SUNSHINE on my Shoulders

walking in sunshine

2010-06-01T00:09:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I've posted here that I'm not sure anyone will stop by anymore. But if you are, thank you, and I wanted to let you know that I just made public a new blog where I've been journaling through this journey I've been on ever since I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I felt like here, Sunshine on my Shoulders, hasn't been the right place for me to share my updates, thoughts and feelings. I know there are a lot of people who don't want to read about cancer or someone's journey through it. I understand and respect that. I probably would have been one of those persons prior to this. Hopefully, I'll still post occasionally here, but you can always find me over at the new blog.

But the writing has been therapeutic so I've been doing it in private. I have realized that I needed a better way to keep my family and friends updated on how I've been feeling and what I've been experiencing. This blog seemed like the obvious answer. There's even photos.

I did have a TUMBLR blog that I made public here a few posts back where I wrote about the journey up to my lumpectomy, but then I stopped writing there. This new blog has incorporated those posts and then has continued on from when I received the news that the cancer was invasive and that I would have to undergo chemotherapy.

You can find WALKING IN SUNSHINE at this address: http://walkingnsunshine.blogspot.com/
(notice there is no 'i' in 'in')

For those who aren't inclined to visit me over there, let me give you a quick update. I made it through the last three weeks after my first round of chemotherapy. I had some minor side effects that were manageable, but nothing severe. The hardest part was that my hair has started to fall out. I go in for round 2 today.

I have a lot to be thankful for and have so many blessings that God has given me and my family. If you have said one or many prayers for me... thank you. Words can not tell you how much I appreciate them and your friendship. You are one of those blessings =)

my weekend

2010-04-25T23:17:00.004-06:00

My weekend started Friday morning as I headed up into the mountains for a women's retreat. The weather was lousy and my windshield wipers never stopped during the three hour trip, wiping away snow, sleet, and heavy rain.

After stopping in Boulder to have lunch with my son, Jake, I continued on up into the mountains where it looked like a winter wonderland. I love the mountains in the summer, when you can enjoy the greenery and the smell of the wood and sunshine. But early Spring showed off it's beauty and I felt blessed to have spent time watching the snow fall and the seeing the landscape covered in white.

The weekend consisted of fellowship with 18 amazing women as well as time spent by myself, replenishing my energy reserves. We laughed until we cried, and we cried until we laughed. We praised God in song and prayer. We ate and we shopped. We loved and felt loved. It was a wonderful weekend, and I came down from the mountain, under blue skies and mild temperatures, feeling refreshed and renewed.

To see what others did this weekend, visit Michelle at Six In The City.

home sweet home

2010-04-19T22:29:00.003-06:00

This last weekend saw the anniversary of a special day for the Varey family. It was 20 years ago, on April 18th, that we rolled into the Denver area and claimed it as our new home.

We didn't know anyone here. Danielle was 2 and I was seven months pregnant with Jake. We wanted to move away from the hustle and bustle of living in southern California and Don was granted a transfer from the company he worked for. The Denver area seemed like a good place and it has been. It's been a wonderful place to raise a family.

There are so many memories encased in the last 20 years. Of course, there's been some hardships but it's mainly been good memories; watching our children grow into responsible and loving adults, being blessed with so many good friends, working in different areas of church ministry, living at the foot of and trips made into the great rocky mountains, the different jobs we've held, the two homes we've lived in, and the list can go on and on (and it does). It's been nice thinking back through the years and reflecting on the times that have made up the past two decades.

Home is where the heart is. Who would have guessed, 20 years ago, that we were driving into a place that would hold our heart so completely.

God is good

2010-04-16T00:16:00.001-06:00

Last week, the day after I was given my test results, I remember being in a good mood and thinking, "God is good." But as quickly as that thought came to me, another thought came right on it's heels... would I be saying and feeling this if my results hadn't come back as favorable as they did?

I know on a head level that God is good no matter what I'm going through, but it bothered me that I didn't know for sure that I could make that same statement with the same conviction had things turned out differently.

Well, God's giving me a chance to do just that.

I had an appointment with my oncologist Wednesday and received some surprising and hard news. It turns out that when the surgeon gave me the results to my tests, she used a small - but very important - word that I didn't pay enough attention to, and she didn't go into any detail about. That word was, "invasive."

My non-invasive cancer ended up being invasive with a protein (HER2) that is aggressive in promoting the growth of cancer cells in the body. This changes the original plan of only having to undergo radiation therapy as the final step to now having to undergo a few different tests (PET-scan, MRI, etc.) to make sure the cancer hasn't spread to another part of my body and then chemotherapy to kill off any cancer micro-cells that might be floating around, and then radiation therapy.

I thought I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, but it vanished before my eyes. My journey dealing with cancer is not over yet and this leg is even more scarier than the first. It feels like what I've already gone through was a small bump in the road. This is a bigger bump and one that I don't want to deal with. BUT... I really don't have a choice, do I?

I do know one thing though... and I can say it with confidence and conviction... GOD IS GOOD!

sailing the ocean blue

2010-04-14T00:17:00.002-06:00

taken on our Spring break trip to California (last week of March)

i kept writing

2010-04-12T01:01:00.006-06:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I kept writing during my break from Sunshine on my Shoulders and dealing with breast cancer. I didn't know I was going to do this. My diagnosis hit me so hard that my initial reaction was to retreat from everything, but after a couple of days, I realized I needed to write. Along with my experiences, I wanted to record my thoughts and feelings. I found it very therapeutic. I could type out what was on my mind and didn't have to keep it inside of me.

Besides my family, I don't know if anyone is interested in reading what I've written. Most of the posts are short as they are just quick thoughts. If you do read it, I suggest that you go all the way back to the first post and read forward from there (it will make more sense that way.)

You can find my cancer blog by clicking here.

I started it out with this post...

CANCER - That ugly 6 letter word. That word I’ve feared for most (if not all) of my adult life. That word you never want to hear from your doctor. The word that was used today in giving me the results of my latest round of biopsies. Cancer.

I have been diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). Now starts a new journey, not just for me, but my family.

At the moment, I’m overwhelmed emotionally. I’m sad. I’m afraid. I know other emotions will follow. I want to have this place (this blog) to record my feelings, my thoughts, my progress, and my insights as I travel down this road.

I believe life is a journey. I’ve just encountered a bend to my road that I wasn’t expecting and one that I definitely didn’t want to have to negotiate - ever.

what a long strange trip it's been

2010-04-08T23:44:00.004-06:00

I'm baaacccckkkkkkk =)

Did you miss me as much as I missed you? I don't mean just my regular readers/friends, but my beloved blog where I come to share and unload. I don't think so, because I missed you all very, very much.

My last post was March 8th - exactly a month ago. A lot has happened since that time. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ), underwent surgery (a lumpectomy), and just received the results of the pathology tests. I can now say that most of my ordeal is over and I am cancer free.

I had a very small amount of micro-invasion (the cancer was mostly non-invasive) with margins less than 1 centimeter. They also took two lymph nodes to biopsy and they came back negative for showing any cancer.

You can imagine how happy I am, as well as my family and friends, from this news. But I have also gone through some painful, fearful, and questioning times. It's definitely been an interesting process. I decided to keep a private journal, writing about anything and everything that struck me during the past month. I've decided I'm going to make it public after I take out a post or two. I'll supply the link on Monday as well as re-posting a couple of my posts here.

It feels good to be back... in more ways than one.

break

2010-03-08T22:07:00.003-07:00

It's obvious that I've been absent from the blogging world lately. I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit my blogging friends. It used to be a daily routine for me and I enjoyed keeping in touch with so many wonderful people.

For health reasons, I haven't felt like writing or visiting blogs. And for health reasons, I'm going to officially take a break from blogging. I don't know how long this break will be, but hopefully not too long. I just wanted to let anyone still reading my posts know that I didn't fall off the face of the earth or quit blogging altogether. I plan to be back, and with a renewed desire to write.

two more years

2010-02-28T21:33:00.003-07:00

I think I've already mentioned how much I love the Olympics. I really do. Whether it's Winter or Summer, I enjoy watching the show of athleticism and competitiveness. I like learning about the different sports, about the countries, and especially hearing the personal stories of the athletes. I love feeling American pride while watching our athletes represent our country in such a fine manner. Heck, I even like the commercials. It's been a wonderful two weeks of all of this, and I'm sad to see it end.

As I reflect on these winter games, I realize there's another thing I enjoy about the Olympic event, and that's the sportsmanship of not just the athletes, but the countries themselves. It's a thing of beauty to watch the people of this world getting along with each other, even encouraging and lending support to each other. For two weeks, it feels like the world is a little smaller and much more friendlier.

It reminds me of Christmastime. For a short period of time each year, the world is a rosier place where people want to share their Christmas spirit with friends and strangers alike. But by January 1st, that Christmas good will has pretty well died out and becomes a mere memory. It's the same for the Olympic spirit. It's time is limited.

I'm guessing that most of us are looking forward to moving on from the late nights of non-stop Olympic coverage and on to our normal sleep patterns, but I, personally, am going to miss watching and feeling that Olympic spirit. And unlike Christmas, which comes around every year, we're going to have to wait two years before the Olympic flame is lit again. But when it is lit, it will burn brightly, and once again, we can bask in it's glow.

thursday

2010-02-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you for everyone's kind words and prayers.
(from previous post)

Just a thought...

California... we're coming back!

fear not

2010-02-21T20:51:00.003-07:00

My biggest fear....
three little (but powerful) words....
you have cancer

I am not one to live my life in fear, but if I had to name a real fear I have, and have had for a long time, I wouldn't even have to think about it. It would be the chance of having cancer.

So imagine where my mind went and what I've been living with for the last couple of weeks after being told that there was unusual calcification found on my last mammogram film. Actually, I ran the gamut of emotions. Not only fear, but worry, denial, and anxiety. But after the initial onslaught of negative emotions hit, and threatened to take over, I came to a place where I could rely on such emotions as peace and hope.

I was able to get to this place because of my trust in God and knowing He was there with me no matter what the outcome was (and is) to be. I learned a long time ago that worrying doesn't accomplish anything positive - only negative, so why worry over what may never happen and something I didn't have any control over. I also had a lot of prayers and support which was of great comfort to me.

I had a second [magnifying] mammogram and ultrasound done that determined I needed a biopsy. A biopsy was done and the results came back negative for cancer - yay God! But did show that I have something called Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH). In the next couple of weeks I will have to have an MRI and then a surgical procedure to remove the tissue that is affected.

I'm not looking forward to this but I am soooooo thankful that I'm dealing with this instead of cancer. And with God at my side, and holding my hand, I know I can get through anything.

Here's the piece of scripture that I've held on to through all of this....
"For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV

that time of year

2010-02-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

...

This week's Aloha Friday question is...

Do you give up anything for Lent? If so, what are you giving up this year?

Some years I do and some years, I don't. This year, I am not giving up anything, but I will try to find special and new ways to draw closer to God in the next 40 days that lead up to Easter. My denomination doesn't practice Lent, but I do see the value in giving up something important as a sacrifice to remind us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us all.

sign of the times

2010-02-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

yes, i'm still here

2010-02-16T00:18:00.007-07:00

post it notes

2010-02-09T00:20:00.000-07:00

Find more Post It Notes here.

happy 101

2010-02-07T22:38:00.005-07:00

What a lovely surprise. My blogging friend, Karen, of Over the Backyard Fence, awarded me with this Happy 101 award. Thank you Karen. Your blog makes me happy, too.

First, I have to list 10 things that make me happy. Then I get to pass the goodness and the award to other bloggers who make me happy.

Here is my list of happy things...

1. Starbuck's white chocolate mocha

2. Having both of my kids home from college at the same time.

3. Photo opportunities.

4. Sunday afternoon naps

5. Honey Bunches of Oats

6. The sun shining on my face

7. Scrapbooking

8. The beach

9. A good book

10. Flowers

I'm passing this happiness on to the following bloggers:

Huckdoll, because, for some reason, it makes me happy to read about her self-realization journey. She questions herself and others and she finding out who she is and where she fits in her life and in this world. We are all on this journey, but Huckdoll writes with such openness and honesty, that not all find the courage to do. That makes me happy.

Mary, of Not Before 7, because she has a weekly meme called Tiny Talk Tuesday where she (and others) share the funny things her kids say. This always brings a smile to my face and leaves me in a happier mood. I like her serious writing just as much.

Sarah, of My Wonderful Life, because I enjoy her spunk and enthusiasm. I admire her commitment to her family and her country and her friendship makes me happy. Reading about her children also puts a smile on my face.

Maybe I should have included reading blogs in my list of 10, because so many of my blogging friends out there do make me happy. So, if I read your blog and leave comments, consider yourself awarded. I'd love to hear what makes you happy.

the final words

2010-02-05T01:09:00.001-07:00

...

I'm going to take a question from one of my Random Dozen post yesterday...

If you could write your own epitaph for your tombstone, what would it say?

My answer was:

She lived, laughed, and loved.

To be honest, I have never given this much thought. I like this epitaph but I thought of it pretty quickly and I might come up with something better before something actually needs to be inscribed in stone =)

Aloha Friday can be found over at An Island Life.

no sushi for me

2010-02-03T22:59:00.004-07:00

...

1. Do you use the labels various charities send you as “free gifts?”

I don't really get those any more, and I don't think I ever did because I didn't send money to the charity and would have felt guilty using their "free gift."

2. What is your favorite time of day (or night) for skywatching?

I love the clouds we get here in Colorado so any time of day is good, but I also love a good, deep-colored sunset. I'm not usually up for the sunrises.

3. What is the most adventurous you've ever been with trying a new food? (Keep it G-rated please)

I'm not very adventurous when it comes to food. I have a texture issue with my food. I did try sushi once and that didn't go well.

4. Have you ever heard a rock sing? (Trust me, there's a reason for this one!)

I don't know what the purpose is of this one, but no, I haven't.

5. If you could learn a language you don't presently speak, what would it be?

Sign language. I think that would be cool. I love watching people sign.

6. Al Capone's tombstone read, “My Jesus, Mercy.” If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?

"She lived, laughed, and loved."

7. If you were a famous musician who was known by one name, like “Cher,” “Sting,” or “Jewel,” what would it be? It doesn’t have to be your first name, but it can be, if you’d like.

I don't know. I can't think of anything.

8. Have you ever been inordinately “into” a television show?

LOST and 24. I watched the first few seasons of 24 on DVD... one episode right after another. It was addicting, and we watched it as a family so there was a sense of intimacy to it. I've watched LOST since the very first episode, and enjoy the complexity of it.

9. When you sneeze, do you go big, or do you do that weird “heenh!” sound that makes people think you’re going to blow your brains out? Any other variation we should know about?

I think my sneezes are somewhere in the middle - not too big or small.

10. Do you still read an actual newspaper that you hold in your hands, or do you get your news elsewhere?

Nope, I don't read an actual newspaper. Get my news online or from the television.

11. Are you a good speller?

Yes, I am. Always have been. I wish everyone was a good speller because it kinda bugs me when words are misspelled.

12. At what time each day do you start thinking about lunch?

I guess around noon. Sometimes I don't eat until after 1:00.

Random Dozen is hosted by Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee.

black history=my history

2010-02-01T21:05:00.007-07:00

Today, being the first of February, kicks off Black History Month. I've never given this themed month too much thought. But I remember last year getting to February 28th and thinking, "I didn't write anything on my blog that would commemorate the history of the black person or praise the accomplishments of anyone from the black community."

So, when I read something today that reminded me that we are once again to this month on the calendar, I started thinking about what Black History Month really means to me. What should it mean to me? Although I think it's a good thing that we recognize the many contributions made by the black man or woman, why do we have to have a month to do that? Why aren't we doing that all year long?

And why do we single out the black heritage? Do we have a Native American month?, or a Hispanic month? Not that I know of. I'm thinking that black history is a part of American history. We shouldn't pigeon-hole all that is of the African-American people into just one month out of the entire year. Their history is every American's history. That's just my opinion.

Even though I have the above opinion, I went looking into some black history. I found the Bio site is featuring biographies on all kinds of black people, from activists to athletes to politicians to musicians. The History site also gives some interesting milestones and stories. I enjoy history - all kind of history - so I will spend some time reading these features this month.

I guess that's really the purpose of Black History month... education. And to that end, it's an important month that shouldn't go by without notice.

sand and surf

2010-01-28T22:05:00.006-07:00

Wow! It's been a whole week since I last posted. But, to my defense, I haven't been sitting around a computer much. I've been enjoying a week away from the normal grind, a week spent with Don and visiting with family.

Last Saturday, we started our road trip to California. We traveled through the Rocky Mountains as it snowed, over the high desert of Utah which was blanketed with snow, and on into the bright sunshine of southern California. We listened to an audio book as we drove and the hours flew by. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive.

We've spent some of our time visiting with family, but most of the time has been spent on or near the beach. There is something about the ocean, the waves, the beach that speaks to both Don's and my soul. It's home.

So you can imagine what a treat it was for Don to book us into a hotel right on the sand in a beautiful little beach city for two nights. It was our special way to celebrate our 29th wedding anniversary. It's been so nice, so special. As I sit here typing this post, I can hear the waves crashing on the sand right underneath my balcony. I'm in heaven.

Tomorrow we leave and start our journey home. It's been such a nice week, and next week, when I'm up to my eyeballs in my everyday responsibilities and probably dealing with snow and ice, I'll reflect on the memories of this week and remember the warmth of the sun and the sound of the surf, and try to ignore it as it beckons me to return.

it's friday

2010-01-22T00:01:00.001-07:00

...

I don't know why I'm asking this question, but it just popped into my head and I'm going with it...

If you could take any class right now,
what would it be?

There are several I can think of, but if I can only pick one, it would be a photography class of some kind. Maybe one that teaches me more about how to use my camera, or one that takes me out and helps me become a better photographer of wildlife and nature. I love taking pictures. I look at professional photographer's work and wish I could be that good.

Aloha Friday is hosted each week by Kailani over at An Island Life.

mirlandia

2010-01-21T00:07:00.004-07:00

Nearly ten years ago, I was a camp counselor for a small group of Junior High students from my church. All week long, during the evening session, Compassion International would have a table set up with pictures of children from different impoverished countries. The purpose of C.I. was to entice you to adopt one of the children by sending money on a monthly basis to pay for their education and other necessities.

The last night of camp, the girls in our youth group talked me into adopting one of these children for the youth group. We decided that part of the offerings we collect would go to the monthly fee. A few of us stood at the table, picking up one packet after another, trying to decide which child would be the one for us. After some discussion, we agreed on a little girl from Haiti.

Her name was Mirlandia. I think one of the reasons the girls liked her was because her name was easy to pronounce and remember, compared to some of the other ones. She was 6 years old and had these beautiful, haunting eyes that seemed to stare right into your heart. Her bio gave little information about her except that she liked going to school and help her mom with work around the house.

We would occasionally send Mirlandia notes and artwork from the group and she would in turn send us letters telling us more about herself and always thanking us for our prayers and being a part of her life. I always wondered what it would be like for her to live where she did. I also wondered what it would be like to meet her in person, knowing that really wouldn't ever happen.

I write this today because I can't help but think about Mirlandia and the tragedy that has struck her small island. To be honest, I haven't thought much about this young girl since I quit my job and we left that church, but I'm thinking a lot about her now. She would be nearly 16 years old now. What has the last 5-6 years looked like for her? What does she look like? Where was she when the quake(s) hit? Was she hurt? Is she alive? What does her life look like now?

I will never know the answers to these questions, but as I pray for the people and situation in Haiti, I include a special prayer for Mirlandia and her family. May they feel God's mercy and love during this time. Won't you join me in this prayer.

up close and personal

2010-01-18T08:42:00.009-07:00

...
For Today...

Outside my window... the sun is shining, but it's cold. There is still snow on the ground where the sun doesn't directly hit.

I am thinking... about my doctor's appointment tomorrow. I hate doctor's appointments.

I am thankful for... so much! One would be having both of my children home this last weekend.

I am wearing... jeans and a hoodie.

I am remembering... a little girl in Haiti that I helped sponsor 8 years ago. Where is she right now? Is she safe? Is she alive?

Also, that it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and remembering and reflecting on him and the messages he left for the people of this country and world.

I am going... to the movies with Danielle today (it's a school holiday). We're going to see The Lovely Bones.

I am currently reading... Lost and Found by Carolyn Parkhurst

I am hoping... for a good report tomorrow from my doctor (on my diabetes).

I am praying... for my good friend's son, who is going through a hard time and is dealing with the consequences of his bad choices. Also, the people of Haiti. We can all be praying for this tragedy.

On my mind... An upcoming trip.

Noticing that... my house is very messy and needs to be picked up. A lot of that will happen when the kids leave today and take their stuff with them.

Pondering these words... "The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life." (Muhammad Ali)

From the kitchen... signs of Danielle's domestic endeavors. Cookies she made last night, and the dishes that didn't make it into the dishwasher.

Around the house... see above =)

One of my favorite things... taking pictures. My 365 Project can be found here.

From my picture journal...

I took this picture at the Stock Show parade last week. Since I wanted to get some good pictures, I was standing more in the street than maybe I should have been and this feisty longhorn felt like he didn't need to stay in line with his fellow bovines. From my camera lens, he slowly made his way straight towards me. All photos after this one came out blurry because as he was making his way toward me, I was moving backwards - toward safety. At what seemed like the last moment, a cowboy walking along sid,e herded him back to where he belonged. Let me just say... close up, those horns are long and scary.

The original Simple Woman's Daybook can be found here.

send in the cows

2010-01-14T11:52:00.006-07:00

Tuesday, I made my way to downtown Denver to watch the annual National Western Stock Show parade. The stock show comes to town every January and we usually find a way to attend the rodeo and walk around to view the exhibits. We've done this for the last 20 years that we've lived here. But the one thing we have never done is to attend the parade that kicks off the yearly event.

So it was a real treat for me to be able to enjoy a mild weather day watching cowboys and livestock walk the streets that are normally inhabited with cars and buses. The smiles and waves from children lining the streets warmed my heart even more than the 60+ degree reading on the thermometer.

Here's just a few pictures I took while enjoying the parade.

365

2010-01-11T23:33:00.005-07:00

Why do I feel like I have to challenge myself in such ways?

I've started many projects - blogging and otherwise - and failed at completing ~~a few~~ a lot of them. I've participated in NaBloPoMo two years now and was successful at posting every day for the month of November, but it was hard to write and post every single day.

Maybe it will be easier to take a picture every single day... for a year! Maybe not. I will soon find out, for I have challenged myself to do just that. I have joined the 365Project, which is a site that promotes and challenges you to take a picture every day for 365 days (that's a year!). I actually started this same challenge a year or so ago and didn't make it more than a couple of weeks.

But this time it's going to be different. Yes, I'm going to keep telling myself this as a self-motivator. All kidding aside, I am motivated. I love to take pictures. I like the fact that I'm posting my pictures on my own profile on a site where hundreds (probably thousands - I don't really know) of other people are posting their pictures. I enjoy browsing through some amazing photos and knowing that my photos might be viewed by others. I'm hoping this not only records my year in pictures, but improves my photography skills. It's a win-win.

The site is easy to use. You can follow other people and keep track of your favorite photos. You don't have to actually post every day if you want to or need to skip a day or so. The challenge is to take a picture every day - not post every day.

If you think this would be a fun challenge for you, check it out. My profile can be found here and I'll soon have some kind of graphic on my side bar that link to my profile. I'd love to have you stop by.

pass the tissues

2010-01-08T00:35:00.005-07:00

...

I saw the movie Precious this last week. Not a movie I would recommend to everyone due to the nature of the content, but I found it to be very powerful and moving. I'm sure there will be a couple of academy awards given out for this one.

I found myself tearing up a lot throughout the movie and cried at the very end. My heart breaks when I see or hear about a young person being abused in some way. It breaks to the point where I cannot stop the tears. That was the case while watching this movie.

Another situation where I can't control the tears is at the end of Extreme Makeover (Home Edition). It's when they all yell, "move that bus!" and the music swells, and the recipients of the new home are overcome with joy, that gets me every time.

So, my Aloha Friday question this week is...

What makes you cry every time?

Maybe it's a particular movie (for me, it's The Notebook) or show, or maybe a certain situation or experience. Share your crying moments.

top 10

2010-01-01T13:02:00.005-07:00

Well, happy new year! 2010 has arrived and as I sit here, I'm not only thinking about a new year, a new decade, and new beginnings, but reflecting on the last year and the last decade. I guess this is pretty normal for new year's day. That, and lounging around in my jammies, watching parades (okay, one parade) and football games, and playing around on Facebook.

I'll most likely be writing about my thoughts and reflections in the next couple of days. Some things are worth writing about and some things are worth keeping to myself. We'll see what ends up in a post.

One of the tasks I give myself at the end of each year is to comprise a list of my top 10 movies from the year. As I look back at my list (always kept on my sidebar), I realize once again what I kept thinking throughout the year... there weren't as many good movies this year as in previous years. Never the less, I was able to come up with 10. Actually, it was easy coming up with 10 because there weren't many good ones to choose from.

I saw a total of 47 movies this year (51 last year). A few of these movies were from 2008, but since I saw them in 2009, they're included here.

10. earth
9. The Soloist
8. The Reader
7. Up
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
5. Gran Torino
4. Precious
3. Blindside
2. Slum Dog Millionaire
1. Avatar

Here's to hoping we have some better movies in 2010.

perfect conditions

2009-12-27T19:46:00.014-07:00

One day last week, it snowed. It actually snowed quite a bit for which we were happy because it gave our family from California the experience of the cold, white stuff - watching it, playing in it, sledding on it, and even driving in it. It was our special gift to them... a white Christmas.

While playing outside, I noticed the flakes that fell and landed on us were individual (vs. clumped together) and beautiful. I did what any amateur photographer would do; I went inside, put my macro lens on my camera, grabbed a dark tupperware lid, and headed back outside.

The conditions were perfect. Snow doesn't always fall this way. The flakes were beautiful and well defined and you could see the shape of the crystals with the naked eye. Unfortunately, my camera didn't capture the beauty you could see without the lens, but here's my best.

a special day

2009-12-25T09:44:00.004-07:00

God gave us the greatest gift of all, His son, Jesus.
May His love surround you and yours today.

fun in the snow

2009-12-23T10:44:00.006-07:00

Yesterday we took some of our visiting family up to the mountains. Being from southern California, they don't get to play in the snow too often. Don's niece, Sarah, who is 4 had never even seen snow. We found a small hill and spent the morning sledding, making snow angels, having snow ball fights, and just having a real fun time.

I took over 300 pictures, but am only including a few here...

Christmas-time

2009-12-21T21:31:00.005-07:00

I'm playing along with this meme that Just Mom (Just Mom's Musings) posted last week. Let me know if you play. I'd like to know what your Christmas looks like.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I'd prefer a coffee drink of some kind. Definitely not Egg Nog.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? When the kids were little, they were unwrapped, but for the past 8 years or so, they've been wrapped.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? We always put a lighted cross on the roof and we change out the bulbs periodically. Right now they're blue. We've had different lighting arrangements on the house over the years. Right now we have white lights over the bushes and some multi-colored trees. Our inside tree has white lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the beginning of December.

6. What is your favorite Christmas dish? I have two - cheese potatoes and black cherry jello.

7. Favorite Christmas memory as a child? Childhood... I can't really remember one. But as a teenager, I had a very special Christmas. You can read about it here and here.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't really remember. It seems that I asked my mom the truth, but I don't know what prompted me asking or how old I was.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. Our tradition has always been that we open one gift on Christmas Eve, but when the kids were younger, we, as parents, got to decide which gifts they could or couldn't open that night.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With all my favorite ornaments. And I have a very beautiful tree... if I do say so myself =)

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I enjoy snow when I can watch it fall from inside and don't have to go out into it. I don't like cold temperatures or icy roads.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes, but not very well. I have weak ankles.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? No, there's been too many special gifts.

14. What’s the most important thing about Christmas for you? Remembering the reason for the season.... that we're celebrating the birth of Christ. Being with family. And having the opportunity to give to others in a way you wouldn't at any other time during the year.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Frosted sugar cookies.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Stockings! Buying stocking stuffers all year long and then emptying your stocking on Christmas day with all the goodies that family has sent to you.

17. What tops your tree? A clear plastic (but doesn't look cheap) snowflake.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Giving... definitely!

19. Candy Canes? Nope, at least not the traditional ones. The newer ones that are flavored some other way than peppermint are decent.

20. Favorite Christmas Show? Elf.

21. Saddest Christmas Song? I've always thought most Christmas songs are sad. It doesn't stop me from singing them, though.

22. What is your favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night.

it's in the mail... not

2009-12-18T00:01:00.001-07:00

...

Recently, I've had this discussion about Christmas cards with a few people. Several of us feel like sending out the annual cards/letters is a dying tradition.

It seems like I receive less each and every year. I wonder if it's because of the fact that most people communicate through the computer nowadays. Writing letters and cards and sending them snail mail is a lost art. The younger generation doesn't even know how to address an envelope, let alone have the desire to write out a letter.

But sending out Christmas cards isn't just for the younger generations. I know a lot of people who aren't on the computer much and yet, their Christmas cards come only every few years, or not at all. Is it the busyness of the season? Is it the stress of having to do them? Is it the cost?

For me, it's definitely the lack of time I feel like I have each year. I used to do them each year but lately it's been every few years. This year the family took a great picture on the beach in California and I was going to write a letter letting friends and family know what we've been up to this past year, but here it is... a week before Christmas and all I have is good intentions. In other words... no cards or letters. And as much as I wanted to get them out, I don't get too upset because I know I keep in touch with a lot of people through Facebook and email.

So I have two questions for this Aloha Friday...

Did you send out Christmas cards this year? and
Do you think sending out cards is a dying tradition?

Aloha Friday is hosted each week by Kailani of An Island Life.

the twelve days of Christmas

2009-12-15T23:55:00.005-07:00

Have you ever wondered about the song The 12 days of Christmas? Kind of a strange song, don't you think? What in the world does leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans and especially that partridge that won't come out of a pear tree have to do with Christmas?

Well, here's the very interesting answer...

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve point of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas carol. And I bet you won't think of this song in the same way the next time you hear it. Pass it on if you wish.

poor don

2009-12-13T21:41:00.004-07:00

I just had to share this funny story. Oh, how I wish I had photos to go along with it =)

Last night, after we returned home from the store, where Don bought some replacement bulbs for the lighted cross we put up each Christmas, he announces he's going to go and replace the bulbs. Dani and I were inside while Jake was out running errands.

What Danielle and I didn't know was that right after Don climbed onto the roof with the new bulbs, the ladder blew completely away from where it was standing, thus, stranding Don on the roof. Poor Don.

He says he pounded on the walls and the windows, but he was at the front of the house and we were in the back. After hearing Don's story, we did remember hearing some light pounding but figured it was coming from work that Don was, in our mind, doing. We had no idea that was the communication of a desperate man. Poor Don.

Don, realizing he didn't have his cell phone on him and the pounding wasn't getting our attention, started looking for another way down. The wind that blew the ladder down (narrowly missing one of our cars) was starting to make him shiver. Poor Don.

He thought about jumping (oh, I'm so glad he didn't take that option), but didn't think he would be able to clear the rocks to land on the grass. Poor Don. (It would have been a louder poor Don if he ended up with a broken leg or foot!)

He started trying to get someone's - anyone's - attention. A few cars drove down the street but the first couple didn't see him. But the third car slowed down and the driver rolled down his window... and yelled out, "Merry Christmas!" Evidently, he thought the shivering man on the roof of the house waving his arms frantically in the air was trying to wish him a happy holiday. After he returned the presumed greeting, he drove away. Poor Don.

He yelled at some far away neighbors, but they didn't hear him. He ended up just sitting down in a crook of the house, doing his best to stay warm. Poor Don.

But then he caught the attention of a neighbor that lived a couple houses away. The lady must have realized this poor, freezing man on the roof needed some help. She started making her way over... slowly... using her cane. Poor Don.

Just about the time she gets over to the house, Jake and his girlfriend drive up. The lady slowly made her way back to her home and Jake helped his dad get down from the roof. He and Hollee came in laughing and accusing Dani and me of leaving Don stranded, freezing, on the roof of the house. Don then came in, but he wasn't laughing.

Poor Don. It took him a while to warm up and get to a place where he could look back at his experience and see the humor in it. He claims he's not getting back on the roof, but I bet he will. Someone has to take down the cross. I just think he'll make sure he has his cell phone in his pocket.

are you ready?

2009-12-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

...

It's Friday! Where did this week go to? Last weekend I felt ahead of the whole Christmas decorating, shopping, and shipping game. Now? Not so much, and time is running out. Not only am I not where I should be at this point, but more has been added to my list. I now have family coming to spend a week with us. Yikes! On top of all that, I've come down with a cold. I feel like doing absolutely nothing except climbing into bed.

So, let me ask you...

Do you feel ready for Christmas? Are you ahead of the game? Or behind?

Aloha Friday is hosted each week by Kailani over at An Island Life.

before and after

2009-12-07T23:36:00.009-07:00

A few weeks ago, we had new granite put into our kitchen. It looks beautiful and we are very pleased with it. I still walk into the kitchen and am taken a back, thinking, "this isn't my kitchen!" But it is, and I'm getting more used to it. The granite is so much easier to clean than the tiles we had before, for which I am very thankful. You can't tell from these pictures, but the granite has a lot of green in it, speckled with black, gray, and light brown (about the color of the cabinets). The sink and faucet are new, too. I'm one lucky girl.

BEFORE...

AFTER...

single minded

2009-12-04T09:27:00.004-07:00

...

This week's Aloha Friday question is...

What do you most enjoy or miss about being single?

This past week, Don was up in Winnipeg on business and I was home alone for the week. Don't get me wrong; I love Don, love being married, love having a partner in life, and love having his company each and every day, but I enjoyed spending the week being single. I enjoyed it knowing it was for a short time and that it would end quickly and life would be back to normal within days.

I think what I enjoyed most is just knowing I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. It doesn't make sense because I can pretty well do that already. Maybe it was just because I haven't been single in an awful long time for this amount of time. There was a freedom that I hadn't felt or thought about for over 30 years.

BUT... as much as I liked the freedom, I felt a little lonely and missed the human contact that I'm used to living with. I felt like something was missing all week, and there was something missing... my other half.

I'm glad to have him come home today.

nablopomo... no mo(re)

2009-11-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are... the last day of the month. I've made it; posting each day for the entire month of November, as part of NaBloPoMo. I'm actually a little sorry to see it end. Not necessarily writing and posting each day - because that wasn't always easy - but the theme I used all month; sharing some of my favorite Bible verses each day.

When I started the month, I had quite a few "favorite" verses in mind, but ended up having to go hunting through my Bible towards the end of the month. What I came to realize is that there are so many verses that I could have posted as my "favorites," certainly more than 30. It also reconfirmed my unshakable knowledge that God's word is relevant, comforting, full of wisdom, and truly words to live by.

And I've always loved how you can read something one day that you've read before but for some reason, it means something different to you this time or you feel God speaking directly to you. That happens so often. That's why they call the Bible God's living word. I love when that happens.

Anyways, I didn't post any scripture with yesterday's post so here is day 29 and 30 of 30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
Romans 12:1-2 The Message

"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."
Psalm 145:8-9 NIV

dani's 15 minutes of fame

2009-11-29T23:18:00.025-07:00

As I alluded to yesterday, our trip home Saturday had a little bit of excitement. I'll just type it out in the order it all happened...

We were at the Los Angeles airport and as our boarding time was approaching, Danielle and I decided to use the restroom. As we approached the monitors that displayed the departure times of flights, we noticed a couple of cameramen with their cameras pointed at the monitors. I then notice a couple also standing there and instantly knew I'd seen them before. They had been on TV but I couldn't remember what show. I tell Danielle and we both rack our brains trying to figure out where we've seen them before. We then realize that there's another couple there (two African American women) and the light bulb goes on - they're a part of the TV show, The Amazing Race.

I go up to the familiar looking guy and ask him if he's a part of The Amazing Race and he tells me all that he can say is that they're in a race. I wish him luck and walk away still not knowing where I know him from. Danielle then asks, "weren't they on Big Brother?" YES!! That's where they're from. Jeff [Schroeder] and Jordan [Lloyd] were fan favorites on last season's popular reality TV show Big Brother, and made it obvious on the show that they had feelings for each other. Jordan was the eventual winner of the season.

Okay... this is pretty big for me. The Amazing Race and a Big Brother connection. I watch both of these shows (yes, I like reality TV). I tell Danielle to take a picture with her iPhone. She doesn't want to do it but hands her phone over to me. So I step forward and take the two best pictures I can without making it seem overly obvious of what I'm doing. We then leave to go share our bit of news with Don and Jake. Before we board our plane, I update my Facebook status with what I thought was pretty exciting and Danielle updated her Twitter with the simple statement, "It never fails. I always see famous people at the LAX airport," along with the picture of Jeff and Jordan (the one I took!).

An hour into the flight, we're told by the pilot that there is a medical emergency on board and we have to make an emergency detour to the Las Vegas airport. Ugh! Although I understood the need to do this, I just wanted to get home. As we deplaned, Danielle turned on her iPhone and found that she had numerous updates/comments to her Twitter - all expressing great excitement over her sighting and photo. By the time we get to Denver, the feedback is at a frenzy level.

I say frenzy level because evidently we (because it really was a joint effort) broke the news to the world that not only had the 16th season of The Amazing Race started (that day, as it turns out), but that Jeff and Jordan were one of the teams. Word traveled fast and now the information that we had and the photo that we took is all over the internet. And not just blogs and forums, but such sites as Entertainment Weekly and other celebrity monitoring sites. Most of them give credit to Danielle as the one who took the picture and even that she broke the story. It's been crazy to see the photo everywhere as well as Danielle's name and account of what we saw.

You can google and find the pics but I'll save you the trouble by posting them here. You can also read Danielle's Twitter posts here.

Dani is enjoying her 15 minutes of fame. Had we known this was such a big deal, we would have tried to take a few more pictures, not of just Jeff and Jordan, but the other teams as well. It will be fun to watch the next season knowing that we have a connection to it.

six word saturday

2009-11-28T22:29:00.004-07:00

...

I am glad to be home!

It's been an eventful day and I'll write about it later (probably Monday), but right now, all I can manage is that it feels good to be home.

Six Word Saturday is hosted each week by Cate of Show My Face.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Friends love through all kinds of weather,
and families stick together in all kinds of trouble."
Proverbs 17:17 The Message

home away from home

2009-11-27T23:35:00.001-07:00

My time here in California has come to an end. Tomorrow we get on a plane to return home. It always feels good to go home, but we'll also miss the time we spend here. It truly is our home away from home.

The week was a good mixture of visiting with family and enjoying the beach and warm weather. It was also a good balance of being with my family and Don's family. It's not always easy feeling like you're spending quality time with family and still enjoying your vacation.

Today, we ended the week by hanging out with my brother, sister, and their families. We rented bicycles and cruised down the strand on Balboa Island, with million dollar homes on one side and the ocean on the other.

We then ate lunch on the top deck of a restaurant at the end of the pier. What a great place to enjoy a burger and fries and catch up with each other. We said our good byes after walking through the sand to the break wall and watching the boats enter and leave the harbor. It was pretty well the perfect day and I will call on my memories of our time together when our time away from each other has stretched out from days into months.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
Acts 20:35 NIV

gobble, gobble

2009-11-26T00:17:00.006-07:00

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks."
1 Timothy 4:4 New Living Translation

wordless wednesday

2009-11-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Colossians 3:17 NIV

a young beauty...

2009-11-24T23:12:00.005-07:00

And four generations later...

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
John 14:6 NIV

90 years

2009-11-23T10:21:00.003-07:00

Imagine the years you've lived. The things that have happened in the world... presidents come and go, 9-11, wars. Technological advances... the computer, the cell phone, the Ipod. How about emotional experiences you've endured or celebrated... first love, marriage(s), anniversaries, deaths, children - and their lives.

If you think back on your life, there's a lot to reflect upon. A lot of memories. A lot of heartaches and a lot of triumphs. And how old are you? Are you in your 20s? 30s? 40? 50s? 60? 70? 80s? No matter how old you are, a lifetime is a lot to reflect upon.

Imagine if you were 90, or older. That's how old my grandmother turned this weekend. We celebrated those 90 years yesterday with a big party where family and friends, old and new, were there. I tried to imagine what 90 years would feel like stored in my memory box. I really can't. I only have 50 years of memories and 40 years added to that is out of my grasp at the moment.

90 years old! To me, that's amazing. And my grandmother seems the same today as she did 40 years ago. Yes, her body seems to have shrunk a little, she looks a little more frail and her hearing has diminished, but she still has her mind and other capabilities. She walks a little slower with a cane or walker, but she still walks. She's able to take care of herself (and does) and she still has her sense of humor.

She has one daughter, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who love her very much. She loves us very much and that has been the example passed down to us. She is a God-fearing woman who has passed her faith down to us. She was a working woman who passed on a good work ethic and what it means to be responsible. She has a legacy that not only has been passed down three generations, but will beyond that.

Happy Birthday (again) Grandma. I love you and thank you for who you are and what you have passed on to me. I look forward to birthday #100 =)

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness."
1 Peter 2:1-3 New Living Translation

a day of celebration

2009-11-22T10:36:00.004-07:00

Today we are having a special celebration. We will be celebrating the 90 years my grandmother has lived and loved. I will write more about her and the party tomorrow. Have a blessed day.

"Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.

But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the Lord watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction."
Psalm 1:1-6 New Living Translation

six word saturday

2009-11-21T10:23:00.007-07:00

...

Reliving the past through my memories.

I am sitting here in my mother-in-law's home, surrounded by my memories of not only this house but of this city and area where I spent my teenage and young adult years.

Stella's house has not changed much since her son grew up here, met a girl and fell in love, and that girl (me) spent so much time getting to know her future husband and his family. The same pictures are on the wall, the same books on the shelves, even most of the furniture is the same. Stella might feel embarrassed that not much has changed over the 30 plus years, but I find it comforting.

As I drive through the streets, I'm washed with memories of places lived, of friends, of schools, of church... and again, it's comforting, but also a bit distracting. When at home, I don't give these things a second thought. I'm immersed in my own life, the present and the future. But when I'm here, in my old home town, I seem to live most of my moments in the past.

Is this normal? It seems with each trip back here, the more I want to stay in this place of remembering the past, reflecting on who I used to be and the experiences - big and small - that make me who I am today. I don't know if it's normal. I know the kids get tired of hearing about the past and having the different landmarks pointed out. I mostly keep quiet now, but my mind doesn't turn off. I'm reliving the past through my memories.

Six Word Saturday is hosted each week by Cate of Show My Face.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

pass the potatoes

2009-11-20T00:01:00.003-07:00

...
This week's Aloha Friday question is...

What's your favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table?

It's a hard question because there's so much good food at Thanksgiving. For me, it's a black cherry jello salad that is traditional in my family. For some reason, the only time I make it is at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Maybe that's what makes it so special.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33 NIV

what was i thinking?!

2009-11-19T15:45:00.003-07:00

Tonight, at midnight, I will be sitting in a theater with a bunch of Twilight fanatics [which I've been told will include screaming girls] to see New Moon - the second installment of the Twilight series.

I wouldn't call myself a fanatic, but I did enjoy the first movie and that's what lead me to reading the books - well, 2 of the books, so far. I would normally go see this movie during normal viewing hours but we'll be on a plane for California tomorrow and Danielle (with a few friends) wanted to see the movie as soon as it came out. That means tonight at midnight.

As I mentioned, I'll be in California for the next week. I have scheduled posts already and will hopefully be able to get on the internet to write new posts. We'll be spending Thanksgiving with family but the reason for the trip is to attend a special celebration. You'll be able to read about that in a future post. It will be wonderful to see family and to spend a whole week with my kids, near the beach, without any major responsibilities.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

be encouraged

2009-11-18T23:54:00.004-07:00

I'm enjoying flipping through my Bible and finding scripture that I've highlighted, reading it and realizing how much the words mean to me. I've been encouraged each day as I post these verses and I hope you have been, too.

I'm glad I've included the theme of WORDS TO LIVE BY to this month's posts because there's days like today that I have nothing else to write about. =)

**oh, and to answer the question from my previous post of which door is the correct door... it's the one on the right. **

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
Romans 5:3-5 New Living Translation

which door would you go through?

2009-11-17T22:21:00.006-07:00

This was my dilemma today as I had to use the restroom after my wonderful lunch with my son. I really wasn't sure and I didn't want to make the wrong choice. That could be a real embarrassing catastrophe! I had to ask Jake which one was the women's restroom as he had been to this eating establishment before. He laughed and pointed me in the right direction.

The problem is that not everyone is as lucky to be with someone who has personally gone through the same process and either made the right guess or the wrong one. As I sat in my stall, I heard someone come in and wash their hands. I didn't think anything of it until this person gave out a little cough. It was a deep, manly cough. I peeked through the cracks and could only tell that this person was tall and had a masculine build. I realize it could have been a woman but I'm pretty sure it was a man. Thank goodness he (or she) only chose to wash his/her hands.

I've decided that if I ever return to this fun Boulder landmark that served great burgers, I will make sure I don't have to use their restroom. Even though I know which door to go through, it is obvious that not everyone does.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

the start of a busy week

2009-11-16T09:10:00.007-07:00

...
For Today. . .

Outside my window... icy, glistening snow blankets the greenbelt behind my home. Dollops of snow embraced by the tree's branches. But the sun is shining and most of it will disappear before the day ends.

I am thinking... I need to get my daughter's car over to the mechanic... and... how long is it going to take to be fixed because I'm without a car until it is.

I am thankful for... the weekend I had with my kids.

I am wearing... jeans and a sweater.

I am creating... nothing really, but I've started thinking about a Christmas letter.

I am hearing... Good Morning America and the trash truck out front.

I am remembering...being in California a few weeks ago knowing I'll be back there this weekend.

I am going...to California for Thanksgiving and a special celebration (which I'll write more about later).

I am reading... The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

I am hoping... to get everything done this week that I need to.

On my mind...Christmas shopping!

Pondering these words..."If months pass and certain goals still haven't been accomplished, how important could these goals have been to begin with?"

From the kitchen...a different look (and a future post)

Around the house...dog hair... everywhere! This is the time of year when our dog sheds the most and it's a constant battle to keep up with it. This morning, the excess hair is winning.

One of my favorite things...eating Guiliano's sandwiches on the beach - which I'm planning to do this Friday.

From my picture journal...

I took this picture in the California Adventure Disney Park when I was there. I love it because of the sunshine aspect to it. It's my current desktop background.

You can find out more about Simple Woman's Daybook here.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Train a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6 NIV

it's all about love

2009-11-15T23:19:00.003-07:00

...
30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that."
Ephesians 5:1-2 The Message

six word saturday

2009-11-14T12:43:00.007-07:00

Gray skies... snow on the way.

Six Word Saturday is hosted each Saturday by Cate of Show My Face.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31 NIV

one of his flock

2009-11-14T00:27:00.004-07:00

...
30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23 New Living Translation

honky tonk badonkadonk

2009-11-12T22:21:00.009-07:00

I had the pleasure of sitting with my daughter last night while she watched the Country Music Awards show. I personally am not into country music but it was important to her and I could sit with her and work on my laptop. A couple of things struck me.

One was how enthusiastic Dani was about the awards and the artists. She knew most of them by name and the words to the songs they sang. She had her favorites and was thrilled when they won in their perspective categories. She is a big country music fan and I didn't realize just how big until last night. It was fun watching her excitement, knowing this has become part of who she is and not something her parents decided for her.

The other thing that made me take notice and even reflect upon, to the point that I decided to write this post, was the character of most country western artists. Watching not only the performances, but how gracious they were when they won and didn't win made an impression. They seemed to genuinely care for each other and for the larger community. I think every acceptance speech included some kind of gratitude to our service men and women.

I don't want to stereotype anyone and I could be totally off base. I know not all country western singers should be lumped into the same category, but I think overall, this group of people have shown themselves to be more down to earth, compassionate, and humble - which makes me like them... a lot.

Now, if I could only get into their music.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galations 2:20 NIV

a heartfelt thank you

2009-11-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

Today was Veteran's Day. I should have posted first thing so the content of this post would go with the day that most readers will be reading it. Actually, I write this post more for my future generations who might some day read my words here on my blog.

Veteran's Day is a big deal. I don't remember it being as such when I was growing up. Maybe it was because most of my childhood years were war free. Or maybe I just wasn't paying attention to such things. But ever since 9-11 and the fact that we have so many men and women who have or are serving in a war, a day that celebrates those brave men and women gets a lot of notice - as it should. And I would like to take this opportunity to personally say thank you to those who have served this country to ensure our freedom and security.

My grandfather served in the Air Force and saw duty in the Korean War. My father retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and saw duty in the Vietnam War. I couldn't be more proud of them and thankful for their sacrifices.

We don't need one day a year when we can honor and thank our veterans. We can and should do this every day. They deserve it.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

honest scrap

2009-11-10T23:23:00.009-07:00

My blogging friend Karen, of Over the Backyard Fence, passed on a meme a while back and I finally came up with my answers. The goal is to share 10 honest things about myself. I've shared so much about myself over the past nearly 3 years so I challenged myself to come up with some (maybe not all) new stuff. It took me a while, but I think I came up with some new honest scrap about myself...

1. I went sky diving when I was younger, somewhere around the age of 19. It was something I always wanted to do, so it was a great accomplishment. Some time after that, I started acquiring a fear of heights. Now I can't even imagine going up in a plane and jumping out.

2. I am not a very healthy eater. How I wish I was. It may be how I came to have Diabetes. Even now, living with Diabetes, I don't eat as well as I should.

3. I graduated from high school and then only attended one year of college (a community college). It is a regret of mine. I consider myself intellectual to a certain degree but I feel like I have been gifted more with a keen amount of common sense. It has served me well. I think I'd rather have the common sense over a college degree. Okay, if I'm really honest with myself (this is Honest Scrap after all), I'd like to have both.

4. This year I turned 50, my mother turns 70 and my grandmother turns 90. I was given a little grief for not having my first child when I was 20. I was 28 when Danielle was born and 30 when Jake was born.

5. I color my hair and have for years. I'm sure I would have a full head of gray hair if I didn't color it. I occasionally think about discontinuing the color treatments, but then I think that's would just be crazy. I don't want to be a gray haired lady.

6. I have a second cousin who used to play for the Dodgers and was a good player and hitter. He's now a coach for a high school baseball team. It's nice to be able to say you have a relative who played professional baseball.

7. I have no first cousins. Both my mom and dad were only children.

8. It's easier for me to talk to kids than adults. I can walk up to any teenager and feel comfortable starting a conversation, but I don't feel comfortable with adults. I have to force myself to step out of my comfort zone when interacting with adults.

9. I love to scrapbook, but I haven't done it for a few years. The last book I worked on (but didn't completely finish) was for Danielle as a graduation gift. She graduated in 2006. Jake's book needs to be started and completed. I have boxes of photos that need to be put into books. It's just something I haven't made a priority. I have plans, but I'm also a procrastinator.

10. And that should be my #10... I am the world's biggest procrastinator. I've always been that way. When it comes to a deadline, I always felt - and thus, became my excuse - that I performed better when I had to do something at the last minute. It's who I am. I could try to change, but would I really be successful. I will probably never know... because I have procrastinated giving it a try.

Feel free to post your own Honest Scrap. If you do, let me know so I can check it out.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13 NIV

we all need encouragement

2009-11-09T19:00:00.003-07:00

Does anyone watch The Amazing Race? Did you catch it this past Sunday night? I'm specifically thinking about the challenge of finding the flags in the field of hay bales. If you didn't see it, it went down this way; one of the two members of each team had to unroll giant rolls of hay one at a time in hopes of finding a flag hidden deep within. Some of these players spent hours unrolling hay for hours before finding a flag.

It was interesting to watch the dynamics of the different teams, specifically one. Where most of the team members that sat on the sidelines gave encouragement to their partners, that wasn't the case for the team of two brothers. The brother that sat on the sideline chose to yell at his brother for a good part of the time telling him to "hurry," "go faster," "don't do it that way!," "do it this, or that, way."

As you might expect, this did not sit well with the other brother. You could see, and hear as he would just yell back, the frustration that this brother was dealing with. Not only did it waste valuable time, but it just added to the despair that this brother obviously felt.

At some point, the sidelined brother figures out that his yelling and lack of encouragement is not helping. In fact, it's hurting. He admits all of this on camera and adds that he doesn't know why he took this particular tact, not truly realizing how it impacted his brother.

I think there's a lesson there (thus, why I'm writing about it). Some times we handle a situation in a way that comes naturally to us not really thinking about how it might impact others or knowing that there may be a better way of approaching it.

Watching it all play out on The Amazing Race and seeing both sides of the relationship made me realize how important this principle is. It also confirmed my opinion that encouragement goes a lot further than nagging and pestering.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:1-4 NIV

sunday scripture

2009-11-08T16:40:00.003-07:00

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

i am...

2009-11-07T13:25:00.004-07:00

wanting to decorate NOW for Christmas!

Six Word Saturday is hosted by Cate at Show My Face.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9 NIV

what's your favorite?

2009-11-06T12:01:00.001-07:00

...
In the spirit of my theme this month, as I participate in NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month), my Aloha Friday question is...

What is your favorite verse(s) from the Bible?

On November 1st, I started sharing the Bible verses that mean the most to me with what I stated as my favorite. Well, I actually have two "favorites." Here is the other one.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

love is...

2009-11-05T21:33:00.005-07:00

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

the fat lady sang

2009-11-04T23:03:00.005-07:00

Congratulations to the Yankees, and all of their fans, on winning the World Series. I was rooting for the Phillies, but it wasn't meant to be. I look forward to the next season. I always feel a little lost when we're out of the baseball season. I've never been much of a basketball fan, but I'm getting to be more so each season. So... let's go Nuggets! And of course, there's always the Broncos to root for.

There are so many reasons why I love living in Denver. Their sports teams being just one.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

... but I also like the way it's stated in The Message version

"No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."
1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message

chocolates on my pillow

2009-11-03T22:45:00.005-07:00

One of the special aspects of our vacation to Disneyland was staying at the resort. It extended the magical atmosphere outside of the parks, down downtown Disney, and on into our hotel.

The hotel was beautiful and a short walk (through downtown Disney) to both parks, which made it very convenient. The staff were very friendly and went out of their way to meet your every need. Our room was comfortable and had so many cute little touches that made it exclusively Disney. Every night our bed was turned down with Disney character chocolates sprinkled about. As evident in their parks, Disney goes above and beyond in everything they do, which makes for a very happy and satisfied customer.

If you're going to take a vacation to this special place, I highly recommend that you stay in the Disney resort.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'"
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

back to reality

2009-11-02T23:10:00.008-07:00

I feel I just need to state for the record that our vacation in southern California was wonderful. I'd write about my favorite parts, but it was all great. Plus, I know it gets a little tedious reading about other people's vacations - so, I'll spare you the details. I'll probably post a few pictures tomorrow and call it good. You're welcome =)

I'm now trying to get back into the swing of reality.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."
James 1:19-20 NIV

november 1.... through 30

2009-11-01T23:05:00.009-07:00

Call me crazy, but I've decided to once again join many other bloggers in posting every day in the month of November. I joined NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) last year and was successful in posting each and every day for that month. I also met a few new friends and have a couple of regular readers through the NaBloPoMo site.

Last year, I not only posted regular posts during the month, but gave myself the goal of sharing each day something I felt was a blessing in my life. This year I wanted to do something similar. After thinking through some ideas, I've decided to share, each day, my favorite Bible verse(s).

I'll start with my favorite verse...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him
and He will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

I memorized this verse as a young adult and have kept it tucked away in my heart ever since. There have been so many times that I have called on these words to get me through a situation. It's not always easy for me to put my total trust in God and far too easy to follow my own reasoning. But God knows what is best for me and wants to lead me down paths that will benefit and bless me. He wants the same for you.

30 days of WORDS TO LIVE BY

a tale of two cities...

2009-10-29T17:44:00.003-06:00

ME...

HOME...
I don't want to go home!

wordless wednesday

2009-10-28T12:01:00.000-06:00

sunny with a high of... 90!

2009-10-26T10:51:00.002-06:00

Little known fact #1 and #2

Did you know...

... It snowed yesterday in Colorado and the temperature in Anaheim, California - home of Mickey Mouse (see previous post) - was around 90. Shorts, T-shirt, sandals were the attire for the day. Even as midnight approached, there were balmy breezes blowing through the park. Not even a light jacket was needed. So nice!

... When you come to Disneyland on your birthday, they give you a birthday button for you to where. The employees and even other park goers wish you a happy birthday. It's quite nice. Don and I could wear our button every day that we're here if we wanted to since this trip is a celebration of our birthday, but we've decided one day is enough. We look forward to wishing a happy birthday to others today.

... and it's off to the park. Hope you have a great day!

happiest place on earth

2009-10-24T09:29:00.005-06:00

...

I am going to Disneyland TOMORROW!!

Don and I turned 50 last week. We had several friends and members of our families who asked, "what are you doing to celebrate?" Many felt that we should be having a big party to ~~rub it in~~ celebrate the fact that we turned 50. No thank you. But we did want to celebrate in some way.

Don had already taken the week off of work so all we had to do was figure out where we wanted to go or what we wanted to do. After throwing around (and out) some ideas, we came up with the perfect way for two 50 year old kids to play and celebrate. Disneyland!

Tomorrow we fly out to California and step into the happiest place on earth! If you didn't know, that's Disney's tag line. And if you've ever been to Disneyland or Disney World, you'd have to agree. It's a very magical place. And I get to spend most of the week there. We're staying on-site and will be park hopping between Disneyland and California Adventure, spending as little or as much time as we want at each. It should be a wonderful week.

Six Word Saturday is hosted each week by Cate at Show My Face.

keep your hands inside at all times

2009-10-23T00:03:00.000-06:00

...
This week's Aloha Friday question is...

What is your favorite ride at Disneyland or DisneyWorld?

This one is a hard one. There are so many fun rides and attractions. But if I have to pick one, it would be the Indiana Jones ride. It's a fun recreation of the movie and has a little bit of the roller coaster feel.

I didn't ask about California Adventure which is the sister park to Disneyland. I love the California Soarin' ride over there. You feel like you're flying over the fields, mountains, cities, and ocean of California. It's so realistic. You really feel like you're hang gliding as you feel the wind in your hair and you can smell the ocean and orange groves.

There is a reason why I'm asking. Can you guess?

You can find Aloha Friday each week over at An Island Life.

while watching the snow fall...

2009-10-21T22:50:00.004-06:00

I did something today that I haven't done in a very long time. I had the blessing of watching our Pastor's one year old daughter for a couple of hours.

At first, I did my best to entertain her with toys that made noise or reading her a book about farm animals. She was leery of me and wasn't much interested in engaging in either activity. I racked my brain to remember what I used to do when my kids were this age. How did I entertain them? How did I spend my days? I mean, if the child isn't taking a nap, they're in need of your undivided attention. How did I make it through those days?

Then I caught wind of a familiar odor. It was diaper changing time. I wasn't really nervous but heck, it's been y.e.a.r.s since I've changed a diaper. As I laid her down and unsnapped the multitude of snaps on her clothing, it all came back to me... taking clothing off, putting clothing back on, the varying degrees of a diaper load, and making sure you've done a good job of cleaning the entire area. This little girl needed to be entertained while all this was taking place and I reflected on happy memories of singing, playing, and laughing when my kids were on the changing table.

It then became obvious that she needed and wanted to take a nap. Her dad told me that she probably wouldn't go down in her crib and that I would most likely have to hold her. Even though she wanted sleep, she fought it. I had to walk with her, holding her tight and singing lightly in her ear. The crying stopped and her body finally succumbed to the inevitable. Not knowing how deep she slept, I walked and rocked for some time. I then lowered myself to the couch and spent the next hour reclining with a precious little one sleeping on my chest.

I spent the time watching the snow fall outside and listening to the classical music that was playing. Not a bad way to spend an hour of my day. I prayed (it seemed like the perfect time to do that), but most of the time I reflected on when my kids were young; when they were infants, when they were toddlers, when they started school, when they started sports, when they went into middle school and then high school. There are so many memories, but there are also great gaps of lost memories. Oh, how I wish I had recorded more than I did - either on film, video, or through words. I want all those memories at my finger tips. I want to be able to pull them down whenever I want - whenever I need to feel close to my kids.

As little Jorah slept contently and I could feel her breath and the rise and fall of her chest, I wanted to go back into time and hold Danielle or Jake. I would have held them so tight and would have never wanted to let go. I now know how fast time can fly and how fleeting memories can be.

a trip to the zoo

2009-10-20T00:01:00.002-06:00

I wanted to go to the zoo on my birthday but didn't because of the weather. Two days later, the weather was perfect for a trip to the zoo. It was a beautiful Fall day and I enjoyed walking around by myself, watching the animals, and taking pictures.

Here are just a few of the special moments I captured...

I could spend the whole day watching the lions.

sunday scripture

2009-10-18T00:27:00.004-06:00

...

great-great....

2009-10-16T00:01:00.002-06:00

...
My Aloha Friday question this week is...

Would you rather meet your great-great grandparents or your great-great grandchildren?

This was actually a question posed at the small group I belong to and it sparked some great conversation. It really makes you ponder.

Of course, I'd love to do both. I love history and I figure my great-great grandparents lived somewhere in the latter part of the 1800s and early 1900s. I love that time period and would love to hear what life was like for them during those times.

But if I had to pick between the two, it would have to be meeting my great-great grandchildren. I'd like to see if the way I lived and raised my children had any effect on them. In other words, if Don and I left a legacy for our family. I'd also like to see what kind of technological changes there are in the world.

came and went

2009-10-15T09:31:00.004-06:00

Tuesday was my 50th birthday... yesterday was Don's 50th birthday... today is Thursday, and it's a beautiful day.

Thank you to everyone who extended good wishes for my birthday and described how they would or did spend their 50th birthday. They were fun to read. I stated in my Tuesday post that I would let you know how I ended up spending my birthday.

Well, I didn't do anything monumental. I had wanted to go to the zoo with my camera and spend time photographing the animals. Capturing life through the lens of my camera is one of my favorite pass times and thought that would be a fun way to spend the day. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate. I scrapped the idea early on.

After spending most of the morning reading, I headed off to the mall. I hadn't gone mall shopping in some time and enjoyed walking, looking, and trying on a few pieces of clothing and a couple of pairs of shoes. I walked out with only one bag - a new pair of shoes.

By then, the sun decided to make an appearance. I headed over to my favorite reading place, the plaza, and sat in my car and read. I find I get so much more reading done outside my home. I love feeling the warmth of the sun collect in the enclosed space and feeling the peace and calm while losing myself in the pages of a good book.

Don came home early and we decided to go to the movies before dinner. There weren't many movies out right now that we felt like we would both enjoy. We settled on Surrogates, starring Bruce Willis. After the movie, we ate dinner at PF Changs. I tried something new and I now have a new favorite dish at this favorite restaurant. It was a very nice day and evening.

Just for the record, our kids came home last weekend and we all celebrated the birthdays with a dinner out on Saturday night and then going home and playing a game. Some girlfriends will be taking me out tomorrow and another group of friends are treating me to breakfast next Monday.

Okay... on to who won the give-away. I wrote down everyone's name (only once, Mighty Mom) on a slip of paper, put them into a bowl, and drew out one. That piece of paper had the name of... (drum role please)... Melissa of Mejojac's Memos. Congratulations Melissa, and thank you to everyone who commented.

he is one special man

2009-10-14T09:21:00.004-06:00

Happy birthday to my better half. Yep, today is Don's birthday and he is also turning 50.

You hear people referring to their spouse as their "better half," but in my case, it's so very true. We have been married nearly 29 years and we are truly one - two halves that make a whole. Don is a very modest and humble person and that is one reason why I don't write about him very often, but today he deserves every word of praise and love that I can put together. I wish my words could convey how special this man is, but they won't. They simply can't.

Don, you are my life. I can't imagine what it would be like without you.

You make me laugh and have made laughter and fun a staple of our family. The kids and I thank you for that.

You give me balance. You pull me up when I'm down and calm me when I get worked up. Your insight and wisdom always gives me direction, and ultimately, peace and comfort.

Your compassion and caring spirit for others has taught me what a difference one person, in this hurting world, can make. And you have made a difference in so many lives.

Thank you being such a Godly man and a man of integrity. Thank you for being my partner in not just life, but in ministry. Thank you for being such a wonderful father and husband. Thank you for being such a responsible person and providing for our family. Thank you for your love that has been a part of more than half of my life. That love is a big part of who I am today, and for that, I cannot thank you enough.

I know you don't care about birthdays but I hope you have one that is as special as you are. I love you more than 100 white elephants. =)

Don't forget to leave your comment on yesterday's post for a chance to be the winner of my 50th birthday give-away. And thank you for all the wonderful happy birthday wishes. They helped make my day a happy one.

you don't want to miss this...

2009-10-13T00:01:00.003-06:00

Well, today is the day. The day that I wish I could just skip over. I usually look forward to October 13th each and every year, but not this year. October 13th is my birthday and this year I turn 50.

50!

I'm not trying to sound sorry for myself. I'm just trying to be honest here. I consider myself a positive person and I'm not going to spend the day feeling down, but it's not a birthday I've been looking forward to. 50 just feels so old. 49 didn't and I'm sure 51 won't bother me as much.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do today but I've got a couple of ideas. I need to do something that says, "you're 50 and you're fabulous!" (thanks mom)

I thought of one way to lift my spirits... have a give-away. Giving gifts always makes me feel good, so one of you can be the lucky recipient of a special 50th birthday gift (you won't be disappointed). All you have to do is leave a comment here on this post telling me how you would or did spend your 50th birthday. I'll randomly pick one commenter Wednesday night and post the name along with how I did end up spending the day on Thursday.

can i quote you?

2009-10-09T00:03:00.002-06:00

...

My Aloha Friday question this week is...

What is your favorite quote?

If you've ever left a comment here on Sunshine on my Shoulders, you may have noticed that I include a quotation of the day in that section. I love quotes. They make me smile. They make me reflect. They make me nod in agreement. They make me think.

I come across so many that I really like, that I started writing them down and keeping a journal of my favorites. The problem is, I now have such a large collection of "favorites," it's hard to pick out just one favorite. But for the purpose of this post, I will quote two of my top favorites.

"Live well ~ Laugh often ~ Love much"
~Bessie Anderson Stanley
(these are my words to live by)

and

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children; one of these are roots, the other, wings."
~Hodding Carter

Try not to answer this question with a piece of scripture because that is going to be my question for next week; what is your favorite Bible verse(s)?

exciting stuff

2009-10-07T09:54:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I took my first trip to a granite warehouse. Why? To pick out granite, of course. Yep, we're getting new counter tops in my kitchen and I am so excited.

When we moved into this house six years ago, there was really only one thing I didn't like about it; that would be the tile counter tops. We had tile in a previous house and I hated it. It is so hard to keep clean. But even though Don and I both didn't care for the tile, I never thought I'd have anything but.

So imagine my shock a few weeks ago when Don announced that he thought we should get new counter tops. He had a couple of co-workers who had just had granite put in through a company who, probably because of the economy, were offering great deals. We looked into it, had them give us a quote, and the next thing I know, we're having templates made and picking out the granite slabs in a warehouse across town.

Did I mention how excited I am?
And can I just say... there is some gorgeous granite out there.

six word saturday

2009-10-03T11:12:00.004-06:00

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Vampires and werewolves... my, oh my!

I'm 100 pages into the second book of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. I'll admit, I kinda dragged my feet - not really wanting to read it. Part of it is the whole stigma of reading a book (and seeing a movie) about vampires. The other part was that there are so many books on my "to read" list that I'd rather read at this time, but I wanted to read New Moon before the movie comes out next month.

But surprise... I am totally enjoying it. It's so much more than just a simple story of vampires and werewolves. The characters are complex. It's adventure. It's romance. It's a good story.

Six Word Saturday is hosted by at Cate at Show My Face.

happy friday

2009-10-02T00:01:00.003-06:00

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I usually play Aloha Friday each Friday because I really enjoy reading the answers I get to not only my questions, but those posed by others playing along. I also like answering the many thought provoking questions out there. If this sounds interesting and fun to you, head on over to An Island Life where Kailani hosts Aloha Friday. And thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

My question this week is...

Would you prefer money for a housekeeper, cook, gardener, or personal secretary?

It would be between the first two for me, but in the end, I'd pick a cook. I've never been a good cook and I don't really enjoy doing it. Oh, how I wish I did. I've lived my whole adult life with the challenge of not only coming up with what to cook for dinners, but then achieving the goal of cooking something that tastes good enough that my family would want to eat it again.

I think it would be such a treat to have a personal cook. I wouldn't have to worry about meal planning, shopping (because I'd have my cook do the planning and grocery shopping), and preparation and cooking of the meals. And I bet I'd eat healthier than I do now. I know I'd eat healthier.

nothing but...

2009-10-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

randomness....

(> The Colorado Rockies' magic number is 1, with four games left, to win the wild card spot. We're big Rockies fans here in our house and this is an exciting time for the Denver area. Go Rockies!! Let's see how far we can go.

(> We are hosting a [church] small group meeting at our home every Wednesday night for the next 10 weeks. That means my house will remain clean for that long =). We're watching some of the Nooma videos, followed by discussion. The discussion last night was so good, we went an hour over the time we were supposed to quit. Is anyone familiar with Nooma? They're great.

(> October is now here. Don and I each have big birthdays this month. A big number that I haven't been looking forward to.

(> I am looking forward to November. The family, all four of us, will be spending a week in California with family. The main reason for the trip is to attend my grandmother's 90th birthday party.

(> I got my flu shot today. I get one every year (and so does the family). I have never had any adverse effects from the shot and I can't remember the last time I had the flu. I'll just leave it at that. I probably wouldn't get the H1N1 vaccination, but I've been told I really should because of being diabetic. So, I guess I'll be doing that in a couple of weeks.

(> I made the decision not to return to the tutoring/mentoring job that I had last year. The schedule just didn't work out. From how busy I've been the past couple of weeks, it's pretty clear that I'll have things to fill my time. When God closes doors, He opens windows.

(> Is Fall like this in other areas? The weather Tuesday was beautiful, with a high of 87. It was still warm yesterday, somewhere around 80, but windy. Today it's not supposed to get out of the 50s and cloudy. Yuck. I'm hoping that we get a couple more months of that beautiful Fall weather that I love so much... sunny, in the 70s, and blue skies with big white fluffy clouds.

hear that bass beating?

2009-09-26T13:04:00.005-06:00

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Music from basement warms my heart.

Both Dani and Jake are home for the weekend, so this is one happy momma.

Whenever Jake comes home, his band gets together for a jam session. In fact, that's usually the main reason he comes home. But I don't care of the reason because the bottom line is that he's home for some period.

As I sat and listened to the music coming up from the basement, I was reminded how much I miss hearing it. It used to be every Saturday that the boys would come over. I wasn't always happy about it because, well, let's face it... it's loud. Just as it is with other things in life, some times you don't realize how much you like something until it's gone. That's the way I'm feeling now.

And not only am I enjoying the music, but the boys themselves. I love when they come up for lunch (Don barbecued hot dogs), sit around my table, and talk about their lives with each other. Some times I join in the conversation, some times I just listen to theirs. I've watched these boys for the last 4+ years and it's been a joy to watch them grow up into the young men they have become.

I sit here content and happy.

Six Word Saturday is hosted by at Cate at Show My Face.

my three wishes

2009-09-23T23:39:00.007-06:00

Last weekend, Don and I went up into the mountains to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. I had two wishes as we planned the trip. Those two wishes were to enjoy viewing the colors that were changing from the greens of Summer to the golds of Fall, and to hang out at dusk so we could watch the mating rituals of the elk and hear the bull elk bugle. I added one more wish to my wish list on our way up and that was to see a moose, which I have never done here in Colorado (only in Alaska).

We spent most of our time in Rocky Mountain National Park and here's how I did on those wishes...

The change in colors hadn't hit their peak yet so there weren't the vibrant colors I had hoped for, but there were still obvious color change. I realized that my amber sunglasses made the colors even better.

I did see a moose. In fact, I saw four moose. This cow, in the above picture, was spotted late afternoon and then a young bull was spotted about an hour later. We got ourselves out the door the next morning very early and went back to where we saw the first moose. We weren't disappointed. There was a fairly big bull there in the field. While I was elsewhere, photographing some elk eating grass on the side of the road, Don saw a baby moose. Later, when he was in the car, I saw an even larger bull. So we each saw four, but not the same five between the two of us. I never expected to see even one so it was a real treat for us.

But the real treat was watching the elk herds during their mating period. It's quite an interesting show. The bull elks are on a quest to collect cows for their harem (yes, that's what it's called). Of course, there's competition between the males and clashing of antlers ensue. But most of the time it's a spectacle of watching the bulls trying to keep their gals in a tight circle and from running off.

And then there's the bugling. If you've never heard an elk bugle, you're missing quite the treat. Bugling is an almost indescribable sound that communicates strength, size and vigor. They use their remarkable vocal skills to attract cows and intimidate rivals.

The show starts at dusk and goes until you can barely see them any more due to the darkness. The second evening, we were entertained by this ritual at a VERY close range. So close, that the ranger had to continually make all the spectators move back, for our own safety. It was a thrilling show!

We also took a short hike to a waterfall, walked through the town of Grand Lake, threw a stick out into the lake over and over again for our dog, found comfy places to sit and read, and drove around in areas we hadn't visited before. It was a great weekend.

too close for comfort

2009-09-21T20:48:00.006-06:00

I know a lot of people don't listen to or read the news anymore. I can't really blame them. It can all be very negative and overwhelming. But there's a major story being reported right now about a man who is accused of being a ringleader to a terrorist group, plotting to plant explosives on transit lines here in the states.

Najibullah Zazi was born in Afghanistan, lived for some time in Pakistan and has been a U.S. resident for the past 10 years. I won't go into all the details here, but you can read more about him and what has been reported in the news here and here.

You may have heard or noticed that this man's questioning and arrest has taken place here in Denver. To be more exact, here in Aurora (where I live). To be even more precise, this accused terrorist lives right down the street from me. I mean, RIGHT DOWN THE STREET.

I drive by the apartments where he resides on a nearly daily basis. The day they searched his apartment (which took the whole day), they didn't release the kids from the local middle school, at the end of their day, because they didn't want the students to go home to that apartment complex. This was the same school I worked at last year. I know some of these students.

I find all of this disturbing; a little too close for comfort. I find any report on terrorism disturbing and scary. It makes it even scarier that this guy lives in my neighborhood, that he may shop in the same grocery store as I, that he may eat in the same restaurants or spend time in my beloved plaza. I continue to watch the news, wishing it wasn't happening in my backyard, but it is. It makes me realize that this kind of thing can happen anywhere. And it is... here!

it's a glorious time of year

2009-09-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

...

Golds, Yellows, Reds...
I'm in heaven

Don and I are off to spend the weekend up at Grand Lake, located in our beautiful Rocky Mountains. I'm hoping to get some good pictures of the leaves turning colors. This is one of my favorite times of the year and one of the biggest reasons is the vibrant colors found in the mountains. We usually take a day or weekend each year to travel to where we think the colors will be the best.

Trying to capture the colors is some times difficult, but at the very least, I will be able to enjoy myself by personally viewing the beauty all around me.

..............................................................................................

And to answer my own question from Wednesday's post (Wordless Wednesday), I would much rather shoot pictures with my camera. I don't really enjoy shooting guns or being around them. Don has always had rifles and hand guns and whenever we go camping at that one particular campground, he brings the guns and we (the family) spends a good amount of time over at the shooting range. I guess it's good that I know how to use a gun, but I'll take my camera over a gun any day.

Six Word Saturday is hosted Cate at Show My Face.

soap operas

2009-09-18T00:03:00.002-06:00

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In yesterday's post I wrote my thoughts on the current state of soap operas as well as saying farewell to the longest running soap (72 years), Guiding Light.

This week's Aloha Friday question is...

Do you watch any soap opera(s)? If so, which one(s)?

My first two soaps were Guiding Light and then, As the World Turns. Through the years, I have stuck with As the World Turns and on average, watch it twice a week, just to keep up with the characters and story lines. I also watch Young and the Restless with about the same frequency.

Aloha Friday is hosted each week by Kailani of An Island Life.

a sign of the times

2009-09-17T00:03:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow marks the end of an era. Tomorrow will be the final episode of the soap opera, Guiding Light.

I have watched my fair share of soap operas since I was a teenager and still do, occasionally, tune in to watch an episode or two. But Guiding Light was my first. I can't tell you what year it was or how old I was, but I remember watching it because my mom watched it. She taught me how to iron and I would iron pillowcases in front of the TV while watching the tangled web weaved by the Bauers and the Spauldings.

I'm guessing that this was somewhere in the late '60s. Soap Operas were a lot different back then. Sex was only inferred and the raciest storyline might have been about alcoholism. I often wonder if it was watching first, Guiding Light, and then, As The World Turns (which I still catch now and then), that started my love for stories. Or maybe it was my love for stories that attracted me to soap operas. Either way, they have been a part of my life for most of my life.

Soap operas are a dying breed. Women used to stay at home all day and a half hour soap (originally on the radio) was a nice distraction to most of their time spent doing the cooking and housework. Over time, women started working outside the home more, and viewership suffered.

Then TV programming started to change. The options of what to watch became greater. And because of those choices, soaps had to drastically change their story lines to compete with the more exciting game, talk, and reality shows. The story lines became more scandalous and ridiculous, and the typical viewer of soaps changed. It became a younger crowd.

All this is what has caused the slow and final death of Guiding Light, as well as previously canceled soaps. I stopped watching Guiding Light back when I was a teenager, but I still find it sad to see it go permanently. Good bye old friend. Thanks for the memories.

which do you think i'd rather shoot from?

2009-09-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday can be found here.

the plaza

2009-09-15T00:19:00.005-06:00

I go to the plaza;
it's become a need.
Under clear blue skies,
to sit and read.

In the Winter, an ice skating rink is erected. Skaters skate as onlookers watch. Norman Rockwell decorations hang from poles and Christmas music fills the chilled air. Even a light snow can't keep people away.

Once Spring blows in, vibrant colored flowers fill the space. More people come out to play, to shop, to eat, to enjoy the winter thaw. Heavy coats give way to lighter ones and hot chocolates are replaced with ice cream cones.

The theater stands at one end flanked by restaurants and shops. Outside dining is crowded because who doesn't want to sit outside, enjoying a good meal, and people watch. Friends meet, couples stroll, families play.

The plaza is the busiest during the Summer. Where once the ice skating rink stood, there is now fountains revealed. Streams of water shoot high in the air in a rhythmic pattern. Children come and play, to escape the heat of the day. Screams of laughter fill the air.

The fountains are turned off one evening a week so blankets and chairs can be set up in front of the makeshift bandstand. The summer concerts are always a big hit and the plaza is wall to wall people, moving to the beats of the music and singing along to familiar lyrics.

Fall is my favorite time at the plaza. No fountains, no laughing children, no sounds of metal on ice, and no crowds. The weather is perfect - not hot and not cold. Wispy white clouds crossing a deep blue sky. Quiet. Peaceful. Relaxing.

I go to the plaza;
it's become a need.
Under clear blue skies,
to sit and read.

six word saturday

2009-09-12T11:35:00.006-06:00

I wish I was still camping.

As I sit here, snuggled underneath a blanket because the Fall weather has blown in, and going through photos from last weekend's camping trip, I can't help but wish I was back up in the mountains camping. Last weekend was a great time spent surrounded by God's beautiful creation and in the company of our wonderful church family.

Six Word Saturday is hosted by Show My Face.

volunteer

2009-09-11T00:03:00.002-06:00

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I'm sure everyone knows that today is the 8th anniversary of that tragic day known as 9-11 (2001). I encourage you to take a moment to reflect and honor those who lost their lives that fateful day.

One of the ways citizens have chosen to honor that day and it's victims is to find a way to volunteer in some way. I think the hope is that a great number of people will volunteer on September 11th, but I think if you choose to volunteer, any day is a good day to volunteer.

My Aloha Friday question today is...

Do you volunteer anywhere? If so, where?, or what do you do?

I presently volunteer at my church. In fact, my youth ministry position was all volunteer. Since retiring from youth ministry, Don and I have taken on smaller volunteer opportunities such as teaching a Bible study or taking on a specific responsibility for our upcoming harvest festival.

When the kids were younger, I spent a lot of time volunteering in their schools; working in the school store or in the library, or in such ways as bringing in cupcakes for a party or helping sort first day packets.

One of the reasons I ask this question is because I'm looking for a place outside my church where I might enjoy volunteering this next year. Maybe you good people will give me some good ideas and inspire me to volunteer in a way I haven't thought of before. So inspire away.

Thank you Kailani for hosting Aloha Friday each week.

stuffed bears, tigers, and dogs

2009-09-10T00:38:00.004-06:00

Did you know that yesterday, September 9th, was National Teddy Bear Day? No? I would guess not too many marked that day on their calendar. The only reason I know this is because I read it on a blog. It made me curious so I googled 'National Days" and found that there is a purported official list of National Days. Crazy. Some of them are quite humorous.

*side note: I love google. I can't imagine life without it.

Then I started thinking about teddy bears. Specifically, teddy bears from my childhood past. I'm sure I had many because a normal childhood would be full of teddy bears. In my mind, I can see each of my children's teddy bears. I know Danielle still has hers. She probably has every stuffed animal she has ever owned. She loves stuffed toys and can't part with them. She's 21 and I have to talk her out of buying them.

Sorry, I've become sidetracked. Back to the subject at hand... my teddy bears....

Either my childhood wasn't normal or my memory is getting worse (which it is). The only teddy bear I remember having was one that one of my grandmothers either crocheted or knitted. I liked that teddy bear but it wasn't a special childhood friend like a child's teddy bear is supposed to be.

I do remember having a couple of special stuffed animals. One was a tiger. I remember having him in second grade and I took him everywhere. His pose was him laying on his side and I would pretend he was my pet tiger. I wonder what ever happened to him.

The second plush toy I loved was a Snoopy Dog (from the Peanuts collection). My best friend in 6th grade had one and I just had to have one, too. The four of us had many fun sleepovers together. I may still have this toy. I'll have to look in my cedar chest.

How about you? Do you remember having a favorite stuffed toy? Was it a teddy bear?

sitting here in my pajamas

2009-09-03T09:22:00.005-06:00

...
For Today...

Outside my window... I can see the house across the way is being painted. There are men and ladders everywhere.

I am thinking... about all I need to do today to be ready to leave this afternoon for four glorious days of camping.

I am thankful for... life, love, and laughter.

From the kitchen... nothing is cooking or baking. Camping gear has been collecting on the counter.

I am wearing... pajamas.

I am reading... Shadow of the Wind. I'm only a third of the way through it but it's such a good read.

I am hearing... Ladders being extended and moving along a house. Men talking. And my dog's constant bark because he doesn't like those men and ladders across the way.

I am hoping... Jake will be able to join us for a day up in the mountains. It's a good thing he got a job, but it means his plans for the weekend changed.

I am creating... a newsletter for our church. I pitched the idea to the Pastor this last week and he thought it was a great idea. I haven't worked on a newsletter in a long time but always enjoy doing them.

I am going... to miss the Bible study group that met at my house each Wednesday night. I lead a 6 week study on Esther which ended last night. Good study, great fellowship, and some amazing women.

I am praying... for a lot. A couple of friends who are going through hard times. The fires in California and all they are impacting. For Dani and Jake as they have both started a semester of difficult classes. I could go on...

Around the house... there are signs that we're going camping - supplies, necessities, and bags. Besides that, the house is very clean and picked up since the kids have now left and I had a group of women over last night.

One of my favorite things... is this campground we're going to. We went to this campground every year on Labor Day weekend from 1991 through 2002 (it's a church campground). Then came back to it last year. Part of it is the actual grounds and the other part is camping with your church family.

A few plans for the rest of the week... next week... making some travel plans and working on a newsletter. Beyond that, I don't know. I haven't thought much beyond this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I came across this photo and was instantly in awe of it. You can click on it to enlarge it if you need to. Check out the hiker out on that ledge of snow that looks like it could give way at any time. Amazing!

Isn't that us at times? Skipping along, not giving a second thought to our safety and security, but unaware of how it could all give away without any forewarning. For me, I know my God is there at the bottom ready to catch me not if I fall, but when I fall.

The Simple Woman's Daybook originated at The Simple Woman.

incredibly unbelievable

2009-09-01T23:22:00.004-06:00

My heart is very heavy after reading THIS. (click for link)

I just don't get it; a pastor who preaches from his pulpit that he wants President Obama to die, and to go to hell. He doesn't just make that statement, but gives examples in which manner he wishes President Obama to die. All because he's pro-life. Evidently, he also wanted President Bush to die because he didn't believe in the Iraq war.

Obviously, this man is misguided. What gets me is that he is a pastor - someone who should have learned of God's love in great detail and who should then turn around and preach, teach, and model that love. He gives Christianity a black eye. He makes all Christians look like hypocrites. He makes a mockery of Jesus and His teachings. It makes me so sad.

I don't care what your politics are. If you call yourself a Christian, you should want to follow Christ and His teachings, which is all based on love, not hate. Jesus didn't pray for the death of Herod or any other political leader. Jesus wanted everyone to be saved from hell. I don't understand how this guy can call himself a Christian, let alone a pastor.

what's happening...

2009-08-31T23:15:00.000-06:00

Randomness...

-> Around here, schools started last week. Yet, I have not heard from the district whether I have my job from last year, when I would start, and when and where I would be working (which school(s). I'm going crazy. I'm pretty sure I have a job, but what if I don't? I could (and would) be spending this time looking for another job. I sent an email to the secretary about a month ago and she sent out a mass email to all the tutors telling them to not bug her and that they would get us the pertinent information some where around the end of August. Well, today was the end of August. Do they think that we don't have lives? I can't even plan anything in the future because this part of my life has been settled. Ugh!

-->> As I waited in a very long line today at my local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles), I was thoroughly entertained watching and listening to people with the cell phones. I'd say 90% of the crowded room were people who were either talking or using the phones. I must have heard 10 or more ring tones that were songs, mostly TV theme songs or songs from the 50s and 60s. It just struck me funny to see this room full of people (70 or so) in their own little world by using their cell phone. What did we do before we had these things?!

--->>> Jake got a job this weekend at a sporting goods store near his college campus. He'll be working quite a bit for the next two months during their huge sale on ski and snowboard items. This had been his plan all along but it now means that we won't be seeing him very much. He has a very tough semester (actually, the whole year) ahead of him and now he's adding the work schedule to it. Good luck Jake.

---->>>> We're going camping this weekend. We're going with many families from our church and we're going to a place our family has gone to for 18 years (minus a year or two) on Labor Day weekend. Danielle has asked to be baptized again. Her baptism will be in the same pool where she was originally baptized, about 10 years ago. Also, Don will be delivering the message on Sunday morning in the quaint, outdoor chapel. For those two reasons, plus a great time of fellowship and camping, it should be a great weekend.

sunday scripture

2009-08-30T16:18:00.001-06:00

goodreads

2009-08-27T14:33:00.004-06:00

I finished the book, The Butterfly Garden, a Memoir (Chip St. Clair), yesterday. It was a very quick read as I finished it in 2 days. Chip survived living with his cruel and abusive father only to find out, when he was an older teenager, that his father wasn't who he said he was. Chip went on to get past the wounds of his childhood to live a productive life and advocate for protecting children and keeping child predators behind bars.

I think the genre of memoirs is my favorite. I really enjoy reading true life stories. I guess that's why I enjoy reading blogs, too. There's always pearls of wisdom and lessons learned shared with the reader. The Butterfly Garden didn't disappoint in this area, and for that reason, I'd recommend this book to everyone.

My blogging friend Melissa, of Mejojac's Memos, commented to my post yesterday and recommended that I look into goodreads, which is a site where you can keep track of the books you read, have access to and write your own book reviews, join groups, and converse with other readers. If any of you are on goodreads, look me up or let me know so I can go find you. Here's my profile. And thanks Melissa for the recommendation.

To answer a couple of the comments to yesterday's post...

MightyMom: I enjoyed the first two Harry Potter books very much and I can see where it would be very easy to just keep reading each book, one after the other. But I wanted to spread out the story. That's how I usually read a series of books. After reading the first Twilight book, I plan to read the rest - just not one after the other. I'll probably read the second book after the book I'm reading now.

Jamey: I liked the Harry Potter books much more than I thought I would, too. I am supposed to work at the same schools as I did last year, but I haven't got final word on that. The job actually starts mid September. I'm planning on starting then.

Karen: I'll look into The Unit. Thanks.

Momma Roar: I love Jodi Picoult. Glad you're enjoying them, too. Which ones have you read and what are you reading now?

Mom (Barb): You really should get on goodreads. You've read more books than anyone I know.