08-08-08

Isn't this new century fun! 

I awoke this morning at 5:40 a.m. with this thought in my head.  08-08-08.....cool!  

There really is so much more to ponder, but this struck a chord that continues to run through my mind today. 

0-08-08......love it! 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

                    Animal therapy.....at it's best!!!!

                                        Hi! Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to Disney we go! 

                  

Look out Disney!  

The Sista's have arrived!

Blog Award 

I did it! I did it! I did it!  

For so long, I have wanted to create a blogging award or two so I could reciprocate the honor, having won awards in the past.

I must admit, I am not as geeky as I once thought, because I have just spent 90 minutes creating this first award.....and while I am thrilled to be able to pass it on, I only wish it could have had more bling!  For the bloggers I am nominating for the first ever "You are a Star" award are truly bright lights in the blogosphere!  

For starters, Cindy, at Beneath the Ivy Wreath deserves this award as she truly lightens up any room!  

Then there's Grandma Dawn, my blogging AND IRL friend!  What a treasure she is!  And now that she has those darling little twin granddaughters...she's gonna need a little twinkle in her toes!  

And speaking of pairs, I first met Kristen who introduced me to her mom (Grandma Dawn).  What a year you've had Kristen...and what a star you've truly been.  A big "way-to-go" to you as your heart as grown in bunches!  You have a quiver full, my dear!  

A new blogging friend that brightens my day each and every visit, Karen at Karen's Korner!  I don't think a shadow ever falls on this blogger--she is just the bright!  

Finally, speaking of stars reminds me of California (follow-me?  tee-hee!)  Sharon Lynne at California Breeze has been a shining light from a far this past year as we've gotten to know one another in Bloggity-ville.  One day, someday, we will move beyond NMY friends to friends IRL!

And, until I create a really clever blog award for a really clever blogger, I am passing the "You are a Star" Award onto Yellow Mama at One Step Up From Stupid.  My blogging friends, this lady can write!  In fact, I have added a new side bar to my blog which, no doubt, will soon be filled with my favorite quotes by Yellow Mama!  "Now remember, I had prayed for help, but instead of listening to the Holy Spirit's direction, I got out the hack saw...."  Seriously, how did she know?

So be prepared, now that I have learned a new thing....I may just do it to death!  That would be the OCD in me--for which, I'm sure I can create a special award!  

So I'm sitting in my homework place....

(yes, I said homework place! For every good student must go to the same place, it must be quiet and free of distractions!)

As I was saying, I was sitting in my homework place (which is on my bed, pillows propped to support my back, laptop on my lap) and I was struggling to write yet another literary analysis of Faulkner. As I paused the rat-a-tat-tat of my keyboard to think, I looked out the window directly in front of me and what did I see? A distraction--in fact--two distractions! We have woods that surround our house and we frequently see deer walking through; but with a double-take (or two)--I ran to get my camera so I could share this fun with you. (Am I addicted or what..."Darn, where is that camera; I've got to get a shot of this to show my blogging friends!")

By the time I removed the laptop from my laptop from my lap and moved that books that surrounded my little center of thought and found my camera, they had moved from the most perfect shot (of course) and I was only able to chase them from window to window as they passed by.

Can you see this darling duo? Not two deer, but two St. Bernards! St.Bernards! For crying out loud in the night already--I know we get a lot of snow each winter in Minnesota, but this isn't Switzerland! I wonder what they're rescuing? More likely, they're looking for a snack, so I have secured my little dogs nearby me on my bed--I mean--my homework place!

Wordless Wednesday

First Love

Tuesday Trivia

Tis the season....for a little trivia! I should be cleaning, preparing the house for the throngs that will be gathering in just a few short days, but with so much to do...I do what I do best...I stall.

Not knowing where to begin (the list is endless), I will begin off the list! That would be OTL in computer acronyms. While online last night, I IM'd with a blogging friend who got me to thinking! I love when that happens. She used an acronym I had not heard of....SAHB. I've used LOL, ROFL, MIRL, BBL, BTW, DH, TMI and SAHM, but SAHB? Multitasking, as I sometimes do while carrying on a conversation (could that be called NPA: not paying attention?), I popped in to her blogsite and discovered this post. I won't spoil the surprise, but let me just say, that's a creative and oh-so-appropriate acronym, for this blogging addicted momma...you know the one that should be cleaning and preparing some Christmas menus!

Karen, at Karen's Korner has bestowed upon me a pretty fabulous award: The Bodacious Blog award! Thank you Karen...and PTL for His goodness! You have brought so many so much joy since you began your blogging journey!

Hau`oli la Ho'omana'o to my MIRL blogging friend, Dawn! She has just returned from an Anniversary trip to Hawaii and was kind enough to let those of who stayed behind (in the cold!) live vicariously through her most amazing photo journal of her trip. In spite of getting home on Sunday evening, she somehow found the time to participate in BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes! She amazes and inspires!

I found a new, really fun blog this week: Hootin' Anni's! Anyone that lists her occupation as Senior Citizen and has a little Santa Hat for her side scroll...is someone I'd like to MIRL! If she's anything like her blog--she really is a hoot!

And a must-mention trivia: I reconnected with an old blogging friend (formerly Created for HIS Glory...now Molly-Coddled.com) this week following my WW post. Yes, folks, someone actually knew of Temecula...and actually lived there! It truly is a small, small world...especially in cyberspace. It was good to hear from you again DF; as soon as I get this pesky housework finished, I will clean up my side bar and update your blog address!

One last bit of trivia, although there is nothing trivial about this site, if you have not discovered Boomer Babes Rock you must go there right now (but please do come back!) I first met Allison Bottke while blog-surfing and discovered her God Allows U-Turn ministry. Along with several other amazing Christian women, this blog daily offers powerful writing to inspire, empower, and enlighten! You will want to add this site to your sidebar in 2008, it's just the kind of gift that keeps on giving!

O.K., enough of this stalling, it's time to make hay--oh, wait, that was on yesterday's list! Today is a new day...and no need to worry...it will all get done!

Yes! It! Will!

Of course it will!

Or in the words of every good Swedish Santa: HO! HO! HO!

(translated: "Sure it will! You betcha!")

Anyone else LOL????

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Nearly a foot of snow....and it's only December 5th!

¡Hola!

I have just returned home from a 3 day business trip to Mexico City. As we neared our destination, I was stunned by the size of this capital city. With a population of up to 23 million inhabitants, it can be said it has "mucha gente!"

We had a "maravillosa visita" (wonderful visit) and I was able to put to test my four years of high school Spanish--which, as I soon discovered, was "absoluta menta sin valar" (absolutely worthless!). Seems I can read Spanish better than I can speak or understand it! Furthermore, I discovered that in all the years of high school Spanish--I had never learned the Spanish word for wine! Imagine that! As I tried to order a glass of red wine--try as I might, with a roll of the tongue....."Por Favor, rojo.............r--r---r----rrrrrrrr-ojo..........", I could not communicate my desire. Of course, now that I am home, I have remembered "vino!" So, while there, I drank alot of bottled water, "agua (thank you Sesame Street!), no gas!"

While my marido (husband) attended the daily conference, I saw some pretty fabulous things! Spending most days on a tour bus, we saw the massive Mexican Cathedral.....

the stunning National Palace, filled with amazing frescoes painted on the walls found within each arch way telling stories of Mexican history ......

and spent an hour refining my bargaining skills at a Mexican Artisan Village.

We spent an afternoon walking through the excavated ruins of Temple Mayor. Taken back in time, centuries earlier, where human sacrifices were the norm as people worshipped and pacified over 2600 gods, I was filled with gratitude that I was not born in this place at that time! In fact, I'm not sure I would have survived the elements...I so appreciate air conditioning--and civil liberties!

I mean seriously, if I had to climb (or most likely be dragged kicking and screaming) to the top of the temple ....I would be scared to death before anyone had the chance to sacrifice me! These pyramids were not good for anyone who is afraid of heights...no less fear of death!

Mañana, I will post the 1200 n*aked men saga! Truly, 1200 n*ked men greeted our tour bus!

I wouldn't tease about a thing like that! Leprechauns....maybe...but never--never--about 1200 n*ked men! ;)

Asta la vista!

Works for Me Wednesday

Blogging Friends--strangers...yet sisters. I have posted how meaningful my blogging friendships have been with bloggers such as Beneath the Ivy Wreath and Grandma Dawn. Today, I am posting an email I received from another unknown, yet unmet sister of my heart. I cannot tell you how much she blessed and strengthened my soul as I read each word. I am sharing it today, on this Works for Me Wednesday as I have discovered once again that friends always work for me!!! Be a friend today, thank a friend today--it matters--it works!

Diane,

My heart goes out to you, and I'm praying for you.

I understand so well the fear of a son sliding backwards once again into dangerous territory. But I truly believe God has his hand on Curt. Curt has too many prayers on his head...and God loves him too much...I am learning that everything works together for good, even when things seem to be going backwards. Several times my son has made a decision or an event has happened that seems to move in the opposite direction of healing and wholeness...but then God uses it in a way that I had never thought of before. I'm about ready to throw in the towel and give up manipulating circumstances altogether because God has made it obvious to me that he sees the big picture and I don't.

I feel your pain about the crisis of faith. I have felt the same at times...not only because of my son...but just because I struggle with being a "doubting Thomas".There is nothing...nothing so painful...as wondering if God is really there. But if I think logically, God is not going to disappear just because I don't believe he's there. He's either there or he isn't. And most pointers point to the fact that he is. So whether I trust him or not, he WILL work for my son because HE IS FAITHFUL. (I am not.) HE IS MERCIFUL. AND HE DIED FOR [OUR SONS]. He will go on working in their lives and there is nothing ANYONE can think or do to stop him.

I, too, live in constant fear that my son is going to slip backwards. Part of the dread of this is wondering if I have enough strength in me to go through any more detours. It's like...you can't get on with your life. And it affects the family/siblings etc.

I will be praying for you, for strength. I will pray for Curt. Don't give up the fight. You're in a battle. But escape to the sidelines and rest at times...let the Lord have the brunt of the fight. He knows what to do. Obstacles are not a problem to him. He has many ways around them!

Take care dear friend, *******

Wordless Wednesday

Welcome Home Son....

and Happy Belated Birthday....

Yes, Aunt M., your memory is amazing...I do owe him a spaghetti dinner!

Works for me Wednesday

The secret is out! Allison Bottke's new release, One Little Secret has arrived! A great read works for me anyday!

When I began blogging, Allison's blog, God Allows U-Turns was one of the first blogs I discovered. Each time I returned, I began to realize that there was something very special about this author. Yes, she is another Minnesoooooo-tan (can you hear the accent?), but it was her zest for life and love of Jesus that continually drew me back to her site. Then, in January of this year, Allison began a rockin' website, Boomer Babes Rock. I hope you take the time to visit....

Back to the secret.......

One Little Secret is a fun, page-turning "Boomer-lit" (think "Chick-lit" then add a few years) story that grabs your attention on the first page. I began reading this book after agreeing to take part in the 31 day blog tour and was not disappointed, until, that is, I had to say good-bye to the beloved characters at the last page. Each character comes alive; this novel is so full of life that the reader actually feels the anxiety of Ursala's secret, the disappointment of each failed disclosure, and the joy of the dramatic revelation. One Little Secret is so much more than a very good read or a theme for a blog meme. It inspires! Using a "Hollywood fairy tale with all the pleasures of escapist literature mixed with gentle lessons on using the talents God has given you, the power of sacrifice, self-esteem, and the value of being “just a housewife,”" One Little Secret may just have you unearthing your long forgotten dreams. The author has captured the "Ursala" in each of us. You won't have to dig very deep, let One Little Secret inspire you as you give your dreams to God and discover His amazing faithfulness in making them come true. That kind of inspiration works for me anyday!

And keeping with the theme of blog meme's...here's something to be thankful for: a One Little Secret Contest

Don't miss out on the fun!

Wordless Wednesday

My (Pier of) Hope

I've met my friend!

After knowing, really knowing Dawn for more than one year, I met her on Friday!
I awoke before the alarm went off and was ready in turbo speed. We agreed that I would pick her up at the corner of 8th Street and Marquette, downtown Minneapolis. Dawn had just spent 45 minutes catching up with a childhood school friend she had last seen 45 years before!

Thankfully, in a phone converation the day before, Dawn had the forethought to mention what she would be wearing. Although the photo did not capture any people, downtown Minneapolis at 9:00 a.m. on any given day is filled with pedestrians! I was so thankful to see her cute, red-cropped pants as she stood looking for my car. From the first hello, there was not a quiet moment!

Because every visitor to Minnesota really must see the Mall of America, our first stop was Bloomington. We arrived without incidence...which is truly amazing, because I was so excited about actually being in the car with this "soul sister" that I barely remembered the way there! Traveling down Interstate 494 will never be the same again! Our visit to the MOA was a simple but profound trip. We caught up as we walked the hallways of this amazing facility. Still, no matter the size of this Mall, it could never surpass the scope of my thankfulness I felt as I was spending a few hours with my friend.

Were your ears ringing? Well, let me just say, we had so much fun reviewing the blessings, the laughter, and the love of friendship you have each brought into our lives!!!! In fact, don't be surprised if you receive an invitation to our first annual blogging reunion! We really have to meet for real....IRL....as Dawn so casually references! For someone who was resistant to blogging just a little over a year ago, she knows the lingo!

I hope that Dawn's photo's turned out better than mine....my camera was acting up and the flash would not cooperate. Still, we tried to capture this historical moment. While it was still early in the morning, the amusement park in the center of the Mall was busy with the sounds of the rollercoaster, flume, and merry-go-round. As we walked around just one loop of the MOA, we happened upon this. This one's for you Kristen! Looks like there was going to be a midnight release of Harry Potter's final quest!

As we walked, we moved with ease through so many topics. Blogging, friendships, church and family. This trip to Minnesota was like returning to her roots; she had met childhood school friends, had visited with relatives, and was going to Monticello ("Monti" as Dawn calls it) to visit the town that her Grandparents raised their children in. Traveling with her parents and sisiter (whom I met!), must have afforded many conversations and memories.

We left the MOA and I was excited to show Dawn "my neck of the woods!" I knew that 4 1/2 hours would fly by, yet, I so wanted to take her to one of my favorite restaurants on Lake Minnetonka. Summers are short in Minnesota, and we have to grab each and every opportunity to enjoy the warm weather! So it was off to Sunset's in Wayzata.

It ocurred to me as we sat on the outside patio and enjoyed our Salads (oh--they were so much better than that sounds!), that it was like I had known Dawn my whole life. She is just like she seems on her blog! She is such a lady of grace and love. She is the 'keeper of stories' and mesmerizes as she shares how God has blessed her! That should come as no surprise to any regular reader of her blog. We spoke of so many of you blogging friends--in fact, although we know your real names, we were careful to use only your blog names in public! As she shared the joy of her three grandchildren, those nearby must have wondered what kind of names her grandchildren have! Carebear, Feisty and Anakin!?!? :)

Then, it was off on yet, another road trip--traveling just 30 minutes north to Monticello. Originally, I didn't think I could meet Dawn's family because I had an appointment back home at 2:00 p.m. On our way to Monticello, my appointment was unexpectedly cancelled, and I was able to wait just a bit for Dawn's sister, Mom and cousin to return from an errand. As we awaited their arrival, we talked with her Dad. Oh how I wish I had taken a photo of this vibrant "young" man! The thing I remember the most about him, well there are two things.....but to the laugh! I have been known to sit on the edge of "drama," but let me honestly share....when this man laughed out loud, it was as if the joy of the Lord was being released! I don't know him beyond the 45 minutes in that room, but each and every time he laughed, it was like a giggle....from God! What a joy!

Secondly, if Dawn is the keeper of stories, this man is the author of all tales! What a great memory....made only more special by the fond feelings that unfolded as he shared. Soon, Dawn's mother, sister and cousin arrived, and we had a few moments to meet and greet. As I left the apartment that day, I was full to overflowing with lasting memories of joy!

Phew! Thanks for sticking with me through this abbreviated tale of our meeting! Yes, I know, I know, it's a long post....still, there is so much more I could have offered. I will wrap this up by simply saying....meeting a blogging friend is so worth it! What a blessing! What a joy! What fun! I am so thankful for this opportunity.....I have spent just a few hours with a cherished friend...and I now know the face of someone who has prayed me through more than just a few moments of need! Isn't God good!

Grab the next opportunity you have to meet a blogging friend. Make it happen! And when your email invitation arrives to say 'we're comin' to your town'...prepare to say YES! :) Meeting blogging friends is a very good thing!

Works for me Wednesday

Pre-reading my children's books

Some years ago, when my older children entered high school, I began pre-reading their assigned extracurricular books. This summer, my going-to-be-10th-grade-son has a summer read, Sophie's World, by Jostein Guarder.

Sophie's World is a novel about the history of Philosophy, written by a former high school philosophy teacher from Norway. I found this book to be brilliantly written, and agree with the Daily Telegraph review: Sophie's World is "a simply wonderful, irresistible book...a cross between Bertrand Russell's History of Western Philosophy and Alice in Wonderland."

For anyone who would like a survey of Western Philosophy, written with a clever narrative structure to pique a page-turning interest.....this is the book for you! However, what doesn't work for me this morning, is how my impressionable teen-aged son will be respond to the 513 pages of discussion of the truth of God's existence and the role religion plays in the development of Western Philosophy. While this is an excellent book, it does challenge the reader to question rational thinking and faith.

I pre-read this book to see if I could discover the author's stance on Christianity and it's place in the search for knowledge. The book begins with some key questions; Sophie, the novel's 14 year old main character, receives a mysterious letter with only three words, "Who are you?"

An interesting way to begin a 513 page novel, still, if a young reader is not offered all the options, they could incorrectly define themselves by missing the Truth of the matter!

Once again, I am glad to have pre-read my child's book--it was a very interesting and compelling read, it will jump start some very interesting dinner conversations, and I have been forewarned. I can now arm my son with God's Truth, proclaimed by the Apostle Paul to the philosophers of the day in Athens, "For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring." As my son reads Sophie's World and asks the questions "Who am I?", I want him to be fully informed and influenced by the One who is the author of all knowledge and wisdom.

Pre-reading my children's books--Works for Me this Wednesday......

Pre-paring our children's hearts, preparing the way to the real Truth of the matter: Works for Me everyday!

Monday, Monday!

.....so good to me....

Monday, Monday, it was all I could hope it could be......

Do you remember this song by the Mama's and the Papa's? I don't remember if it was released in the summer, but I awoke with this song swirling in my head. It is a fabulous summer morning in Minnesota, it is Monday morning......and I am hoping this Monday is "all I could hope it could be!"

This is the week that Grandma Dawn is coming to town! Well, I think it's this week, as I'm feeling a little foggy this Monday morning! After spending two weeks at our lake place, it's nearly impossible to reenter the scope of reality involving calendars and clocks! Nonetheless, I will call Dawn later this a.m. and confirm--she is traveling to Minnesota for a summer reunion with family and school friends, and is making time to meet a new, blogging, friend. I can't wait!!!!

This is the day that I must do some errands, restocking our refrigerator, making duplicate photos from my digital camera and send them to my nieces and nephews who have returned to Dallas, Texas. We did some serious tubing and wake-boarding the last two weeks, and of course, there was the Tanmark horse show--at which my niece, Grace, won the Championship Title in her division! It was so much fun!

There were picnics

There were puppies

And, yes, there were babies!

We had a very good time! So it is with a song in my heart and memories fresh in my mind that I must do a little cleaning! Although our house was vacant for two weeks, the gremlins were busy during our absence and stirred up a few dust-bunnies~! How does that happen?

This is the day that I must turn our laundry around...as, tomorrow morning, my husband will be traveling to Bermuda and onto Washington, DC, returning home late Friday night.

Friday--the day I will meet Dawn! Can't wait!

How's your Monday? Do you have a song in your heart today?

Wordless Wednesday

Not exactly the kind of birds I had in mind!

Thankful Thursday

Today is our wedding anniversary! I am so thankful that I have had my husband in my life and in my heart for 33 years. What a blessing he is!

Today, we travel to Texas for a long weekend at our Ranch in Bryson, Texas. What makes this a very special visit is that all, that's ALL of our children will travel with us. Curt, Katie and her husband, Eric, and Sam will all be with us. I'm so excited; Curt, Katie and Eric have not had a chance to visit the Ranch yet....and I can't wait for them to see it.


Today is my 9th grade son's last day of school! Remember the bittersweet feelings of such a day?! He is excited for summer vacation but has shared feelings of sadness as well. It is a bit surreal to think that our youngest has finished his first year of high school!


Today, I reflect back 33 years and remember the excitement and joy I felt as Gordy and I planned our future. You want to know a secret? As much as we planned and dreamed, we could not have imagined the blessed life that we would actually be given. Yes, it's been hard work and there have been some bumps; but it must be said--we are grateful that God's plan and purpose is far greater than any dream or plan we could have ever envisioned! I have so much to be thankful for!

******Edited to add: Look what was just delivered! I'm gonna miss these 33 red roses while I'm away!

Wordless Wednesday

(Well, nearly wordless!)

Went to the Post Office yesterday to trackdown the missing contents. With shock and horror, the Postal clerk announced as he was looking at my photo of the delivered WRAP, "Well, I can't imagine how THAT happened! It was probably one of the large machines......"

When I asked him how the person at the end of that large machine, could, after seeing a torn mailer come through without the contents could possibly believe that it was the right thing to do--send the empty wrap to the recipient???????

After some "himming" and "hawing"....the Postal Clerk found Form 1510, lost or destroyed mail, and I filled it out. When I signed the form I asked the Postal Clerk how long he thought this investigation would take.

In all seriousness and with full eye contact, he said, "Knowing the United States Postal Service......I wouldn't hold my breath!"

I'm still trying to figure out how many hands touched this torn wrap, starting with the person at the end of that block long machine, and still delivered it "without content!!!"

Tuesday's "Tag....You're it!"

Monkey Kisses has tagged me--I'm it!

"Here are the rules as passed on - Each player starts with seven random facts about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about the seven things and the rules. You need to choose seven people to tag and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment that they have been tagged and to read your blog!"

1) I have 24 children.My husband and I have been foster parents to 21 children over a 12 year period during our marriage. Add that to our 3 birth children--and you have more than a quiver full!

2) I graduated from college--May, 2005. Yes, it's true--with my first attempt at college, I received a MRS--after marrying my college sweetheart! 31 years later, I graduated with honors with a B.S. in Psychology and am currently working towards my Master's Degree.

3) I have been a guest soloist for our State's Republican Convention.

4) I hate, no that's H.A.T.E. housework! I say that with the deepest respect to Barb, winner of Hidden Treasure, 2007 Homemaking Blog Award, who's inspiration is not lost on me! I just can't do it!

5) I am the oldest of five children. Although, my sister who is only three years younger than me--often reminds me that I am older than God himself! Don't 'cha just love little sisters?!!!!

6) My favorite animal is a horse, my favorite color is purple. My favorite beverage......Diet Coke, my favorite food to make.....Spaghetti, because my children insist, it is the best spaghetti ever made--anywhere! Thank God they haven't ever dined at Diane's Place for any of her Sunday dinners!

7) I am addicted--yes, that's A.D.D.I.C.T.E.D to blogging! I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 15 months of blogging and have been richly blessed by getting to know so many wonderful people--yes, that's Y.O.U! :)

I tag:

Tattle Tales

What's Up, Buttercup?

Love Well

Scrambled Dregs

Sit With Me Awhile

The Broken Cup

And to round out some of my newly discovered blogging friends that I met through the April Blogging Party, Monkey Giggles.

Enjoy!