Jolly Rancher

I had the best weekend that started Friday eve. with a pizza / babysitting party at my moms.  I do a lot of babysitting at her house for Steph's kids because of dog allergies that Gray has when he stays too long at my house, and it gives my mom company and she gets to be with the kids and enjoy the festivities without leaving her lazy boy chair.  After dinner, Noah & Ivy went with me to Dairy Dip to pick up dessert.  When we got in the van, on the way, Noah, all smiles asked me if I liked Jolly Rancher candies.  Of course I said yes.  He pulled one out of his pocket and said "Here Mimi, I want you to have this Jolly Rancher"  He put it in my little tray by my cup holder and I told him that will be refreshing on my way home from work on Monday.  His smile was as big as ever.  He was so proud to give me something that I liked.  On the way, I handed him a $20 to hold for our ice cream.  Now, he was only sitting in his seat next to me and the trip was only about 1 mile away.  When I ordered and went to pay, he said he couldn't find the money.  He searched all his pockets and finally found it in the last of about 5 pockets.  I said "Noah, how do you manage to lose money sitting still in a seat for a few minutes"  He giggled.  I love this little guy.  He brings so much Joy to my world.  I will enjoy my jolly rancher on my way home today and think of Noah....

Missing my sister

Last week was such a Blurr, but one thing I won't forget is how my sister became my nurse and with her tender loving care, brought me thru a storm. 
She ended up flying with my mom to bring her back home when I had to cancel my flight plans due to a colon infection and ulcerative colitis flare up.  My moms house was my hospital and Diane was my nurse.  I wasn't able to eat much and was trying to find foods that I could tolerate.  Diane made me a pot of her homemade chicken & dumplins and that was just what the dr. ordered.  After eating the first few bites, I felt the healing begin.  We spent each morning meditating and listening to Praise and Worship music, while Diane exercised on the bike, I relaxed on the comfy chair beside her.  I soaked in the positive energy I needed for my healing.  It was so comforting with my sister there.  I can't begin to explain how much better it was being there than in a hospital, which the dr. at one point was going to have me go.  I fought it and knew that I could heal better at my moms.  Company came and went thru the week and it was like I was being visited in the hospital.  I was able to get out some when I felt good enough and one of the highlights of the week was going to Marshall's with Diane, Steph and my mom.  We had a Pretty Women style show in the dressing room.  I found the perfect summer little black dress with a cute cover up to wear to 2 weddings this summer.   Diane found a whole new wardrobe and Steph found some good bargains also.  It was a great afternoon that started with lunch at Panera (love their cream of chicken & wild rice soup).  My mom who usually does not have the strength to shop, even shopped.  She had her walker to rest when her legs got tired.  We ended the trip by going by Designer Desserts to pick up a key lime pie cup cake to take home. 
So, thanks to Diane's chicken & dumplin's and lots of prayer, I am starting to feel like I am among the living again.  It might also have to do with the medication my dr. prescribed, but I do give God the Glory!  And I really Miss my Sister!

Happy Birthday Nate & Diane

Today is my son Nate's & Sister Diane's Birthday. When I found out I was expecting Nate, I had such a desire to have him on her Birthday, because She is so special to me. I went into labor on the evening of the 11th and he waited to be born the morning of the 12th. I can remember calling my sister to tell her she had a new Birthday nephew. She was so excited. I would like to wish them both a very Happy Birthday today and for God to pour out his blessings upon their lives.

Precious Moments

I worked in the 2nd Grade as a Teacher Assistant when my kids went to Elementary school. They also went to the school I worked at. It was the best Gig ever. I learned so much from the Special Teacher I worked with. "Dorothy Conry" had MS, but didn't let it stand in her way of being the best teacher she could be. She rode around in a "Putt Putt" as she called it, when her legs would not work. The kids thought this was awesome to have a teacher with such a special ride. I created all of her bulletin boards and walked around helping each child with their cursive writing and different activities. I also took reading groups to the Library and walked the class to their special classes. I was her legs and I was proud to be able to help her. She was in her early 40's when diagnosed with this horrible, crippling disease. Her husband left her. She had a son who would also abandon her later on. I had never in my life met a more positive person. I so admired her. She was in my Bunco Club with some other Teacher Assistants. She had a Precious Moments collection and a special Precious Moments Christmas tree that she kept up year round. We always loved meeting at her apartment for Bunco because we got to admire her tree, loaded down with her special ornaments.

She eventually had to take a medical retirement when the MS got so bad. She moved into a nursing home. She recently passed away from the MS and she had started to develop Alzheimer's. It was a sad day when I got the call that she had passed away. I went to her viewing along with a former Teacher Assistant.

Weeks later, I received a box in the mail from her sister-in-law. It was 2 Precious Moments ornaments with a special card. She said that when she was going thru Dorothy's belongings she came across a note with my name on it with some other names and it was in her box of Precious Moments ornaments. She knew Dorothy had wanted to make sure her special friends received her special ornaments to remember her by, so she mailed out 2 to each person on the list. I was so overwhelmed with emotion when I opened the box. It was just like Dorothy to be so organized and making sure her Precious Moments would carry on their special meaning. I will make sure that when I hang them on my tree this year, they will hang in the very front, so when I see them, I will remember my Precious Co-worker, mentor, teacher, but most of all, my friend. A Precious Moment I will keep in my heart forever. R.I.P sweet friend.

Daydream Believer

I have been a daydreamer since I was in Jr. High School. I attribute that to being an average student. My mind would wander a lot to far off places or what I was going to do after school or that weekend, to what I was going to wear the next day to school. I even remember picturing eating a yummy cheese pizza at my favorite place, "Woolworth" where my sister and I would go sometimes on our lunch hour in Elementary school. It was safe back then to walk down the street.

Now to explain the pictures of shells and sand. I have been many times to accompany my sister at her work conference at Heavenly Sandestin Beach, Florida. We called it our "Sister Vacation". Her husband gave up his chance to go, so I could go in his place. He doesn't really like the heat, sand and beach, so it's not an enjoyable place for him. He knows how important it is for the Sisters to spend time together, and I thank him for that.

I collected the sand, shells, giraffe drink stirrer, and this special rock that says "Grace" in this special glass from the beach. It sits on my desk at work within view. I remember the day the rock was found. My great niece was swimming in the ocean with me and she found it in the water and gave it to me. That little rock means so much to me. Sometimes I drift off and stare at my shrine of sand and I am actually sitting under the beach umbrella, sipping my cold beverage, toes in the hot sand and watching the breathtaking waves. I am snapped back to reality as soon as the phone rings, or someone needs my help with something. I must say that I go to that place almost every day. I even go to the website of the hotel we stayed at "Hilton Sandestin" and click on the live web cam that shows the 2 outdoor pools, spas and beach. I am there. Disconnected from my daily routine at my desk. I can smell the ocean breeze and feel the sand between my toes. I picture myself laying my towel down on a lounge chair to save it.

This summer, my sister will go again, but this time her husband will join her, and that's OK with me. I just cherish the time I had the past Summers. I can daydream and I'm there.

Happy 5th Birthday Princess Abigail

Today is my grand-daughter's 5th Birthday. She is a princess and fashionista. Her world is a fairy tale. I've never seen a little girl who loves to play dress up like Abby. I asked her what she wanted for her Birthday and she told me she REALLY wanted a Jasmine outfit. Well, the Disney store does not have them in stock, so I ordered her the outfit, shoes and jewelry to match. She will be so excited to open it up when we celebrate her Birthday at her party on Saturday. She's having a movie party with my other grand kids. We are going to see "The Lorax" then coming back to my house for cake and ice cream. Should be a fun celebration! I called her this morning to sing Happy Birthday to her and she told me about waking up to a new purple and pink bike with balloons. She asked her mommy if she is still getting the Jasmine outfit. She really wanted it. It's so hard to wait until her party to give it to her. I love my little Abby so much and wish her the Happiest Birthday ever! She is a BLESSING!

Aunt Nina, A flawless Rose

These are special crocheted roses made with Love by my Special Aunt Nina. They are pins to wear. I love receiving hand made things from her. I cherish these so much. When I think of my Aunt Nina, I think of a rose. She is perfect in my eyes. I have watched her blossom and grow as I grew up, and I am in awe of what she endured and seeing the strength she had, makes me admire her that much more. Growing up, we would spend our vacations in West Virginia visiting Grand-parents, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins on both sides of my family. My moms mom, Grandma Riddle was helping out my Aunt Nina in raising her 2 children, Michael & Vicky, while she held down several jobs, trying to put food on the table and pay the bills. They all lived together. I remember when we would visit, my Aunt Nina would come in from working nights and go to bed on the couch, because she would give up her bed for who ever needed one. I remember her having to ride the bus where ever she needed to go because she never got her driver's license. It was a treat when we would be there because my dad would drive her to work and to the store. She always provided for her children and mom. She always put them before herself. I think if I had to think of one person in my family who sacrificed for their children, it would have to be my Aunt Nina. I can remember when some of my cousins needed clothes or supplies for school, she bought them what they needed. She was a single mom, barely surviving herself, but when she knew of someone in need, she always stepped up and was there. You know the saying "He would give you the shirt off his back"? Well, she actually did give the shirt off her back, many times. I feel so blessed because my Aunt Nina named me when I was born. I have always loved my name, and it made her happy to know that. My Aunt Nina is multi-talented. Her daughter, Vicky, is following in her footsteps. This picture was taken during the week of my dad's funeral last February. My Aunt Nina rode the train to come and stay with my mom for one week. She is on the left side, my sister Diane, me, daughter Steph, brother Randy and mom seated. Everyone says I resemble her more. She brought so much comfort to us during this time. We adore her. She will be making another train trip this spring or summer and I can't wait. Everyone should have an Aunt Nina...I feel so blessed to have her in my life....

My sisters gentle touch

I cherish this picture of my Sister and myself. It was taken last week when she came home for a visit. She was so excited to wake up to fresh snow 3 mornings while she was home. This morning, I had to go to work and she was out building a little snowman on the porch of moms house. I wish now that I would have taken the time to build one with her. It was the best week. I took a few vacation days to spend as much time with her as possible. I spent the nights with her and mom. It was like a week long slumber party. I'm so glad I have an understanding husband. My sister and I use to share a canopy bed while growing up. We shared a bed while she was here. We both had to wear ear plugs because of all the snoring that goes on. I told her that she is a prim and proper snorer, while I am a bulldozer snorer. One night I guess I was snoring extra loud and it filtered through her ear plug and she gently touched my arm to have me turn over. Her touch reminded me of the night when our dad had passed away and I was secretly crying on my pillow, but she knew it and gently touched my arm and I immediately felt comforted. We have a sister bond that I am so thankful for. She's my rock. I miss her terribly.

No more balloons

I am turning over a new leaf this year. You see, I've had this sickness that I think every Birthday party requires balloons. I stress over this and my sister thinks I'm nuts. I guess I've always thought that a party isn't a party without some balloons. My favorite party store closed down last year and left me trying to find another place to get balloons for a reasonable price. I was in mourning when they closed. When we were decorating for my dad's 80th Birthday party last year I was insistent on getting balloons. My sister laughed at me. She understands my sickness. I overstress and sweat the small stuff. While my sister has been visiting this week we talked about my balloon sickness. She kept repeating "No More Balloons". As my grand kids are growing up I would be the one to bring the balloons to the party. But, I am turning over a new leaf and hanging up my balloon sickness. No one else cares, so why should I? You spend that money and within hours they shrink or pop. I'm making less stress in my life. No More Balloons!

Happy 11th Birthday Noah Jeffrey Precourt!

Today we celebrate my First born, Grandson, Noah's 11th Birthday. It is so hard to believe that 11 years ago today, I was standing in the hallway of the hospital awaiting the news that our first grandson would be born. Jeff ran out of Steph's room where she had just delivered and yelled to the world that he had a "ball player". The feeling I had was overwhelming Joy.
Noah has a permanent Smile on his face. He's like a ray of sunshine when he walks in a room. I love him to the moon and back.
We will celebrate his Birthday on Saturday night at my mom, his Great Mommal's house. His Great Aunt Diane will be in town and will celebrate with us, as well as his other Grandparents.
Happy Birthday Sweet Noah!

Remembering today

The 23rd Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:He leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul:He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever. Amen.

1 year ago today at 4:15 p.m. in a cozy room called "The Land Deck Room" at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton Hospice center in Valparaiso, Indiana, my precious Mother, stood over my dad's bedside and quoted this scripture. As soon as she said the last line, my dad drew his last breath and the Angels carried my dad up to Heaven. It was a Peaceful Home going for him. My mother did not miss a word. Her voice was flawless. She gave my dad, her soul mate permission to leave this earth. She knew his body was tired and it was time. She led the way for him and handed him over to the Angels awaiting to usher him into the Heaven that he talked so much about. What a beautiful, precious, peaceful, sad, tearful time this was for everyone standing around his bedside. He waited for all of his loved ones to get there before leaving. He loved everyone, he loved life, but his biggest desire was to make Heaven his home. Welcome home dad.

1 year ago

One year ago today, we were on our way to pick my sister up from the airport. She was coming home for our dad's 80th Birthday Celebration. Dad didn't know it at the time that we were having him a big Birthday party with close friends and family. I wanted it to be a surprise, but a little voice inside said to tell him about his party. So, after Diane got there and we were all sitting around, I told him about his party and that it would be at the Mission Church down the street from his house. He loved that little church and the Pastor and his wife were so gracious to open their doors to us, with no charge to use their hall. Dad was so excited, he started calling people and inviting them to his party. I told him that I had already invited close friends and family. He wanted to help and go to the store with Diane and I, but it was snowing and we told him to stay in and we would handle everything. We didn't want him getting out and taking a chance on falling on the ice. Diane and I headed to the store to pick up the Birthday cake and balloons. I am a balloon person and think it's very important to have balloons at a party. I knew my dad loved balloons. I found one that said "older than dirt" he loved it. I also wanted to find an iron on #80 to put on a shirt I bought him. After we got back home, I snuck in to work on his shirt, which he would open up at his party and put on. Who would have known that he would have that shirt on while riding in the ambulance to the hospital hours later that night.

He watched me bake cookies from his comfy lazy boy. He wanted to be the first one to taste one. I will never forget the smile from ear to ear on his face. He was so excited about his party and watching us prepare for it. He was the first to arrive to his party. He was amazed at the decorations and got him a seat and awaited the guests arrival. I served him a plate of pizza and munchies and he said it was the best pizza. Who would have known it would be his last meal. He told jokes and stories to everyone sitting around him. I heard some that I was hearing for the first time. We lit the candles on the beautiful cake and he blew it out. My grand-daughter, Ivy cried because she didn't get to blow it out. My dad said "light those candles again and let that baby blow it out" and she did. He enjoyed his cake. Being diabetic he watched his sweets, but this night he didn't watch it. He may have known that it didn't matter now that he eat a big piece of cake. He opened up his gifts and we all had lots of laughs. Sherry, a family member, brought her karaoke machine and we sang and had a fun time. Dad was clapping his hands and really enjoying all the singing. I wish now that someone would have video taped the party, but we did get lots of pictures. I had gotten a large cupcake pillow with a candle that all the guests signed and it sang Happy Birthday. He held it tight to his chest after we got home that night. Who would have known that we would be burying that pillow with him days later.

It all still seems like a bad dream. It was like my world stopped. My dad would never walk down the hallway again to greet me in the mornings when I would stop before work for coffee. His chair across from me sits empty.

Tomorrow we will celebrate what would have been his 81st Birthday. I got a cupcake heart cake. The grandkids will blow out candles and we will sing. We will remember my dad & Poppal. He will be smiling down & probably having a big Birthday party in Heaven.

Feb. 3, Friday Random Thoughts

**I want to go back to this hairstyle

**I decided to stop coloring my hair

**I have lots of grey, but it's OK

**I love jelly beans

**I want to hold a newborn baby

**I love to make people happy

**Olive Garden upset me last night

**I love having dinner out with Mike

**I'm thankful for a great Boss

**I am happy when it snows

**I love our new dogs, Lilly & Halle

**I quit going on diets, cause they don't work for me

**I have been on a green olive craving spree lately

**I will see my sister in 2 weeks

**I miss my grand kids

**I love finding coins on the ground (money from heaven)

**My dads 1 year anniversary in heaven is coming up

**Time is going way too fast to keep up

**I love having coffee and breakfast with my mom every morning

**Did I say I love jelly beans? Cause I'm chewing on them now

**I must have the t.v. on to fall asleep in bed

**I need a personal chef

**I want to rock babies in the hospital nursery

**I can't wait til Celebrity Apprentice is on, Feb. 12.

**I like Michelle Duggar

**I want to see Bon Jovi in concert

**I found the best fitting jeans ever at Lane Bryant, I live in them

**I'm proud of my daughter's talent to knit

**I love wearing sweatshirts on weekends

**I don't watch the Superbowl, just halftime and commercials

**I can't wait for some sister time in 2 weeks

**I would love to retire some day to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee

**I love to go to Lake George and feed the ducks

**I love Sunday morning breakfast with Mike and Mom

**I would like to have more family gatherings with my kids and grand kids

I could go on and on with my thoughts....thanks for tuning in.....

A favorite Christmas gift

I don't usually mention things I want for Christmas. I happened to say that I really really wanted some soup mugs. I like eating cereal or soup out of a mug rather than a bowl. My darling daughter, Steph gave me this special mug for Christmas. It is from the "Friends" Central Perk. I LOVE it. It's gotten a lot of use already and I handle it with loving care. I don't like to let it sit in the sink dirty. I usually wash it right away and put it in it's safe spot until next use. It's the little things in life that bring me joy.

What's on my mind?

A favorite Christmas gift from Steph & Jeff were tickets to see our favorite group, Celtic Woman. Believe is a new concert which we have seen on t.v. but not live. We have been to 3 of their concerts and were amazed each time at their angelic voices. The neat part is, the concert is on Mike's birthday, March 31 in Chicago. The way Steph had us open them was so clever. She wrapped my ticket inside a Coach wrist let(which I love) and Mike's was in a book on a certain page. She had us open at the same time. She puts a lot of thought into her gifts and we were so happy to receive.

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I still have my Christmas tree up. It's in a corner, not in the way. I usually take it down before Steph's Birthday, Jan. 8, but this year I enjoyed looking at it longer. I guess it's time to take it down, maybe by the weekend.

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Since my dad passed away, almost 11 months now, our routine on weekends are usually spent with my mom and taking her out for breakfast or dinner. It's been nice hanging out with my hubby and her. I appreciate my hubby so much in helping me and her with her household duties that needs a mans touch. Years ago my weekends were consumed with church activities (without my husband) and now it's consumed in a new way. I'm loving spending time with Mike and doing things with him and helping my mom at the same time.

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I'm trying to cook new things, especially what my husband likes. I have been eating less chicken and trying to like fish. Mike will not eat chicken. He loves fish, so I am starting to like tilapia. As long as it's a white fish, I can eat it. We are trying to eat healthier and not having so much junk food in the house. I'm proud of Mike for choosing grapes as one of his snack foods. I was really proud of myself lately, for making a copy cat version of an Apple bee's recipe. Mike had ordered Cajun seasoned Tilapia over rice and corn & black bean salsa. It was on the Weight Watcher's menu. I googled it and found the recipe and made it. It did call for quite a few ingredients but once you make the seasoning, you have it for next time. It makes a lot. He said it tasted just like Apple bee's....Mission accomplished! I served it with steamed broccoli and we had a healthy, delicious meal.

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I would like to spend more time with my grand kids this year. I would like to take my grand-daughter's, Abby & Ivy to get their nails done. I would like to take the grand-son's somewhere fun for boys. The cousins don't get to spend much time together and I would love to change that. I have such great memories as a child spending time with my cousins and I have remained close to many of them.

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I am loving that we rescued 2 of the most loving, playful doxie dogs, Lilly & Halle. They have changed the mood in the house so much. Our 16 year old doxie, Hanker Boy, tolerates them pretty well. We don't look for him to last much longer. But he's a tough dog. For once, Mike has not only 1 lap dog, but 2. It was meant for them to come and live with us. They remind us of the possums in the movie Ice Age. We got them each a long stuffed toy for Christmas and now our living room floor is covered with white stuffing from the toys. They are so happy to see us when we come home from work. Halle jumps up about 3 feet and Lilly runs to get her toy. They are our little girls.

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I started playing Words with Friends on Face book a while back and have 20 games going on now. It's hard to keep them going without getting behind. I find myself waking up at night going to the computer to play a word. I do enjoy it and it keeps your mind active.

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So, this is what's on my mind today along with a zillion other things. Sorry if I bored you. I really am trying to Blog more often. And read other blogs. I want to get my old self back again, before my dad's death. It's been a hard year for me. I'm just glad I have my friends and family to lift me up. It will get better. So, what's on your mind?

Happy 35th Birthday Steph!

Today is a very special day. It's Stephanie Ruth (Wilson) Precourt day. 35 years ago today a beautiful baby girl with thick black hair was born. My world would never be the same. Where have the years gone?
Growing up, Steph would choose her Birthday cake right after Christmas. Our tradition was "Baskin Robbins" Birthday cake. She had all the favorite characters through-out her childhood. Her favorite flavor was peanut butter & chocolate. We did do some chocolate chip also.

We celebrated her 35th as a family on the 6th. We had a delicious steak dinner at one of our favorite places in town. Kelsey's Steakhouse. We sat in a very comfy, private area and if the kids wanted to get loud, it didn't bother anyone. I looked around at the L shaped table and was trying to soak up my family...MY family. My 2 children, their spouses AND my 6 beautiful, healthy grand kids. And of course my hubby too. I could have sat their without having a bite to eat, just enjoying the moment of everyone getting together to celebrate their mom, wife, sister, Aunt, daughter's birthday. I have a permanent photo in my mind.

Abby & Gray wanted to sit by me, so I sat between them. I noticed that the closer Abby got to me, Ivy wanted a piece of me too. She wandered over and sat on one leg while we were waiting for our meal. Then Abby sat on the other leg. What a feeling, to have both of my precious grand-daughters on my lap. They giggled and had their own conversation. Ivy said to Abby "do you want to wear our white dresses when we go back to Mimi's house"? I have 2 white flower girl dresses that they love to play dress up in. They never fight over which one they want to wear. It's the cutest thing. After dinner, we all gathered back to my house for dessert. Steph has switched from Baskin Robbins to Designer Dessert cupcakes.

It's the happening place for Birthday Celebrations or any day of the week if you have a sweet tooth. I got a variety of flavors, since it is so hard to choose. We always cut them in half and everyone gets to try their favorite. The adults favorite was the Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese icing. I think it's my new favorite one now. I use to really like the coconut cream.

We sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed the rest of the evening. The cousins played and had a great time running around after the sugar high.

It was a great evening celebrating a special Birthday. She is a busy Birthday girl, getting to celebrate 3 days in a row with friends and other family. I see great things ahead for Steph. She deserves it! Happy Birthday Sweet Daughter. I love you, Mom

Gettin' ready for Christmas

Our first week of December started out with a concert featuring our Grandson, Noah's school choir. I still can't believe he is in 5th grade. He chose to be in the special choir that meets before school starts. You could see on his face when he sang that he loves every minute of it. He puts his whole heart and soul into his performance. His face shone like an angel. You could also see that he enjoyed sitting between 2 pretty girls. It was so special for Noah to have both sets of grandparents at the concert. With myself and Mike are his other grandma and grandpa, who are a very special couple. I feel so blessed to share our grandparent ship with them.

And, so on to the next activity....while watching Abby & Jack, we decorated the traditional gingerbread house. They asked me if it was ok to sit on the table because in their house it was against the rules. I told them I have a rule in my house that when you decorate a gingerbread house, you have to sit on the table. Jack was more interested in eating the gingerbread and playing with the little candies in the bowls. Since they already have a gingerbread house at their house, I put this one on my piano. It turned out great.
On to our next activity, which was last Saturday. We boarded the "Santa Train" in North Judson, IN., which is only about an hours drive from our house. Nate, Elsa, Abby, Jack, Grampa & Mimi were delighted by the little train station and gift shop while we awaited to get on board for our 45 min. round trip ride. We picked Santa up on the route and he made his way starting in the back of the train, to each child. He sat in each seat and asked each child what they wanted Santa to bring them. We were one of the last ones to talk to him since we were at the very front of the train. Jack told him he wanted "Thomas". Jack loves trains. We got him the Thomas take along train set for Christmas, so he will get "Thomas". When it was Abbys turn she told him she wanted Barbie dolls. He gave each child a little treat bag filled with goodies.
This picture of Jack and Grampa is one of my favorites. I told Jack to put his arm around Grampa and he put the opposite arm around him and faced the wall of the train, with his back to me. We got a laugh out of that.

We walked around the little town by the train station and ate lunch at a little Bakery/Cafe. Jack loved making faces while waiting on his lunch. He keeps us entertained.
The night before we went on the Santa Train, Steph and I went to Chicago to see the Nutcracker. I wish I had a picture to share of this exciting night. We ate at our favorite restaurants, Grand Lux Cafe. It was a perfect evening.

So, as you can see, my December has been filled with lots of fun activities and it has only begun. I wish things would slow down so I could catch up. I want to savor every second of making new memories with my family. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. We are all going as a family to a candlelight service on Christmas Eve. This will be a very special time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Whatever activities you are doing this month, enjoy them and capture the memories. This will be the first Christmas without my dad but I know he would want us to carry on and celebrate as if he were here. And that's just what we will do.

Welcome Home Lilly & Halle

Who would have thought that 3 weeks after losing our precious Penny girl, we would be doubly blessed with these beautiful mini sister Dachshunds, Miss Lilly and Miss Halle. I knew it wouldn't be long before Mike searched out another lap dog. He would go on-line every night to rescue sites to seek out that perfect four legged friend who deserved a loving home. He found these 2 on a rescue site in Woodstock, IL. They came to live with a lady, who works for an animal hospital because the owner of the dogs lost her home and couldn't take the dogs with her. She left them in her basement and other people were taking care of them, until they ended up with the lady we got them from. She made sure they were up to date with all shots and even had their teeth cleaned. I broke down and called about them and emailed the lady and eventually we set a time to meet them and would go from there. Needless to say, on Saturday morning, Dec. 3, we made the 95 mile trip to Crystal Lake, IL where the dogs were. At first meeting, Lilly was barking at us and was stand offish. Halle was more brave and sniffed us out. After about 15 minutes of feeding treats and talking baby talk, Lilly was warming up to us and Halle was my best friend. I look over and Halle jumped up in Mikes lap, which made him melt. Then Lilly jumped up in his lap. It only took about 30 minutes and we were in the truck ready to make our journey back home. We knew as soon as we saw them that they had a forever home with us. On our way home, Mike stopped at McD's to get them a biscuit with egg. They were thrilled and gobbled it down.
God works in mysterious ways....
We couldn't believe that Lilly is a dapple daschund. We had a dapple daschund named Lily before we had Penny. After Lily passed away we got Penny. It is very rare to find a dapple daschund that someone is getting rid of.
The lady loaded us up with their belongings and in 1 large bag was a wardrobe with 2 each of everything. From hooded coats to Christmas dresses. When Abby & Jack came over for us to babysit, Abby had the best time playing dress-up with the doggies.

Abby & Jack immediately fell in love with their friends.
Look at Miss Thang in her Christmas dress! I will be taking them to have their pictures taken soon! Stay tuned for more styles.

We do feel so blessed to have found these little angels who needed love and lots of petting. It's a Merry Christmas for everyone!

A Sunday to Remember

I had a dream fulfilled today. I met, sat and had the best brunch/conversation with Sharon & Barry Couto from Rhode Island, along with a bestie bloggy buddy, Nancy & Dick Collins. When Nancy emailed me to invite my hubby and I to have brunch with them, I was delighted and shocked. Sharon & Barry were passing through on their way home from a little trip to Chicago and South Bend. They arranged to meet up with us for Brunch. Unfortunately my hubby couldn't join us due to catching a bad cold. I tried to get Steph to be my date, but she was busy with meeting a deadline for work and felt so bad that she had to decline.
It was the most delightful 3 hours of conversation and great food. I was the only odd ball and started with the meal first and skipped the salad. I could have stayed all night listening to Sharon and Barry stories. Sharon has inspired me from day one in reading her blog. I feel like I have known her forever. Her daughters are as lovely as she is. Growing up I always wanted to read books, but I had a comprehensive problem. I found in reading Sharons writings, I am captured in a way that I have never been captured before. She has my attention. So, that's why I started calling her my Favorite Author. She motivated me in a way that I can't explain. Same way with Nancy. I was captured by Nancy's life as a mom and grandma. I can relate to these beautiful women and I am so proud to call them my friends. This week of giving thanks, I am Thankful for people who God puts in your path. Thank you, Barry, Sharon, Dick and Nancy for a Sunday to remember.....

Happy 77th Birthday mom!

This picture was actually taken on my moms 76th Birthday last year, but I thought she turned 77. I made her the cake and put the 2 # 7's on the cake and nothing was said. My mom even thought she was 77. My daughter, Steph pointed out to me that if she was born in 1934, she will be 77 this year. Duh! So it was like getting a bonus year.
My mom is very special to me. I've watched her go thru many health issues and she deals with pain 24/7 in her back and legs. She also deals with a major hearing loss. My mom is a strong lady. She was a very hard worker and helped support our family while I grew up along with my sister and brother. She was the best cook around and we never wanted for anything. She always put herself above others. My wish for her today is to be free of pain and enjoy the ones around her who dearly love her. We will take her out for dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant to Celebrate and have yummy Designer Desserts Cupcakes, thanks to Steph. I'm just thankful my mom is around for another Birthday and I know my dad is with her today. Happy 77th Birthday mom!