Better days ahead I hope!

This has been a long test of my ability to stay positive. I usually don't have a problem with that, but this has been a real struggle. I started the steroids over the weekend and I started feeling a bit better. But when I called the doctor and told them today that it has been a few nights since I have really slept, I found out that sometimes, that is a side effect of the drug. Here it is 1:22 am and I am still wired, heart racing a bit and yet I am tired. This is why I have troubles with meds. I know I probably need them, but at what cost?
When I saw this quote... I thought I really try to do all of those things except the 3rd and the last one I am struggling with. For whatever reason I am still struggling to get a good deep breath and because of that, I really am having a hard time being interested in doing anything, just don't have the energy for it.
I did get Valentine's out to my family today, I love the holidays and love to make and send packages to my family and friends, yet...it was a lot of work just getting the Valentine's out. Luckily Jeff already got me the stamps, all I had to do was make the long walk to the mailbox ( right across the street ).
It snowed yesterday and I was glad, because I still have all my Winter Décor up. That is a sure sign that I am sick...because I always decorated my house for the seasons. But this year, I am not so sure that we will get the Valentine's Decorations up in time. I guess that is ok, and happens some times..right?
Well dear friends, thanks for always being there. I think about you often. Good night!

Happy Holidays to my girls!

Saturday night the girls we sent the girls to the Nutcracker as part of their Christmas gift. Amy is the only one that had ever been there before,  but she was little then.  For Lauren and Angie it was their first time and as you can tell from their faces, they had a wonderful time!

   

I feel so blessed that we were able to share this with our girls this year. I would have loved for all of us to go together but …they had a great time. I love the holidays and everything about it!

Christmas comes with children singing,
Christmas comes with sleigh bells ringing,
Christmas comes with frosty nights,
Christmas comes with snowball fights.
Christmas comes with Santa Claus,
Christmas comes with snowy floors,
Christmas comes with robins and reindeer,
Christmas comes with a hearty cheer.
Christmas comes with gold, frankincense and myrrh,
Christmas comes with Jesus' birth,
Christmas comes with angels from afar,
Christmas comes with a wondrous star.
Christmas comes now, at last,
Christmas comes, like in the past,
Christmas comes after such a long wait,
Christmas comes and it will be great.
         ~Amy Darnbrook

“It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.”     ~ Henry Ward Beecher

“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.”   ~ Chinese Proverb

“Christmas is not a time or a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”   ~ Calvin Coolidge

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I have to admit when it comes to my family, I am very lucky! My daughter-in-law showed us how to really celebrate St. Patrick's Day to the fullest this year. Now most of you know that I celebrate and decorate for almost every season but, I never really have done much for St. Patrick's Day. Maybe a green pancake or too, some green confetti on the table.  For weeks Krystal has been making and collecting things to transform our home to a place where surely a leprechaun would want to be. We even had a pot of gold and a couple of red headed (Iris looking) little girls, a pot of gold ( yellow jello blocks in a pot ), corn beef and cabbage soup, Irish Folk Songs playing in the background and a whole lot of beautiful decorations. So now we are sold on St. Patrick's Day. I am going to start right away getting my own decorations made for next year, just in case they aren't around here to help us. 

It is late and I am beyond tired, this is probably the most I have been up in weeks and so I will close now and just leave with you a few Iris thoughts. Good night dear friends and remember how lucky we are, to have each other!

Irish Saying
Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.
Lullabies, dreams and love ever after.
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes...
That's the Irish for You!

"May you live all the days of your life"~ Jonathan Swift

Irish Blessing
May you always walk in sunshine.
May you never want for more.
May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

The changing of the Seasons!

Well, today we took down Christmas, we had to do it while Angie wasn't here...she loves Christmas just as much as Nana does, if not more. I put on the Christmas music and tried to get excited about the Valentine's Day decorations. They will be the next ones to put up this week. It went down faster than normal because everyone helped, plus some friends of ours came over too! That is true friendship don't you think to help someone like me ( who has tons of decorations )? That is what you call...ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY! Thanks dear friends!

So here I sit, it is late... I am waiting for Lee to get home from a church dance and looking at my empty house. I am not sure where I first developed the love of decoration for the seasons? My mom decorated for Christmas but that was about it. When we had Amy ( our first ) I had already been making and selling crafts for a business and of course the best seller is whatever the season is at that time. But for some reason, I was excited to decorate and celebrate every season with Amy. By the time Bradley was born... I already had quite a collection built up. I am not sure if something is called a collection if  you make all of it? Whatever!

I have been tempted (in my old age) not to put up ALL the decorations for the different seasons, but that went away as soon as I became a Nana. To watch Angie's little face when she reaches in and pulls out each decorations...is worth it all! There is not a kid that come's over to Aunt Lynn's house that doesn't love it too. When I told Angie the other day that we need to take down the Christmas decorations she said " Oh Nana, don't take down the deawations". When I said we had to, she then said " Are we going to put up Halloween?" :) Then I explained Valentine's Day and she threw up her arms and said "Oh Nana, are we going to put up hearts everywhere?" How can you turn a face like that down?

I hope that each of you are able to enjoy the changing of the seasons and holidays! I really am grateful that I get to be here to celebrate each one. Good night dear friends!

"Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." ~ Dale Evans Rogers

"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other's burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts  and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." ~ W.C. Jones

First things first!

I have never really been one for a lot of New Year's Resolutions, but I do try to find ways to improve my life throughout the year. I get a bit frustrated with all the incredible marketing from October on. In October it seems as if all you hear and see is Halloween Candy adds. Then in November every add is about food, the comforts food and everything for the Thanksgiving Feast. Then December adds and commercials are all about the sweets and treats for Christmas, more and more comfort foods. Then in January all you hear is..just look at yourself, don't you want to look better for the New Year? Lose weight so you can enjoy life more? It is quite the marketing scheme. I guess that is why I don't like just January goals.  I do like the idea of evaluating our lives and trying to remember that the important things don't get left out. Here is a wonderful story to remind us of this very thing!

 

Dr. Stephen R. Covey,
First Things First

One day this expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration I’m sure those students will never forget. After I share it with you, you’ll never forget it either.

As this man stood in front of the group of high-powered over-achievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.

When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class said, "Yes." Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.

Then he smiled and asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was onto him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. And he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"

"No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good!" Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked up at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"

One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!"

"No," the speaker replied, "that’s not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all."

What are the big rocks in your life? A project that you want to accomplish? Time with your loved ones? Your faith, your education, your finances? A cause? Teaching or mentoring others? Remember to put these Big Rocks in first or you’ll never get them in at all.

"The key is not to prioritize what's on our schedule, but to schedule your priorities."  ~ Stephen R. Covey

"Goals are simply tools to focus your energy in positive directions, these can be changed as your priorities change, new one added, and others dropped"

Tragedy

 

I started off my day with a phone call from my brother this morning. He told me that last night one of my cousins died in a car accident. He a husband and father of 4 young children. My heart just broke when I heard that. How do you ever prepare yourself for something like that? I wished we lived closer, so that at least we could help with the kids or something. I do realize the power of prayers though, and so we will pray for his wife, children, mother and family. He certainly will be missed. So tonight, I will dedicate my post to my sweet cousin's family and all those who suffering and hurting this holiday season. These are a few suggestions that I found that might helpful.

If you have lost a loved one, you might be wondering how to cope with your grief this holiday season.

With the first fallen leaf of autumn, we begin to anticipate the holidays ahead. Our senses are acute and take in everything: the smell of turkey roasting and freshly baked pies; the holiday songs playing on the radio; the sound of laughter from our loved ones who have gathered together. But for those of us who are experiencing illness, grief, or the loss of a loved one, the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger, or dread.

The ebb and flow of grief can overwhelm us with waves of memories, especially during the holidays. Grief will also magnify the stress that is already a part of the holiday season. How do we begin to fill the emptiness we feel when it seems everyone else is overflowing with joy? There are some strategies to help you cope during the holidays and beyond.

Strategies for Survival

Offer Yourself Some Grace
The best thing you can do this holiday season is be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is your feeling. Don’t fall prey to the belief that you have to feel a certain way or do certain things for your holiday to be “normal.” If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam.

Be Kind to Yourself
Get the rest and nourishment you need. Don’t take on any more than you can handle. If you need to be alone, honor that. If you crave the company and affection of others, seek it out. Do whatever it is that feels right to you.

Ask For and Accept Help
You will need the help and support of others to get through. Don’t feel as though you are a burden. People get immense satisfaction and joy from helping those they care about.

In times of need, other people desire to help but often don’t know how. This is the time for you to speak up and make your needs known. If you need someone to help you with meals, shopping, or decorating, tell them so. They will be delighted to feel like they are helping you in some way.

The same holds true for your emotional needs. Friends and family may feel uncomfortable when it comes to talking about your grief. They may think that you don’t want to talk about it and don’t want to remind you of your pain. Again, you will have to direct them in the best way to help you. If you want to talk about what you’re going through or just want a shoulder to cry on, let your loved ones know.

Find Support
Sharing your feelings is the best way to get through them. You need people you can talk to. Friends and relatives can be a great support to us during times of grief.

Stop the Comparisons
It’s easy to watch other families and compare them to your own. Seeing other families together and enjoying the festivities may make you feel deprived.

Remember That You Will Survive
As hard as it is for you right now, you will survive. You will make it through the holidays in one piece. It may be the most difficult season in your time of grief, but it will pass. And when it does, you will come out on the other side stronger than before.

"The best gift you can give anyone you love, even someone you have lost, is being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest. "

"Love is stronger than death even though it can't stop death from happening, but no matter how hard death tries it can't separate people from love. It can't take away our memories either. In the end, life is stronger than death."

Our house filled with love, laughter and friends!

Tonight was our Annual Christmas Neighborhood Open House and it turned out great. It was not as well attended as in previous years, but we were grateful for those who did get to come. As I looked around my CLEAN HOUSE (that's one of the perks of inviting people over :), I thought of the song ... The Christmas Waltz.

Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Ev'ry song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas,
"May your New Year dreams come true"
And this song of mine in three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing, too

I just love having our house filled with friends, for the opportunity to talk and really connect with each other, as well as do a lot of laughing yes... it was a fun evening! And of course my favorite part was being able to say Merry Christmas to everyone. It does seem like there is more love in the world at Christmas time. You have to admit, wouldn't it be great if everyone, felt like that all year long?

My knees are hurting bad, but that is only because I was up a lot today. It is late and I need to head to bed, I wish our home was big enough to invite all of you over for our Christmas Open House. By the way, that photo isn't of my house, it is too white!  Have a wonderful night and thanks for being an important part of our lives! And don't forget to take the opportunity every time you can... to wish people a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."  ~Anais Nin

"My friends are my estate."  ~ Emily Dickinson

"A friend is a gift you give yourself."  ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Compassion

I was thinking the other day about what the holidays felt like for me, this time a year ago. My mastectomy had happen just a month prior and I was still sore and very devastated about the whole change and loss that my body was going through. I truly thought that I would never want to see another person again , that I could never want to go out in public. I couldn't believe that life would ever be normal or feel like normal again. I thought as I watched others get ready for the Holidays, how lucky they were that they didn't have to worry about their health. One of the toughest things (and I have mentioned this before) is to keep going after cancer. Trying to find a balance between worry, fear and wondering what the future will bring. Most people were thinking about Holiday parties, shopping and on and on. When I was wondering if my cancer would return, how hard radiation would be? Would I once again beat cancer or would I continue to fight it again and again? Yes, it was a tough time in my life.

Here I am a year later, and actually not doing too bad. I am still tired, sore and uncomfortable from the Lymphodema but all in all, I am doing pretty well. I actually am preparing for our Neighborhood Open House this coming week. I have been doing some shopping and I am getting excited because all of our kids will be home for Christmas this year. And yet, I feel a bit guilty. I just don't want to lose the compassion for those around me who are battling life threatening illnesses. I want to remember them and try to not get so busy that I can't keep in touch with them or continue to visit and write them letters.

I am grateful that I am on the other side, but I  still remember vividly what it felt like. I think it is important to look around among our family and friends who are struggling during this holiday season, whether it be an illness or a loss. Please read this short story and let it be a reminder that no matter what our situation is in life, we can continue to do something for someone... no matter how big or small. Good night dear friends.

 

The Acorn Planter   ~ Brian Cavanaugh

---

In the 1930s a young traveler was exploring the French Alps. He came upon a vast stretch of barren land. It was desolate. It was forbidding. It was ugly. It was the kind of place you hurry away from.

Then, suddenly, the young traveler stopped dead in his tracks. In the middle of this vast wasteland was a bent-over old man. On his back was a sack of acorns. In his hand was a four-foot length of iron pipe.

The man was using the iron pipe to punch holes in the ground. Then from the sack he would take an acorn and put it in the hole. Later the old man told the traveler, "I've planted over 100,000 acorns. Perhaps only a tenth of them will grow." The old man's wife and son had died, and this was how he chose to spend his final years. "I want to do something useful," he said.

Twenty-five years later the now-not-as-young traveler returned to the same desolate area. What he saw amazed him. He could not believe his own eyes. The land was covered with a beautiful forest two miles wide and five miles long. Birds were singing, animals were playing, and wild flowers perfumed the air.

The traveler stood there recalling the desolation that once was; a beautiful oak forest stood there now - all because someone cared.

 

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." ~ George Washington Carver

"Compassion is a foundation for sharing our aliveness and building a more humane world."  ~ Martin Lowenthal

The perfect day!

I went to go to church yesterday with my family. We went to my new great niece's baby blessing. It was special because this niece 28 years was born and was named her me. Then yesterday at the blessing of my great niece, they named her after my mom.  We then had lunch with all of our family. After that I went and spent a little time with my youngest brother and his family. Those kids are just too cute, I only wish that I lived a bit closer so that I could be a bigger part of their lives. Then late yesterday evening some dear friends of mine, (who feel like an adopted mom and dad to me) picked me up and drove me to their new cabin up in the mountains of Heber City. We had a tough time getting there because it began snowing pretty hard and after awhile you could no longer even see the lines on the roads. It was a bit nerve racking getting there, but oh my goodness it was one of the most beautiful cabins I had ever seen. It didn't look like a cabin at all, it looked like a beautiful ski resort. They have a very large family and extended family and so that has been there gift for all their family to share. We came in, got some hot chocolate, sat in front of the fire and talked. They are such wonderful friends and it is neat because they have such wisdom to share. I realize when I am with them that I feel like I am home. It is hard not to have parents any more at my age.

(This isn't a photo of their cabin but it looked a lot like where I was last night!)

As I crawled up into that king size sleigh bed, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. I have a wonderful family, I have wonderful friends that feel like family and it's the Christmas Season. When I got up in the morning we had a ton more snow and it was just breath taking to look out the window. I didn't get to stay long because another snow storm is suppose to come in tonight and so my family picked me up after noon, but I felt blessed to have a short time to visit with such dear friends. I only wish I had a lot more time to visit with all my family and friends that are here.

So yesterday really did seem like the perfect day, the only thing that would have made it even better is... to have had Jeff and the kids with me. Yes, even though my life has been tough, I can not deny, the many blessings that I have been given. Thanks for being part of my blessings. Good night dear friends!

 

"Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, The joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing, Returns to you glad."        ~ John Greenleaf Whittier

 

"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."        ~ Agnes M. Pharo

The feeling of home, family and love!

I flew in last night to Salt Lake City, Utah to come and visit my family that is here. One of my niece's had her first baby and so Aunt Lynn needed to come and see her. I also got to stay with my sister-in-law Shirley who is the closest thing I can imagine what a sister feels like. I have some friends that I feel that close to too and it is a wonderful feeling. Since I never had sisters, I can only wonder what it is like. Shirley was one of my room mates during our college years and quickly became one of my best friends. I thought that if I introduced her to my brother... then if they got married, she would get to stay in the family and we would always be together. It worked and we have been close ever since. That was over 30 years ago!

It is always hard for me to leave home, I worry about the family and what I need to be doing but...as my kids get older and more responsible, it is getting less stressful. I was grateful that I finally healed from the flu, so that I could come and see everyone, the icing on the cake is...that it's Christmas time!

My mom died 9 years ago today, I sorta feel in some ways, that I am trying to take her place in these kid's lives.I get sad to realize that they don't have a grandma or great grandma on our side. My mom was big about being with her family, she loved each new daughter-in-law, new baby, new husband or wife that came into our family. Like I mentioned before, one of her all time favorite Christmas songs was I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS.  As I spent the day with this new little great niece,and as I saw how excited my other niece's were that I was here, it did my heart good. I only wish that I was that close to all my nieces and nephews but I do think at least they know that their Aunt Lynn loves them and would do anything for them. Yes, as I felt how much they loved and missed me today, I realized that HOME is more than just one place, it is wherever your family is and I felt blessed to be so loved. So tonight, I thought I would learn a bit more about my mom's favorite song and remember to try and follow in her footsteps of staying close to her family. I miss my mom, I miss that see never got to meet so many of these sweet little ones that have come, since she has been gone. She was a proud grandmother and mother, everyone knew that about her. And so... I am trying to be the same.

I hope at this wonderful time of the year that we will try to show are appreciation for our family, the love that we have and also be grateful for the homes that we have made. Good night dear friends!

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
Even more then I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams

In 1943, this song joined "White Christmas" to become one of America's most popular holiday songs. The recording by Bing Crosby shot to the top ten of the record charts that year and became a holiday musical tradition in the United States. The idea of being home for Christmas originated in World War I when soldiers at first thought that the war would be quick and they would return by Christmastime. This inevitably did not happen, hence the line "if only in my dreams".

Christmas in July

I heard on the radio the other day a disc-jockey that said some of your first memories, could tell you about your future. When he would interview people and asked them their earliest childhood memory, he then would compare it to what they were doing now. It was interesting to listen to. I thought of one of my earliest childhood memories, and it was sitting at my own little table and chairs. The TV was turned on in front of my table and for an hour or 1/2(?) I would watch a show called "Art with Miss Shirley". My mom said it was the only time in the whole day that I would sit still!  Miss Shirley was amazing, I thought she could do anything. She would tell me how to use all my crayons, paste, construction paper and scissors to make the most beautiful things I had ever seen. Then as soon as that was off, I had to eat lunch, take a nap and then I would get up and go back and recreate more of what she taught me that day. If it was paper placemats or paper lanterns, I made quite a few more. Then I would give them out to our neighbors or my Aunt and Grandmother.

Now this disc-jockey would probably say to me ...that is why I was a vender at the craft fairs. I entered my first craft show at the age of 12 and did that until in my 30's (when my back finally gave out). I still like to create crafts and gifts today. I guess it would be true in some ways. I never do things one at a time, I always make multiples in case I forget a birthday or something like that. It is a joke in our home, that I can't make just one of anything. When it comes to Christmas, I do tend to get a bit out of control on the gift giving. I guess there could be worse things to be out of control with, right?

I am sorta the same way about letter writing, I know that is a art that is slowly being lost, but as Jeff would say "it's a art that will never be lost as long as Lynn is alive". He also says that I could have stock in the Post Office with all the letters and packages that I mail. He said being married to me is just like... being married to Mrs. Santa! Some how I am not feeling like that is quite the compliment that I think it is. Well,it is true....I love to create things for my loved ones and friends and I don't think anyone can send too many letters or packages. The thrill of getting something in the mail is still a big deal.

So now you know two of my favorite things, creating gifts and writing cards. The next favorite of mine is Christmas time. I am so glad to see all the Christmas in July sales. Not because I am going to buy anything, but because they are already talking about Christmas. I drive my family crazy because I want to play Christmas Carols all year long. I do stop in January or sometimes Feb. But now that it is July, Angie and I are starting to get practiced up on our Christmas songs. I can see my family roll their eyes but,they know there is nothing better than the Spirit of Christmas and the excitement of a little child.

I will leave you with this sweet Christmas Poem about a Christmas Letter and hope that you will remember for just a minute or two, how blessed we are to celebrate that Sacred Season. Also, hopefully this post will also remind you to continue to do something that you love every day and maybe even get out some pen and paper and write a letter!  :) Happy Christmas in July!

"The one good thing about not seeing you is that I can write you letters."  ~Svetlana Alliluyeva

A CHILD'S LETTER TO SANTA

December 4, 2002

Snowflakes softly falling, upon your window they play.
Your blanket is snug around you, into sleep you drift away.
I bend to gently kiss you, when I see that on the floor,
There's a letter neatly written, I wonder whom it's for.
I quietly unfold it, making sure you're still asleep.
It's a Christmas list for Santa; one my heart will always keep.
It started just as always, with the toys seen on TV,
A new watch for your father and a winter coat for me.
But as my eyes read on, I could see that deep inside,
There were many things you wished for, that your loving heart would hide.
You asked if your friend Molly could have another Dad.
It seems her father hits her, and it makes you very sad.
Then you asked dear Santa, if the neighbor down the street,
Could find a job that he might have some food, and clothes, and heat.
You saw a family on the news, whose house had blown away.
"Dear Santa, send them just one thing, a place where they can stay."
"And Santa, those four cookies, that I left you for a treat,
Could you take them to the children, who have nothing else to eat?"
"Do you know that little bear I have, the one I love so dear?
I'm leaving it for you to take to Africa this year".
"And as you fly your reindeer, on this night of Jesus' birth,
Could your magic bring to everyone, goodwill and peace on earth?"
"There's one last thing before you go, so grateful I would be,
If you'd smile at Baby Jesus, in the manger by our tree."
I pulled the letter close to me, I felt it melt my heart.
Those tiny hands had written what no other could impart.
"And a little child shall lead them," was whispered in my ear,
As I watched you sleep on Christmas Eve, while Santa Claus was here.

--- Author Unknown ---

 

4th of July Weekend

Well, we realized early this week that Jeff had Friday off for the 4th of July. Since his heart problems and my cancer, we have run out of vacation days and so we really didn't have any plans for this summer (other than around here). But when we realized that Friday was a vacation day, we decided at the last minute, to go to Port Townsend for the weekend. Hopefully the weather will continue to hold up.

My big concern is actually about Amy. We asked them to go with us and she is only 6 weeks away from delivering Miss Jenny. She has a hard time sleeping in her own bed, much less a blow up mattress... but she wants to try. This will be Angie's first time camping but she loves the outdoors and so we are hoping she will do fine. We have had the tents up for a couple of days in the back yard and she loves them. She keeps saying that she is going to the ocean to swim with the whales and get sea shells. Never seen a whale there before but hey...there is a first time for everything!  Port Townsend means a lot to our family, for over 10 years that is where we held our Family Reunions. We used to have a lot of family come and of course the bigger the group, the better. But then year by year, more and more of them stayed home and pretty soon we were celebrating by ourselves or with friends that the kids brought.

It is a quirky little town but it seems almost magical to us...the water, beach, stores and camping. Now I haven't camped in a while because of my back, and that is another thing that I am a bit worried about. Seems like when I do something like this, that physically I will have to pay for it a long time. But like Amy, I don't want to miss our family having the chance to be together so...we are going to wish for a comfortable Miracle!  :)

I won't be near my computer for a few days but I did want to wish you all a Happy Independence Day! How blessed we are to live in the LAND OF THE FREE. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the military service men and women, and their dear families (who also sacrifice a lot).

"I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
One nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
~ The Pledge of Allegiance

"Posterity: you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it." ~ John Quincy Adams

"America will never be destroyed from the outside.
If we falter and lose our freedoms,
it will be because we destroyed "
--Abraham Lincoln