Life

Our backyard -- beautiful mountains. . .

Our Christmas tree with my husband's train and village underneath.

We had a very nice Christmas this year. My sister was home, my little sister and her family stayed to visit with all of us. I love this holiday along with all the Christmas shopping, decorating the tree and feeling festive. I had such a sadness, though, for my sister's health. I want everything to be the way it was when she was well.

Today I started to take down all the Christmas decorations. I was kind of amazed that I didn't put up too much. Next year I'll do better, I hope. :-) I like putting away all of our ornaments. Each one has a memory. We have a snowman with my daughter's teeth marks on the brim of the snowman's hat. This was our very first special ornament when she was a baby. Then we have the ornaments I embroidered back in Idaho when our oldest son was born. I especially like the ornament with "all my children" on it that was taken back in 2006 -- so special.

And now a new year is upon us. Time goes by so fast. Life goes by so fast. I need to stop and thank God for all his goodness, for his many, many blessings, for my sister and mom, for my husband and children. And pray for strength and guidance because we can not do this by ourselves.

Happy New Year everyone!!

She is home . . .

My sister is home. She will begin chemotherapy next week. I'm so glad she is home because it makes her happy. She will be eating tamales for Christmas! So happy!

Christmas has always been a big celebration in our families. It always was for my parents, therefore, traditions have been carried down to the children. My mom still makes tamales. My daughter and I make tamales. Sisters and daughter-in-laws also make them for their families. Christmas Eve has always been about family and the eating of tamales, games, and laughter. This year my sister asked that we all keep with the traditions since this has always been her "holiday", too. We rejoice because she is home.

Postiveness and hopefulness and Faith. We need all of these. God bless our sister and all of us - and all of you. :-)

My sister . . .

Today I walked with my sister along the corridor of the hospital - a short walk. We looked at the snow on the mountains and thought how pretty it all looked. In my heart, I cry. Her doctor told us she has "incurable" cancer. I don't like that word - I hate that word. How dare he tell us that. She is my sister and I love her so much. We need to keep praying for a miracle. God knows our paths in life - I just hope he will let her path continue.

Yummy Cookies!!

Today I went to a Cookie Exchange Party for the first time ever. I had a wonderful time seeing and talking with good friends and especially seeing friends I had not seen in a long time. I am so blessed to have so many good people around me.

There were all kinds of cookies and the food was delicious!!!! Tamales, taquitos; a spinach, artichoke, parmesan dip, salad, salsa and chips and the best of all hot apple cider with caramel and whipped cream --- Absolutely delicious!!! I ate way too much, as usual.

I want to give you all two really nice scriptures that we heard at church this morning. I was so touched by them. Although I have heard these scriptures before, today they held more importance to me.

Proverbs 2:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Have faith in the Lord in all things.

Jeremiah 32:27 "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is there any thing too hard for me?"

No there is not anything too hard for him. We must have faith and believe.

Have a good week everyone. God bless us all. Don't forget your umbrellas!!!

From Your Father

A letter from your father in honor of your birthday. . .

The first time my daughter was introduced to me oratories were addressed to a child that I was finally able to see; Before it was small talk through the stomach of your mother. I had no visual response from you, not a hint of a soft smile or a touch of your hand. So I waited and continued to converse, sing and played my recorder (flute) for you. When you were born the baby sounds in " Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder danced in my head and will forever remain in my thoughts whenever I hear it. I don't care what your age may be, it is a song that is not dated. The song merely describes how proud and lucky I am of you then and now. Throughout the years and for the years to come if I do not say it to someone I would say it to myself, "Isn't She Lovely." Earth would not deny you as you flew kites using her wind. Water would lead you to the finest trout when you had it's permission to fish and although our dog Zora crazed to put out fires with more determination than a rhinoceros you enjoyed it's warmth by cooking the likes of marshmellows and hot dogs. To this day you still like to remain out side. You were never without friends. Books were your friends also. You read to all your animals and to your stuffed animals as well. These profound characteristics continue within the realm in which you walk; the beautiful flowers you and your husband grow. The career you have chosen is like those flowers you grow, planting seeds, nurturing and watching the majority of the lot blossom. Somebody the other day asked me, "Is that your daughter?" and I said,"Yes. Isn't She Lovely."

Love you, Dad.

Happy Birthday to Our Daughter

Today is our daughter's birthday. Happy Birthday daughter!!!

When I found out I was expecting you, I was so excited! Your dad and I lived in the time of the flower children. We lived in a little basement apartment that belonged to a big old home. It had a huge front porch and sat on top of a hill overlooking the college campus your dad went to. Every day I walked to work -- about 5-6 blocks one way. Your dad built you a crib made from bamboo - it was a beautiful little crib for our little girl. We did not have t.v., but we had music. Dinner was sometimes a bowl of Raisin Bran, but when I craved a strawberry pie, your dad would get up and go to the nearest supermarket to buy me one. I remember one time your dad bought me veal because it was suppose to be good for me -- yuck! I did not like it -- too strong of a taste. I did, however, love oysters and crackers (still do!)

I remember we made a couple of practice runs to the hospital to see how long it would take us. :-) Dad and I even went to the Lamaze classes to learn how to breathe correctly --we were going to have you naturally -- no drugs. The morning of the tenth, I got up to get ready for work as usual when my water broke --- "Hurry!!!! It's Time!!!"

Your dad got me in the car and we made it to the hospital with plenty of time. You know the "no drugs?" Forget it -- after almost the whole day in labor, I said, "OK, give me something for this pain!!!!" You were born at 6:06 p.m. You weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. and you were 19 1/2 inches long. You had so much hair and oh my gosh -- we fell in love with you in an instant.

I woke up and saw you in your daddy's arms. Since then you have been daddy's girl and mine, too. We love you.

Thank you for giving blood for your "tia" on your birthday. God bless you, mija. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Hmmmm ......

I'm back at work -- for three weeks -- then it's the "Winter Recess" formerly known as the "Christmas Break." For the last 13 years, our school taught on a year round schedule and therefore, I was off for six weeks right after Thanksgiving. I have not worked in December for all this time and here I am working. It is fun, I must say, because the children are so excited about Christmas, but at the same time it is hard to keep them focused on the learning.

Another downfall on working during this time is the decorating of my home. I used to take my time and put every decoration in its place. At this moment all my Christmas decoration containers are sitting all over our music room -- what a mess!!!

Ok, I understand that the majority of the working society works during this time, so I shouldn't be complaining, but I do need to figure out a way to reorganize and get things in order here at home and at work. When do you do the shopping?

Life is grand, isn't it? :-)

Tomorrow, my sister finds out when they will do the operation. I'm really hoping for a complete healing. With God, all things are possible.