The Most Helpful Gift of All

This says it all. The shopped for and saved treasures may be great, but how nice it is to send something that was an "ah-ha."

Wrapping Christmas Presents

Every year I shop for Christmas presents all year long. When I see something that I think is perfect for a friend or a family member, I buy it and stash it away in my "Christmas closet." A few years ago, it became "closets." Sometimes I would buy something that I thought would make a perfect gift, only to realize that I truly wanted it for myself. Hmmmm. "Self-gifting" is something many of us have to deal with at one time or another. So, I've gotten more honest. I've kept a few items that I realize dazzled my eyes because I really wanted them. Have I given gifts that I would have loved to have had? Yes! That's also part of the whole experience - giving gifts to those you love, both friends and family, and anticipating the genuine pleasure that your gift may bring. They truly are part of the giver. They come from the heart. That's why I can't wait to get out the year's treasure trove and wrap the gifts with excitement, anticipation, and love.

Luke's Baptism

Sunday Butch baptized Luke Jacob and Luke's cousin Zoe. Luke recognized Butch and stared at him the whole time. Zoe wasn't too sure about the wet hand on her head. Many family members and friends were there for the service and we were all smiling. It was a wonderful day to share with our families and our faith community. These two precious children, and their siblings, are gifts that we love and cherish. How fortunate we all are!

Texas and the BCS Championship

Today I learned that some of my relatives are coming to Southern California for the BCS National Championship Game at the Rose Bowl. I love getting to see various family members as they journey to our neck of the woods for special occasions like this one. Now, which team do you think they'll be rooting for?

Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night!....and not going back to sleep for hours!!

Okay, who can tell me why we sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and then we're unable to go back to sleep. So, we solve "the problems of the world": Call her. Email him. Set up that meeting. Cancel that meeting. What was his/her name? Oh, come on, I should know that. (Oh, NO! Am I beginning to lose it?) Call Robin and get a good, easy cookie recipe. Today FOR SURE I'm going to straighten up those files. Water the plants. Write that report. Call 1, 2, 3,.... (At that point, I get the flashlight, open the side table drawer, take out the pad with the pen attached, and make notes.) Maybe if I write these down, I can put my mind at ease and go back to sleep.
Now that that's done, I'm going back to sleep. Oh, wait, I forgot about that phone call. Okay, I'll call first thing tomorrow. Wait! What time did the clock just strike? Oh, my heavens, I've been awake for an hour. Okay, relax. Take deep breaths. Do that tighten and then release the muscles from the toes up thing. Oh, gosh, now I've got a leg cramp. Darn! Is it getting light outside? Maybe I'd be better off if I just get up. But I've got a couple of hours left to sleep. Okay. Try again............ Remember to call first thing in the morning. Oh, yes. Tell You-Know-Who about the drawer that's broken. Should I just go on and get rid of those clothes that don't fit? Am I ever going to lose weight? Maybe I should join the Club and go to some of those exercise classes for overweight, old people. Are you going to call tomorrow? Probably not. Why not? It will be good for you. You're never too old to get in shape...at least some kind of shape. Okay, that's a good idea. Well, maybe if........

Decorating a Christmas Tree

One of my most favorite things to do is to decorate our Christmas tree. As I take out the ornaments, I remember people who gave them to us, people with whom I've decorated our tree, and friends and family through the years who are all a part of the beauty of our tree. Some are now in the Communion of Saints, and that adds a dimension to our tree that is so very special. When I hang those ornaments, I remember a lot of love, a lot of happy times, and a smile always comes to my face. Our tree is truly a celebration of all that has been, all that is, and all that will be.

Thanksgiving

So often we have so much to be thankful for that it can be overwhelming. As I look at my family and my friends and all those who share or have shared my life over these many years, I realize that who I am is in a sense a part of all of them. They came into my life at different times and helped shape me and my perspective on life. Thanks, Mom and Dad. Thanks, David and Tom and Mary and Kathy. Thanks, Butch. Thanks Susan, Linda, Lynn, Carolyn, Blake, Tony, Sue, Nan, Dorothea, Ray and Mary Jane. Thanks, Mark and Claire and Maria. Thanks Monterey friends, Lubbock friends, Sweet Briar friends, UT friends, Yale friends, Ropesville friends, Lawrence friends, and Claremont friends. My cup runneth over.