Saying Good-bye to 2009

Wow, that was scary. I almost titled my post; Saying Good-bye to 2008. I'd even thought of a clever rhyme with eight. But instead of feeling smart, I feel like 2 years just blew past me. I wanted to put together a video slideshow to recap the year, but before I got to March I had way too many photos. So instead, here is my shortened list of highlights instead.

In January, we said good-bye to Sarabeth, as she donned her wings and ventured in to college dorm life.


In February, we said good-bye to Christopher & Lauren, as the newlyweds embraced the challenge of living & teaching English in South Korea.


In March, Hilary and I celebrated her birthday in Arizona. I had a birthday too and learned to Skype.

In April, we said good-bye to wheat gluten, and began the journey of eating gluten-free, as this was the month Elisabeth was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.


In May, Michael and I went on a much welcomed trip to North Carolina. We fell in love with the beach and islands that don't allow cars. I could get used to driving a golf cart to the local cafe for breakfast on the beach. Christopher & Lauren visited China.


In June, I attended the circus with Ethan & Christina. We also had the pleasure of hosting Michael's niece, Rachel for the summer.


July was a month of family time; both here and in Arizona

August ended our summer of late night puzzle building and Hilary began her senior year of high school.

September

October was a month for rewards, travel, and more beach time. Disneyland with my parents, Ethan, Christina, & Elisabeth. Christopher and Lauren celebrated their 1st anniversary abroad.


In November we hosted a surprise 60th anniversary party for Michael's mom and dad.

In December we said our final good-byes to my father-in-law; a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is greatly missed.

Explanation

Monday was sort of a weird day. We had a 2:00 p.m. appointment for an informal viewing so my mother-in-law could see her beloved one last time. I wasn't sure what to expect, but he looked very peaceful. Funeral arrangements were finally made and will take place in Arizona a week from today.

I spent several hours searching for flights to accomodate the seven of us and our schedules. And then I made a desperate call to the hairdresser hoping she could find time to squeeze me in before we left. Miraculously, she had an opening late in the day. I knew my family would understand that my hair was more important than having dinner on the table. You all know I am not a nice person when dealing with a bad hair day. (Hanging head in shame.)

I won't go into how my hairdresser has terrible short term memory loss, how she can't remember what I told her I wanted, but can remember what I told her I thought I wanted 3 months ago. But when I went to pay, I realized that my anniversary was the next day. Michael's birthday, the 24th, was sort of postponed until January. I didn't even get him a card. So I wanted to somehow acknowledge him for having spent the last 26+ years with me.

I dragged myself out to the store around 10:30p.m. The 5th card I picked up struck me as oddly funny. (The next day not so much.) After my selection, I managed to wander around the store for another 45 minutes trying to think of what we might need. Deodorant, milk, bread, and a frozen pizza-requested via text message from my non-celiac daughter.

Arriving home, my house was eerily quiet. It wasn't the same as I'd left it. Elisabeth was sitting by the fireplace and nobody else was around. "Where is everyone?" I queried. That was when she asked if I'd passed the firetruck or ambulance or sheriff's car on our street. I hadn't. She then proceeded to relay the story. Ethan had tipped a chair over on himself, quit breathing and was turning blue. Christina yelled for Elisabeth to call 911. (Did you know if you call 911 on your cell phone, it automatically deletes from your calls dialed list? Smart move on somebody's part.)

The entourage of medical personel arrived to assess him and gave Christina the option of having them take him to the hospital by ambulance, taking him herself, or watching him at home. He wasn't breathing for about a minute, even though the paramedic was sure it was more likely 20 seconds. I'm glad I wasn't here. That man has no idea how alert to those kinds of details Christina has. She's timed seizures, counted respirations, taken his vitals, etc. She has an idea of seconds versus minutes. But as frightened as she'd been, she decided to wait and see with him.

I asked my girls why they hadn't called me. They said they'd been a tad busy with the situation. They thought I'd come home at any minute. I can't imagine what I would have thought, driving into the cul-de-sac to find emergency vehicles at my home.

Ethan seems fine now. Christina did take him to the doctor, who told her things to watch for. I asked Ethan if the firemen had come to see him and he pointed and said "truck." Michael woke up to my post, and was stressed at not knowing what had happened. Around 8:30 a.m., a little boy crawled into my bed wanting his grandma to get up. I was happy to oblige him.

Ten Wishes For 2010

I wish for you mostly sunny days, because you love them so much.

I also wish for you enough rain to keep the grass green so you can mow, and plenty snowy, winter days for you to get out and shovel-because Ethan needs to share these experiences.

I wish for you boisterous times of joy and laughter, like seeing Ethan at Disneyland for the first time. But also times of quiet joy, as we experienced strolling along the beach with only the sound of waves crashing upon the sand.

I wish for you continued courage, strength, and wisdom as you stand as a pillar for your family to lean on in difficult times. But may you know your limits and human frailty in order to seek the one who can meet your needs according to His riches in glory.

I wish for you at least 34 more wonderful years of marriage so we can have a great celebration for our 60th anniversary-the way your mom & dad did.

I also wish for you good health, you'll be 90 when we celebrate our 60th. And I want to dance.

That means I also wish for long walks and bike rides with you. Every day.

I wish for you to have restful nights of sleep-so peaceful that you can sleep through me vacuuming at 12:30 in the morning. The way you did tonight.

But I also wish for you to not sleep so soundly that you don't hear the firetruck, ambulance, sheriff's car when they come to our home. Or sleeping through the paramedics and firemen standing inside our kitchen...all 8 of them. The way you did tonight.

I wish for you peace as you read this post in the morning while I'm still snug in our bed, while you are left to wonder what the heck happened last night.

Happy Anniversary Sweetie, and thanks for letting me sleep in this morning.

Oh, and one last wish: For your wife to never have a bad haircut or bad hair day. This will make your life oh so pleasant indeed.

The Best Birthday Ever

Today is Michael's birthday. He turned 56. I want to honor him and remind him how special he is, and how blessed I am to be married to him as I've done in years past here, and here. But as I ponder all of the wonderful qualities that make me love and cherish him so, I can't help but think of the Michael's dad, Ed.

Ed won't be here for Michael's birthday, or for Christmas. Tuesday evening he left us for the best celebration ever...a homecoming with Jesus.

Ed taught Michael the value of a dollar and how to wisely manage it to provide well for his family.

As a fighter pilot, he was determined to work hard to finish well.

He honored his parents, and was blessed for it.

His attention to details and penchat for order made him successful at so many things.

His love & care for family has left a legacy for his children and grandchildren. Thank-you Ed for passing on these wonderful virtues to your son, whom I love so very much.

Happy Birthday Michael, and know that tomorrow your dad is attending the biggest birthday party ever.

Hark!

My father-in-law was re-admitted to the hospital yesterday. While sitting in his dark room, I began to hear faint, melodic, voices down the hall. I knew it must be carolers bringing joy to those who found themselves confined so near to Christmas. The voices were rich as the sound grew closer.

As they passed by the open door their words resonated in my soul:

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.

I recognized the lyrics, yet for a moment could not remember to which song they belonged. Why was this song not part of my Christmas song list? My eyes filled with tears. He is the giver of life, the light of the world, and our healer. Why do I not hear this one played on the radio? This is the true message of Christmas.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new born King,

How amazing it must have been that first Christmas, for the shepherds to see the skies filled with angelic voices singing praises.

peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!

Truth revealed. The purpose of the babe born to a virgin and laid in a manger, so we could have a relationship with the God of the universe.

Joyful, all ye nations rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th' angelic host proclaim,
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
Glory to the new born King!

And for those who don't know the second stanza:

Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th' incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

A lot of words that can be lost in the singing. But such truth as I meditate upon them. And the last verse is my favorite:

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the new born King!"

Christmas Trivia

Copying from Lifenut & One Thing:

1. Best childhood gift from Santa: Well, it would have to be my doll and stroller. I'm not sure why I thought they were from Santa when somehow I knew my mom had made my doll.

2. Best childhood memories: One year, we kids awoke around 4 a.m. We were sure we heard Santa outside. We snuck to the top of the stairs to have a peek. The door opened and in walked my dad. He was working a night shift and had just arrived home. We wanted to get up and open presents, but he told us to go back to bed. A few minutes later, my mom was up and my dad told us we could get up and have Christmas. I wonder if my dad got any sleep that day:?

3. Favorite Christmas cookies: Gosh, I don't think I have a favorite. Is that weird?

4. Icky Christmas memory: The year my kids had chicken pox.

5. It's not Christmas without: snow. I've come to love and adore Colorado for the variety of weather. Snow is a favorite of mine. The beauty of the white is, well cleansing.

6. Our Church Service: I really miss midnight services. Last year, we went to a midnight service at the church Christopher and Lauren were wed. It was very nostalgic for me. Our church services are at 4 & 6 p.m.

7. Christmas Pet Peeve: Oye! That I procrastinate and always get things done at the last minute?

8. Favorite Christmas CD: Oh my, just one? I own over 30 of them. I suppose it would have to be Tricia Yearwood.

9. Real or Fake: We had real forever. Well, until that year, 2006 when we went to Arizona for Christopher's graduation. When we returned, there wasn't a one left. We resorted to a fake tree from our local Walmart. And the past 3 years I've felt obligated to get our money's worth.

10. I spend Christmas Eve : Celebrating Michael's birthday. I then becoming a gift-wrapping maniac for however many hours it takes to wrap. When I'm finished, I fill stockings and hop into bed for a couple of hours before it is time to get up and put the breakfast casserole into the oven.

Anyone want to do their Top Ten Christmas Trivia?

Fresh Perspective

Through Ethan's eyes,

a Christmas Tree is a place where toys hang, waiting for someone to play with them-but you don't have to put them back when you are finished.

anything wrapped is meant to be opened as soon as you lay your eyes on it.

a platter of cookies is for eating, and the one time you remember to clean your plate.

a wreath is merely a hat to wear on your head.

stockings are for wearing on your feet.

anything musical should be played over and over non-stop, while watching Transformers on television. If you can't hear turn it up louder.

Jesus is missing from the manger. I guess he isn't supposed to be there yet? It isn't Christmas morning. I hope He shows up.

Where Have I Been All My Life

My home is quiet. The song "Where Have I Been All My Life" is singing in the background as I ponder myself, "where HAVE I been all my life?"

I looked in the mirror this morning and almost didn't recognize the face gazing back at me. She looked much older than the last time I noticed her. The sparkle didn't shine so brightly in her eyes. Her skin appeared drier and not so soft. The lines were much more pronounced since I last saw them. Who am I looking at in that glass?

"Some years are clear and some a little blurry
Man how they fly by
Mom and dad sure got old in a hurry
Where have I been all my life"

I listen quietly as he speaks, my mind floating elsewhere. Will these be the same eyes I look into 30 years from now? His words tell a story I've heard a dozen times before. I nod to acknowledge I understand what he is saying. Will this be my dearly beloved one day down the road?

"Been learning that forgiveness is as much for myself
As it is for the other guy
And I read the good book these days and believe it
Where have I been all my life"

Fast & furious it will hit me. And we will be old. My mother-in-law has spoken recently, as if it crept up on her too, "We're getting old." She recognizes another life changing event is happening and struggles to keep it at arm's length, fearing once it is close it is forever.

With every breath, life becomes a little shorter. Sometimes it is easy not to notice the passing of time. But at other times, I come face to face with reality. And I wonder, Where have I been all my life?

Baby It's Cold Outside

I knew it was cold outside, but -484? Hahahaha. I took this pic from 9news. The windchill number is accurate, but apparently because of the cold temperatures they are experiencing some technical difficulties. Officially at DIA, I believe the current temperature is negative 16 degrees. But I can relate to being technically challenged from this time last year.

To Snip Or Not To Snip

What do you do with those satin ribbons that are sewn into a shirt or dress to keep it on the hanger?



I usually snip. When I don't, the pesky things have a way of peeking out of my clothing, secretly desiring to be a waving flag. (Does anyone remember when bra straps were not attached? You know, the part that adjusts was free at the end. No matter how well you tucked it in, somehow it would work its way loose and flap in the wind.) Come on, doesn't anyone remember the embarrassing moment when your strap snuck loose and was tugged by someone to let you know it was showing? Back then, nobody let their bra strap show, especially not the flappy end.

But I digress. Maybe it is those horrific memories that cause me to snip. This one time, I decided to not snip. I was afraid I'd have trouble keeping this wide neckline shirt on its hanger. So I pulled the shirt over my head, and tried to find a secret place to tuck in the ribbon hangy thing. One side was successful. But the other side...well, something seemed wrong. Had I somehow managed to put my arm through the loop, getting it stuck beneath my arm? I pulled my shirt off.



Seriously? Can you see the problem? Looks like someone was trying to help me out by tacking it down for me.


I snipped.

Record Breaking

I broke a personal record the other day. I only wish it was running faster, farther, longer...something I could brag about. But this wasn't a fitness or strength training. It was a driving record.

No, no, no, I didn't get a ticket or anything. I'm not about to break THAT record. You see, I drive a convertible (in case there is anyone out there who didn't know that.) Why own one, if you can't drive with the top down every chance possible? So that is what I do. The only time you'll see the top up is under these conditions:

1. It is raining (that's an obvious one.)
2. It is snowing (ditto.)
3. If the temperature dips below 38 degrees. Seriously, as long as it is sunny outside and at least 38 degrees, the top is down and I enjoy it. (Thirty-eight at night...a little too chilly.)

So the other night, I was out. Imagine my surprise when I checked the temperature on my dashboard.

Yep! Thirty-five degrees and the sun was not shining at 7:03 p.m. I think this should count as an endurance record or something.

I love driving my car.

A Day Of Thanks

Our table was set.

The girls were helpful and beautiful.


Some enjoyed the great outdoors of Colorado,


While others stayed inside.

I was thrilled to have this guy adorn our table,

But Ethan had other ideas.

He thought long and hard. When it was time to eat, he ditched his turkey for the fresh-out-of-the-oven one.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever

Ethan, Stitch, & Grandpa

Here is the video I promised to post for family.

Quiet and Loud

I'm not sure why sometimes I have such lapses in blog posts. I'm told it happens to everyone, but sometimes I wonder. Some people are never at a loss for words, at least in person. My guess is they never run out of words to blog either.

Extroverts are revived by interacting with others. Introverts find refreshment by spending time alone. I am an introvert. I need down time, alone. I suspect that is why I take breaks from blogging.

When I have something to say, the words come spilling out. I can't keep them inside. At times, it is necessary to hold onto them. It requires self discipline.

Josh McDaniels could learn a thing or two about letting loose of his words. (I don't agree with this particular writer who thinks it is perfectly acceptable for him to talk this way to his players.)

Is It Really Almost December?

What does this look like to you?

It helps to live on the North Side, where the Colorado sun shines. (I do think we have our own sunshine.)

Michael and Ethan shoveled the bit of remaining snow.

Off of the GRASS. Michael is eager to mow.

I thought summer was over. Thanksgiving is this week.

The boys were tired after working so hard.

Ready for some football.

Christmas Gift Ideas

A friend recently asked for homemade gift ideas for adults. She requested items that did not require sewing and not food items. That eliminates many of my thoughts, as I personally enjoy food and food related gifts. I think the best way to be inspired in gift-giving is to sit down and make up your own list of gifts you would like to receive. If you are looking to give low cost, hand or home made presents, or service gifts, what could someone give you that would be appreciated? Then take into account that persons interests and see what you can comes up.

Last year, I posted my top 10 handmade gift list. I'm including it here.

Handmade gifts often require a chunk of time, but not always. I smile when I think of some of the treasures I've received or ones I'd like to have. Making your own gifts won't always be free, but can be less expensive and more meaningful than searching the stores or internet for the perfect gift. It's too late for these to be of any value this year, but maybe if I plan ahead for next year...one of these days it's going to happen.

1. Homebaked goodies. I'm not sure why these get a bad rap. I'm not much of a baker (I blame the altitude.) A plate of cookies is delightful. A loaf of bread is nice too.

2. Recipes, especially those secret ones that were handed down from your grandmother.

3. What would be nicer than a homecooked or ready-to-cook freezer meal? It's the perfect future gift. On one-of-those-days when I'm busy, tired, or stressed out, I can pull that present right out of the freezer. I'll open and enjoy when I need it most. Plus, my family reaps the benefits.

4. A music CD with meaningful, fun, or interesting music/songs. Personally, I love music. An incredibly romantic gift could be one song, packed full of sentiment, burned onto a CD.

5. For my younger nieces and nephews, I've always thought a fun gift would be that of a card or note once a month for a year. I'd try to include stickers, pictures, or a dollar occasionally and words of encouragement. What child doesn't enjoy receiving mail? Email is overrated in the eyes of a child.

6. A CD/DVD with a photo slideshow, especially fun put to music. Include fun and goofy photos. Perfectly posed photos become boring. Laughter & tears blended together create wonderful memories of joy.

7. The gift of time. Give a card with a date on it. It can be simple or extravagant.

Join me: January 31st, at 4:00p.m
Location: Starbucks
Occasion: A time to kick back, conversate, enjoy a warm drink & good company

To make it even more interesting, give the same gift to 2 or 3 friends and plan to meet at a time when the holidays are over. Catch up and have a great time.

8. A memory, love note, prayer, or blessing written out.

9. Kitchen/Dining things, tablecloths made to fit my extra-large table, napkins, placemats, table runners. (This one is extra exciting for me.) I asked my mom for a tablecloth this year. Have you ever tried to find a tablecloth to fit a table that is 120 inches long and 54 inches wide? Or buy 12-14 matching placemats at 6 dollars a piece? Add cloth napkins in and it isn't going to happen here. I know these aren't cheap to make either, but what a wonderful gift.

10. Service Gifts-A promise to wash a car, make a meal, sweep a floor, do a load of laundry. But don't give an empty promise, follow through. If necessary, give a specific date that you are available to do this.

So there it is. My top ten list of gifts that don't require you to get out your credit card, wander the malls aimlessly, or search the internet for hours on end trying to find the perfect gift.

I'd love to hear your top ten.

The Big Cover-Up

Saturday morning, while preparing to have 30 people for dinner, my bathroom sink spontaneously imploded. Ok, maybe I helped it a little. My usual hand washing includes a quick squirt of liquid soap, obtained one-handed. But seeing as how I was preparing food for a multitude, I wanted to get a good lathering. I placed one hand beneath the spout and tapped the soap dispenser pump with the other. How did I know this action would cause a portion of the sink to give way?

I was a little shocked and not sure what to do. I didn't have time to deal with it. I had seven extra people staying at my house and with the dinner in a few hours we needed to have this bathroom functioning at full capacity.

I wonder how many of my guests thought they'd help me tidy up by moving the strategically placed washcloth off the sink.

I'm guessing one or two overnight guests might have grabbed this cloth before jumping into the shower, only to discover this:


But it didn't faze me one bit. I pretended it never happened and we went on to have a fabulous weekend.

Now to deal with the sink...anyone have superglue?

Not What I Expected

It wasn't quite what I had envisioned, but I'm not completely sure what I was expecting. I awoke earlier than usual, in order to make the hour and half drive. I was hopeful I could make it in less time, but wasn't sure about traffic on a Tuesday morning. I hadn't counted on getting lost. Total time driving? Two hours and 15 minutes. Once inside, I met Christina. She knew I was a little undone but reminded me that I was there now. I needed to lay aside the frustrations and focus on the purpose of being there. Yes, I could do that.

It was my day to observe Ethan's class. Ethan attends a private autistic school. Not having much experience with autism, I wanted to see what a typical day is like in a setting where ABA therapy is applied. My goal was to glean ideas and effective means of reinforcing the progress he's made this past year. I hoped my presence in the class wouldn't interfere with his learning or be too distracting for him. I shouldn't have worried.

When he finally noticed me, his brow furrowed. I waved. He looked blankly, as if looking at a stranger. He saw his mom and I think he thought it must be time to go home. He headed towards his cubby to get his backpack. His teacher redirected him.

I spoke to him and explained the he wasn't leaving, but that Gramma wanted to see him at his school and watch him learn. I think he understood, but I'm not sure he liked the idea. A grandma is supposed to be at her home where he can go visit. Teachers and classmates go to school. Mixing the two didn't seem right. So off he went to play outside.

It was strange to feel like an outsider. I am Ethan's grandmother. I wanted to hug him, encourage him, acknowledge his success, and cheer him, especially when I saw him jump for the first time ever. But his communication told me, I was merely a spectator. I am not a part of his classroom world. I felt a twinge of sadness at not being an active particpant.

Consequently, I observed autism in its raw, unpretentious form. I witnessed the amazing effectiveness of ABA therapy. I watched Ethan interact with his peers. Understanding teachers helped him relate to his friends. I saw joy, frustration, curiosity, fun, and acceptance. I learned firsthand how much Ethan enjoys his school community.

And I am grateful.

Reminiscing

I'm reminiscing a bit. On this day last year, I flew to Arizona to celebrate my Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary. It had been a wild ride with my mom's health and we weren't able to plan a big to-do as my parents had done for their 40th. For that anniversary, we all went on a hot air balloon ride.

Not knowing when mom's health would improve, they chose to put off the celebration for awhile. I was sad. I did not want their special day to come and go without some sort of recognition. Fifty years of marriage is quite an accomplishment. I decided to fly down and if nothing else, make dinner for them, and we could share a quiet meal together. I informed my sisters and brother of my plan.

Amazingly, a plan was birthed. Like a fine-oiled machine, each one of us did our part to pull together what normally would take more than 2 weeks. We worked with incredible teamwork and had a very nice get together. Mom later said the very best part of the gathering was seeing her 4 kids having so much fun putting it all together. And we did. Each facet of the party was expertly accounted for as we used our creative talents.

Greg offered his home and boy does he have a knack for cleaning. Meticulous & detailed, he doesn't miss anything. I wish I could hire him to clean my house. His home is so very welcoming. I was equally impressed at the organization and creativity of his wife and my 2 sisters. Big and little additions that never would have crossed my mind, made the evening special. We shared the cooking, decorating, & clean-up. I put together a quick slideshow of past and present photos.

All of the grandchildren couldn't be there, or Michael, but all of us kids were there. It made for a smaller gathering, but sometimes that can be much more meaningful than the crazy chaos of a big family. There are 29 of us officially, but opportunity to expand at any given moment.

Someone thought to sit my parents and their 4 kids at one table during dinner. Talk about flashbacks from growing up. We laughed and remembered. It was great to reconnect. Not that we didn't miss those who couldn't attend, but we cherished the connection of 4 siblings and our parents. It brought great joy to all.

I hope my own children, no matter where this life leads them, will always share a special bond with their siblings.

Good

Good Monday morning or good morning Monday. I love the start of a new week. It is a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with beauty and all things good. Collosal color, tantalizing textures, savory scents, soothing sounds, breathtaking bites. Wake up to a good morning.