have to say, our life together just flows along. When we married we decided God would be first in our marriage and I think that's the secret. We are practicing Catholics, and somehow our faith seems to be cementing our relationship. I love spending time with him and never tire of talking with him about stuff. I am hoping to continue blogging on a more regular basis from now on. God bless everyone and please be kind to everyone you know.

Baby Desiree--Here At Last!

As promised, this is about the new addition to our family. She was born yesterday at 10:23 a.m. She weighed in at 7 lbs., 11 ozs. and her name is Desiree Adeline. How beautiful is that? We are all thrilled and can't wait to watch her grow and turn into the person she'll become. Desiree is the latest addition to the family that includes her parents and big brother, Daniel. May God bless them all!

On Baby Watch!

This morning I woke up to my cell phone ringing. My mind was still not quite awake but I instinctively picked it up and looked at it. When I saw it was my sister's cell phone number, my mind snapped awake and I answered with a little excitement. The reason for the call and my excitement is that my niece is in the hospital ready to deliver her second child! In my family every birth is viewed as an event. All the cousins gather around the prospective parents to oooh and aaah about all events in the pregnancy and the impending birth.

Like my dad before me, I view every new baby and a special gift from God to be cherished and loved. As thrilled as I am about every new baby born into our family, I still can't help but think about what my dad's reaction would be. He adored his grandchildren and would have been beside himself with joy about his great-grandchildren. I've often told Candie that my dad would be at Fort Irwin at least two weekends a month to see Noah. It's the cycle of life and death I'm discovering...the joys of a new life and the sadness of losing a loved one. It's odd to me how closely they are linked.

For now I'm focused on the birth of the new baby. When there is news, I will write about it. God bless all mothers and babies everywhere.

Summer Nights

At last today it began to feel like summer! We've had unusally cool weather this year and I'd started thinking summer would pass us by this year. On the 4th of July Ray, Nicole and I went to my sister's house to barbeque and watch fireworks at the local high school from the field behind her house. It was cool when we got there and by 7 p.m. we were sitting outside in sweatshirts freezing. We watched fireworks in bundled in sweatshirts and blankets, too!

Last weekend Ray finally got the pool ready so on Sunday we actually got in for the first swim of the season. It was great! I've always wanted a built-in pool and realized that if I lay on my floatie with my eyes closed, it feels exactly like a real live built-in. I'm almost ready to give up my dream of a built in pool and be happy with the little pool I have. Now that summer nights have arrived I look forward to sitting outside with Ray, watching the stars and talking about whatever comes to our minds. I treasure those evenings outside, lost in listening to him talk, exchanging ideas for our future and our hopes and dreams. This is our 10th summer together and we still haven't run out of things to say to each other during our summer nights outside in the driveway. I guess this is what a happy relationship is about. Here's to summer! Thanks, Lord, for all the blessings You've given me in my life. It's been a great ride!

Passages

It's July and we are days away from the birthdays of my two youngest children, Nikki and David. This is the year that David will turn 18 and Nikki will be 15. Wow, where did my babies go? Unlike their older brother and sister, these two were born to more "mature" parents. Dave and I were 38 when we had David and 41 when Nikki came along. Having experienced how quickly babies turn into young adults, I was determined to enjoy every moment of their lives. I'm happy to say that there has never been a regret or a dull moment involving these kids.

David recently graduated from high school and this achievement has filled him with confidence about his future. He has had a life-long love of cars and he's developed a lot of knowledge and ability when it comes to fixing them. I know he's also looking forward to getting his driver's license (his appointment is July 21 at 10:15 a.m.) At this particular moment he's teetering on young adulthood and I'm in the early stages of opening my hand to let this little bird test his wings. My heart is beginning to ache but it's time to give him over to the Lord and let him fly. Soon a new relationship with my son will begin to form and I'll be reminded that if you do a good job as a mother, your children leave your side and prosper on their own. It's one of the thorns of motherhood. I must remember to tell that to my daughter, Candie.

Nikki started high school last year and will begin her sophmore year on August 30. She loves sports (volley ball and softball), the beach and hanging out with her friends. She's a pretty normal kid, despite the fact that she is my baby and has been treated accordingly. I've loved watching her grow from a curly-headed toddler into the straight-haired teenager she is today. She has struggled with normal issues and a couple that most kids don't ever have to face, but she's come out on top. She's a good student, great athlete, and a sweet, loving daughter, sister and aunt. She will be my last child to graduate and I'm going to treasure each moment of her remaing years in high school.

I remember reading somewhere that you always remember the "firsts" but seldom remember the "lasts". As I grow older I realize that it's true. Maybe I will make a greater effort to remember the "lasts" these two children have. God bless everyone and cherish each moment of your life and the lives of your loved ones.

On Being a Grandma

One of the areas in my life that has changed dramatically is transitioning from "mom" to "grandma." How is it possible that I feel so young, yet am a grandmother? Happily, my darling Ray has helped me adjust to this new and very happy stage in my life. Being grandma to his grandpa actually feels good. We cherish every moment we have with our grandsons. I haven't had the opportunity to spend lots of time with Augie because he lives in Oregon with his parents. Despite the separation from him, I'm happy to be a part of his life and love that he knows who I am.

Noah lives a 2 hour drive away so I try and visit him at least once or twice a month. What I've noticed is how quickly children change. When Noah was born he looked just like his daddy. Now, he reminds me of his mommy, only in a different color. Noah has also grown like a weed this first year! He was so tiny when he was born such a short time ago. Now he's turning into a little boy before my eyes. He definitely knows who I am and has started calling me "G." His name for Ray is "Papa." Watching him run around my house gives me a good feeling. I thank God for every moment I have with this precious child He's entrusted to my daughter and her husband. Grandchildren are definitely a gift from God to be loved and appreciated.

Back to Blogging

It's been a very long time since I've even looked at The Jade Page. Things in my life have been going very well and I'm feeling particularly blessed these days.

Noah, my grandson, has reached the ripe old age of (almost) 18 months. How can I describe the feeling I get when I see his little face, feel his hand in mine, or listen to his laughter? I can't...the miracle of Noah is beyond description. I've watched him grow from a very tiny infant to a curious toddler before my eyes. Candice has also transformed from a young wife into a loving, nurturing mother. Watching her take care of Noah has made me realize that the gamble I took when I quit my job after she was born was well worth it. She is really, really good at taking care of her son! One of the things that especially impressed me was the way she taught Noah how to "sign" so he can express himself a little better. As a result, Noah is growing confident and good at letting us know what he needs and wants.

Thomas is still in the Army and due to separate later this year. However, the job market in tough these days and he is a responsible husband and father. He will not leave the Army until he's confident that he can support his family. I'm praying that he will find something soon so they can stay close enough for me to see them.

My youngest son, David, graduated from high school on June 10! He's never done anything the easy way and high school graduation was no exception. After spending half the school year at the continuation school, making up unearned credits, he beat the odds and was able to return to his regular high school in January. From then on, he had to work hard to maintain his grades and earn his credits to graduate. In order to do this, he even had to join the chorus and sing! He finally got word Friday before graduation that he'd passed his classes and would be allowed to walk with his class. I promptly got on-line, ordered his cap and gown (paid $45 for expedited shipping too) and then began to pray it would arrive on time and that it would be the right shade of blue. Thank God, it was! We got ready and left to get the boys (David and Gabe, my foster son) to Azusa Pacific University at 4 p.m. After we parked the car and made our way to the auditorium, the emotions began to hit me. Once the music started, my tears came fast and plentiful. I thought about taking him to kindergarten for the first time, the loss of his father 2 weeks later, and all the years in between then and now. I hope my late husband, Dave, is watching from Heaven and is happy with the way I've raised the children. Anyway, David accomplished a task that was nearly impossible and he graduated from high school with his friends on time! I'm so very proud of him. Thanks, Lord for all your help!

Please keep praying for our troops. I hope to blog a little more often than I have recently. In the mean time, God bless everyone!

The Water Wiggle

For a couple of weeks now I've been remembering something that happened when I was a girl and it was so funny I just have to memorialize it in my blog. First a little background...I was filling out one of those "get to know your friends better" surveys when the question came up, "What was your favorite toy as a child?" To be completely honest, I don't really remember playing with toys very much. I know I had some toys but the only toy I could really remember having was the Barbie game. I remember having fun playing it, but it really wasn't my favorite toy to play with, mostly because you had to have at least one other person to play the game with you.

Suddenly I remembered playing with a toy that was so much fun the memory brings a smile to my face to this very day. It was a Water Wiggle! I'm not quite sure where the Water Wiggle came from but my guess is that my Aunt Chita probably brought it home from work. It was a hot summer day and my best Beatle buddy, Marie, was staying at my grandmother's house with me. We were bored, hot and sitting on the front porch when my grandma and grandpa decided to hook the Water Wiggle up to the hose. If you're not familiar with a Water Wiggle, it was a tube that you attached to the water hose, then there was a cup-like piece of plastic with a silly face painted on it. The water shot up from the hose, into the long tube and then bounced off the top of the cup which made the water propel this contraption all around, shooting water everywhere the whole time. Marie and I were wearing capris and poor boy tops and we were, of course, barefoot. Once the water was turned on, the Water Wiggle wrapped around us, chased us and soaked us from head to toe. We were laughing so hard, the thing would wrap around us and we kept running around getting wetter and wetter! When we finally stopped, my grandparents were sitting on the front porch with tears running down their cheeks from laughing so hard. I'm not positive but I think my aunt was there as well.

I'm sure we were quite comical to watch and I wish we'd had a videotape of that event but there was no such thing in those days. Sadly, quite a few years later I heard they stopped manufacturing Water Wiggles because they were too dangerous. Maybe they were dangerous, but it didn't stop us from having a great time with that silly toy.

God bless everyone this Thanksgiving and please pray for our troops and their families.

November Sunsets

It's November again and I'm enjoying the sunsets through my office window. November sunsets are especially spectacular because of the various colors that are displayed in the sky. The setting sun causes a rich yellow gold and the clouds become tinged with various shades of pink and peach. The remaining sky takes on deep blue, light blue, grey and periwinkle. I've watched the November sunsets out of my office window for a few years now.

The first time I noticed a November sunset, I was struck by the beauty and was convinced the Lord had painted the sky with such beautiful colors as a present for me. As Novembers came and went, I began to look forward to the evenings when the "painted sky" would appear.

In November of 2004, I had just become engaged to my husband Ray. We were planning our wedding at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura, CA for February 2005. As I sat at my desk in my office I caught a glimpse of the November sunset and decided that the colors in the sky would be the colors at our wedding. This year, when I noticed the November sunset, I looked at a picture of my two daughters dressed in their bridesmaid's dresses and held it up against the sky. The two different shades of blue (sky blue for Candie and periwinkle blue for Nicole) matched the blues in the sky perfectly!

Now a few years have passed and Candie is living at Fort Irwin with her husband. We visited them last weekend and, late in the afternoon, a November sunset appeared. I was pleased that she had noticed the splendor of the sky herself and even took a picture of it.

Please take time to look at my November sunsets. You will not be disappointed! Please pray for our troops and their families.

Grandma-In-Waiting

Yesterday I spoke to Candie and was pleased to hear her routine doctor visit went well. She said the ultrasound showed that nothing had fallen off and the baby is still a boy. I'm glad to hear that, not because I have a preference between boy or girl, but because so many things we've purchased and made are geared for a boy.

This is such an exciting time. I remember being pregnant with my children like it was yesterday. In my lifetime I've given birth to 3 boys and 2 girls. My pregnancies with the boys involved lots of nausea and blotchy skin. With the girls, my hair grew long, thick and luxurious, my skin was aglow and I was never nauseated once. I know that the medical community would not agree, but I know my body definitely reacted differently depending on the sex of the baby.

My memories of all 5 pregnancies involve the excitement and anticipation of giving birth, then discovering what kind of personality each child had. The comforting thing for me is that, even as adults, each child of mine has the ability to put a smile on my face and bring joy to my heart just by being who they are.

I wish all the best for Candie, Thomas and their new little person. And I'm looking forward to getting to know the baby and, maybe, being able to add to his life experience. It's like God has given us a present to open slowly so we can savor every moment.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. With the Holiday Season coming upon us very soon, there are many who will be separated from their loved ones. They, especially, need our prayers and support.

My Year So Far

I realized that I hadn't posted anything since last January. I will update what's gone on so far this year.

On January 21, my husband was let go from his job. He began looking for a new one immediately. Then in May, we discovered that a hot water pipe to my shower had broken. Long story short, we had to undergo a complete demolition of both our bathrooms, mold/asbestos remediation, then reconstruction of the bathrooms as well as one wall in my daughter's room and one wall in the hallway. We spent 6 weeks at the local Best Western while all the work was taking place. Thank God Ray wasn't working and was able to rebuild both bathrooms with the help of some of his friends.

Also at the beginning of the year, I found out that Candie and Thomas were transferring from Hawaii to somewhere on the mainland. The possibilities included Colorado, Washington and Fort Irwin in California. On Mother's Day I was overjoyed to find out that they were being sent to Fort Irwin, which is a 126 mile trip from my house! It was a very good Mother's Day knowing that next year they will be home. Then on May 23, as I was getting my nails done, my cell phone rang with Candie's special ring. I answered and she said she had another surprise for me...she told me she was expecting a baby! It was just too good to be true-they were coming home to live and I am going to be a grandmother! The Lord has really smiled on me this year.

It's been a wonderful time looking forward to Candie and Thomas moving home and the new baby. We've since found out that it's a boy and appears to have all the necessary parts. Now that they're home, Candie is in "full bloom" and looking radiant, happy and healthy. Thomas is also looking forward to having his son and has been supportive and loving during this huge transition. They recently moved into their home at Fort Irwin, which is roomy and perfect for them.

Ray found a new job in September and was put to work immediately. He likes what he's doing and is busy learning all about his new company. This job is also two blocks from our home so it's very convenient. He is also busy studying for his contractor's license. I encouraged him to get his license because he enjoyed rebuilding our bathrooms so much. He is happy and I'm very grateful that I have him as a partner in life.

The lesson I've learned this year is to always trust that the Lord knows what He's doing. The dark cloud that appeared when Ray was let go from his job turned out to be a blessing and now every thing is better than it was before. Until next time, God bless you!

An Important Message

I received this in an e-mail and opened it today. It really made an impression on me because of the message. I hope you'll take the time to read it. Posting it here is my way of sending it on.

"Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. One night I took a fare at 2:30 am, when I arrived to collect, the building was dark except for a single light in a ground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once. But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase.

The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. "It's nothing", I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated". "Oh, you're such a good boy", she said.

When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It's not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice". I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. "What route would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, "I' m tired. Let's go now".

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair. "How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said "You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you."I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID, ~BUT~ THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL. You won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to ten people. But, you might help make the world a little kinder and more compassionate by sending it on."

Thank you, my friend...Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance. Please continue to pray for our troops and their families.

2008 So Far. . .

We're a week into 2008 and I've already taken action toward my New Year's resolution-I've gone back to Bulldog! Bulldog is the gym I joined almost four years ago. Back then I became a "regular" and I was in the gym 7 days a week, lifting weights and doing a minimum of 60 minutes of cardio exercise a day. I felt great, dropped 2 sizes and even developed a butt, not an easy task for someone who's genetically programmed to not have one. For a variety of reasons, I fell into a pattern of going on a hit-and-miss basis, then eventually I quit going altogether. Once I stopped exercising, the pounds just kept multiplying until I couldn't stand it anymore. In March of 2007, I decided I'd had enough and began a diet that has produced a 55-pound weight loss so far. I would like to lose another 30 to 40 pounds but realized that I needed help so I've added weight-training and cardio back into my life. I've also accepted the fact that losing the weight is the easy part; keeping it off is the real challenge. I plan to do so by exercising and developing more lean muscle to help keep my metabolism going. The motto at Bulldog is, "The only way to abuse your body by not using it". . .I love that!

Today as I sat at work and watched the winter sunset through the window in my office, another thought came to me. In February my husband and I will celebrate our third wedding anniversary. The reason the winter sunset brought that memory to me is because I watched the same type of sunsets through the same window right after we'd set a wedding date and that's how I chose the colors I used in my wedding. Seeing those colors in the sky once again made me feel happy inside because of the good memories of my wedding. I wish everyone could experience the kind of happiness I feel on a daily basis.

If anyone actually reads this blog, please feel free to comment. I would love to hear your New Year's resolutions or happy winter memories you have.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. God bless everyone!

Happy 2008!

Today is the last day of 2007. In fact, we only have a few hours left! I hope it was a good year for everyone. I also hope that whatever you didn't achieve in 2007 will be achieved in 2008.

Every year I wonder what will be different at this time next year. Whatever happens in the coming year, I'm sure I'll be able to handle both the good and the bad.

I wish everyone lots of happiness, success and contentment.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. God bless everyone!

Another New Year

It's been a long time since I've been able to write anything. For whatever reason, words escaped me and the stress I felt completely went against the relaxation I normally feel while I'm writing. I thought I give it a try again tonight to see what happens.

Tomorrow will be New Year's Eve and I'm already wondering about what changes will take place in the coming year. 2007 was overall a pretty good year. Candie survived her first test as a military wife, the deployment of Thomas to Iraq. She grew into quite a strong woman, but then she comes from a long line of strong, independent women. It seems to be a trait that comes from my mother's side of the family. Thomas returned to her in October and it was a joyous time in her life. I'm proud of my son-in-law and daughter. I hope 2008 will see their love and marriage grow stronger with every passing day.

During this year I also gathered up all the willpower I possess and began a new diet and exercise regimen which resulted in a 55-pound weight loss. Part of my success comes from the fact that, rather than being driven by appearance, my motivation came from the desire to be the healthiest I can be. I've also accepted the fact that losing the weight is the easy part; maintaining my ideal weight will be harder. However, I'm up to the challenge and I can honestly say I'm happiest when I'm exercising on a daily basis, whether I'm lifting weights or walking.

In September, the entire family rejoiced over the birth of my niece's son, Daniel. Daniel is my mother's first great grandson. My sister is now a grandmother! I have become "Aunt Grandma".

There were heartaches this year, too. My friend, Doug, lost his son in August and his sorrow is still overwhelming at times. If I could, I'd take away his sadness. I pray that he will experience a little relief in the coming year. Also, my father-in-law, Albert, passed away after a short battle with cancer. I didn't get to spend as much time with Albert as I would have liked, but I'm very thankful that he and my husband reconciled shortly before Albert's passing.

Overall, it's been a good year filled with a little sorrow, laughter, good times and growing friendships. I'm grateful for the new friends I've made, the new level of friendship I have with friends I've known and the health and happiness of my family. I pray that 2008 will be a good year for everyone I know. I thank God for the gift of such a wonderful, happy life.

God bless our troops and their families. Ease their pain at being separated from their loved ones and bring them all home safe.

Let's Say Thanks

Let's Say Thanks

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! My son-in-law is home from Iraq with my daughter and I'm very grateful for that. However, I am having a difficult time remembering that there are so many of our troops still overseas. I've been sending postcards to our troops through the "Let's Say Thanks" web page. I've included a link here for you to follow. Please consider doing this as many times as you'd like. In fact, I have it saved it to my "Favorites" and go to it often. It won't cost you anything but the time it takes to type your name, city and message!

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families, especially now during the Christmas season.

The Fall Season - Once Again!

Now that the time has officially changed from my beloved daylight savings time to standard time, fall is officially upon us. I love the spring and summer months because of the activity and anticipation of new adventures. However, this fall has already brought some interesting changes in my life.

First was the arrival of Thomas from Iraq. Candie, and many other Army families, had been anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones, almost since their deployment in August 2006. Then midway through the deployment came word that the deployment had been extended. I was proud to see my daughter recover from her disappointment and continue to be a source of encouragement and comfort to her husband, Thomas. Now that he has finally returned they will be able to live and love as a married couple again. It's a reminder to me that she is a grown, independent woman now.

The other change in my life was one that I'd thought about as a vague possibility someday, but was totally unprepared for. This past Halloween was the first since 1975 that I was not out trick-or-treating with one of my children! Not that my youngest didn't trick-or-treat, she just went with her friends and one of their moms. It was her first move toward independence from me. I must admit, this development left me with mixed emotions! I often joke with my younger kids, telling them that when I had them, they'd promised not to grow up but they did anyway. My poor husband tried his best to comfort me, but I was beyond being consoled. So, in order to fill the evening, we attended the vigil mass for All Saints Day then went to Target. Life, it seems, goes on and we either sink or swim with each life-changing moment. Personally, I've always chosen to swim so next year will probably dress-up in some sort of costume and hand out candy.

Please continue to pray for our troops and their families. They need extra prayers now that the holidays are close at hand.