Turkey day Recap

We had a very nice Thanksgiving at my Mom's house. The kids got to hang out with their cousins.

Preston, Delaney, Teionna, Roo and Butter.

I was so glad I got to love on these sweet faces.

The younger ones decided to put on a show.

 Here are Preston and Roo telling knock knock jokes, Roo was using the stethoscope for a microphone, he couldn't stop laughing. Most of the jokes were made up by them, so only they got it. Preston is a ham, He could have his own reality show!

 Delaney and Butter sang for us, Butter said she was too shy...It is good to see the girls together.

 My sister was there, she actually agreed to take a picture with Mom and I. Mom is having heart issues and it worries me that time is fading.

 Don't let the smile fool you Sherri wasn't happy to do it.  Mom called me today to tell me Sherri is mad again... I won't go into it all. I am thankful that Mother and I see eye to eye and heart to heart. I only wish God would open Sherri's heart, heal her wounds and absolve her anger.

I asked Tee to take some pictures for our Christmas card photo. Here is just a peek:

It was freezing cold, but everyone cooperated so it didn't take long for me to be satisfied.

Giving Thanks.

While we get ready to start our Thanksgiving traditions:

Watching the Macy's Parade

Traveling over the river and through the traffic to Grammy's house

Stuffing our gizzards with roast turkey, yams, cranberries, pumpkin pie

Watching the Lions take on the Patriots

And the Cowboys & the Saints...

I am thankful:

 That I am the mother of these two amazing kids. It's not me that made them amazing, they were born that way, and becasue they were born that way they teach me how to be a patient, kind, adoring mother.

I am thankful:

 That time has been healing for my Mother and I. We have been able to let go of things and embrace each other right where we are. Love really is patient.

I am thankful:

That this man is by my side everyday. Life is tough, but there is no one I'd rather go through it with then Rob.

These are my top 3 blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

And when the dishes are cleaned and put away, look through your recipe box!

It's a cookie exchange ya'll!

Buzz over to Sara's and get your button!

What?! Four bullet lists?

I haven't been posting lately. Frankly, I haven't been doing much of anything lately unless you count what's on the bullet list;

• loosing my patience
• getting headaches in the afternoons on a daily basis. (Could this be my one cup coffee consumption??)
• dreading gatherings, other then our small group.
• Wishing it already were January.
• irritated at my husband for NOT doing something I think HE should do.
• irritated that certain prayers go unanswered.
• feeling an overall sense of discontent with our country, our finances and my life.

That last one sounds harsh, so I'll put it in perspective.

I DO have a "friend" visiting this week; And I want something GREAT to happen.

Like, oh I don't know, maybe we could win the lottery and write that $3 million dollar check to our church so they can build another campus and reach more people, that just may mean MY family because the campus they want to build is near them! OR Maybe I look at a cashier, and she's been having this real bad day, angry shoppers all wanting Zhu Zhu Pets and cursing her for not having any, and I'll say "Merry Christmas!" And hand her a Starbucks card "Have a cup of Cheer on me!" And she'll be so moved that I see an opening to invite her to church...

Instead, I just sit around thinking "What good can I do?" In the bible, there's a verse that talks about the body of Christ and how each of us makes up a piece of that body and we all are important.

I'm feeling like the bowel...

I think I might be stirring up indigestion, because I'm being fed "medicine":

• I keep having these nudges to call Mother. So last week, when I had to go to that neck of the woods, I called her to see if she'd like to meet Roo and I. She did, although I was terribly late. Which is NOT like me at all and could not be helped. I had coupons for a store, I got in the car, made sure I had extra clothes for Roo, get to the freeway and TRAFFIC! It was nearly 10AM. I shoot across and take the "back roads". It'll take me more time but not as much as if I'd stay on the freeway. Then it hits me; I forgot the coupons! There is NO reason to go, without them. If I turn back, I'll just be even more late. I can't call her, my cell phone minutes are gone and I keep forgetting to REboost, she doesn't HAVE a cell phone. The gas light comes on. I stare at it, thinking "GOOD GRIEF! Why didn't HE put gas in the car!" Quick think! where's a gas station. Finally, I find one, gas up get a paper for the coupons and we're on our way again. Since I come in from a different direction I park somewhere other then where I tell her and I'm dragging my son through the store to get to the door she is at! I was 30 minutes late, and she was not happy. I tried explaining... it took my son saying "That was a long ride!" for her to realize that it was completely out of my control.It ended up being a fairly pleasant encounter.
• I read four chapters in my Motherinlaw Dance book.
• I am really enjoying our small group, there are challenges and accountability from them. THIS is what true caring is about.

Like I said I'm being fed "medicine".

It can taste pretty awful, there are times I want to spit it out too.

What is most hard; feeling obligated to make a "merry show" for others, when I'd rather be merry towards those who have no merry, because MY merry would be merry enough instead of not enough merry.

bah humbug!

With THAT said here are a few HIGHLIGHTS that I'm looking forward too.

• the return of Norman. (our Elf; no he doe N not clean, I've already tried bribing.)
• Our visit with Santa.
• The Holidazzle parade (a parade where the floats and costumes are lit with lights.)
• Holiday lights in the park.
• The first snowfall.
• Christmas tea (something new I'm going to do with the kids)
• Hanging Ornaments on the tree.
• My Anniversary.
• Taking Butter to her first broadway show, Beauty and the Beast.
• Opening my stocking contents and the gifts from my children. I'm pretty sure Roo will choose something from the "as seen on TV" rack. He is partial to the brownie pan and shoes under. :)
• Each child's birthday. Though they are mighty close together, each day is VERY special to me and I try to express that.
• Celebrating the "old" year and the New Year.

So to end this post I'd like to give my "THANKFUL" list; because chances are I won't post again this week...

I am thankful...

• That I live in a state that has snow.
• That I live in a country where I have certain freedoms.
• for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, for years, it has been tradition.
• for the overall health and happiness of my family.
• I have new mercies EVERYDAY. I sure need it.
• for cool nights, heated blankets and a loving husband to share them with.
• for popcorn and family movie night.
• for my dog that makes me smile with joy that I found the best toy ever, that she carries it around and has to bring it to bed with her.
• for a cat that doesn't bite or scratch the children when they love on her.
• a church home that brings me closer to God.
• a small group that we fit right into.
• Blog friends that share their lives and wisdom with me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

Different.

Hello? Is anybody out there? I know you're there. I see you on my site reader. Oh yes, I took advice from Linda and got me one.
Maybe you are all over at Snapfish making your books and got no time to dilly dally here. Can I at least get a thank you for the tip on the free goods?
So while your thinking of just the right words to show your gratitude lets talk about GRATITUDE.
I visited a blog this morning that offered up a book about Personal Accountability. How we rant about things and what good it does for our situation or you who come read about it. I had this sarcastic comment all written and as I was reading it back to myself, I thought
"HUH, what is she doesn't read it like I'm saying it? What if it sounds mean and offending to her?"
So I erased it and started over telling her just what I told you and added.
"The holidays are coming. People pleasing Sara needs to have her rants or she will end up in a padded cell."
I have family I don't like, I have family I do like and wished liked me back, I have family who don't like me, and for whatever reason it drives me crazy. HOW can people NOT like me. It's not like they've EVER sat down and talked to me, or gotten to know me. It's just been right off the bat, "This is so and so..." and WHAM I'm hit by a cold burst of freezing wall.
I am gracious to all, but it wears on this sensitive heart.
I am all for personal accountability. I feel that some of THEM need it more than I. I have you. You gals keep me real.
Can I buy that book in mass Heidi? I could give it as gifts. ha ha ha.
I am grateful for my mother and father in-law. They are excellent replacements for my birth parents.
I do get along for the most part with Mother. But we are very different and we do not share the same views on faith. Mother believes stories of Jesus. Mother also believes that man wrote the bible there for it isn't true. It is what man wanted to write and not inspired by God or God-breathed. She was raised Catholic. Her first husband was Lutheran and her parents wouldn't come to the wedding...ok I'm not airing all Mother's secrets, just giving you background. I can't be myself around Mother. I am doing my best to bring scripture into daily life. To throw out nuggets of truth through out my day. If Mother gets a whiff of it she becomes cold. Standoffish. Conversation has ended. How do you celebrate Christmas without the Christ??? Well, Mother has perfected it. She comes to our house and does her best to smile, she has to smile it's not just me in the room you see...
I am so grateful that I can talk of our Lord as much as I want and see him in my In-laws.
As I have said my world is black or white. Truth or Lie. It is easy for me to see the ones who have given themselves to Christ. It is easy to see those who have not. Some are really good at playing the part...My point.
My heart breaks for these. I am surrounded by these, more so at holidays. It is painful to go around the table at thanksgiving and listen to the hearts that thank without thanksgiving. Then it comes to me, and I cry. Most think it's because I'm moved by what has gone around the room. No. My heart is breaking because of what has gone around the room. I can barely make out the words they are a whisper, how I wish I could SHOUT them.
"I am grateful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Who paid all and gave me life. For God and my family who are my blessings from him." I barely get these last words out because they have moved on. I am too quite for them to realize I'm still talking. And so it keeps going. The thanks without thanksgiving. And my heart breaks a little bit more. At Christmas we have stopped going to a gathering and changed how we do Christmas. Because at this place there are SO many gifts. It is all about the big show of gifts. What Christ gave us can't fit in a box. Can not be wrapped and tied with a bow. There is not a mention of Him here. It's when when when can we open...
This year I have a plan! I am going to START! When we begin to gather and the first inkling of sharing begins I am going to lift up my voice and say."JESUS! I am thankful that you gave me life. And that one day I will see the place you describe in your words as prepared for me. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice." And then if any of those wish to comment by all means come. Let me speak of the truth!
I could ask what are you grateful for? I know the answers Family, friends, Christ...
Tell me something that you struggle with(if you'd like) or that you've changed ? Give me some nuggets of truth.
Have you ever had to say No to a celebration because what you celebrate and what they did weren't the same?