Happy New Year!

As I look back on this past year, I thank God for my many blessings. And sometimes I actually smile when I think about times when I have been anxious and God has been there sometimes waiting to reveal Himself but always by my side. I am so grateful for the gift of family and friends. I am grateful that the horrible storm last night only rattled our windows and didn't leave a path of destruction like it did in some parts of the midwest.

We are all sick here in the House of Pestilence. We are dealing with coughs and sore throats. Hopefully, we'll rally again soon. My voice is deep, the only time I think it sounds half-way decent.

I'm praying tonight for a friend who delivered her baby prematurely today. She and her husband and the hospital staff knew she would deliver premature so at least they were prepared for that, but I'm sure it is still nerve wracking for them tonight as their baby continues her fight to develop into the healthy girl she is meant to be.

I hope my loved ones have a Happy New Year. The perfect party this year would include all of you in one place but, becuase I'm sick, you are spared my karaoke.

Where Did December Go?

"Jack in the box." Why bother with Christmas presents?

I knew that once the holidays began with Thanksgiving, that the rest of the year would fly by and it did.

We spent two wonderful weekends with our families for Christmas. And our Christmas continues into January when we will visit with Jack's birth family and have a wild and crazy time.

We've actually had two snowfalls this year so far. And I had a white Christmas! I always say that is God's gift to me at Christmas!

 My brother Steven was kind enough to remove the snow from our cars.

Of course, I received several other wonderful gifts this year, including a very special present that arrived before Christmas, and foot pajamies, a rolling pin and Nano Ipod.

We attended Christmas Eve mass this year, a tradition in our house. You have to get there an hour early to get good seats because everybody goes on Christmas Eve. We didn't arrive there that early so we were fortunate to find seats near the front.

My brother Doug directed the choir.

My brother Billy and uncle Henry lent their voices to the choir.

Our niece Meaghan helped shoulder Jesus on his way to the manger during the traditional procession. She's the fourth girl on the right. I was one of those lucky girls back in first grade too.

The younger boys in the procession wore outfits like my brothers did many moons ago.

Jesus is the reason for the season.

My brother, SIL and their two children.

Me with Jack and nephew Garrett.

We hope you had a Merry Christmas and here's hoping for a wonderful New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanskgiving. Thank you God for the gift of family and friends and the blessings of adoption!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

I had a wonderful time visiting friends at the retirement and nursing homes this morning. I made a new friend at the retirement home a few weeks ago. He and his wife invited me into their room and we talked for a long time today. He is a WWII veteran, although he did not have to serve overseas. Glen got in on the tail end of the war when he was sent from Texas to California. He was on a boat waiting to travel to the war when they took him off and sent him back to California. He served his time after the war ended. He feels fortunate to be considered a veteran because his status helps pay for their room that costs $5,000 a month. Geez, it's almost too expensive to get old.

I often ask the folks I see if they consider writing some of their stories down. I've asked my folks as well. We may not think our own lives are exciting but our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would love to read about our "adventures in life" someday. I asked Glen and his wife to write down some of their stories. I volunteered to write down their stories if they would like me too.

Later, Jack and I had our own little Memorial Day parade in our neighborhood. (If you look closely in the pictures, you can see his pink moustache, remnants of daddy's smoothie.)