Some Random Scoop 2 days after Thanksgiving...

I needed a break. 

Maybe its time for some random thoughts from me....

Thanksgiving was nice and quiet for the family 

Joe smoked the perfect turkey.. a beauty huh. 

Art took another load out to Nebraska yesterday, this time he took 

Sage. We were both thankful for his help. 

I seriously am not moving again, I am getting to old.

Mom used to say," never say never."

Okay but I plan to stay put for a while. 

Mom and I did some shopping yesterday. 

How insane has shopping become the day after Thanksgiving? 

It used to be fun. 

Now you have to be careful you don't get into a fight. 

We ended up at the knit shop and it was safe there. 

Well, bodily safe. not financially:) it was fun though. 

Time for a haircut and color

That could be a fun break...

Arthritis behind the knees is painful..

I'm wearing knee pads to scrub floors. 

Snowing in the mountains, just cool and windy in town. 

Supposed to warm up. I love Colorado weather. 

My kitties have found a new past time. 

I had to move the lizard to a new spot, and The cats can't take their eyes off her. 

Lizzie Lu, doesn't seem to mind. She runs all over the cage taunting them.

Don't worry she is safe. 

I just finished a book on Queen Elizabeth, the first one. It was fun. 

It's Time to bring out the Christmas books and music. 

 I have to find them first. 

I love Christmas music, I'm listening to "The Little Drummer Boy" as I write.

I couldn't find underwear this morning. 

Art probably took it with him. 

You'd never know from these pictures that I'm really getting it done. 
My underwear is probably in one of those piles:)
I'm downsizing really....

Today, I'm thankful I have the energy and ability to pack. 

Don't want to take it for granted.

I lost 6 lbs. at Weight Watchers, and probably gained back 

3 of it on Thanksgiving, but take another look at this 

turkey. How could anyone resist it? 

 November and December are busy birthday times for my grandchildren. 
Joel turned 6 in November.
David will be 11 in December. 
Sweet little Toby will be 5 in December. 
And my first grandson, Jon will be 22 in December. 
While various nieces and nephews also have birthdays these months. 
              Happy Birthday guys!!!!


Better stop now before I loose momentum. 
Time to get back to work. 
Bye.....

Day of Rest

It started out as a normal Sunday. I came home from church and was going to rest, rest, rest. 
It had been a long week, I had a great time with the kids in Nebraska, but I've had a bad cold and I was tired. 


For some reason, Art decided this was not the day he was going to rest, instead he was going to clean the kitchen, completely rearrange it, and throw stuff away. 
He was on one of his Art missions. 


Well, I was okay with this since the kitchen really needed a good cleaning, and I could rest and still give suggestions as to what needed to be cleaned, rearranged, and thrown away while sitting in front of the Lifetime Movie Channel,
But
It seemed the more my husband got into it the more frustrated he became.
 "I can't believe how many expired cans of food we have in this cupboard. What a waste." 


True enough I thought. Can Grocery shopping be an addiction? 
My chef husband loves the grocery store, but this is another story...moving on... 


fump, fump...grind grind....he was dumping  black bean  soup, corn, and whatever into the garbage disposal. 


"Why don't you just throw the cans away?" I asked. 
"I'm kinda curious to see what expired food looks like first," he responded. 


Really? 


It was at this point that things went crazy.... 


"The disposal is plugged up, and the plunger is not working," Art bellowed from the kitchen. 
"I hate plumbing." 


Art can fix almost anything, but when it comes to plumbing, it usually turns into a disaster first. 
My day of rest was soon to be over. 


Returning from Home Depot, Art said,
"I found just the thing to blow the blocked pipe out." 
"Attach this to a hose, stick it in the pipe and turn the water on. No more plugged pipe." 


Sounded good.
 First try. I was holding the hose in the pipe, and it blew brown water all over me. 
I screamed very loudly and we switched places. 


"Turn it on full," shouted Art, as he held the hose.


Well very long story short...
The thing didn't work, instead the water backed up and completely flooded the upstairs.
There was brown water, beans, corn and whatever all over my counters, under the sink, and floating on the floor. 


We didn't know it was happening until  water started dripping through the ceiling. 
So much for my day of rest. It took us hours and every towel we own to get the water cleaned up. 


Art will probably be upset I felt compelled to write about this, but I thought it might be good to share a couple of things I learned from this situation. 


1. Disposals are not for food? 
Thats what the plumber told us the next day.
What? 
I didn't even ask what they were for.  


2. Flooding under the sink is a good way to clean out the cupboard. I ended up throwing most every thing away, and now I can find what I'm looking for.  


3. All those used towels that you have been meaning to put in the rag bag, just might come in handy someday. Keep them. 


4. When you want a day of rest, don't let your husband clean the kitchen, no matter how good it sounds. Send him off to Bass Pro, it's worth the money. 

Will You Be My Valentine, Mr. Man?

I like it when someone is talking about their husband and they call him " My Man". It sounds so romantic doesn't it?  After 41 years with Art I call him The Man, Or Mr. Man :)
 This blog post is a valentine for That Man....

I forgot that today was Valentines Day. It's not a holiday that we always celebrate. Some years Art will give me a valentine, some years he will give me jewelry, and some years, like this one, nothing.
I can truly say that either way I am fine with it.
I guess it's cause He is such a sweetie every day.
He is kind and always considerate of me.
He still thinks I'm gorgeous and tells me all the time.
He cooks for me and cleans up after himself.
He adores his grandchildren, and I love the way he treats them.
He is generous, and encourages me to do things that I want to do or things I want to try.
He puts up with my moods, worries, and desire to control. He often reminds me that God is the answer for those moods, worries, and kindly reminds me that really only God is in control.
  
Oh and  I can't forget that
He takes out the trash without my asking....

No one is perfect and 41 years is a long time. We married young, and we went through some difficult times, but Art was willing to work hard and get sober to save our marriage.

This is why every day is Valentines Day for us.
Yes, I have to say,
He is The Man.

Bring on the Changes:)

January 7, 2011
I can't believe that we are a week into a new year. The Christmas holiday was so busy that it was like a blur, I enjoyed every minute, and we made some great memories this year, but the arrival of the new year seemed to slip by me, I think when everyone went home I slept through it:)
Last year was a different year for us. Art sold Builders Glass, and was home most of the year .
our lifestyle was strange and sometimes hard for me.

There is a scripture in Ecclesiastes that says there is a season for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pull up what is planted;
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh
A time to mourn, and a time to dance,
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to thrown away;
A time to tear and a time to sew
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time of war and a time of peace.

We experienced several of these seasons this year....


I've learned a few things about myself over the years one of those things is that I can be a fearful person. My fears can manifest themselves in many different ways. Fearfulness can rear its ugly head when I find myself in new or different situations. I don't like change much. I'm better in this area than I used to be because I live with a man who thrives on new situations and spontaneity.
This year could prove to be a huge year of changes for us, and I've not been completely eager. Actually Art would probably say I've been like a ball and chain around his leg.

This morning as I was assuring someone special that she could deal with her trial "one step at a time," I stopped and realized this approach was true for me also.
I need to deal with the changes in my life this year, one step at a time, trusting God on each one.

"One step at a time" is practically my mantra, yet I have not been doing this myself.

So this is my New Years resolution, though I don't like to make New Years resolutions.
I'm going to take it one step at a time....
And over the year I'll be sharing some of those steps with you.

Wow I feel better already:)

An EXTRA-Ordinary Night...

Today your savior was
born in the town of David.
He is Christ the Lord.....Luke 2:11

An ordinary night with ordinary sheep and ordinary shepherds.
And were it not for a God who loves to hook an "extra" on the
front of the ordinary, the night would have gone unnoticed.
The sheep would have been forgotten, and the shepherds would
have slept the night away.
But God dances amidst the common. and that night He did a waltz.
The black sky exploded with brightness. Trees that had been
shadows jumped into clarity. Sheep that had been silent became a
chorus of curiosity. One minute the shepherd was dead asleep, the
next he was rubbing his eyes and staring into the face off an alien.
The night was ordinary no more.
The angel came in the night because that is when it's best seen and that
is when they are most needed. God comes into the common for the same reason.
His most powerful tools are simplest

The APPLAUSE OF HEAVEN.. Max Luxcado

I WONDER....

I have been reading the Christmas Story in the book of Luke this week
As I was reading there were some things that I wondered about...
I thought I might ponder them with you.

Mary was alone when the the angel Gabriel came to her to fill her in on the miraculous occurrences God was planning for her life.
"Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you."

I WONDER... if Mary was more surprised at seeing an angel or at the fact that God called her favored?

I would expect what the angel said next couldn't have calmed Mary much, after all she was only around 14 years old and a virgin,
"and behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."

I WONDER...if at that point Mary even vaguely understood what the angel was telling her, she was to be the mother of the King of Kings.

Mary asks the obvious question,
"How can this be, since I am a virgin?

The angel gets very specific here, " the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will over shadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God."

Mary knew of the old testament prophesies for the Messiah. The Jews had been waiting for centuries for the Savior..

I WONDER...if Mary thought " Why now? Why me? Why would God choose me?"

Though Mary didn't ask for it,
I WONDER...if the angel sensed Mary might need more confirmation of what he was telling her, so he said,
" and behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age, and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month, For nothing will be impossible with God."

Mary didn't seem to be aware of Elizabeth's pregnancy,

I WONDER... if Mary was surprised at this news, and also reassured that if this was true then truly nothing was impossible for God.
I didn't matter that she was a virgin, or that her aunt was old and gray because God had a plan, and all things are attainable for Him.

I WONDER...if at that point she consciously choose to believe God because I see
she responded with belief and humility,
"behold the bond slave of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word."
and the angel departed from her.

I WONDER...if when the angel left and the emotion of it all disappeared if she might have thought maybe what she remembered had been said wasn't really said, and she had just been dreaming.

I WONDER...if she thought about telling her mom, or Joseph and getting their response or reassurance.

But instead she rose up and went in a hurry to see her Aunt Elizabeth, to confirm what she had been told.
I WONDER...at such wisdom from one so young.

Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
I WONDER....if Elizabeth was surprised at this unexpected visit or at the response of her own unborn son who leaped in her womb.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth responded,
I WONDER... if she cried tears when she said in a loud voice,
"Blessed are you among women, and Blessed is the fruit of your womb."

I WONDER....if Mary thought, the angel was telling the truth my aunt is pregnant, and she knows about me. She understands.

I WONDER...if Mary was relieved at Elizabeth's confirmation when she said.
" and blessed is she who believed that there would be fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

I WONDER...if Mary fell on her knees in tears when she spoke these profound words of praise,
"My soul exalts the Lord,
and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond slave,
for behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
and holy is His name
And His mercy upon generation after generation,
toward those who fear Him.
He has done mighty things with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts
of their hearts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent away the rich empty-handed
He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
as He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever."

And Mary stayed with her aunt for about three months, and then returned home.

I WONDER....if these two women, one old and one young, spent many hours talking and
rejoicing over what God was doing in their lives.

I WONDER...if they talked about being pregnant, about the aches and pains,and the labor they both would be facing.

I WONDER....if they discussed their husbands and their responses to the pregnancies. Would Zachery ever speak again? Would God tell Joseph,and how would he respond?

I WONDER... if God used this time they spent together to prepare them for the difficult things they would both face in their future.. ...

I just wonder over some of these things.

Being Thankful....

It has been a long two weeks. We had deer hunting in Nebraska in the middle of the month. Joe came with two of his friends and two of the boys.
A good time was had by all. I think there were 3 deer.

Poor Toby was sick...
bad cough...
snotty nose...
He is in school right now and loving it, but I think that he brings home every little bug...
Poor baby...

Anyhow a week later I caught whatever he had.
I haven't been this sick in years.
Normally if I catch something I get it lightly or not at all but not this time.
I've been coughing non stop for over a week.
I think I pulled a muscle in my lower region :)
I'm still coughing, but its starting to wain. I think....no it is...

We went to Jon and Debbie's for Thanksgiving breakfast and dinner.
It was fun.....I think that Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.


Art and I did some shopping on Friday...we even found an Estate sale...
but I was back on the couch by midday.

In all it was a good month, but it has gone by way to quickly. Christmas
is right around the corner. I am blessed this year because both boys are coming to Nebraska.
Hunting is on the agenda. JohnMark wants to get a deer. All four kids have worked hard on getting their hunters safety cards. (JohnMark, David, Sierra, and Cole)
Erik would love a deer in the freezer, they aren't going back to Vanuatu until May.
I'm busy.
Got cookies to bake and presents to wrap....
I seriously need to get off the couch.

I like Thanksgiving,
of course I love the food, Art made a killer turkey, but I like the reminder that it is good to be thankful and take the time to acknowledge it.
I have so much to be thankful for, but I still tend to look at my cup as half empty.
Someone sent me this poem...It's a bit cheesy, a lot cheesy, but it was a reminder to me...again...
the need to take the time and count my blessings because they are many, and look at my cup as half full instead of empty.

"I've never made fortune and it's probably to late now..
but I don't worry about that much ,
I'm happy anyhow..
And as I go along life's way
I'm reaping better than I sowed,
I'm drinking from my saucer
cause my cup has overflowed...

Haven't got a lot of riches
and sometimes the goings tough..
But I've got loving ones around me and that
makes me rich enough...
I'm thanking God for His blessing and the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinking from my saucer my cup has overflowed."

Yes...
My cup is overflowing.
The cup is half full....

I could make my thankful list right here, but I don't think that I will bore you instead while sitting on the couch here I will take the time to thank the Lord for all the many blessings
He has bestowed this year...
Have you taken the time to do that?

Ten Things I'm Loving This Fall...

Have I said that I love this time of the year..
Well I do...
I thought I would share with you some things I'm loving right now...



1. The Weather...
We have had beautiful Fall weather. It has been warm... warm... warm...
Yesterday was our first cool day, and it rained, no snow.
I'm sure it will end soon, but for now its great.


2. The leaves...they are so beautiful this year...



3. Pumpkin Spice Coffee....love it...love it....love it....
I look forward to it all year long.....so yummy...



4. Estate Sales...
My new obsession. I could get hooked. Here I am trying to get rid of stuff, and I find myself
looking for new stuff for our Etsy store....go check it out... stapestreasetrove.etsy.com which brings me to my number


5. I love old books and I have collected some real treasures for my Amazon account.



6. My Grandchildren...
I know this one is nothing new...I love my grand kids all the time, but what is new is that all 8 of them are in the USA right now.
They are able to call me whenever they want.... and I love it....
We are going to Chicago next week to see my Vanuatu kids...
I can't wait...they can't either...love it...

7.I love having Art around more....Don't tell him though :)
Loving Him....


8. I picked up this book in Leadville , Colorado
"Outlasting the trail...."
by Mary Barmeyer O'Brien
I've always wondered what it must have been like to travel across this country in a covered wagon. This book is about Mary Rockwood Powers. She traveled from Wisconsin to California with her husband and children. This book is fiction, but taken from her journals and letters. So interesting and moving to read what they endured.

9. My Bible Study..."Faithful, Abundant, True...Deeper Still.

10. My nieces, Des and Heather. Both girls are going through hard times, but it is a joy to watch them. I'm proud of them and I love them both.

I'm back.....

Hello to all...
I've been on a blogging break. '
Not necessarily a planned break.
Been busy...busy...busy... with my new project.
I have been selling books on Amazon.
Art and I have been scouring estate sales for old books.
I have been selling about 3 a week.
I have around 120 in my inventory now. I have found some
great old books. So much fun...
If I could have any kind of store it would be a book and coffee shop.
I anyone is interested my account is booklover49 on Amazon

It's my favorite time of year. I love Autumn.
We have had abnormally hot weather here in Colorado...90's.
The mornings are cold though... and cool breezes in the afternoons.

We are in Vail this week...The trees are beautiful.
Sage, Cole, and Toby spent 3 days with us. We swam, hiked, fished and hunted rocks.
Great fun....Except they were all sick with colds.

Kids are back in school. Kiowa started in August. Sage and Cole are playing football .
My Vanuatu grand kids are enjoying Chicago and American school, they will be
here for the entire school year. They are doing very well, but miss Vanuatu.
Erik is teaching at Moody.
I love having them close by. We are going back to
Chicago in two weeks, and then driving on to Ohio.
We hope to see the trees changing.... do some book hunting...

Art is working off and on with Joe...
They are going deer hunting in southern Colorado next week.
Sage turns 16 on Monday...
Jon is still fueling planes at DIA and liking it. Winter might change that.
Art turned 61 last Friday, and we went to the BIG FAT CUPCAKE to celebrate.

Well, that is all my news... I will be blogging again...Hopefully someone cares...
KAREN

BIG & little

"TALL & short

Young & old

Extra large & extra small

fourth generation & first generation

My grandson & my mom

Shoe size 15 & shoe size 5
"How much longer are we going to be here?" & "I'm just happy to be here."

Great grandson & Great Grandma
Stupendous Sage & Mini Winnie
I couldn't resist. Isn't this the greatest picture?

Summer Daze...

I feel like I'm in a daze.
What month is it?
Can't be July.
That would mean that the middle of summer is upon us.
Okay, I'm convinced if I look around me,


it's hot,the days are lighter longer, my grand children are out of school, the pool is open,the trees are covered with green leaves,the flowers are blooming, and last but not least my calendar says its so.

I can't tell you when it all happened, guess cause I've been so busy it kinda went by me.

I still have lots of plans for my summer.
I'm cleaning out my house and planning another garage sale. At least it won't be snowing outside this time.

I want to take a writing class, and do some extra writing.

I want to spend some time with my grand kids.
A couple of weeks in Nebraska would be good though highly unlikely.

I have a couple of books I want to finish.
I have a summer Bible Study going.

We are going to Chicago to visit Erik and Michele, we might take the train home.

I have several hats planned in my mind to knit.

I'm going to clean out my china cabinet.

I have skirts to make for Michele and Sierra before they leave in January.

Figure out Facebook.

Just a few of the things I want to get done.
I'm out of my daze and into the days of July.

Yesterday we ran into another summer reminder, a farmers market.




The flowers were beautiful and for sale....

The produce was scarce, the Colorado growing season has just begun,
but we found the important
stuff, this roll was one of
best sticky buns I've ever had.
We shared...
My diet is still on my agenda also.

Not much more going on here...
What about the rest of you, how are you going to spend the rest of your summer?

Check it out.....

Now this is a beautiful model. ....


Just wanted to share with you what I've been up too.
I opened my own Etsy shop for my knitted baby hats, and I need your help.
Check it out , and then share it with your friends...





Just a sampling..hellobaby49.etsy.com is the address..
Let me know what you think.

WHAT I'M DOING THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND...

I'm SITTING here at my computer in Nebraska...
It is snowing lightly outside, a fire is burning and we have been watching movies. Art is making prime rib for dinner.

I'm CONSIDERING that this New Years one of the most important questions being asked is whether to call this new year two thousand ten or twenty ten. I wonder which it will be and does it really matter? Seriously...

I'm WONDERING were the year 2009 went. It seemed to fly by. It was a momentous year for us in many ways..
We both turned 60...I still can't get over that.. We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.
I went to Vanuatu with Sage...it was a great trip for both of us.
Michele and Joel came to visit for medical care.
Art is miserable working and is preparing to retire.
Jon turns 20 and Toby is 3 this year. My oldest and my youngest grandsons.

I'm SAD because the holidays are almost over...the boys will be back in school on Monday. It think that the week between Christmas and New Years is a strange week. Kinda like being in limbo...you know up in the air, its like life goes on the back burner for a week.
Its hard to decide whether to take the Christmas decorations down or keep them up.
Its hard to decide whether to go on my diet or finish up the Christmas cookies.
It's time to find the new day timer, but not time to use it yet.
I have to decide whether to start a new journal or use the old one until all the pages are gone.
I have to decide whether to send New Years cards or skip sending cards completely.
It can be a tough week....

I'm being CONVICTED about my fearful attitude in so many areas of my life thus....
I'm READING the book "Fearless Imagine Your Life Without Fear".....by Max Lucado
Something to think about:
"Fear never wrote a symphony or poem, negotiated a peace treaty, or cured a disease. Fear never pulled a family out of poverty or a country out of bigotry. Fear never saved a marriage or a business. Courage did that. Faith did that. People who refused to consult or cower to their intimidates did that. But fear itself? Fear herds us into a prison and slams the doors

I'm NEEDING to go on a diet and loose about 15 lbs...no more excuses...no more eating...
I'm WEARY from not feeling good...lots of aches and pains...lots of tiredness its been going on for months.

I'm THINKING AND PRAYING about one of the missionary children in Vanuatu. He fell out a tree while playing and has been sent to Australia for treatment.. Him and his family have been on my heart all weekend.
We are not sure how he is doing, but he has a head injury.

I'm CHANGING my sheets and cleaning my bedroom when I get home. My goal is to get rid of some clothes and Stuff.

I'm BRACING for Art's retirement....should be happening in the next few months.
CHANGING will be coming in that area also.....:)

I'm COMPILING a list of things that need to get done this January.

I'm DREADING the time and effort it will take to make 22 pair of shorts for the boys in the village in Vanuatu, while at the same time I'm AMAZED at how one pair of shorts or one skirt can make such a difference in their lives.

I'm THANKFUL moving into this New Year how basically healthy my whole family is, and REJOICING in God's gracious goodness and faithfulness to us.
Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised....

And Last but not Least I"m HOPING that you and yours will have a very
HAPPY & BLESSED NEW YEAR

Now Is the Time....

In March I wrote about how I hate loosing my hour well its time...time for me to get my time back, and all feels right with the world.
Springtime, Summertime, and finally Fall back time.
This is the day that I have more time to sleep, to work out, to eat, to read, to blog, to pray.

Did you know there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.
A time to give birth and a time to die:
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.

That pretty much covers it doesn't it?

But here is a quote that really gave me pause...
"Don't count every hour in the day,
make every hour in the day count.

Hmmm......Maybe I'm making to much of one hour...

I have 5 months to rethink this whole time thing...

Random 12 ...for this week

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.
One of my favorite teachers was a college teacher that taught me, Family Communication and Speech. I learned so much about family dynamics and about speaking. Loved it.

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.
When Art's parents were killed in an accident. This crisis caused me to question my religion, my worrying, my desire to control. I realized I needed to look at all these things and make some changes.

3. Tell me about your favorite color, not what it is, but what feelings it invokes.
I love pinks. Makes me feel feminine and a little royal?

4. What is a sure sign you are getting older?
Do I go any place without spilling coffee or food on my self? I need that Tide stuff, Heather showed me this weekend.

5. Do you like Halloween? YES or NO. do not sermonize:)
No, it has never been fun for me. I have always hated trying to figure out a costume, but I do like those bags of candy and the chocolate candy bars.

6. Favorite Musical...
South Pacific

7. Are you more city mouse or country mouse?
City and all it contains though I like the peace and quiet of country.

8. Did you know that for a small fee you can name a star after someone. If someone were to name a star after you would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance or would you say , " are you kidding me? for 19.99 we could have gone to a movie and had popcorn."
Well I would have to go with the are you kidding me reaction, but not because of the money,but because of the fact that the scripture says that God created all the stars in the heavens, and named them. I love that. There is not a need for us to be renaming them.

9. What is the craziest thing that you have ever been doing while texting at the same time?
Texting and talking on the phone at the same time...not easy to do.

10. It's not a party unless?
We have coffee and dessert.

11.If you get stuck in traffic or in a waiting room what do you do to pass the time. there are no magazines.
I always have a book with me and usually my knitting. I don't like to be idle.


12. I you weren't yourself would you be friends with yourself?
Of course...:)

" A man can not be comfortable without his own approval"....Mark Twain.. Hmmm something to think about.

Random Dozen Meme

There is a blog called http://2nd-cup-of-coffee.blogspot.com/ and
she has a post called Random Dozen Meme. A random dozen questions to answer just for fun.
I like random so I thought I'd answer this week.

1. On average how often to you splurge and buy something for yourself.
On average not that often, but I did buy myself a couple new shirts this week at Eddie Bauer.
2. What is the latest project you began/finished?
My latest project that is still not finished, I am making 19 skirts for the little girls in the Erik's village. parentofamisionarymyreflections.blogspot.com/ I have 9 1/2 done. I need to have them done by end of the month.
3.Do you consider your house to big, to little, or just right?
Right now I'd say to little, but it's more that I have to much stuff..If I get rid of some stuff it will be just right.
4. What is your favorite outdoor chore?
I love to mow the grass in Nebraska.
5.If you knew cigarette smoking was bad for your health but would be a weight loss tool, would you use it? No way smoking is nasty and hard to quit.
6. On a road trip would you rather drive or ride?
I love road trips and I like driving, but I would rather ride cause I can read or knit or write.
7. What do you consider trivial pursuit?
Stupid talk...such a waste of time.
8. How long do you watch a movie or read a book before giving up on it?
Not long maybe 15 mins. for movie, and 3-4 chapters for book.
9. Is there a song you really love but are to embarrassed to admit because it is to racy/or not cool?
I love the album from the movie Blue Hawaii/ Elvis Presley...that was my favorite movie when I was in the 5th grade.
10.On a scale of 1-10 (10 extremely)how spontaneous are you?
After 40 years of living with Art, who is Mr. spontaneous I am proud to say I am about a 7. That is really good for me considering that when I married him I was a 1.
Might have something to do with control:)
11. Are you a food an/or beverage snob?
I love to eat...most anything tastes better with a good cup of coffee.
12.Who/or what are you trying to control in your life?
Can I skip this one? I would love to say no one or nothing, but this is an area that I have to constantly be aware of and I have to work on. Being in control makes me feel safe and fine even though I know that I'm never really in control.

I just found this quote on Patsy Clairmonts twitter goes along with my last question/answer.

"For peace of mind we need to resign as general manager of the universe." Larry Eisenberg

Interesting that was random and fun....go ahead and respond with your own answers.

What's Up...

Took Toby to the Zoo...on Monday.


Summer is almost over...
It's beautiful Fall weather right now.
Art , Joe, and Sage went Elk hunting for a few days this week. No Elk but they all had fun It rained, sleeted, and snowed. The Aspen's are changing, but the colors are not as vibrant, it may be due to all the moisture and cool weather we have had this summer.

Art is home and my living room is filled. I'm trying not to nag:)

Skyped with Heather and Dale, and Samantha this weekend.
What a cute baby girl. Skype is like being there except I could not
get my hands on her.


Sage and Cole are playing football for school.

I've been working on making skirts for all the little girls in the village.
I have 18 to finish before end of October. I've got 7 done.

I started Bible Study today....Revelation.

It's almost time for Vail week..Looking forward to it.

I'm still doing water aerobics 2 times a week.

I broke my phone last night. dropped it...still works..sorta

Steph is doing school again this semester.

Art's bathtub broke, he is putting in a new one.

Art likes his hearing aids. He can hear me now:)no more excuses.

We had ribs for dinner and I actually cooked them.

Not much else is up....

Signs of Fall...

Fall is coming...
It is in the air....that coolness.
Where did summer go?
The boys are back in school and football.
They are so busy I miss seeing them.
Jon is liking college.
Art is still hating work....he says that it is not fun anymore.
The Bronco's stink....it's going to be a long football season.
Art is getting ready to go hunting...
We canned some pickles and peppers.
Bible Study starts soon, I'm studying Revelation.
I'm baking peach pies tomorrow.
I have 18 skirts to make for the little girls in Erik's village.
I promised them for Christmas.
Art turns 60 this month.
I'm still doing aroebics...but gained 5lbs. on vacation...
Art and I are dieting again.
I read 4 books this month.
We have three cats in this place...how crazy is that?

We have had a wet summer in Nebraska, the sunflowers
were all over the place....they are my favorite..

Thankful Tuesday...

It's thankful Tuesday...I know I haven't posted for weeks.
Not because I"m not thankful, but because I forget it's Tuesday.
No really....Its been a busy summer, and it's gotten by me.

Not this week, I had great time with Art on our trip so He is my
Thankful Tuesday Picture....Love you Sweetie...

Road Trip Lyric....

Three set out this morning...

A road trip is the plan....
Colorado roadside favorites ..... bathrooms..
and majesty.....
Moving south the trees are few, the sky is blue, cactus dot the hills.....