Queen Anne's Lace and Lilacs

It's 2010

May you accomplish in 2010 those resolutions that didn't quite make it this past year.  In one way or another, have a great time.  Here's wishing you health and happiness and all of God's blessings throughout the new year!

The Gift of Christmas: An Act of Mercy

1 Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Forgive Me, Evan

I've actually scrapped a couple of pages these last two days (click for a larger view).  I don't know what's come over me!  Normally, I'm much better at shopping for kits than scrapping with them.  (Shhh!  don't tell Tim)  I don't especially like to do journaling, but Tim thought the one layout needed some.  So, I journaled.  Unfortunately, there's one sentence that reads a little weird (I'm sure Evan won't even notice), but I didn't feel like going through the rigmarole to fix it.  Just know that I didn't intend to be...insensitive.

I wish I had some current photos to do some Christmas scrapping with, but Bethany's usually the only one around.  And, WHY couldn't she be one of those people that LOVES being in pictures!  I will have my chance to take some pics when Evan gets here on the 21st, but by then, I probably won't be doing much scrapping.  And, shoot! trying to get Brett up here will be a pain, too.  It would be so much easier if everyone just lived here!  Hmm....don't get me started.

Now, before I close here to go heat some water in the kettle for some of our yummy cocoa - topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate chips - I have a question.  Probably the seniors will be more likely to know the answer, but I'm not picky. 

I'm watching the Kings game.  We're currently beating San Antonio, but there's plenty of time for THAT to change.  I love our announcers, Grant Napear and Jerry Reynolds.  Jerry grew up in that big town, French Lick, Indiana.  Perhaps that accounts for this quaint colloquialism of his that grosses me out:  "I'm just so thrilled, I'm about to spit up."  Really?  Must this be spoken aloud?  And, is that truly the correct way to say it?  Yuck.

Not feeling so much like cocoa, now.

She's Having a Birthday!

Just 17 years ago, at 2:35 p.m., Bethany was born to a very excited mom.   Mom is trying to be excited to day, in keeping with Bethany's celebratory mood, but is finding it a little difficult.  Bethany's last year as a child.  As with her brothers before her, the years have flown by so fast as to be ridiculous and seemingly impossible.  I'd like to stand in the middle of the room, stamp my feet, and scream about it, but I don't think it would do any good.  At least, it doesn't usually work for me.  I'll try not to think about it.

Bethany has been anticipating, and verbally counting down to, this day for weeks.  It reminds me of my best friend, Joyce, back in the day.  If one has come within a three-foot radius of Bethany, she has been happy to inform them about the big event.  To make things even better for her, the weather cooperated and gave her a snow day - the second in a row.

Happy birthday, Baby Kid!  I love you!

Happy 51st Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

It's been 51 years since my parents were married that fateful day in Kansas City, KS.  My mother was just a girl!  Was it snowing that day?  I think it was.  Mom and Dad hate snow, but maybe as whippersnappers they didn't mind it so much.

Mom and Dad spent the day with Jerry Mark, Ann, their kids, and Timmy.  The Jayhawks had a big football game against Missouri, but things didn't turn out so well.  Photos were sent of those partying.  Hopefully, the Edible Arrangement was tasty.  I do wish I could have been there.

Happy Birthday, Marlane!

My sister-in-law, Marlane, and I share the same birthday.  Happy birthday, Marlane!  I hope the day is ending a little better than it started.  The day began in what turned out to be a rather comical situation, although it didn't look that way for a while.  But, all's well that ends well, you know.

Tim has been busy cooking a mostly Paula Deen dinner:  Corn Casserole,  Southern Style Steaks, Potato Casserole, and Paula's Volcano Cake.  We've never made these steaks or the cake before, but the other items are very wonderful.  The cake looks pretty wonderful, too - can't wait to taste it.  And, Tim made it all by himself! 

Bethany made one of our favorites, corn casserole, last night.  She's got basketball tryouts today, so she won't be home until evening.  She should get home around the same time that Brett should be showing up.

Evan sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers with some Ghirardelli chocolates.  The flowers actually have a very nice fragrance (you know, how sometimes, those bouquets don't really have much of a scent).  I'll have pictures later.

I have to wait until everyone's home and dinner is eaten to open the rest of my presents.  Tim seems very happy with the items he's selected.  I did get the glider/recliner that we ordered off of the internet this morning.  It's very pretty, dark brown leather.  Perfect timing on that!

Today was a little different than usual.  In connection with Marlane's morning, I ended up having a running email/chat with Erica for several hours.  I enjoyed that, as we don't get to talk very often, although it might have been more fun in a happy situation.  Actually, Erica has quite interesting and often humorous takes on most situations, so it's always going to be good!

I've lucked out and have two basketball games to watch:  the Rockets and the Kings.  It would be so nice to end up with two wins.  And this year, it's even possible!  The Kings have already won a few games (which didn't happen for several months last year, you might recall). 

Happy 25th, Evan!

Today, Evan turns 25 years old.  A quarter of a century...starting to get old, Dude!  Evan mentioned, tonight, that he's already started slowing down.  Sheesh.  And, since he wasn't able to come home for his big day, I had no choice but to use previous birthday photos (click photo for a larger view - new baby Brett - Brettie Boy - is in the background of the middle picture).

Evan was an easy infant.  Oh, we had our temper tantrums (him, not me....hello!).  And, there was his absolute refusal to sleep between sunset and sunrise for several years.  His having to be rocked to sleep every night until the night after his first day of Kindergarten (which occurred around his sixth birthday - held back for love, as they said on Everybody Loves Raymond - seriously.  I would have held him back forever, if I could have) could occasionally get a bit, well, old.  Took a few weeks to work out the kinks, but once that happened, I was pretty spoiled with a good, happy baby.  As Evan began walking and talking, to my utter delight, he was hilarious!  It was absolutely fascinating to experience how his mind worked.  Evan was a sweet boy, he minded pretty excellently, and he absolutely adored me.  Ah, yes!  Those were the days, my friend!  

Well, I could go on and on, but I won't.  Evan doesn't even read this blog.  Just wanted to spend a little time thinking about my first baby on his birthday.

Happy birthday, Evan!  I love you!

Graduation Collage

I found this new toy the other day and decided to play with it for a while.  I have used Evan's graduation pictures (taken and sent to me by Courtney - thank you, Courtney!).  The new toy is called Shape Collage.  It's quick, easy, and fun.  You can use it with just a couple of photos or a hundred or more.  Click on the collage for a larger view. 

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

We'll be calling you today - I don't know when, because I'm trying to get as many of us here as possible, and right now, I'm the only one at home.  It will be during this phone call that your gift will be announced.  I tried to find Putsy Caballero's baseball card to no avail.  Sorry 'bout that!