Twinkle, Twinkle Little Stars

Today we put up new Christmas lights on our house. Well, Dan, Chris and the kids put them up while Mom and I encouraged from a couple of strategically placed yard chairs. The new ones are little strings of stars that hang down from the eaves - so pretty. They twinkle, too.

Mom and I shopped this morning at Macy's and came away with a few new duds and a couple of very sparkly pretties for Mom - diamond earrnings and a lovely diamond drop necklace I love how she buys herself something fabulous every year for Christmas. They sure were having some good sales.

We have one artificial tree in place, but undecorated. So, still need to put up one more and then decorate them both. Can't wait!

Family is Where the Heart Is . . .

I got home from TX this afternoon and let me tell you, it was a wonderful time with family. We laughed and shared and sang songs and enjoyed each person there to the fullest. Questions were hurled this way and that, picture albums were poured over, meals were shared, houses were visited, Ainsley was played with, and we had such a great time that no one wanted to leave. We are already thinking about when and where the next reunion will be. My heart is full and my body needs sleep from staying up 'til 1 and 2 a.m. chatting and debriefing and emailing Kathy from mom's bed. What a time we all had!

Almost There!

Tomorrow is THE DAY! The kids and I are flying to TX to meet our new relatives and see some "old" ones as well. Old being a relative term, especially for women "of a certain age." Hmmmm, it really doesn't feel better seeing those words in quotes. Anyway, tonight Dan is in Palm Springs at a conference (lucky) and I am packing for my trip and trying to remember things to take. At least I am not working tomorrow, so that will be a huge help in my time management. Lucy greeted me tonight like a long-lost relative (no pun intended) and likely assumed that we weren't coming home when she saw suitcases out. Patti will come and walk her tomorrow night and Friday morning and then Dan will be home. So, Kathy and Karen are already at Mom's house and Sue was there as well (naturally since she lives next door to Mom) and they are making memories that I hope I can hear all about tomorrow night when I get there. My heart is there already.

One of my team members, Bonnie, went to be with the Lord last night. So shockingly sad. Her daughter's wedding is/was planned for this coming Saturday. So sad. We were all very weepy at work today, except for my problem girl who apparently does not shed tears. Says a lot about why she is my "difficult person." As Pastor Larry said recently, "play the position you've been assigned." I am doing just that.

More Notes

This week I am going to Texas to meet my new sister, Kathy, her husband and their three daughters. I can't wait! Ashley and Carrie are going with me, so it will really be a fun time. Dan was already committed to a conference, so he will have to be content with pictures and phone calls. I am watching the weather there to see what I will need to pack.

Today I visited Nordstrom so I could buy some Clinique and get their free gift. Would you believe that Santa was already at the mall for pictures? Who is making the toys; guess that would be the elves. Mrs. Claus is probably doing all the wrapping. Oh, that's right, the elves do that, too. My favorite line from "The Santa Clause" is when the elf girl thinks that Santa/Tim is hitting on her, she says, "thanks, but I'm seeing someone in wrapping." Love that line.

Last night we went to church and met Nancy and Scott at the new Chin's for dinner. It was very yummy, but noisy as a big group came in to celebrate someones 30th birthday. Maybe we were just jealous?!?

Fall is coming . . . it is delicious.

Double Ouch!

So the next day I woke up and I was in terrible pain. I was miserable and somehow managed to get myself to work. (Mind over matter and all that rot.) By 9:30 a.m. I was sitting in my office in tears and decided to go home. On the way home I was crying and wondering if I should go to urgent care, but I didn't want to catch anything from the sickies that were no doubt lounging there waiting to see a doc. So, I got home and went through Dan's stash of pain meds and found something, took it, and slept for hours. The next day only my neck was hurting, but I stayed home. I was back to work on Monday, but sitting at the computer does hurt my neck. Hmmm, should I visit a chiropractor or ??? It is tough to be stupid and old.