ALOOOOOHA!

Yes. That's right. A hawaiian theme in the middle of a very cold winter. Every year, it is tradition for the girls in the family to have a tea. Every year it is a different theme. This year's theme is a Hawaiian theme (I even had a friend who was going to Hawaii get me some authentic Hawaiian gifts.) ...everyone brings a homemade craft or gift of some sort that goes with the theme...but we have decided to change it a bit. Here's how it went down...

With all the craziness of the season and the added bits of stress and laces of sadness, we decided the tea was too far out of reach. We have now started a new tradition...

We went to the Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney and had yummy beignets. YUM!!!! We all had a great time...with little to no stress and we have decided that this should be our new tradition. As for the Hawaiian theme? We have decided to have a Hawaiian themed New Years Eve. Should be fun. Will let you know how it goes.
Here are some pictures of the day...

I know...not the best picture of me but you can look at everyone else.

If I don't speak to you before; I hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year!!!

Happy Christmas Eve!

I can't believe it is Christmas already. The last few weeks have been a whirr of activity.
I love Christmas...the lights, the decorations...it makes everything feel so warm, quiet and peaceful....then you hit the mall or a store and they are running you over to get that last bargain that is needed, ripping it out of your hands.

Seriously, Christmas is a time of family coming together...our pastor says that the holidays are about presence...not presents. Every year it seems like a rat race because Mike and I travel from his family to mine on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas. It is crazy...and exhausting...but it is family...and we wouldn't have it any other way. This year I am grateful to for the presence of my family. Everyone is able to be here and while this Christmas will weigh heavier at times with a twinge of sadness for missing our loved one, she will be in our hearts; We will all be together celebrating the Hope that comes from the birth of one very special little boy.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season full of presence of loved ones!!!

Wishing you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
And Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

3 days till Christmas...or is it 4?

Finally! Christmas Cards are done and sent out. Which one will you get??? Actually, they were done a while ago...and addressed...but life happened and I got behind...still...they are on their way and in my opinion...beautiful...Hope you like them...

Well, I am off this week...and loving it already. I have big plans for today...I want to clean off my dining area so I can play with the cricut...Bethany and I need to get her tree up...and I think that is all...Believe me...It is enough...

Yesterday in church we had a special guest in Sunday school...SANTA WAS THERE!!!

Pretty cute huh? Well I am off to clean so I can play. Talk to you all soon...

In Loving Memory...

I have to admit...I have been dreading this post for several days. Here goes...

Wednesday night Auntie Baba was welcomed into the arms of the Lord. I am so happy that her suffering is over and so saddened by the loss of a wonderful person. I loved her so very much.

Oh boy...here come the water works. I was doing so well too.

I think it is sinking in that we will never share in another Christmas, or tea, or share wacky ideas, hear her laugh or her quirky wit....It is all a memory....but truly one I will remember always.

So while I will not see her again in this lifetime; She will be there when the Lord welcomes me home too. (Hopefully that will not be too soon). For now, goodbye sweet Baba. Rest in Peace. I will miss you terribly, think of you often and while I will not see you again this side of heaven, you will forever be in my heart.

Twilight Zone

Picture this...a three bedroom farm house...cows mooing in the background...two rocking chairs on the porch...You are standing in the living room with surroundings unfamiliar to you. Different house, different furniture...different state...different feel. Nothing is yours...nothing feels safe...Everywhere you look you just hear the tune in your head...(do do do do; do do do do) That was the twilight zone song. That is how my mom felt as she cleaned this house for her sister to come die in....

Don't get me wrong...this house was generously given to us on loan so that Baba could spend her final days as comfortable as possible but I think it was just strange thinking that she was preparing for her sisters death. Surreal, I would think. Sad...

Well, Barbara is still hanging in there. Her children are all there. My uncle and grand dad came home on Monday. Mom comes home on Thursday. I don't know how my uncle Ernie is handling things but my Grand dad pretty much considers her dead. He went and said goodbye and that is it. That is his grieving process I guess. Me? I just can't...

It is funny how you can not see someone for a couple years, and while you may miss that person, it isn't until you start to lose them forever that you really start to miss them. It is too bad we can't grieve while we can do something about it...Don't get me wrong. I love my aunt...she knows that and has never doubted it...but I will still miss her terribly...her kids may not be so lucky...

Okay...sad news behind us... lets hear some happy news...hmmm...I had something in line but I can't remember. I am tired...talked to you all soon

Please help Mommy to be brave...

That was Bethany's prayer tonight.

I imagine it is the same for everyone who has experienced loss. My loss has not yet capped but my heart doesn't believe it. Some days are easier than others to get through. Tuesday I was good and strong and a great support to my mom (even though she didn't act like she wanted it.) Yesterday...not so much. I was busy at work all day but once I picked up Bethany, I became emotional...and then a wreck...I had to pull myself together in the middle of Target. Poor Bethany just looked at me like I had completely lost it. (and I had) I have decided to build strength on the good days and use the strength on the bad days...Hopefully there are more good days than bad...

So on to happier moments. Tonight was the school Christmas musical. My niece (SJ) and Bethany both go to the same school so it is fun to see them both up there singing....and dancing. Bethany had a "hip hop" dance number before the program started. She was a riot...and she loved every minute of it.

There isn't much to tell about the musical itself except that all the kids (k-6th grade) wore white shirts with jeans. They accessorized with scarves, hats and gloves...(those poor kids must have been roasting...) and they sang...some alone, some in groups, some spoke...A good time was had by all. Oh and don't forget the cocoa and cookie reception afterward. YUM!

Speaking of...that is all for now. Talk to you soon. Nighty night

Auntie Baba...

Here is the latest on my aunt...

Yesterday she was diagnosed as Stage 4 Cancer. The doctors have given her days/weeks maybe a couple of months to live. The doctors have not released her to travel by commercial air or car so we are trying to get her life-flighted here to California where she can spend her final days with family. I am part of an amazing family where everyone is pulling together and doing what needs to be done.

My Uncle Ernie is talking with the Doctors to get her here. Once she is here, she will be living with them so they can take care of her. My brother is working on a plane ticket(if needed) for my mom to fly out to Idaho. I even have a cousin (her ex son in law) who has offered to drive my mom out there and bring Baba back if it is needed.

It all seems surreal.... I will keep you posted.