"Only 2 more sleeps..."

Christmas Day is almost here. It is so hard to believe - time flies by so much faster as we get older. Dale and I were privileged to go to two school Christmas concerts on the 18th that featured Christ in the center of it. Yes, that is right. They were in a school. The first one on Thursday afternoon, was Bethany's preschool class. They had a star "mask" on their faces and sang a song about the Christmas star (for the life of me, I cannot remember which song it was), then they sang "Away in a Manger" with actions, "Little Drummer Boy" with upended ice cream pails for drums and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" in different voices. It didn't last long, but it was so cute and the kids - even Bethany - did a super job!! We thought Bethie wouldn't sing, but she did! That evening we went back to the school for Lucas' program. The school put on a play called "It Happened in the Country" and the K-12 kids did a super job. Which school is this, you ask? Regina Christian School. I know some people think sending your kids to a Christian school is silly when they can go to a public school for free. Our kids went to a public school and they turned out all right (by the grace of God) and back then, every other year, the Christmas program was about Jesus' birth (the alternate year about Santa Claus). That was when people wished you a Merry Christmas and no one was "politically correct" - but don't get me started. Back to the programs. The kindergarten and Grade 1's (Lucas' class) came out and stood on risers in front of the stage with "halos" around their heads like angels. They sang with the rest of the school and also by themselves. I got chills listening to these precious kids singing some standard Christmas songs about the nativity and some from the play. I don't know how many kids are in this school and I don't know how many go because they are forced to by their parents, but I do know that they KNOW the true meaning of Christmas. And because of that knowledge and with parental and church guidance, some ask Jesus into their hearts as their saviour. Bethany called me Friday, the 19th and said, "I asked Jesus into my heart". I was so thrilled and teary of course. Jodi had been talking to the kids and saying that Grandpa (Dale's dad) would get to celebrate Jesus' birthday with Him this year in Heaven. And Bethie said, I want to go to heaven. So, Jodi talked with her, prayed with her and she accepted His love and forgiveness. This is my greatest Christmas present - even over my Cuttlebug! I'm not saying kids that don't go to Christian school have less of a chance to accept Christ as their saviour, I'm just saying it doesn't hurt to have the added benefit of putting Christ first in everything in their lives. Today it is 21 years since my dad went home to be with the Lord. Every Christmas I think of it, and although I miss him, I know he is so happy and healthy and I will see him again one day and Lord willing, I can introduce him to the great-grandchildren he never got to see. I am getting more and more out of my funk (those concerts were a huge help) and after easily wrapping the presents (it usually isn't, as we have no table) and getting the name tags made, I am about ready for the family gathering. I was asked to sing with the church staff at our Christmas Eve service and am honored to do it. We had a choir on Sunday that did a wonderful job of the "Hallelujah Chorus". So, I'm looking forward to the Christmas Eve service. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! May God bless you and your families as you celebrate the season and the reason we have this season. Give God the glory!! "And she brought forth her first born Son; wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7 "...He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived". Luke 2:21b.

Christmas?

Oh no, I think Dale is starting to rub off on me. I'm not grinch-like yet, but just can't get into the spirit of the season. I've almost finished the shopping, but since I opted to not put my tree and decorations up, I'm not SEEING Christmas really anywhere here. I did get out my card holder, as we are getting cards, but it's not the same. I did my cards and letter and mailed them out, but it just doesn't feel like Christmas. I just read Jen's blog and she's feeling the mood as well and says Jodi is, too. Hmm wonder what it is? We've had it pretty stressful with Dale's dad passing away and two of my friends have had rough times with their spouses, but that was never something I couldn't overcome. One of my friends, Susan, has the most beautiful Christmas tree I've ever seen and I want so badly to find one like it, only a little bit smaller. It is a pre-lit and has multi-colored lights and is nice and full. She said it looks like someone threw up lights on it, but that's how I like my trees - nice and sparkly. I don't think I'll do this again - not decorate, I mean. It sure makes a difference. Dale is home this week as well, which I am thankful for. Today, Sat., the temperature barely got up to -24C with a windchill (-35 brrrr), so we stayed in and Dale cleaned house and I did the laundry. He cleans the way he likes - down on his hands and knees. I can't do that, so generally give it a "lick and a promise". It's so nice when he does this for me. I know it is mostly because he can't stand it anymore, but I appreciate it so much. And when he is home like this, he can drive if we have to go out and I don't have to freeze to death in my car. It just doesn't want to warm up enough for me. I have a dentist appointement Tuesday morning, so he can drive me there and we can get the last couple of things we need to get for Christmas while we are out. I don't have to drive Bethie to school that day, as Steve is the helper, so that helps a lot. Her program is on Thursday afternoon and Lucas' is in the evening, so we'll be able to take both in. I hope this bitterly cold stuff goes away soon. It is supposed to get closer to 0C as the week goes by. The Christmas movies are starting to be shown on TV and I'm a real sucker for most of them. I have "It's a Wonderful Life", "White Christmas", "Holiday Inn", "A Christmas Carol" and all three "Santa Clause" movies, so I'm set if nothing else is on. That helps a lot to put me in more of a mood for Christmas. Last year I got a DVD of a crackling fireplace with Christmas carols, so it is in my DVD player as well. I got my Focus on the Family magazine today and all the articles were very good and made me think a lot. One told about someone feeling down at Christmas and feeling everything was going wrong. She said she realized that God had a hard time that first Christmas, too, as He watched His only Son leave heaven and go to earth to start His earthly ministry. So, no matter how we feel, our Father has felt it, too and can be a great comfort and strength to us. All we have to do is ask for it. Jen said she had gotten her first "gift" - a traffic ticket. I'm sorry for her, but I got my first gift as well. Actually, I got two. The first was from Susan - a gorgeous ornament (that I hung on the door of my china cabinet) hand-blown glass, hand-painted! The second was from Dale. Well, I ordered it and paid for it, but it's from him. It's a cuttlebug and I love it! It is a little machine that embosses paper for making cards or for scrapbooking. I love playing with it. It's such a neat thing. (Should I start making next year's Christmas cards??) Oh well, I guess I'll wash my hair and get ready to watch another Christmas movie.

I Love My Care Group

Today was another sad day. Our Care Group went to the memorial service for the husband of one of our ladies. He passed away about 3 days after Dad. He was only 54. Both services were celebratory, but it was so hard today, because he was so young and still has young children at home. We really don't know when it will be our time and we so need to be ready. Not only spiritually, but in our relationships as well. I am glad our family says "I love you" readily and I hope we all let our friends know as well how special they are to us. Our Care Group is a great group of women. There are 7 of us and we are within 15 years of each other in age, so we seem to "meld" really well. Pastor Bill was at the service and told us we were such a great group to be there for our sister and friend. Well, isn't that what Care Groups are for? We learn together, pray together, laugh together and cry together. I love these ladies and praise God for their friendship and love. Some were able to come to Dad's funeral and that really blessed me as well. If you don't have a small group of friends who are your spiritual sisters and good friends, I urge you to find such a group. If your church doesn't have them, start one up yourself. It is so important to have peers who you can be real with. God bless you ladies - Priscilla, Susan, Charlene, Nancy, Marlene and Jeannie.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

(The first part of this blog was written on Friday - before Dale's dad passed away)

Sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

that calls me from a world of care,

and bids me at my Father's throne

make all my wants and wishes known.

In seasons of distress and grief,

my soul has often found relief,

and oft escaped the tempter's snare

by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

Sweet hour of prayer!

thy wings shall my petition bear

to him whose truth and faithfulness

engage the waiting soul to bless.

And since he bids me seek his face,

believe his word, and trust his grace,

I'll cast on him my every care,

and wait for thee,

sweet hour of prayer!

I was listening to this hymn by William Walford yesterday (Friday) and thinking about Dad and how I didn't want him to suffer, but go home to be with his Savior. It reminds me of things I had heard and read about hymns - that a lot of them were written in times of trouble or need and were the outpouring of the writers heart to his/her Savior. The pastor's wife of my home church was the niece of John W. Peterson. He came to our church and was telling how he came to write "Over the Sunset Mountains". He was flying during the war and flew over the "Hump" (not sure where that is exactly, but you history buffs and officianados of WWII will likely know - the Himalayans I think). As he was flying, the sun was setting and he wrote the hymn. He said most of the hymns he had written were because of what he was doing or going through. I think that is why hymns are so special to me. They were an important part of my growing up. We did sing choruses, but not like the ones now. I don't even think our children know most of the choruses we grew up with. The hymns either. So sad. They can be such a comfort.

Wednesday, November 26th - We laid Dad's body to rest yesterday. He went home to be with His Lord on Friday evening. He went so quickly and was in such pain, we were glad to see his suffering end. The Lord knew and everything was done in His perfect time.

Yesterday was a gloriously beautiful day - sunshine and very little wind. Today it snowed and was blustery. We were able to drive where we had to safely and lots of family and friends were able to make it to the service. It was good to see everyone again. Dale's brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, etc. were all together Sunday afternoon and evening at Elaine and Leon's, Monday evening at the visitation and Tuesday evening following the service and lunch. The siblings were off by themselves and the in-laws and a few grandkids were just sitting around talking. Caleb, Cindy's son and the youngest of Dad's grandchildren, was sitting there and all of a sudden he said, "It's nice to have a family that is so huggable, especially when you need to be hugged." (I might have not quoted him verbatim, but close enough). What insight for a 14-year-old. But he was right. We are a hugging bunch and we did a lot of that. And praying, too and crying, but we are not sad "as those without hope". We are happy that Dad is now back with Mom and they are enjoying the One who loved them and gave His life for them. Thank you, Jesus, for your love for us and our parents.

Thank you to all our family and friends for your thoughts and prayers for us. We will feel a big hole in our family without Dad in it, but PTL we will see him again! God bless you all.

We Are So Blessed!

Dale's dad is in the hospital. He's had cancer for almost 15 years, but this year it started metastasizing (going to other places in the body) and has been in his ribs. This past week it moved to his kidneys and both kidneys had blocked tubes down to the bladder. He was very sick. They opted to put a tube into his kidneys to the outside of his body, attached to bags. They were only able to do the right side, as the left kidney was totally damaged. He was struggling when we saw him yesterday, as the procedure took a lot out of him and he was full of fluid, because his kidneys weren't removing it. He was having trouble breathing and looked like he had just run a marathon - only the hard breathing just kept going. We were up there when Olinda and Sheila (her daughter) were still there. Sheila is a retired nurse and was looking after Dad so well. Olinda looked tired, but she was determined to sit and hold Dad's hand so he knew she was there. They finally left to try and get some sleep and we stayed until Cindy and Gary came. Terry and Holly were coming in from the farm to stay with him overnight. By the time Cindy and Gary arrived, they had given him pain medication and sleeping medication and he had finally relaxed and some respiratory meds also helped ease his breathing. Dad has 7 children and they all live close by. It is so nice to have everyone close enough to see Dad and care for him if need be and give Olinda a break. We know she wants to be with him as much as possible, but we also know she needs to rest, too. They have been so good for each other for the 6 years they have been married. Both had been alone for 25 years when God brought them together. Dad doesn't have a lot of time left and we certainly don't want to see him suffer. We have been so blessed to have him with us for as long as we have. He'll be 85 on his birthday in February if he lives that long. He has always been there for all of us during financial struggles and tough times and to help whenever he could. Olinda is a gracious hostess and welcomes us in if we show up unannounced. We love her dearly, too. It makes you pause and think of all the blessings we do have. Even though Dale and I have struggled with health issues, we are still doing ok and can go places and do things. For this I am very thankful. So, tell your loved ones that you love them and thank God for them every day.

Our WILD Minot weekend

Well, Jennifer, Jodi and I just spent an interesting and very fun weekend in Minot, North Dakota. I never knew (or remembered) that it was so close. Only a 4 hour drive and most of it is driving in Canada! We almost didn't get to go. A huge blizzard roared through Minot on Thursday and we were scheduled to leave Friday morning. I, ever the optimist, was sure it would all be over and ok by Friday. Fri. morning I got a call from Jen saying Sandra wasn't going as some of the roads were closed. I went on the internet and saw the blizzard had indeed moved on and a couple of roads around Minot were closed and others were in "winter driving condition". Well, for us in Saskatchewan, winter driving condition is the norm. So, after many phone calls back and forth, we decided we'd go and see how it was. We didn't hit any snow or ice or anything until about 10 miles outside of Minot and we only had to slow down a bit. I was glad it was 4-lane by then, so we didn't encounter anyone coming toward us. We even saw a snowplow on the highway - always a good sign. We found our hotel all right, but the Minot roads were a tad bit scary, as they don't clear very well or sand very much. Plus, Minot is in the hills and there were quite a few to navigate. Fortunately, Jen is a pretty darn good driver (I won't say excellent, as she would probably think I was lying! I tend to make noises she doesn't appreciate) and we saw some very smooth maneuvering by her that would have made her father so proud!! The shopping was fun and exhausting, but I really enjoyed seeing all the things that are available that we don't get up here. I especially liked the SuperWalmart and the Weight Watcher products they sell. I got the yummiest yogurt ever (only 1 point per carton!) and some cakes that rival twinkies and hostess cupcakes (only 1 pt each). I also got "my" iced tea at the restaurants and one morning I splurged and had country biscuits and gravy at Perkins - my all-time fav! I also have to say I had a wonderful shower in our hotel. I say this because in the 5 years we've lived in this apartment I have never had an enjoyable shower. For some reason, they insist on both the hot and cold water being softened and the water leaves you feeling slimy after putting soap on and trying to wash it off. So, that shower was a highlight!! Being with my girls was another highlight, as we hadn't had this time together for a very long time and it was good to reconnect. I realized we all sound alike when we laugh. We definately have to do it again. I bought one work shirt for Dale (afraid to buy more in case he didn't like it or it didn't fit) and wouldn't you know, he really likes it and it fits good. Haven't been able to find good work shirts up here since Mark's went out of them, so now we need to find someone who is going down and would like to buy some for us. Coming home we were very tired and didn't talk much like on the way down, so Jen and Jodi started playing 20 questions and after awhile they let me do one, but it was too hard, so I think they didn't want me to play anymore. We got a bit of grief at the border, but finally got through and were home in good time on Sunday afternoon. Thanks girls for the fun weekend!! I loved it!

I've Been Tagged

Jen "tagged" me and though I'm not sure exactly what to do, I'll give it a try: I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband, children and spouses, grandchildren and friends! I want a million dollars to pay off all my family's bills and bring my sister, Trudy and her girls up here! I have a wonderful Saviour who totally looks after one(me) who doesn't deserve it! I wish it could be spring or fall all the time (I totally HATE winter and my body hates summer!) I know that someday I will be reunited with my precious parents in heaven. I hate drivers in Regina. They do not stop at stop signs and drive WAY over the speed limit on residential streets!! I fear my husband or family dying, even though I know they will go to heaven. I hear too much traffic outside my open window - we live on a VERY busy street. I crave, well, potato chips and anything crunchy and salty. :( I search for an afghan I started for Bethany about 3 years ago and cannot find. It drives me crazy!! I always remember people's birthdays and anniversaries and try to get cards and notes off to them. I usually try to make sure the dishes are washed every day. I hate washing dishes and we don't have a dishwasher, but I try hard to get the kitchen cleaned up before I go to bed each night. I am not a morning person (wonder where you get that, Jen!). Since developing lupus, it is even worse and if I'm up by 9 a.m. I am happy - well, as happy as one can be who isn't a morning person. But, I'm usually up by 10:30 at the latest. Ho hum... I miss my best friend, Marcia, who died in a car crash when we were only 15. Also, those in heaven, my grandma, Mom Williams, my daddy and mom. And my sister and brother and their families down in the States. I love to watch figure skating, even though I don't get to see much, because they won't televise it. And I love my Dale for letting me watch it and not talking to me during the skating part. I try to do him the same favor during his NASCAR races. I never say "No" when asked to watch my grandkids (unless absolutely necessary). I love them all to pieces - each one is so unique and they are all such sweethearts!! I rarely watch reality tv. It is so contrived and scripted. I love old movies and sitcoms that are funny (and not stupidly funny). I cry over every little thing. Especially movies, old hymns (ones I remember hearing my mom and dad sing), the US national anthem and touching stories. I lose things a lot. It is so hard to get older and your memory goes bye-bye. I am confused every time I hear a politician or read political stuff in the paper. Big words that say nothing! I should go out for coffee with my friends more often. It is good to get together with friends of like minds and have good conversation and fun. I worry about Dale in his work, especially when he is on-call and has to go out at night. Regina is a scary place at night! I dream of going on a trip with my husband to Niagara Falls. And finally reaching my goal weight. I tag - don't know, as Jen is the only blogger I really know and she tagged Karina already. I would tag my brother if he had a blog. He usually has good stuff on these things. How's that Jen?

Happy 1st Birthday, Evan!

Today (well, yesterday) October 23rd is little Evan Thomas Berkan's first birthday! What a year it has been for this little boy! He is a real sweetheart - so cute you just want to "eat him up"! We are gathering as a family, and with his Grandma and Grandpa Stein and possibly other Stein family members, on Friday at Jason and Sandra's to help celebrate the birthday of this little guy. I am looking forward to the party and seeing the cake Sandra decided to make. She does such a good job and they are tasty, too! Should be noisy and fun!

"The Men in My Little Girl's Life"

Do you remember that song? Mike Douglas recorded it...oh, so many years ago.

Not too many weeks ago, I was watching a documentary on Mike Douglas on PBS and he sang a snippet of that song. I tried to remember the rest and it got me crying (nothing new - old stuff usually makes me cry). It was a touching song then and it is so touching now. It should have made it big as a wedding song! Anyway, I got to thinking of my daddy (yes, I still think of him as my daddy, cuz I was his little girl). If you knew Daddy, you knew what a great guy he was. If he loved you, you knew he loved you - unconditionally! I think that was one of the qualities about Dale that I picked up on. They say, you know, that you marry someone like your dad. Daddy only had a grade 8 (eighth grade, for you Americans) education, but I thought he was a genius! He could fix things and make things and he knew so much about the world. He had enlisted in the army when he was 18 (or just about or something like that) and was stationed in North Africa and Europe (France and Germany), so he was well-traveled. (I guess you can call it "traveling" if it's during your army stint.) I think it was a hard experience for him, as I don't think he liked talking about it. I have the letters he wrote our mom and it does sound like it was a hard life. Once he got home and married my mom, he found the Lord, through the testimony of our maternal grandmother and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He had a passion for the Lord, too and I think it got stronger under the leadership of Pastor Owen Baxter. Pastor Baxter challenged us all to walk closer to the Lord and study His word and Daddy did that. If you've read Jen's blog about her Craig, it reminded me of Daddy a bit. Or maybe my perception of him. I can only say what I remember of my times with him and what I saw him doing. One Father's Day, after I had graduated from high school and had a job, I treated him to a professional baseball game with the Kansas City Royals (Or was it still the A's back then?). Anyway, I remember having a great time, sitting and talking and enjoying the game, but I don't remember who we played or who won. It didn't matter, I was with my daddy and I was so happy. I remember going with him to Western Auto or Sears for parts, etc. Not that I was helping, but I loved going with him. Oh wow, I miss those times! When he was killed in 1989 and taken from us so suddenly, we were further devastated when the funeral home said he was too injured for an open casket. We couldn't even say goodbye! Mom and I were talking and we said why couldn't they have opened the bottom end and let us see his hand or leg. At least it would have helped us say goodbye. It is his hands I remember so much and Dale's hands do remind me of Daddy's. Isn't that funny? I guess they both have the hands of mechanics. Daddy was a machinist for the American Can Company. I remember one time he took me there with him (don't recall why), I must have been six or so. He introduced me to the men and one or two women he worked with. I remember one of the men calling me "Goldilocks" (yep, I had blonde curly hair back then). I was so proud to be with my dad! I think the hardest thing for me is that we lived so far away our children never really got to know their grandfather (and grandmother) very well. I know they would have loved having Grandpa around. When I watch Dale with our grandkids it makes me remember that over and over again. Our kiddies love their "Papa"! Dale is like my dad with his unconditional love. I'm so thankful I can say that of my husband. I know he loves me and our kids and grandkids, no matter what. He's a very kind and helpful person, like Daddy was and he loves doing service in the church. I think he misses being an usher, but it was too hard on his "old" body. He hasn't traveled, but his memory is still pretty sharp and he loves watching the History channel and learning about WWII and all. Don't let him tell you he sucks at Trivial Pursuit - he knows more than he lets on!! I love him dearly and cherish the time I have with him. Well, I guess that is about it for the "Men in My Little Girls' Lives" (I changed it to include all my girls). Ladies, take time to give your men a big hug and kiss and thank them for being in your lives. You never know how long they will be with you. Oh and especially thank God every day for the time you have with them.

In Times of Need

I found out recently that a good friend is going through some really tough times. Immediately, I had thoughts of hymns and choruses that I knew. That's the way is has been my whole life. Whenever I need to find strength to go through a tough time, I am reminded of a hymn or chorus. When our kids were in their teens and going through some rough things, I remember constantly singing as I walked to work - "I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of burdens down at Your feet. And anytime I don't know what to do, I will cast all my care upon you." That little chorus saw me through some rough days. When my dad was killed in a car accident, we got tons of cards from family and friends. Bless them, for a lot of them had put words to hymns in them to make us feel better. They made us cry, of course, but they did help with the pain of loss. I truly believe the Lord gave all these wonderful Christian men and women the words to the songs they wrote because He knew they would touch the heart of someone who needed just those words. I still think the old hymns have the best words and tend to remember them before any of the newer choruses. But, if that's what draws me closer to the Lord and gets me through tough times, so be it. I think our children and their children are really missing out on some good words because of the prevalence of only choruses in our churches today, but my voice is small and very seldom heard. So, I just sing my hymns and cry and love the Lord for giving me these songs to remember where I've been and how far I've come.

"It Is Well"

"When peace like a river attendeth my way.

When sorrows like sea billows roll.

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan my buffet, though trials my come,

Let this blest assurance control.

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate

and has shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, o the bliss of this glorious thought,

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord

Oh my soul!"

-Horatio G. Spafford

CONFESSIONS OF ...

An addict! Yep, that's me. I'm a food addict. To have an addiction to anything means that you crave that thing; your body screams for that thing; you think about that thing constantly and you will probably do anything to get it! Really? Yes and I can tell you it is not easy being a food addict. My food "thing" is anything sweet and/or savory. Dale's is anything chocolate - not that he's an addict, although I think if he didn't have his Fudgeo cookies, he might go into withdrawal! Ha! I constantly think about something salty, crunchy and oh so tasty. No matter how hard I try. I'm not sure if being a sweet food addict would be any easier, but let me tell you, it is very hard being a "salty/savory" gal. I have a friend in Weight Watchers who is the same as me, so we feel each other's pain. My biggest downfall is potato chips. I just love them. There was a time I could sit and eat a whole bag in one sitting and not be satisfied. I just wanted more. Now, I eat one little 100 calorie bag and I want more and more and more. So, for my own well-being I try not to eat them at all. But, oh, the pain!!! Being in WW has helped me a lot to control the portions of the food I eat. We can have whatever we want, as long as we count it, but for me, this isn't true of potato chips. It is even hard just writing about them, because I can taste the salty goodness and hear and feel the crunch! My addiction is not just for potato chips, but they are the hardest for me to control. We talked about how WW should be like AA "Hi, I'm Robin and I'm a food addict". Well, it isn't like that, but there have been times I've wanted to go to a meeting every night to keep from eating. For those of you skinny minis who can put anything in their mouths and never gain an ounce (Oh, you know who you are!), be thankful for your metabolism. Trust me, it slows down as you get older and it is harder to lose weight and keep it off. It does help to write and talk about my addiction to food. At least while I'm doing that I'm not eating! Hard to eat and type at the same time. I'm thankful I've been able to lose 63 lbs, but I really do want to lose more. So, I do my hobby (card making), go on the computer, read, write, watch a movie (sometimes that is disasterous, as I like to munch while watching) and sometimes take a walk (when my hip and knee cooperate). It also feels good to admit your problem. Well, I really did that a year and a half ago when I joined WW, but sometimes it is good to say it over and over. That way, I won't forget and maybe friends and family will remember, too, and help me. Well, that's my confession. Thanks for listening.

I LOVE BEING A GRANDPARENT!!

Today was a very good day! We have 3 services at our church (8:30, 10 and 11:15) and in the summer they decrease to 2 (9:00 and 11:00). In the summer, we go to the 9:00 service. Jason and Sandra and family and Jodi and Steve and family usually go to the 8:30 service and we go to the 10:00. So, we see the grandkids on their way to Sunday School at 10:00. In the summer, we usually get to sit with them in the service. This morning was just such a time. Lucas had a rough start, as a wasp stung him either before or after he got on the bus, but he was actually being very stoic about it. I was so proud of him. After we had sat down he noticed the communion items on the table in front. He said, "Oh, there's communication today; but I'm not going to take it, I'm going downstairs." So cute. The church provides donuts, fruit and muffings to the hardy souls who come for the early service, so 4 of our 5 grandkids love to sit and eat their goodies. I don't think Xander (almost 3) can function before he has his. He sure can't talk about anything else until the chocolate covered creme-filled donut is in his hands. (by the way, he only eats part of it, but Jason has to diligently keep it for him and put it in their mailbox to be retrieved after the service - it's his little ritual) Bethany was throughly covered with icing sugar and we tried to find something wet to clean her off. She was uncharacteristicly sticking close to me. Usually she won't leave her dad's side. So, I decided to go sit down and she came with me. She wanted to sit on my lap, which thrilled me (she isn't always "touchy-feely"). She asked for a pen and proceeded to show me how she can make a person - she just turned 4 in June - and her little person was so cute. Big head, crooked smile, with 2 eyes, hair, long legs and arms and a tiny little Erin right next to it. This is all being done with the paper sitting on my hand, as we don't have hymnbooks and I couldn't reach my Bible for her to use as a "table". She did pretty well. Then, she wanted me to draw for her. I made a kitty for her (her favorite animal), then a bunny, dog, fish and other stuff. All the time Erin is saying something to me, but I can't hear her. I thought she was saying she wanted to stand up, but she was actually saying she wanted to sit on my lap. I asked Bethany if Erin could have a turn, but she said no. No use starting a fight in the middle of church. It wasn't long before Lucas and Bethany went off to children's church and Erin got the coveted lap. Ha! For some reason, she figured I couldn't draw for her unless I was holding the pen in her hand, so some of the animals were pretty strange-looking. She finally tired of this about halfway through the sermon and got down. She had her beloved "Baa-Baa" with her and during the singing while communion was going on, she was standing with him lovingly held in her arms and rocking him while singing. It was so cute!! I wanted a video of it to remind me how preciously darling these little ones are. Meanwhile, before the service, Dale had latched on to almost 10 month old Evan and had managed to put him to sleep in his arms. So, there we were, Nana and Papa with two of our little grandkids in our laps and so much in our hearts. It's times like these that we love so much. From almost 6 to almost 10 months, each with such a different personality, we are so blessed to have these little darlings in our lives. We have times when we haven't seen them for awhile that we just have to go get our "fix" of them. We love it that our kids welcome us with open arms - and it helps that the kids come running with shouts of "Nana and Papa!!". I had forgotten to get something from Jodi one evening, so told her I'd stop by on my way out. When I got to her house and got out of the car, out ran Lucas with what I needed. I hugged and kissed him and as I turned to go back to the car, I heard, "I want a hug and kiss, too" and out ran Bethany and Erin. So, hugs and kisses all around and then I was allowed to leave. This is what I call living!!! I have a t-shirt (I actually bought 2) that says "My grandkids are cute as buttons" and I proudly wear it!! For those of you who are grandparents you will understand what I'm talking about. For those who aren't, your time, hopefully, will come. It's the greatest thing in the world! (I'll try to get some pics of the kids on here soon.)

Welcome!

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life." How many times have you heard those words? How many times have you really thought about it? Well, this is the first day of my "Blog life". I am trying hard to break into a new (to me) information media. I do email, but I wanted more and I didn't want to go on Facebook. When Jen made her blog, I thought it was a neat idea and that I would like to try to make one, too. It's fun, but kind of daunting, too. Hard to describe yourself and think of all the books, music, movies, etc. that you like and want to share with others. But, I will try to put thought to "paper" as often as I can. I hope you enjoy my ramblings and will come often. I also hope you will leave a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks for coming!!!

Why Libertybellenana?

I just want to explain why I chose "libertybellenana" as my email address. Some would probably figure it out, but some may wonder. I wanted to use just "libertybelle", but it was taken - apparently there were a LOT of those. I didn't want some obscure number after it because I would probably never remember it. So, I chose "Nana" because that is what our grandkids call me. The "Libertybelle", of course, is because I was raised in Missouri (for 20 years) and I am very proud to be an American (and a Canadian also). I just wanted to do something different - which Dale will freely admit is nothing new. I dislike sameness and am always up for anything new, different and exciting. I'm hoping this blog will help me express myself a little and get some of my creative juices flowing. And maybe help you to get to know me and my family a little better.