GOT A MINUTE OR TWO

Today I started the transformation from Fall to Christmas~ My dearest brought in my bins. You can see we've really downsized and only have a small storage area on the balcony for my decorations. (Spring, Fall, Christmas) It's a job to get Fall put away and Christmas out...but you can see I at least have started..(Everything piled on the couch).. This morning I did take a break to make 6 doz cookies for our "Carols and Cookies" at Church tonight. The coffee station was the first thing I finished.  Tomorrow I will complete the project.  I do love Christmas.  Was listening to Christmas music while I worked. You can see Molly was very excited.  She just wanted me to clear off her spot on the couch. How is your Christmas decorations coming?

~ Let's start with appetizers ~ The Turkey Cake has been a Thanksgiving tradition for over 40 years.  The kids make the head and tail feathers.     The baton has been passed...Michel did the main course, and Monique (above) is such a helper...someday the baton will be passed to her!!   I love Michel's "big" table.  How nice that many of us can sit together, others enjoyed the sunny day and the table in the back yard. One of my biggest blessings, is watching our adult grandchildren playing a hilarious game of "spoons".  They are clear plastic so you can't see them.  All the more fun!!!     Our son, Myk brought his new toy!  I was anxious to have a ride since I haven't been on the back of a bike this size for years!!!   Now getting ON the bike was a challenge.  The helmet alone felt like 25 lbs.   OK, Grandma...which leg first.....Yikes OK, I'm half way there..... ...

 Jeremiah 10:10  "But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King....." Dear Lord, In a world that markets innumerable false gods, I acknowledge You, O Lord, as the only true God in a world that lives as though You were dead. I choose to walk in Christ's resurrection life, for You are the living King.  In a world bound by time and quickly passing away, I embrace Your gift of everlasting life.   Sovereign Lord, I gratefully worship You in the beauty of all that You are ~~ true, living and eternal!  I love You.  Amen. Maranatha Worship Bible reference

  THANK YOU, Father for the voice of wisdom.  It calls to us, it seeks us out and does not remain hidden.  Its voice can be heard by anyone who will listen.  Please give me ears to hear and a heart to understand, so that I may live by Your truth, walk in Your light, and grow in Your grace and knowledge.  I love You.  Amen. You are the living Truth; All wisdom dwells in You, The source of every skill, The One Eternal True! O great I AM, in You we rest Sure answer to our every quest. You only are true Life; To know you is to live The more abundant life That earth can never give. O Risen Lord, we live in You; In us each day Your Life renewed. We come O Christ, to You ~Margaret Clarkson (1957-1985)

  I admit it!  I have a thing for lamps.  The are all over our home ~ different sizes, tall and short and a variety of lamp shades.  This is my newest one.  Thrift Store find.  I needed a "tall" lamp as my Thanksgiving pilgrims are tall.  I love how they show of the details of the pilgrims. You know how I feel about fresh flowers...yes, another trip to Trader Joe's.   I could not wait for Thanksgiving when I saw this 1/2 turkey breast at Trader Joe's.   Oh those turkey sandwiches with mayo and cranberry sauce...Yum. A big pot of Taco Soup.  So easy ~ 4 cups cooked and cubed chicken breasts. 4 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 pkg. Taco dry seasoning. 1 can of black beans, white beans, kidney beans, butter beans...(you chose what kind of beans you like) Approx. 4 to 5 cans of beans.  (don't drain)  1 can whole kernel sweet corn, 1 can pitted black olives.  Dump it all in a large crock pot and heat for several ...

Since my birthday in May, it seems like we have been singing Willie Nelson's song  "On the Road Again". The trip to Tahoe to celebrate our friends Bob and Barbara's 50th Anniversary, then a trip to Tucson to celebrate Kris and Ted's 50th.  Home for a short time and another trip to celebrate Howard's life at his memorial service, the Baby Shower, and last weekend the Wedding....Who said retired life was sitting on the porch sipping ice tea?  HaHa Well today was just as busy, but it was HERE!  We made our Monrovia Run ~ The car wash, the bank, the library, Trader Joe's and a quick Mac Griddle. Got home and saw a house that needed my attention.  Cleaned the bathroom from top to bottom, same with the kitchen and mopped all the floors.  Made two loaves of Banana Bread, and gave Don leftover spaghetti for dinner. Made a fresh pot of coffee and having a piece of banana bread!  Nice ending to a busy but nice day.   As my banner says "Home is where...

Molly and her teddy bear watching the Hallmark Christmas Channel. She enjoyed her vacation with my cousins while we attended the wedding. It's a dogs life....haha

The Wedding was beautiful, the location, the couple and everything surrounding this lovely day.  Danielle and Jon a perfect match. We were there when Danielle was born, when her son Levi was born 7 years ago, and now at her marriage, where Jon has not only gained a wife but a son.  As they walked out after the ceremony the song playing was "We are Family".   The setting was lovely at the campus of Stanislaus State University  in Turlock. The color theme was "Peacock" and this little flower girl looked like a walking peacock...so adorable. The color theme was done beautifully by Dani's Dad and Mom.  Karen found a dress that actually had peacock decor.  Lovely! This was Pastor Don's boutonniere .  Absolutely beautiful.  All the groomsmen had the same. Our daughters Michel in the middle, Julie on the left and Monique (granddaughter) and her husband Eddie.  Mom and Dad so happy to have them make the trip fo...

  The church where Howard's Memorial service was held has a "Day Care" that is unbelievable.  This Safari Land is behind the church where the children who attend must have a blast every day! This is where the trail begins.  I was so impressed I walked around and took several pictures.  It was a Saturday so school was not in session.   Animals were everywhere, and the trails and animals looked so real.  There was also an area for having lunch or a snack.    I think this monkey was wondering where all the kids were!  HaHa A "Hippo" in a fake river..blue cement.   A majestic Lion guarding the entrance and parking lot. And as we were leaving, out came a Zebra to say goodbye. The name of the church is "The Bridge" and they really went all out for their Day Care School. We are off again....a trip up North for a wedding.  My dearest is going to preform the ceremony for a dear girl Dan...

  This weekend was the celebration of two lives.  We celebrated Howard's life at his Memorial Service Saturday.  It was bittersweet as we will miss him so much but we rejoice that he is finished with pain and illness and now enjoying heaven. But we also celebrated a NEW life this weekend as Howard's granddaughter will bring a new little boy into the world in January, Conner Howard.   We had a wonderful baby shower on Sunday, and little Connor Howard will know his Great Grandpa through the pictures, stories and love that will be share to him about his grandpa he never met personally.   Many lovely gifts were given with the theme of Noah's Ark and that will be the Nursery theme too. The center pieces were all animals and it was a wonderful time to reflect on Howard's life, and now to welcome another little "Howard" into the world. The cycle of life...we all are touch by it!