Wow, what a game!

My hands hurt, in a good way, from clapping!  The Packers beat the Chicago Bears in the last few seconds of the game, clinching the divisional title yet again. Yes! Lynn and I had a good time, sometimes an agonizing time, watching this game today, and at the end, did a victory dance together. My apologies to the downstairs neighbor for that brief, but thunderous, celebration!

After worship today (marvelous sermon, Pastor Schaefer!) we went to have breakfast as a group to Perkins. I had lunch there yesterday with Yvonne, but I sure don’t mind going again. Lynn treated us all---Mom, Alayna, Jill, and me plus herself to a wonderful meal. I got my standard fare of potato pancakes with crispy bacon of which I brought half home with me. Perhaps Mom will enjoy the remainders for breakfast tomorrow.

At the next table sat some old friends of mine from the building days, Mike and Judy. I used to joke that he paid us to leave town---there’s only so many new homes to be built in our small town and folks would get bids from the three to four custom builders, which ended up being a friendly competition. We shared many fond memories of conventions attended both in-state and around the USA together. Oh, those crazy home builders! And now they are grandparents!

Back to worship---my young friend, Naomi, was the organist today and really did a fantastic job. Especially noteworthy was her use of musical dynamics in the hymns, adding volume where the stanza texts called for it, and playing more softly when the text spoke that way. Our communion distribution hymn was “Where Shepherds Lately Knelt”, one of my new favorite Christmas hymns.

Tomorrow I am spending much of the cold, daylit hours at Linda’s house, taking my laptop with me to catch everything up online. Oh my, I have taxed my Internet usage on the cell phone, which Justin had assured me would be a sufficient amount. Oh no, it wasn’t! I will have to pay for overages but last year I had to pay Verizon for the Internet connection thingy which drove my laptop crazy, so I’ll pay this way, except for the time I spend at Linda’s on her service. She assures me it’s no problem at all and I have to take her at her word on that. Amanda, Linda’s little granddaughter, will be there, too, which could be fun. She is a little cutie pie, and quite entertaining. I will take pictures to share once I get home again. Can’t wait to share all my pictures, if not in my blog, then on Facebook. I shall have to wear every warm piece of clothing I brought along tomorrow as a cold blast is coming in tonight, dropping us to -8 overnight. Yikes! A high temp of 10 will be mine tomorrow---yes, happy birthday, Kim!

My kind of day!

Today began with a family outing to Manitowoc Coffee, a tradition Mom and Lynn have established for several years. Every Saturday at least the two of them go somewhere to have coffee and a treat, like bagels, sweet rolls, or scones. On occasion they venture to Two Rivers or even to Sheboygan for this special outing. This time, we went to Manitowoc Coffee! While I don’t drink coffee, I do like their bakery selection and today had a nice frosted sugar cookie with my Diet Coke. Yummy!

A lady parked at the curb and I recognized her right away and waved to her. It was the lady who is in the process of moving into Mom’s building, whom I had met the day she was getting the tour with the manager. Her apartment is across from the laundry room, which is when I met her. Debra told us, when she came into the shop, that she plays chess on Thursdays and Saturday at the shop. She had a cute pink bag in which she carried her portable chess mat and her pink/white chess pieces! I introduced her to my mom and sisters before she got started on her games.

I also met my young friend, Naomi, and her gentleman friend, David, when they came into the shop. They are students at Martin Luther College, off for Christmas break. I half expected to see her there. They were getting their coffee cups refilled before heading to First German for Naomi to practice before church tomorrow. David and she had been at his home church over Christmas where he played organ and she joined the church’s orchestra on the trombone. Sunday will be our turn to hear Naomi pull out all the stops on the big pipe organ at FG. She ends her postings with the Latin phrase of giving God all the glory. I love that about her!

After our nice coffee klatch, Lynn dropped us off at home with plans to come back for us in the afternoon. Jill had laundry to take care of and I made up a batch of my famous chili. I got the slow cooker so full, it nearly came over the top! The pasta would have to be made separately, later.The cooker was set on low so it cook all afternoon, or at least, until we had to leave for the concert. More about the concert later.

At noon I was meeting my cousin/friend, Yvonne, for lunch at Perkins. We had a really nice meal together and great conversation. She gave a sun catcher to attach to my river room doors---a Packer sun catcher! I was so excited to get it! She expects to see a photo of it hanging there and she can count on me to do just that!

Mom treated Lynn, Jill, me, and herself to a year-end concert at the Capital Civic Center, starring Garth Neusteder. He is a young man who has excelled on several levels, playing piano, violin, brass instruments, and sings operatically. His parents are part of the trio, with Mom on keyboards and his dad on drums and vocals. There was a ballet troupe who performed as well as Hmong dancers, and because he is a graduate of Manitowoc Lutheran High School, a singing group from there, The Lancer Singers, performed two numbers with Garth from Les Miserables. I was quite a nice show and I saw a number of people I knew there as well.

When we got home I quickly got the pasta made for the chili and got things warmed up for our dinner. Jill is not a soup eater so opted out of dinner but Mom, Lynn, and I enjoyed my chili. I had a summer sausage sandwich with mine, which is so good, too. Mom and I are vegging out tonight and bracing for the icy temps coming our way starting tomorrow. Today was “warm”, a high of 37 degrees, which allowed for the roads to be cleared of last Sundays’ snow storm, and some of the icicles to come crashing down from around her building with mighty thuds!

Sunday is Packer football again in the afternoon, a make or break game as far as the playoffs go. Justin will be watching the Jaguars as well as the Packer game tomorrow with his friend, Jesse, on his new 55” TV. Justin will be so spoiled now by that so our measly 42” non-high definition will not suit. I am fine with it, though, and that is what counts!

Slaving away....

...at First German's church office this a.m. I put the finishing touches on the newsletter and sent it off, hoping I got everything correct. I had e-mailed it to myself but much of the work I had done at home did not transfer. It makes me wonder if I e-mailed the correct version or what I did. Anyway, I made it work and, thanks to g-mail, was able to access much of the information I needed using previous year's editions which were e-mailed to folks. Living life in the clouds, as it were!

Today is a down day activity-wise, other than this work here plus later picking up my sister and her son from the car dealership. Mom is at home probably enjoying the quiet while I am away. Here at church I got to see lots of people already this a.m. including the three pastors, met the interim principal; the new church secretary, Lisa; the property chairman, Larry; the lady in charge of the flowers, Joanie; the Lutheran Chorale Director, Al who was a former teacher at my grade school and from whom I rented for a period before moving to FL; and Scott from Manitowoc Lutheran High School stopped by. Very cool!

Yesterday was a fun day involving meeting some of my family at the Charcoal Grille for lunch. Mom, Lynn, Alayna, Lori, David, and Dustin were with our group and enjoyed a leisurely meal together. They were leaving for Holmen but took the time to swing by Mom's house so David could get Mom's new home phone hooked up. Kerry and I chipped together on it so Mom can more easily see the numbers and the display. She will also hear better because it has an amplifier on it, plus an additional handset so she can keep one receiver at the table with her, or in the living room. Lori suffers in Mom's house because of the heat, but, in anticipation of their coming over, I had turned the temperature way down. It was not down enough for that poor girl who is always in overheat mode. Mom and I are freezy cats, and Lori boils over. He got it done in no time and she is good to go now, and Lori is likely now sufficiently cooled!

Lynn joined Mom and I for dinner last night as I had made a casserole dish of escalloped potatoes and ham, using some leftover ham from Christmas Eve's celebration. Oh my, it turned out good! Mom will enjoy having some of these goodies at a later date as I intend to put them in the freezer for her. Next up---chili!

Merry Christmas everyone!

As I enjoy a quiet afternoon and evening here at Mom’s house, I have a chance to catch up some things here on the blog. The first thing that comes to mind is the worship. Wow! I do hope these folks appreciate the wonderful pastors, musicians, instrumentation, talented singers, and lovely worship environment they have here. It just blows me away…

In fact, at the first notes of the opening hymn today, I found tears on my cheeks.  It was from hearing the pipe organ joined with the church band (not the happy clappy type of band) made up of teens and adults playing brass, wood wind, and even drums to accompany our singing. So gifted are they that their first joint rehearsal was before the service today! Very nicely done, all!

Of course, the highlight of my Christmas worship will be once again getting to join the choir and other choir ‘alumni’ in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus”. I started up the stairs following the sermon in order to allow myself enough time to get up to the choir loft and catch my breath before singing. Those who have sung before are invited to participate and folks were streaming in around us. I wish I could have seen behind me but didn’t dare turn around or I’d cry some more! Even the director was crying a bit as he lead us through the Chorus. I once expressed my dismay to our organist at FG that I’d probably never get to sing that anthem again, and now I’ve done it a couple of time at FG. Worth the climb!

…and He shall reign forever and ever!

Chillin' in Wisconsin

Here I am in Manitowoc, in the throes of a pending snowstorm. My sister recently informed me the predications for the area have been downgraded to ‘only’ 6” of snow from the original 9”. We thank God for small favors. Our concern includes the high winds expected which mean drifts and impassable roadways. Never a good situation, especially on a Sunday morning.

Well, my travel on Thursday was flawless, and the concerns for bad weather for the commute to Manitowoc were unfounded. Lynn picked me up at the airport, we stopped to have lunch at Perkins near the airport, and then headed for home. Got to my Mom’s before it was dark out (about 2:30 pm) and the fun began!

My sister, Kerry, was waiting with Mom, plus Jill came up later. We went to The Green Street Tavern to have perch (at least, I did!) with those mentioned plus my niece, Alayna, and friend, Jenna. Jill’s son, Danny, came too so we had a nice group. I got to see my friend, Wendy, there dining with her sister-in-law, Ellen, and she asked me to come to her house during my time in Manty. I hope we can make that work out!

Friday was spent with a morning of shopping for Kerry and I, hitting up the Festival Foods and Wal*Mart. Boy, was I worn out! Kerry and I met up with Jill, Mom, and Alayna at Culvers, where Linda joined us. Mom and Linda had hair cuts scheduled so Linda took charge of Mom while Kerry and I went home to unload our trunkful of groceries and purchases. Jill had some other errands to run herself. So very thankful to Linda for doing this monthly outing with and for my mom! Linda said she enjoys it very much so I won’t take that away from her.

Kerry and I stocked up lots of stuff Mom loves like soups and freezer meals, plus I got ingredients for meals to make while I am here visiting. We also got the stuff needed for our Christmas Eve feast which will be celebrated at the AmericInn where my sister, Lori, and family are staying for the holidays. I put on a lot of miles at the stores and spent a lot of smiles greeting people in the aisles. Got some other shopping done, as well, so I can say I am probably done. Won’t know that until it’s time to hand them out, I guess. Gulp!

I made a batch of sloppy joes for our dinner, and Jill, who lives in the building, too, brought up German potato salad and cole slaw left from her work party. Lynn came for dinner too and together we watched Jeopardy! My goodness, I just ached all over from our venture which means I am terribly out of shopping shape! Lynn comforted me with saying she can’t shop like she used to, either. I blame my heavy ‘winter’ shoes but I can’t imagine trudging through snow and slop in ballerina flats!

Saturday is the traditional ‘going for coffee day’ and though I don’t drink coffee, I was invited along. Lynn picked up Mom and me and off we went to Hardees where we sat and talked for a couple of hours. Very nice! Jill was taking Mom shopping to ShopKo and Lynn went home after bringing me home. I was being collected by Linda to join her for her nail appointment (great fun!!! at RoseColoredGlasses Salon where I was treated to a complimentary shoulder/neck,head massage!) and then joined her sister, Georgia, for lunch at Harborside. After I did my Facebook check-in, one of my friends asked me via Comments if I was going for 10 restaurants in 10 days. I replied that it’s more like 10 restaurants in 3 days!

Tomorrow is church, weather permitting, and I get to see many more people I know and love, and touch my Facebook friends in real life instead of with virtual hugs. Looking forward to worship and Bible study, and then home to make beer cheese soup to devour while the Packers beat the Steelers! Go, Pack, Go!

Excuse my absence, please

If you recall, I have limited access to the Internet when staying at my Mom's house. Please forgive  me for not posting as usual.  Thanks!! 

Cemetery flowers

On Monday, Justin and I took this floral arrangement to the cemetery. The arrangement I bought last year which was meant for repeated use did not hold up well and had to be disposed of, so we just used fresh cut flowers for the vase. 

Before that stop, however, we met my friend, Brenda, for lunch at Steak 'n Shake. The service was so slow that Brenda had to have her meal packed up to go! She called me today to report that she called the phone number on the receipt and issued a complaint, since this is not the first time it's happened to us. She is on limited time due to her working yet, so we can't have delays like that. We might have to try the next place down, Arby's, next time, and start saving those coupons!

We celebrated Christmas!

Justin took a photo of my mantel which is decorated with garland and my lovely Willow Tree nativity set, which was a gift from Laurie, my church friend, several years ago. Note how I have the magi standing on the far right side...

Here is our sumptuous feast prepared by Justin and me for our Christmas celebration. He made a beef roast using a special combination of dry salad dressing and gravy mixes plus onions. With that I served green bean casserole and we microwaved some potatoes as our sides. Plus, he made some yummy buttermilk biscuits. In the afternoon I had made sugar cookies and frosted them for our dessert, but we were too full to enjoy them! 

This stack is Justin's and includes a Clue game based on The Big Bang Theory, a chia pet of Willie from Duck Dynasty, two Packers items which report his being an Owner of the team, a gift certificate to Brookstone, a book called Mansfields' Book for Manly Men, a spring form cheesecake pan, plus the inevitable socks and underwear. Also I gave him a paper-thin wallet for which he had been in want. 

Justin stocked me up with anti-bacterial hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works which I keep in my purse (a new fragrance with cranberry scent is marvelous!), plus 6 bottles of foaming soaps for use in the bathroom. My stand-by favorites of vanilla plus some newer scents this season. He also got me plastic zipper totes to store my DVDs in, a set of two, which will hold 80 of my collection. This will free up the space on my TV dresser/stand for me to put books which are taking over my room! Justin also got me Glenn Beck's newest book, "Miracles and Massacres", a history book. 

He is having a gift sent to my Mom's for me which I will get up there, plus something for me to take along and open on Christmas Eve with the rest of the family. (Justin will be a guest with the Chappells on Christmas Day so he won't be all alone.)

Justin and I then watched "It's a Wonderful Life" before we went to bed, me ending up in tears at the end, as always. This is how Kim and Justin celebrate Christmas!

Waxing nostaglic (WARNING)

This evening I was wrapping Christmas presents, some of the rolls purchased when I still had two kids. In my gift wrapping bin there is a roll of ribbon with the name "T I M M Y" printed on it, in the handwriting of my former spouse. This was to help Timmy write his name on the gift tags for his mama. He gave me a pair of slippers that year, which I still have. I was told Timmy walked into the store and headed straight to the shoe department to get his mama a pair of slippers. I was also told that it never occurred to his father or Justin to check the size, because THAT was the pair Timmy wanted. Fortunately, he chose correctly. After he died, I put the slippers away for safe keeping.

I was thinking of Timmy today when I had to use the bathroom at Publix. Every time I use the bathroom at Publix I think of him!! He just HAD to go, so I parked the cart to the side and took him in. Every time something plunked into the potty, he'd lean forward to see it, and whoosh!---the toilet would flush and freak him out. After a couple times of this ritual, I decided we needed to go home for this 'job', so we paid for what we bought and headed home. (I know I've told this story before---indulge me)

                             

When he and I were at Publix that day, though, we did buy the green plastic cutlery which he really took a liking to. In fact, he carried around a plastic knife for days after our company Christmas party. When it was time for us to go shopping for his father, he took his knife along to SteinMart in order to match a shirt to that knife. The clerk was so kind to him, as Justin and I stood back to watch them look for the right shirt. Eventually they did find a close enough match. After Timmy died, his father put that shirt away for safe keeping....and I have the knife in his memory box.

*

As I wrapped I also thought of a time many, many moons ago when I was still working at Shady Lane Home. I had been feeling poorly and stayed home from work, but felt good enough that evening to wrap presents. My former spouse and I used one of our extra rooms for wrapping purposes, a card table set up upon which to do our work. Somehow we got on the subject of money and I mentioned how I didn't have any money in my wallet. He said to me, "Oh, if I don't have at least $5 in my wallet, I don't feel good..." Then we had a big laugh because, in fact, I did not feel good!! 

                                

Somehow that episode has stayed with me all these years and I even say that to Justin now and again. Of course, it's different these days with the more common use of debit/credit cards, but in those days, it was primarily cash on the barrel for smaller purchases. So, anyway, besides wrapping up my presents for Justin tonight, I wrapped up some memories, too.

More company!!

Stephanie, Erica, me, and Jean. The chandelier cast a glow on my forehead and shows up in this photo taken with Justin's cell phone camera

Saturday I rested up from Friday's soirre and readied my house for another gathering. I made a kettle of chicken 'n dumplings to serve my guests, plus served my reheated sweet/sour meatballs to go with the main dish. For dessert we had lemon pound cake with raspberry sauce scooped over the top of it. 

As soon as Erica told me that her grandma, Jean, was coming down for a visit, I booked them for dinner. Jean just moved from a smaller town back to Janesville, where she used to live. Her hubby had died two years ago, just before ThanksLiving, in his sleep, so she wanted to downsize a bit. Jean will be here in the Jax area until some time in late January or early February, staying with Stephanie and Erica. I will get to see her then at Bible study on Thursdays!!

I very much enjoy their company and hope I get to share more of their time when I get back from WI. Maybe Justin and I will travel over there to join them for Trivia some Tuesday night....

My Christmas gathering

Friday was spent getting things ready in my home and kitchen for the Christmas gathering I hosted that evening. As I had mentioned in the early fall, our group of pool friends agreed we should see each other once a month or so afterward to continue our conversations and fun, and so far, we are two for two! We had Lee's going away party last month and now this party at my house tonight. Who's up for January? I don't mind going again...

This is Nancy M. and Bill, the nice couple who bought a house next door to the mansion just off our property. He is the brave soul who used the pool last week Saturday.  

Here is a shot of Nancy again with Phyl, waving for the camera as a greeting to Lee, our absent friend. On the table behind us is a lovely bouquet of flowers which Bob brought for me. He was thrilled to see the nice vase I put them in, saying most people would just 'stick 'em in a jar or something'. No, I have this great Princess House vase just begging for an arrangement!

Here is Stephanie G. and Bob, both of whom live on the property in The Villas. Stephanie's husband, a Clay County cop, was working so could not join us. Bob would later walk Stephanie home, making sure she got there safely. Such a gentleman! (When my mom was here in the summer of 2012, he carried her sandles over to the steps of the pool so she wouldn't burn her feet on the hot pavement when she got out.) He came dressed up in his turtleneck and blue blazer complete with pocket square, while his good friend, Bill, came in shorts and a fleece pullover. 

This is Nancy W. and Cindy, both waving for Lee, as Stephanie looks on. Cindy is married to Phyl, seen in a previous photo. She was a teacher at St. Johns years ago when Justin was there, and also taught at OP High School. Our friends cross over between St. Johns and those of my friends who know her from OP High. Her hubby and she hosted the going away party for Lee in November. Of course, Nancy W. is my lady friend who November 1st moved onto the property and is dealing with getting her 3 homes taken care of---selling two of them and fixing up her new one! She is more than a little busy these days!

Here is a photo of Lee and me taken at The Club last March 

My menu consisted of a taco ring which Justin put together for me, since I didn't trust my skills of assembly. I think I could have done an okay job of it, but was glad he took on the responsibility of it. Tasted so good! I made sweet/sour meatballs, and served spinach dip with chips and crackers, plus bought a sausage and cheese tray. Thursday night Betty gave me a very nice tray of cookies so I served those as well some sweets I bought at Publix. Where would we be without Publix?

Some photos from the preschool program

Ms. Karen is taking some photos of some of the little girls in their fine Christmas apparel as Ms. Cindy looks on. There are more than 20 who appeared in their program this year, entirely centered on Jesus and His birth. They sang some songs and even had recitation. 

The projection on the wall helped tell the Christmas story as the little ones did their parts from the front. The parents seemed to really enjoy watching and listening to the program.

I could not venture up the side aisle to take my photos as there were parents in the aisle recording the program. We had wonderful refreshments, cleverly decorated cookies which Betty made and the tasty ones Judy and I brought. That Betty sure does a nice job, but I did a bad job of not taking a photo of them!

Full day of festivities

Ha! As I wrote 'festivities', I nearly typed 'Festivus', which is the un-Christmas celebration started on "Seinfeld". Now, the State Capital in FL must present a Festivus Pole to make up for those who do not celebrate Christmas. Taking secularism to a whole new level. And it all started because George's dad lost out in a tug of war over a Cabbage Patch Doll for his son. That was it!!! No more Christmas for them---time for the 'airing of grievances'!!

Back to business: Justin took my car to gas it up and waited for me downstairs this cooler morning. When I got down there, he had used the seat warmer to pre-heat mine for me. Now that is service! Picked up at the door with my seat pre-warmed...

We headed to Victory, with the cookies along which Justin had baked the night before. He made them to make up for the brownies I'd baked but didn't taste right. I used the Pampered Chef pan where each brownie is autonomous, and I think they were baked too long. Not singed at all, but had a strong burned taste to them, at least to me they did. But then he suggested we take the cookies to Bible study which I thought was a great plan. I had more cookies which I could bake for the preschool Christmas program today so all would be well.

Our cookies were not the only ones present, however, as Suzanne brought some plus Rita stopped for hot, fresh Krispy Kremes on the way in. We ended up taking along the remainder of ours plus those that Suzanne brought. Justin, upon accepting the cookies, asked Suzanne if would be okay if we shared them with the preschool parents and kids. He is so polite and thoughtful!

From our interesting study of Isaiah 9 (Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace) we drove downtown to the River City Brewing Company for a luncheon hosted by my friend and investment counselor, Diane. Parking was at a premium and we ended up in an auxillary parking area adjacent to their lot. It was a short walk back to the restaurant where the luncheon was being held. Once inside I stepped into the restroom before we headed up the curved stairway to the dining room. 

I made it to the top, and we found the room reserved for us. Only three others were there plus Diane, as we were a bit early. She greeted Justin and me, and asked us to sit at her table. We met and I talked with a lady named Lynn with whom I had much in common, including both us with children in heaven. Her late husband was from WI and they were married in a Lutheran church here in OP over 40 years ago. She is a member of an organization I am planning to join after the New Year, so I am thankful for Diane who arranged this friendship for us! 

We had a marvelous meal, met some nice folks, including a very soft-spoken fellow named Mario who sat to Justin's left. That didn't work out too well for him hearing Mario but they managed to carry on a conversation when they could. The view over the river was a delight and I regret not going there more often. The street layout downtown, especially in this area, is nuts, so I was glad to have my driver who was a bit more familiar (plus had done his homework!) with the streets to get us to our destination, and in good time from the Southside!

Feeling Too Fat

The following essay is one I had read a year or so ago and then forgot where I found it. Often I reflected upon the message in the article, wishing to be able to reference it. Well, it showed up again via Facebook so I nabbed it! 

Now I will have it when I need to remind myself about a couple things, the first of which is to get over it! and the second of which is to remember to live on the front side of the camera instead of just trying to capture what's happening, missing the moment in the process. This is "heavy" for a Wednesday morning but I am likely not the only one who needs these reminders. By the way, it's only a coincidence that her husband's name is the same as my son's name!: 

So You're Feeling Too Fat to Be Photographed...

Listen. I hear you. You're a few pounds heavier than you like (or a 100 lbs heavier than you like). I completely understand how you feel. I get that same blah feeling about myself when I think about booking new head shots or long overdue pictures of me and Justin. Precious, I even picked a career that has me permanently behind the camera rather than in front of it. 

Seeing myself in pictures actually produces the faintest sick feeling in my stomach. Isn't it amazing we can see the beauty in our best friends, sisters, mothers, and aunts without the slightest thought to their flaws... but can obsess for hours on our own imperfections? 

We fixate on our flaws to the point we shirk at any documentation that our round faces and curvy bodies ever walked the earth. No pictures to show how we LOVE, how we laugh, how we are treasured by our families. How is it possible that a double chin can overpower the beauty of a mother cuddling her child? How does arm fat distract from the perfect shot of a spontaneous hug? I swear y'all... how is it that we can put more value on a TUMMY ROLL than the captivating way you throw yourself into a roar of laughter during a shoot?

In our warped minds pictures become frozen mirrors that we can stare at as we pick apart our features over and over again.

I know, girl. I know.

My personal duck-and-cover (or signature "make a funny face") approach to having pictures of myself changed completely when I had a serious car accident last year (and started over). In the flash of a second (or a flash of the text message the young woman was reading) my entire life changed. 

I nearly left this earth with no physical evidence of the goofy, wide open and loud love I have for my life, my husband, my family and friends. I haven't had professional pictures done since our wedding in 2006... always waiting for this elusive moment where I would be thin enough (pretty enough) to have such a permanent record of me. Because, you know, HEAVEN FORBID there be any proof that I look the way I actually look.

So here is the harsh truth y'all. Listen good. Our vanity is no longer enough of a reason to avoid the camera. Life doesn't wait until you "get thin" enough to capture it. Life is happening... it is happening right now and the only moment we are guaranteed is the one we are living. I shudder at the thought of leaving behind no pictures of my life with ME in it. 

My mom says of the accident she is "just glad that we're still a whole family." My gift to her this Christmas was a family portrait showing just that, nine months post-accident... a whole family.

       

Do you know what my mom sees when she looks at this picture? Her beautiful family all together. Do you know what my husband sees? The family he gained the moment he met me (and how much he looks like my dad...) Do you know what my dad sees? The happy family he has worked for every day of his life. Do you know what my brother sees? That he got away with wearing shorts...

Shocker: No one is looking at how fat I look.

Can we agree to put the value of family over the value of fat? Can we just accept that the weight you've been trying to lose for 5 years might actually just be a part of what you look like... and that if this magical day does come when you're acceptably thin you'll STILL regret not having any pictures of you with your kids from ages 5-10? 

Can we acknowledge that the insecurities we have in our heads will never be a part of how our children, husbands, and friends see us? Can we just please let our loved ones remember the YOU they love?

Your children want pictures with their mom.

Your husband wants pictures with his beautiful wife.

Your mom and dad want pictures of the happy, successful, amazing woman they raised (OK, and more pictures of the grandkids while you're at it).

And if you're thinking that high school friend on Facebook will say to herself ("wow she has gained weight") then... news flash you DID. You gained weight. Shed a tear. Read a book. Drink a sweet tea. Watch Oprah. Whatever it takes. Accept this reality... YOU GAINED WEIGHT. 

The truth is you've gained a lot of other things too (a career, a family, some kids, a house, a love for travel, the ability to coordinate your separates...) and that girl from high school is going to spend a lot more time hating on those things than she ever will on your double chin.

So you're feeling too fat to be photographed? OK... but you're the only one who notices. The rest of us are too caught up in loving you.

My Friend Teresa Photography blog

Seems so odd...

...to not have Bible study today, throwing my routine out of whack this way. Pastor has suspended the class until some time after New Year due to the busyness of the season. We were having such a good flow, too, with our Fellowship study, just getting into the application portion of what we have reviewed. Oh well, we can pick it up again next year.

But, I was not without plans as my friend, Kathy, had asked me to lunch. Her mom, Betty, was out with her other daughter so Kathy and I enjoyed our lunch at Koko's. It was quiet, only two tables of hibachi diners while the rest of the folks were having table service on the other side of the dining room. Kathy gave me all her rice and I gave her all my vegetables---fair trade. The chef made me extra onion and in no time at all, I was full. The to-go box would be sufficient for our dinner, with the added food ordered but not eaten from Ming Moon on Sunday night. 

Justin had hauled all the Christmas bins out the night before so we tackled them tonight. Originally my plans were to start decorating while he was at work but time got away from me after Kathy and I got back from lunch. Anyway, he took care of the tree, with me helping him to fluff the branches, his least favorite part of the job. I untangled the star garland, did some dusting and moved my every day pretties to make room for the seasonal stuff. What a team!

With about 6 bins of decorations and one case for the ornaments, only very few pieces were actually incorporated into our decor. It is quite different than how it used to be 'back in the day' when we would entertain regularly. Now, I am gone much of the time and don't usually host unless it's for  the Ladies' Group. I think it's about time to thin out all those ceramic pieces I've moved from state to state and house to house over the years. It seems I am more easily contented with the simple stuff now days!

Sleep in heavenly peace...

This photo was taken during the Lakeshore Lutheran Chorale's Christmas concert at First German in Manitowoc tonight. The weather outside was frightful but the concert was a blessing, according to my mom. Notice how the chorale's robes are the liturgically correct color for the season.

My sister and niece are in the church's choir which also participated, but unfortunately, my niece couldn't make it to the concert due to the inclement weather. As I said to Mom on the phone as I drove to Victory, I am sure glad I am not the one having to plan these events in the upper midwest during the winter months because one simply cannot depend  upon the weather's cooperation. 

This is the table at which I was a guest of my friend, Erica, at Victory's Ladies' Advent Service this evening. One of the members has written a lovely service based on the history of the familar hymns and carols we sing, this being the second time this service was used. One particular line from the narration that struck me was how the Israelites lived most of their lives in the Advent season, awaiting the coming Messiah. Very poignant to me. We are yet in Advent in our lives, as well, as we await the return of our victorious Savior King!

I got my wish!

At the end of summer, I lamented not being able to enjoy time with my friends around the pool. Today, I got my wish and sat outside with three of my friends for an hour or so. It was 84 above zero and just a lovely day. Meanwhile our families and friends were suffering in unseasonably (or unreasonably!) cold weather in the upper Midwest as we appreciated our unseasonably warm, even record setting, temperatures here in N. FL. 

This is the bird's eye view of my friends seated at the pool waiting for me to get home from my morning/afternoon outings today. Bob is in the shade, while Nancy and Bill get some sun. As Debbie and I walked up the building and noticed them out there, I told her I doubted anyone would get in the water....

....but I was wrong! In fact, Bill had gotten in several times before I got down there and several more after I arrived. The teen's pool is 'warmer' because it is more shallow but it is certainly NOT warm enough to swim in. Not too cold for this brave North Dakotan, though. Such a guy!

Emotional day today

Sunday I have planned for Justin and I to decorate our rooms for Christmas. I am more excited about than is he, of course, as he hates to do the tree. I will be glad to do the tree, but I can't put it up myself (I tell him...) and cannot reach the top, etc. It is a two-person job. He doesn't like the pulling apart of the branches part of the decorating, so that will be my job. One good thing about our tree location is that it is not the center of attention in the room, but nicely set in a corner, offering ambient light and decor. I don't do much 'for a grade' any more, less performance pressure the last decade or so. Wow, it's almost a decade already!

Since I am talking about history here, I have more to add. This a.m. I had The Breakfast Club with some ladies, Ollovan and Pat. Pat used to be a volunteer fire fighter which is how she met her husband, David. They both served at the station which which responded to our emergency back in 2001, but neither of them were among the responders. I told her about the letter one of the EMTs had written to me after Mom, Justin, and I dropped off Honey Baked Hams at the two stations. Pat wondered if she knew the lady who wrote the letter, so I am making it my mission to locate that letter in my archives. Wow!

This has been an eye-reddening day, and an eye-opening mission for me to be on. Long and short, I did locate the letter and realize I must re-type it before it is no longer legible, as it has faded a great deal. It was hand-written on a paper with clouds on it, and the writing is hard to make out. I can staple it to the original but I want to make sure I can read it in another 10 years, if I need to. I gave Pat bad info, however, as the lady was at the other station and not hers, as I had originally 'remembered'. 

As I read through many of the multiples of a hundred cards and notes from people, it saddened me to realize I didn't recall who some of these people were. Their notes were so touching and intimate, yet their name rang no bell for me. And I thought "I'd never, ever forget these people" and the events. I am sure this part of God's healing for us, to put these memories aside so we don't dwell, but I feel badly about not storing these names and faces in my heart and memory. One lady stuck in my mind as I struggled to remember who she was...and all of sudden, later, it came back to me that she was our neighbor on the street we lived on where Timmy was born. 

There was a lovely poem which was not signed but I attributed to my niece at first. But that didn't ring true either as another card revealed a girl named Becky had written us a poem. Okay, so who is this Becky? Searching and searching my memory banks----ah, yes! She worked in Peggy's dental office and would often babysit for us. That was why she remembered tucking him into bed, reading stories to him and his curly hair and his laugh...

When Justin came home from work I sort of put the stuff to the side because he used to not like it when I did stuff like this. When I wrote a piece for my high school's alumni newsletter many years back, he asked me how long I would be yet in getting it done. At that time my office was just off the family room at our lake house and he could see/hear me at work. I sort of learned a lesson from that...which is why I likely put the 'book' aside as long as he was around. 

Speaking of the book, after reading through the lovely notes people wrote to us upon Timmy's death and the weeks afterward, I am rethinking the format of the book. The messages in the book can tell the story for me, if I let them.

Linda touched base with me throughout the day as she vacationed in the winter wonderland of MN at our friend's home. She knew of my project and sent me encouragement and comfort as I went through the basket. 

Tomorrow I have a seminar at my financial planner's office about Medicare. I know, I know, not old enough yet but it never hurts to get the scoop well in advance, plus have a lovely 'brunch' with the other folks. Plans are being made to lunch with my neighbor, Debbie, Saturday as well, depending upon how long the seminar lasts. I'd like to dine alfresco if possible and make the most of our sunshining days. In the low 80's again today---yay!

It's a hot day!

We reached 82 above zero today in North Florida and for this, I apologize to those of you who read this blog and are suffering from the terrible cold temps elsewhere. More than terrible, potentially life-threatening if much time is spent out in it without adequate clothing. Now, if it was a football game, folks can do it, but then again, they are usually wearing layer upon layer of clothing---or, a bikini, as I saw at a recent Packer game! Brrr!  It's so nice out that Justin and I enjoyed lunch on the patio at Bahama Breeze today after Bible study.

As I write, I see a very colorful barge moving up the river. When they travel at night, the barge and the tugboat are covered in lights which make them look like they are decorated for Christmas. So friendly looking, and very hard to miss.

I don't think I mentioned my quick trip to the dentist on Monday afternoon. My temporary bridge is holding up nicely and I thought I was keeping the area nice and clean. Well, Sunday morning when I brushed my teeth, I hurt myself, thinking I nicked the area where the extraction was and caused it to bleed. I thought at first I had another abscess and was fearing having some other procedure done to this area. Like it's never going to end, you know?

I called the dentist Monday morning and the young lady got me an appointment for that afternoon, well before I had to be ready for the Ladies' Group party. (Thinking ahead, I had stopped at Publix and got my food for taking to the party, plus my gift was already wrapped. I was so ahead of the game this time!) Heidi took me back to the suite and got me situated in the chair while I waited for Peggy. Heidi gave it a quick look-see and determined, indeed, I did have a boo boo. I knew it!

                         

Well, Peggy looked it over, and then tried pushing some tracer stuff into the owie to see how far into my head it would go. Once packed in there, she x-rayed it and found the wound was mostly a surface injury. She used an antibiotic to rinse the area and sure enough, she flushed out a 'foreign object'. That is enough detail, but will say I was VERY greatly relieved to know my bone is healing nicely after the extraction (yay!) and no further procedures were needed. 

I have to be extra careful when eating green food apparently, or any type of food, it seems. She gave me the remainder of the bottle of antiseptic stuff to take home with me, plus a syringe thing, to rinse the area at bedtime, making sure no 'foreign objects' cause me a problem. I was so so glad. I get my permanent bridge installed in January after I get home from WI. A nice, early start to my tax deductions!

Mission Accomplished!

It's been a long time coming but there it is----the top of my desk! I worked several hours on this project, tearing open envelopes, filing papers, shredding some stuff, and in general, going through the accumulation of debris stacked on my desk. And here is the result---a cleaned off desk. All that remains is a napkin for my soda can, and a case from a CD (music from Greece). Otherwise, all the stuff is handled as is appropriate and the slate is clean. Now, to the mailbox to see what more I can bring up to sort, file, or shred!

I never thought I'd say this...

...but I am getting tired of leftovers. Not just any leftovers, however, but the ones from the ThanksLiving feast. I have one serving of mashed potatoes left (I am NOT tired of them, ever!), and there are containers on the refrigerator shelves with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and carrots remaining. Justin polished off the combined orange Jell-O salads and I had the last of the cranberries. The green bean casserole went fast, and in fact, yesterday, I bought ingredients to make another batch for us. I do have leftovers from Koko's to eat but don't feel like I should eat that before the other foods. Justin did not share my thinking on this matter and ate his, plus my leftovers from Sunday's Chili's lunch!

Another time our family got 'tired' of leftovers and eating at home was after Timmy died. We had enormous amounts of food which had been provided us, and continued coming after our relatives had gone home again. Justin even made the remark that he never thought he would get tired of ham, but he did then!  We just had to go out and get some other types of food, just for a change of scenery and pace.

****

The other night Justin and I were sitting around talking and he made the declaration, "You know, we are the 'goingist to church' religion there is, besides Catholic." Well! Where did that come from? Evidently his boss said something about going to worship, or not going, for ThanksLiving Day, at his non-denom church. 

He began telling me about talking with his boss regarding church/religion stuff, which I find interesting. Now, my boy is fast talker, so I have to run to keep up sometimes. He said he couldn't remember something from confirmation class, and by the way, why do we have confirmation in the first place? Where does it say that in the Bible? And how come you have to be confirmed to take the Lord's Supper? And how many times a month? Wow! That must have been some conversation!

I explained to him the differences between doctrine and practice, hopefully in a way he can relate to his boss, then located Bible passages to reinforce our church's practice of being fully prepared to partake in the Lord's body and blood. I also told him that frequency of communing varies from congregation to congregation, a 'practice' established by their history or agreement in the leadership. Also, I reminded him how Victory does not have worship on Christmas Day, as is their choice. I can't imagine not having worship that day, as the services I attend at FG when I am there are so wonderful and edifying. 

I remember having the Lord's Supper served once a month at FG, and those not partaking were dismissed before the communion portion of the service continued. That was when I was a young girl and when the new pastor came, the man who confirmed and married me, it was changed to twice a month without dismissing anyone. But it was the history and practice of this congregation to do things differently, not as a Biblical mandate.

                             

I sure do enjoy these types of things, being asked the what and why, and have the opportunity to look up what needs to be substantiated with Bible passages or other resources. I think Justin enjoys the challenge as well. More than once he has referenced what his confirmation pastor told them in class...hey, they really were listening and learning!