insomnia

I am having a days-long streak of insomnia. This is probably why I have laryngitis.
I won't speak today or tomorrow, if I can help it. Noah has caught cold again, and we are both staying home from church. I really don't feel too bad, except for a general low-grade tiredness, from lack of sleep. I would go to church, but I know I'll end up talking a little, and I need to get better. Going to that party last night finished my voice off. I couldn't avoid going. There were too many people we normally don't see a lot. David's brother and his wife, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was enriching to be with everyone. For the most part, I enjoy David's relatives. There's always one difficult one in the bunch, but with proper technique, this one is easily avoided. Keep it light and polite and move to the next person asap.

This is all for now. Cosmo has dominated my lap, and I have some serious tv-watching to do.

Laryngitis

I have no voice. My voice box is swollen and unhappy. It wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't just gone to a party. It was the annual Christmas-time party at my in-laws', made up of the very fun and interesting relatives from my mother-in-law's side of the family. There's no way a chatty gal like me is going to let a little thing like a hoarse voice stop her from socializing. The sound of my voice was awful, so I talked low when I did talk. As soon as I got home, I realized how bad my voice have become. I looked up laryngitis on the net and learned that I shouldn't talk or even whisper, for a couple days! So I'm writing notes, and the kids are fascinated by this, along with my silence. Rebekah is the most attuned to my meaning if my written words aren't enough.

Christmas Eve!

It's "Christmas Eve Day!" Tonight, we head to my father and step-mother's for the annual Christmas Eve party. It has been held by my father's family for as long as I can remember.

My father became the official Christmas Eve host when the crowd began to outgrow his big sister's home, in the early 1970's. We had a large, new home, and it was great for entertaining. I remember the excitement of that day: the cooking, cleaning and extra touches of Christmas decor. A fire was started in the family room fireplace, something unusual and therefore special. (Not gas, it was the real thing.)

Before running out to do last-minute shopping, my father would announce, "If this house isn't clean by 5:00, I'm calling off Christmas Eve!" He announced this around 1pm, and there was quite a scramble. He then left to do some last minute shopping. The bulk of the cleaning fell to Wendy and Gayle, as Steve and I, four and five years younger, were not much help those first few years. After a flurry of cleaning by us kids and food prep by my mom, the finishing touch would be done: Dad spackling the hole formed by a leak in the foyer ceiling. This was right after he came back from shopping, arms full of bags of gifts for our aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Because he worked in a men's and boys' clothing store in his early twenties, Dad had an eye for what would look and fit best. (I remember a warm coat he bought for Aunt Gerry - she seemed very pleased with it.) Dad and Mom would take the gifts upstairs and in minutes, have beautifully wrapped all of them, and have placed them under the tree.

Mom would put out her wonderful punch, which we only tasted on this occasion. Cookies and other finger-foods were spread over our dining room table, and we excitedly awaited our relatives arrival. I remember being dressed up, looking about the living room, which was dim but for the tree and the electric candles on the window sill. It was magical. Sometimes I would lie down underneath the tree and look up into it. My favorite ornaments, sparkly little gingerbread houses, dangled above me. They were foam at the core, having survived my toddler years. (I had a fondness for throwing the glass balls, especially the red ones, down the slate hall and watching them smash.)

The air seemed alive with happiness when the relatives finally did arrive. Aunt Joan, "Uncle" Harry, Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Gerry, Uncle Bill, Uncle Bob, Aunt Franny, and many of my cousins, the older ones with their boyfriends. Their arrival thrilled me. "Uncle" Harry smoked Garcia and Vega cigars, and to this day, that smell makes me feel good. He would spike Mom's punch with vodka when she wasn't looking. (Eventually, she learned to make two punches, so that one would be safe for the kids.) Mom brought out the fruitcake she'd been basting with rum for weeks, and that was savored by the adults, though I thought it was icky.

After gorging on cookies, my favorite being the Magic Cookie Bars Aunt Gerry brought, we kids would end up in our finished basement playing pool and pranking each other. My cousin, Billy, had a sharp wit, and I always looked forward to hearing him tweak others with it.

Soon it was time to open gifts, and what a joy that was! My parents would often let us open one gift from them, along with the ones from the aunts and uncles. Aunt Joan's gifts were always unique. One year she gave me a leather change purse that was pressed and shaped like a coyote. I loved it! I remember the time she sewed a life-sized rag-doll man with elastic on his feet for Gayle, that she could dance with. I believe Gayle named him "Harvey." Another Christmas she sewed a large porpoise for me that I loved for years.

As the evening wore on, Aunt Gerry and Uncle Bill took their kids home, "Uncle" Harry lit another cigar, and Steve and I were tucked in. I think the party continued for a while, but I was wiped out. My father once took a picture of me, asleep in bed after that party, with a punch-clown-smile. How happy I was drifting off, knowing that the next morning would bring more toys!

Now my kids are all excited, especially Noah. One thing he talks about through the year is spending Christmas Eve with his best friend and cousin, Michael. They will laugh and play all evening until it's time to open gifts, then they'll play with their gifts together.

The "Christmas Pastor"

Ever since hearing Dicken's Christmas Carol, and then seeing an old B&W version of it, Noah has worried about the "Christmas Pastor." I think he got this name from the Ghost of Christmas Past. Tonight, he asked me, once again, "Are you sure the Christmas Pastor won't come in my room tonight?" I assured him he wouldn't, and that there was no such person anyway - someone made him up for a story...

Now, just to illustrate the magical thinking of a 6-year-old, he responded, "I'm so afraid the Christmas Pastor is gonna come and make me wear chains and heavy things so I can't walk!" I realized at this point he had combined Jacob Marley with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Again, I reassured him there was no Christmas Pastor for real. "Do you promise?" I did. He settled down, and fell asleep as I sang Truly Scrumptious to him. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvPvEBqhX4

They like me - they really like me!

My college placement test results were better than I expected. And this did worlds of good to my rather shaky self-esteem. I had to fight back tears as my counselor, Greg, went on and on about my results. They like me - they really like me! He said he hardly ever saw a score that high on the Reading Comprehension test. It was 113. This was on the Accuplacer test. My writing score was 101, also high. He felt I could very well klep out of English Composition 101, and said I could try that. But he also felt I should take it anyway, since I haven't been in school for 23 years, and this is my first college experience. I understand there's a lot of writing in the course, so I know I'll enjoy it, even if it's a little easier than I need. Sarah and Rebekah want me klep out, and take English Comp 102. My mom and sister, who both enjoyed the course, said to stay in it. I still have to talk to David...

This and that / update on K

Well, it happened. My beloved laptop was invaded by a rogue spyware, Antivirus 2009. It started with pop-ups windows warning me that it was time to download it, as viruses were detected in my pc. I felt funny about it right away, spotted a misspelling, and ran it down to David. He tried to reject the pop-ups, and even tried to remove the [insert pc term/s that I am not fluent in] from my laptop, but they came back the next day. I got strange loud bleeeeps, and then the dreaded "blue screen of death." We researched it, and found that others, going to the most benign sites, also got it. One girl was simply researching dog behavior for a homework assignment.

So now I am using David's desktop. He will frown upon this, especially since Ben's laptop just had a "major stroke" this morning and wouldn't even start up right. David will fear us all using his jealously-guarded "Larry." (Ben's is Curly, mine's Moe - I hate that.) He has reason to guard it. He does all our banking and bills from it. So I must abstain from unnecessary surfing (like this). I'm glad I've got a good book on hand...

In other news, I took my college placement tests last week, and I see a counselor today. I'm so excited! (I think I did OK on the tests...)

Ben is sick with what may be pneumonia, but the results aren't in. He's not wiped-out sick, but just not better from the sinusitis and pharyngitis he was diagnosed with last week, despite taking Ceftin for a week. He looks peaked, and is lacking some energy. Plus he has a cough. His doctor heard a rattle yesterday that he didn't hear last week. So he sent us off to get bloodwork (looking for micoplasma) and a chest X-ray. He'll call me today. If he deems, Ben will go on Biaxin to battle pneumonia. Otherwise, he'll finish out the Ceftin. The doctor said it could be a virus, and that it can take 10-14 days to shake.

My sister-in-law, K, is home in hospice care. She's had pneumonia for about a month now. The doctors have said she may not see New Year's, but we know that God's time-table can be very different. She was given 3-6 months at the beginning of this whole thing, 3 years ago. She made it out of the ICU a couple months ago, when she had a blood infection. Anymore, I take the doctor's words with a grain of salt. They only know what they've seen before, but miracles do happen. Ben's doctor happens to be a pediatric hematologist, and he told me that he's seen scans where tumors had been, but were no more. The parents had done nothing different - the tumors were gone. What an encouragement that was! I was so happy to share this with my brother. Please continue to pray for K and my brother. She has some pain, and is very tired, somewhat from the morphine, but her sweet smile is ever-present. She has such a gentle personality. I am so glad she is home now, enjoying her home, her dogs, and the season. Please pray for good rest, energy, strength, peace, and organization ability for my brother, as he is her main care-giver. Between his boss keeping him on the payroll, and insurance, and my father meeting their financial needs, he is able to do this. And that is a huge blessing. Her mom is also there alot, and I know that's a big help and comfort. I have offered to come one day a week, but he's not sure yet. Aids come 4-5 times a week, and a nurse comes in once a week. K is on "full code" right now, because she and my brother are looking for a miracle. That means every effort will be made to save her if she goes into major distress. Many people in hospice decide to be "DNR - do not resucitate" but K feels that is not the right thing for her. My brother supports whatever she wants to do.

Ouch!

Today was not a fun day for hubby. He had an ingrown toenail removed. I stayed with him through the numbing shots, but I scooted out for the operation. If he had wanted me to stay, I would've. But he didn't want me to see him in pain/distress, and frankly I didn't want to see a toenail taken off! He limped out afterwards into the waiting room, and joked to all the senior citizens seated, "All I'd have to do is groan, and I could clear this whole room." This evoked some chuckles. Even in pain, he's still got it.

It's funny how we all are. Sarah, like David, also hates to be seen in pain or distress. She jokes that if she could, she would give birth alone, only rejoining the family when she had herself pulled together, and had the baby all cleaned up. I, on the other hand, want someone with me in my pain. When I had a pulmonary embolism six years ago, I had trouble sleeping, what with medical personnel in and out all day. But then my mom got to town, and came in to see me. After a brief greeting/visit, I fell into a peaceful sleep to the sound of her reading the Psalms.

Phantom Fascination

Noah is watching (and hearing!) the Phantom of the Opera. He loves this movie, what he's allowed to watch of it. He plays two of the movie's songs on the piano, in different modes. He plays whichever "mode" (piano, organ, strings, choir) fits the song. For example, the Phantom of the Opera is played in organ mode, but he plays Angel of Music as strings. He's working on a new tune, Think of Me. He'll probably spend a week or so working it out, and then will practice it a lot. I love that. I'd rather see him picking out tunes than staring at the tv or playing video games. He's doing well on the cello, going at a good pace. (He has three variations of Twinkle down.) I think we may add on formal piano lessons in a couple of years. I'm delighted that he's playing the cello and piano. I think music is a real joy for him, as it is for David, the older kids, and me.

Because I had the four older kids within six years, I can't always remember who did what when they were little. It seems to me that they all enjoyed picking out tunes on the piano like Noah does. David and I did it too. Now all of my kids play instruments: Sarah, harp, Rebekah, flute and piano, Josh, piano, Ben, guitar, and Noah, cello and piano.

I found a bow and arrow and I learned to shoot. I found a little horn and I learned to toot. Now I can shoot and toot, ain't I cute? ~Danny Kaye in The Court Jester

My "Curious" broke out

"My curious broke out of my mind - I couldn't hold it any longer." This is what Noah said after he opened a gift his cousin, Elizabeth brought him for Christmas. He was supposed to wait until Christmas. It was a matchbox car, and he loves it. He just called her to thank her.

My nieces, Jenny and Elizabeth, spent the day with us today while my sister and brother-in-law worked. We got a tree last night, so they helped decorate it today. It came out really well, especially after I found two more boxes of balls to add on. I just need candy canes and it'll be complete.

Rebekah loves Cosmo. He's in her lap every moment. She's constantly telling us, "Look at him - look at him! Look how he's laying." She's gonna miss him when she goes back to school.

Pass the pumpkin pie

It's a beautiful day, and we will soon leave for Nanny and Papaw's for the big meal. My father and little sister, Erin, joined us for breakfast this morning. I made waffles with strawberry sauce or syrup, bacon, juice, and coffee. I think I enjoyed the kitchen chat while preparing the food more than the actual meal. Erin and Dad were in and out of the kitchen, talking with me as I poured waffles.

After breakfast, Noah, Dad, and I took the dogs for a walk. Dad stood and looked at the view of the city he's worked in for almost fifty years. We quized Noah on the name of the city, the river in front of it, and various prominent buildings. As we continued on, I pointed out different homes, and interesting stories that went along with them. Here is one such story. The elderly lady across the street, Elsie, shared it with me:

Elsie and her husband, Bill, had seven children. The family next-door to them had six. The mother next door, Mrs. Greenawalt, went by the nickname, "Greenie." She was a bundle of energy, taking in ironing, besides being an excellent housekeeper. She was very aware of neighborhood happenings, and watched the comings and goings of everyone through a window by which she ironed. I imagine she listened to the radio while she ironed, like I watch TV. Greenie always had the scoop. If a strange car was parked on the street, she soon ferreted out the why's and wherefore's. Elsie wasn't as on top of things outside her home, only finding out local news from Greenie while they hung laundry in their backyards. One day, Elsie's husband offered to buy her a clothes dryer, to ease her workload. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, "I wouldn't have to hang laundry then, and I'd miss all the gossip from Greenie!"

Dad shed some light on a local tradegy. Before I could, he pointed out a certain house. "I knew the man who lived there. He was one of my clients." (Dad's a stock-broker.) I told him that a man committed suicide there. "That was my client," he said, "He had suffered from chronic back pain for years, and finally couldn't take it anymore. He was in his 50's." How sad.

Back at the house, we all watched the dog show, looking for a Boston and a Sheltie, our dog's breeds. The pointer won. She was beautiful.

I made 2 pumpkin pies to take to my in-laws.

My brother, Steve, and his wife, K, will spend the holiday at the hospital. Her mom is bringing food in, to have a little celebration there.

Time to go to Nanny and Papaw's.

Disney World Hyjinks

I just read about a great family trip. http://whettenhappenings.blogspot.com/ I was so impressed that this large family had no mishaps on their trip. I note this because back in 1998, we joined my dad, step-mother, and my twin half-sisters on their annual trip to Disney World, FL. Actually, they took us there, and it was quite a treat!

As soon as we got off the plane, we were herded into a waiting limo which took us to an amazing hotel inside the "country" of Disney. It was called the Beach and Yacht Club. It was a two-part establishment, and I believe we were in the Yacht part. The lobby was amazing. We just walked around with mouths agape, like in those movies where a child finds himself in such a place and looks up and around. Just like that. Only we weren't being filmed. From this location, we could walk to Epcot, watch fireworks every night on a man-made beach, or go to the "boardwalk," especially nice at night. We also took buses or boats to various parks, no charge. There was no driving. Everything was imaculate. Until we arrived...

It all started on the first day, as we lounged around the pool. My little sister, Robin, wasn't very active, and my step-mother, Brenda, told me she was sick to her stomach. Poor thing. I hoped she felt better soon. The next day was nice. We spent the day at the original park, the one with the castle. But the next day, at Blizzard Beach, a crack began to form on the perfect porcelain vase that was our dream vacation. It was my dad, on a lounge chair, not feeling too good. This is rare; Dad's constitution is excellent. He boasts on not having thrown up since 1963! But he looked a little green around the gils on this day, and finally took a bus back to the Yacht Club, where he promptly crawled into bed, and stayed there for two days.

That night, the real action began. David and Ben began throwing up. I believe Erin, my other little sister, was also feeling sick. By the next day, some of us were better, but Josh and Rebekah were sick. And they were the ones to make quite an impression with that sickness. I wasn't there for Rebekah's big moment, but I understand it was dramatic. She, Erin, and Sarah, were going down the elevator to the lobby. Rebekah may have been in that certain denial we all go through just before we throw up, for I just can't believe she would've left the room otherwise. She got separated from Sarah and Erin, and found herself alone in a moving elevator. She suddenly threw up right on the middle of the elevator floor. And then the door opened to a mother and daughter who just looked at her, wide-eyed, and then the door closed. The next time it opened, there were Sarah and Erin. This is when I was called in, "Mom! Rebekah threw up in the elevator!" I ran to find her, and also found the faithful Disney employees who were cleaning up the mess, smiles on their faces, "Don't worry, Ma'am, we'll take care of it." They reminded me of the actors on the Truman Show, who would move in, ad-lib, and save a scene that was going south. I was grateful. Rebekah felt better by morning. But we noticed that her "splash" had etched its silhouette on the marble elevator floor. That was a topic of much discussion. It was buffed out the next day! Disney gets first place for OCD! While relatives with this disorder can be annoying, it is an asset at a resort.

Josh had also taken ill that night, but felt better by morning. Or so we thought. We walked in to Beaches N Cream for breakfast, and sat down across from Brenda. "How are you, Josh?" she asked. He answered with a gush! in the middle of the table. Again those Disnians were spot in the scene, cleaning away happily.

I now have to share my own emabarrassing incident. The bug got me as I was taking six-year-old Ben around Animal Kingdom. He had just bought a stuffed tree-frog, and carried it in a bag. Within 30 minutes, that bag would save the day. As my stomach began to churn, I knew it was time to find a bus back to the hotel. I walked so fast, with Ben is hand, he nearly lifted off the ground. The bus available was full, and Ben had to sit on my lap. The man beside me must have seen my discomfort, because he took his own 2-3 year old into his lap, making the seat available for Ben. As I broke out in a sweat, I knew what was coming. Among strangers, on a crowded bus. There would be no hiding it. I took Ben's frog out of the bag, and held the bag as close as I could to my face. It was a strurdy bag, and it held up well. The people in the bus acted like nothing was happening, full of pity, no doubt. Within minutes, we were off the bus, and I made a deposit in the nearest trach can. I just had to realize that I'd never see those people again.

Despite all the illness drama, we did manage to have a good time. Here's a pic of all the kids. The biggest kids are Erin and Robin, and the littlest is Ben, looking up under Goofy's nose. Inbetween are Sarah, Rebekah, and Josh.

I am thankful

Today I escort my husband home from a toenail removal, then make pumpkin pies, then get the family ready for a portrait this evening. We're even going to have to dogs in the portrait, as they are so much a part of the family.

I'm thinking about what I'm thankful for.

1. My wonderful husband. He's strong in every area where I'm weak. He adores me. He's a great dad and provider. I have much respect for his insight and intelligence. What more can I say?

2. My five children. Each is a joy in their own way. I loved having babies to hold and snuggle, and then they started to talk. And it seemed each stage was better than the previous one. The teen years were't as bad as I thought they would be. I really enjoy being with my older kids. I love being a mom. It's my dream-job.

3. My parents. I've learned so much from them. They loved and provided for me. They made me who I am, even genetically. I am muscular and energetic like my dad. I think outside of the box and am sentimental like my mom.

4. My siblings, all five of them. I enjoy good relationships with all of them. We are all different, even in looks, and that makes for a colorful "quilt," not unlike the crazy quilt our grandma used to make.

5. Loving in-laws. This is a real blessing from what I understand. In-laws can be a source of problems, but not mine. They have been very good to us, and they adore our children, and I am very thankful for that.

6. Dear friends. I love my friends, and they vary so much. They provideLike my siblings, each adds a different flavor to my life.

7. Surviving a pulmonary embolism in 2002, folling Noah's birth. I remember the sobering moment that reporter David Bloom, in his early 40's died from the same thing while in Iraq. That really affected me, and I was more thankful, looking at my five kids, from infant to 16, knowing how much they needed me.

8. My dogs. I've always derived great pleasure from animals, from the time I was little. My mom always said I had a "way" with them. I've had gerbils, fish, tadpoles/toads, a parakeet, dogs, and cats. I even bred Ragdoll cats for a couple years, until David developed bad allergies to them.

9. My home. It's old and full of character, and has amazing views of my fair city. I love to walk in my hilly neighborhood. Being older, the homes are older and interesting, as well as the lay-out of the neighorhood. We have a little creek and a hollow, as well as one of the area's best parks, also with a beautiful view.

Quiet evening

I just tucked Noah in. He's listening to a tape, The Polar Express. We did his homework and read a book about police cars, and off to bed he went. He told me was having upsetting thoughts about something he saw on TV, so I taught him the Favorite Things song, encouraging him to think of happy things. What were his happy things? The things he wants for Christmas: Wall-E, a Nerf dart gun, and other stuff I can't remember. These toys all just run together in my mind. Anyway, he seemed OK with that strategy, and the tape served as a good distraction.

The rest of the family is out shopping, so I find myself in the quiet of the family room, the only noises, Maisy chewing her bone, and the mantle clock chiming St. Michael's. It's really nice, actually. Don't get me wrong. I love having a family. But this quiet, and the freedom to do whatever I want, choose my own TV show or listen to music without someone turning on the TV in the next room, even read or write in the the quiet - it's very peaceful and calming. I think perhaps every mom should have this once a week. I sometimes go to the library for this. But it's nice to enjoy quiet in my own home.

ही, माय नेम इस जिल। इ ऍम सो हैप्पी तो बे अबले तो टाइप इन हिन्दी! इ लव थे इंडियन पीपुल। इ'वे बब्य्सत फॉर अन इंडियन कपल, एंड हद अ कपल ऑफ़ इंडियन फ्रिएंड्स। इ फंड थेम वैरी ग्रासिओउस। माय ओने फ्रेंड, बशोबी, तौघ्त में हाउ तो मके चाय, एंड एवेरी टाइम इ मके आईटी, इ थिंक ऑफ़ हेर।
I just wrote in Hindi. I wrote that I have an affection for Indian people, and have always enjoyed my friendships with them. They are very gracious. One friend, Bashobi, taught me how to make chai, and every time I make it, I think of her. As a teenager, I babysat for an Indian couple, and enjoyed being in their home. I loved their two little girls, Shumona and Sujata. Shumona is now involved in making movies, though not an actress. I don't know what Sujata is up to. I'll have to find Shumona again and ask her. Their mom, Sarla, was so sweet, and often asked me about my mother. She was concerned for her after her divorce from my father. I found that very touching, and I think my mom appreciated her concern too.

Today is catch-up day, time to see what needs washed, bought, etc, after goofing off for the weekend. Since I went to the store on Saturday, my cupboards are full, so that's off my list.

Going to the grocery store on Saturdays is always an adventure. It's always crowded, so just getting through the aisles is a challenge. I often park my cart at one end and weave in and out of people to grab what I need. Here are the types of people I find in the grocery store:

1. The older man. Polite and helpful, slow and careful in choosing items. But I find that sweet, especially if they are helping their wife.

2. The middle-aged man. They think they own the aisle, and often leave their carts in the middle, or worse, cock-eyed, affectively blocking passage through. In an effort to get through, and also to teach, I just move the cart to the side. Some of them are polite, but most are driven to accomplish their task.

3. The middle-aged woman who is married and/or has kids. This is my category, and my favorite to shop along-side. They park their carts considerately, tight to one side, and keep an eye out for someone who needs to get something off the shelf that the cart is blocking. They say things like, "Sorry about that." and "Excuse me" the most. For example, if they must walk between a shopper and the shelf they're looking over, they'll say, " 'Scuse me." in a soft voice. Some men, from 30+ do this too. (Younger men rarely do.)

4. The single woman. I hate to say this, but this is my least favorite of the types. Some
are nice, often the college students. But the confident career gals, ummm... Most are dressed very stylish, and seem not to notice others. One glared at me the other day when I backed into the cart she tried to squeeze behind me. She didn't give me a "Sorry!" back when I said sorry. Get over yourself, lady. I'm sorry if this offends, but it is what it is.

5. The older woman. Usually polite, but slow in choosing. With all the constant change in the placement of items, this is understandable. (I find that I'm getting slower every year. ) It often seems that the trip to the store is the highlight of their week. (OK, sometimes it is for me too.) I enjoy chatting with some of these gals. And they always smile at my children , even if they're being a little bratty.

6. The teens and kids. Some are nice, but most are "all about them." This is self-explanatory. I remember being a brat in the store. I use the store's babysitting service every chance I get. Once I ran into a friend who was without her child. After I asked after her, she told me, "Oh, she's in the orpanage." This friend always has a joke, usually dry, so I got a good laugh. Her city accent just adds to her comments.

In other news, the Amish Friendship Bread-making has fallen to the wayside. We went through 3 cycles, then got neglectful. Oh well, at least I was able to pass starter to about 6 people, thus spreading the joy.

Fire!

Inspired by some gals at a jewelry site who posted pics of their diamonds throwing rainbow colors, I put mine it the sunlight and took a few -

Community college

I did it. I applied for acceptance at my local community college. I filled out an easy form, paid $35.00 and was directed to placement testing. I made an appointment for today. I told Sarah about it before she left for class and she urged me to reschedule after brushing up on my math skills. She told me to expect adding and subtracting fractions as well as basic algebra. I haven't even taken algebra. Only pre-algebra! So I cancelled and am awaiting a call to reschedule. Meanwhile, I'm going to buy a book Sarah told me about that will prepare me for the math portion of the test. Hopefully this will help me to avoid spending the money on a math course, and I can go right into my interests. I only hope the classes I want to take don't fill up before I get the tests done and recieve my acceptance letter.

I felt a quiet exhilaration when I went in to the college yesterday, and started the process. I was finally going to college. Walking around the campus, my excitement built. I've waited several years for this. It's really happening! My brain cells began snapping and crackling, and I haven't even heard one lecture. The spring semester is just around the corner!

Rebekah is coming home tonight. We are all excited to see her. She's gotten a ride with a friend, so that saves the money and hassle of fetching her (she's 5 hours away).

I wonder what she'll think of Cosmo. I think she'll like him. He has a way of cuddling right into your heart. Rebekah's a pushover for little kids and cuddly pets. I think she'll be snuggling with him right away. (He'll kind of insist.) There's no resisting that punum. We have Becka for a whole week and 2 days. That's nice, because it won't be a pressured visit, hi-bye.

We're having Thanksgiving with my in-laws. I think I'm bringing pies. A tip about making a better Libby's pumpkin pie: add a tablespoon of rum flavoring for two pies. This is sure to bring raves. You'll never go back. My mom always did this, after a friend, Jean S, shared it with her.

Well, that's all. I need to buy that math book today. Sarah told me it was on sale at the bookstore she frequents.

Emerald cut CZ!!!

OK, maybe this sounds dumb to some of you, but when a woman has limited funds, but wants fine jewelry, she oftimes has to turn to simulants. And my favorite diamond simulant is the cubic zirconia. My choice of venders is Liz C. http://www.lizcjewelry.com/main.html


For $30, Liz just sent David and me a 7x5mm (one carat size) emerald cut cz. It's H in color, so it'll look real. I have a couple empty gold settings it would go nicely in. I placed the cz in them to get an idea. Here are pics. Remember, the prongs are from the last gem that was in them, pretend they're not there. It's just balancing on the flower band, but it gives a pretty good idea of how it would look. Leave me some comments on which one looks best.

This will be a Christmas gift rfom dh to me. Having it set will cost a little, but really, that's all I want for Christmas. These empty settings are just wasted sitting around, unworn. Now they will make a silly woman very happy.

Here is the stone loose -



















Cathedral solitaire -























Flower band solitaire, by Black Hills Gold -

Faith turns 50

My bosom friend, Faith, turned 50 this week. Her family threw her a party today, and many friends came as well. As the few guys and kids that were there mingled and talked sports (and eventually watched sports in another room), Faith collected all of her girlfriends around, her, as well as her sweet mom, Betty. She blew a whistle and said, "Now, it's my birthday and I get to say what we're gonna do!" and she laughed. Faith is fun embodied. We all listened up. "We're going to interview each other, and start with introductions, and how you all met ME!" Betty started us off, with how Faith was born. Within 45 minutes, we knew much more about each other than I've ever learned of others at any other party. As each gal told her story of meeting Faith, Faith would join in, "Yes, it was when our sons were in kindergarten..." But if one of us joined in, and side-tracked the original person's stream of thought, thweeeet! Faith would blow that whistle. It was really funny! (I should explain that Faith was a teacher for some years, thus the crowd-control skills.)

The food was varied and plenteous, and included a chocolate peanut-butter cake, a pumpkin cheese cake, chips, guacamole, cheeses, crackers, grapes, cookies, munchy veggies, coffee, and pomegranate punch. My belly bulges as I type.

I took a many pictures. I'm having them made up for a little photo book for Faith to remember this momentous day.

Here's Faith and her son, Matthew. I met Faith through Matthew; he was in my son, Ben's, class in 8th grade.

Here I am with Faith, her daughter, Sarah, and her squirrel, Chip. She raised this orphaned squirrel over the past several months, and has grown very attached to him. She did this last year with another orphan squirrel, "Pip," and then released him into the wild, in woodsier parts than ours. But she cannot let go of Chip. Perhaps next year...

Happy Birthday, dear friend!

Bowling

Last Saturday, my dad took Ben, Noah, Erin, my 22-year-old half sister, and me bowling. Noah had been asking and asking to go, so we asked Grandpa, and he took us that very weekend.

Dad used to take my brother, Steve, and me bowling. I felt so proud of him as he demonstrated to us the art of getting a strike. Dad's a natural athelete, so it came easier to him that most. But Steve and I were pretty good for nine and ten year olds.

It was nice to spend time with Erin. She and her twin sister, Robin, were born when I was nineteen. I had Sarah Jane just six months before, and Rebekah a year and a half later. So we would get all these little girls together, and watch them playing. They are more like cousins than aunts and neices. That's how they introduce each other now.

Pics -

Here's me, Dad, and Erin -

Noah throws a ball...

College

The time has come. After sending three kids off to college, I'm ready to take one little course myself. Put my big toe in the water, so to speak. I'm a little nervous. Is my grey matter up to the challenge? I haven't been in school for 23 years.

I plan to go to the local community college. I thought about an online course, but then realized I'd be lonely. I want to sit amongst other learners, see and hear my teacher.

I'd like to take an English course, as I enjoy writing. That seems to be the best choice for now. Then maybe I'll branch out into some world history.

My husband and offspring are academic. I so want to be able to talk with them at their own level. This is the only way I can see to do so. It's funny, I used to take pride in being just a homemaker. But now that Noah's in school full-time, I'm bored and lonely. So there are two benefits in taking a college course. Brain stimulation, and socialization. I can't wait!

I am calling today, to enroll in a spring course. I hope I can find my high school diploma in time to do this.

My Rebekah

This post is devoted to my second child, Rebekah. She is 21, a theater major at a college in another state. As a little girl, she liked to make up plays. The one I remember best is "Who Has Seen the Wind" in which she had a part for every one of her sibs. "Romance and Tragedy" was another. (Sarah Jane made up her own to follow Rebekah's - "Love and Death." )

Rebekah always had an uncanny knack for costumes. By five, she could whip up a harem girl's outfit from a scarf and an old skirt. A few minutes later, she might transform into a peasant child with the same materials.

It was only natural that Becka decided to go into the theater arts. Here she is, as various characters, her latest, "Violet" from the Incredibles, for a costume party. She did not buy that costume; she made it herself out of this and that, on the cheap.

I'm so proud of her!

In "Much Ado About Nothing" (center)





















In "Billy Graham; the Early Years" (Directed by Robbie Benson, but it's not out yet.) The year was 1934.

As "Violet" from "the Incredibles"

As Agnes in "Dancing at Lughnasa"

Isn't she something?

Heat-seeking pup

Dear Mr. Obama

Listen to the youtube message of this Iraq Vet. Powerful and moving. It made me tear up. Called "Dear Mr. Obama" -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Rehab for K

For anyone who's following the progress of my sister-in-law, I have more good news. She took eight steps yesterday! This qualified her for rehab, so she has been moved to a rehab center. I hope she's walking well soon. I had never heard of drop foot before this. I'm not sure how long it will take for her to recover from it, but I hope she's running around in time for Christmas shopping!

I made spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. I had two very interested critters watching my every move as I shaped those meatball, and sang my favorite meatball-making ditty: "On top of spaghetti..." Noah joined in on the last verse, "...nothing but MUSH!"

After dinner, we waited for trick-or-treaters. We only got 6. Noah and I had made up a bunch of goodie-bags for them, each with 2 treats and little kid-friendly booklets about Jesus. I figure - if people are coming to my door, I'll give them a "map" towards ever-lasting life. On this devilish holiday, I love to turn the table on Satan by giving out the gospel of Jesus!

Visit from Faith

My dear friend, Faith, came by to hang out with me today. I have been a tad too busy the last two days, and by last night, I realized that today I needed to lay low. So I invited Faith to come over and watch a movie with me. She brought chai and these "mock oranges," and we immediately tried to fit them into the decor, as they are not for eating. I think they make a very unique arrangement. They remind me of something Snow White might have put together while the dwarves were away working in their mine.

I've never seen these fruits before - aren't they interesting? Faith found them all over the ground outside the gym she goes to. Ben cut one open tonight, and it smelled like pine, and was sappy as well, nothing like an orange!

Here's Faith with little Cosmo. They are very find of each other, and snuggled much during the movie.

I am so blessed by Faith. A kindred heart, she makes me laugh, and makes me think. She isn't pretentious, but could be, she's so clever. Above all, she is kind-hearted. We met through our sons, when they were in the 8th grade. I'm so glad we did! We have much in common, and have been able to encourage one another in very knowing ways.

God has provided me with so many good friends, each like a different gem, having her own different color, shape, and properties. Each delightful and enriching in their own way.

They knocked me out and took all my wisdom!

Due to gum pockets, which is infection around the bases of teeth, in my case my wisdom teeth, all four had to come out. And so they did, yesterday. My mom took me there and back, and cared for me most of the day, til Ben came home and his "shift" started. Ben made me my first meal, chicken Ramen noodle soup. That was all I was allowed to have if I was really hungry. For dessert, I had a pina colada Italian ice.

Now I will have to start all over in getting wisdom. I've decided to store it in my ears this time. They are usually left on a person for their whole life.

My recovery has gone very well. This is probably due to the fact that the teeth were erupted, years ago. And they come in so straight, and helped to close a slight gap between my two top front teeth, you know the "rabbit teeth?" (One would think I would know their names and even dental numbers, with my husband having once worked for a dental supply co, but I do not. However, we do have a neat little cache of co. discarded fake teeth in his underwear drawer, just in case we should even need them.)

David was so concerned for me, remembering his own wisdom tooth extraction in his teens. Also, sadly, a boy recently died during a wisdom tooth extraction. And that had him worried. I think the boy had a reaction to the anesthetic. So far, I've never had a problem being knocked out, just nausea. When David got in from work, he brought me a big bunch of fall flowers and a container of Edy's French Silk ice-cream. What a sweetie...

















Here I am with my special ice-pack headband and cheeks full of gauze:





















In other news, my sister-in-law continues to improve. She had a brain MRI that showed no damage from the septic shock, as well as NO tumors - praise God! She's talking, getting rehab, and has even been gotten out of bed for roll-abouts. Do pray for her feet though. She has drop foot in both, and this will take some time in rehabilitating. We are still believing God for a total healing from the cancer in her body. For now, we know it is in many lymph nodes in her chest. She has had all the chemo and radiation she will ever be able to. So it's up to alternate treatments, and God's continuing mercy. He has been so good.


Here are K and my brother, Steve, after her first surgery last October.

Steve has been an amazing care-giver. He is so sweet and nurturing, and has gained much knowledge about cancer. But it seems to me , through this journey, he and K have gained even more Bible knowledge, as well as richer prayer-lives.

So sad...

I learned shocking news yesterday. The day before, the younger sister, 37, of a good friend, accidentally struck a police man with her SUV. He was thrown over an embankment and killed instantly. He had been setting up cones around a fatal accident scene from a couple days before, and was bent over on this bad curve of a 55mp highway when she hit him. I feel so bad for his family, a wife and 2 young kids. He was only 31. My friend's sister is devastated. My heart goes out to her. But really, you'd think he wouldn't have put himself in that dangerous spot w/o placing a flashing cruiser before him on the highway. He was working on a fatal crash from days before at the same spot! He should have considered the possibilities, and taken precautions. And it was rush hour! What a tragedy. Two families now struggle to come to grips with the whole thing.

I will be praying for the policeman's family as well as my friend's sister.

Better and better!

Wow - K is speaking! She asked for water the other day. Her mom, who was there, and all the medical personnel were ecstatic! She is still very weak, but her kidneys continue to improve. Today Steve told me she was stirring a lot, even wanting to get out of bed. But she needs some therapy first. Due to the the septic shock she was in at one point, there may be some motor skill issues. It's like she had a major concussion. This was one reason the doctors were concerned about her not talking sooner. She'll be having an MRI tomorrow, I think.

It's so amazing to us that she's recovering. Her docs now expect her to get through this crisis. But, really, is anything too hard for our God? He who made this world and everything in it, who holds it in place in the solar system? No, indeed! Cancer is nothing to Him. We are looking to him for a complete healing.

God is good!

I am happy to report that two days ago, my sister-in-law, K, was moved from the ICU to a regular floor. Her kidneys have started to function again, and her liver is also somewhat better as well.

Since K can't take any more chemo, the doctors' goal is to get her through this crisis so she can go home with my brother and enjoy the time that's left. Of course, we're all praying for a miracle. And I totally believe it can happen. The fact that K is still with us is amazing, considering her first diagnosis, back in Fall 2005, was inoperable metastatic (spreading) adenocarcinoma (aggressive cancer).

Thank you to my kind readers who are praying for K. The Lord is certainly hearing our prayers!