"Three Things"

Just a little something to think about as we move forward into a new year. It seems we rarely hear anything positive in the news. I know there are difficult times worldwide, but we always need hope. My good friend Carlene sent a beautiful e-mail to me this week and I would like to post it here. The e-mail had sweet music and beautiful pictures, but I was not able to transfer them to the post. It is really something to think about--more so now, maybe than ever before. I don't know the author of these words, but I wanted to share them.

Three Things

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back:
Time /Words /Opportunity

Three things in life that one should always have:
Hope/ Peace/ Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable:
Love/ Friends / Self-Confidence

Three things in life that are never certain:
Success/ Dreams/ Fortune

Three things in life that make a person good:
Sincerity/ Hard work/ Compassion

Three things in life that can destroy a person:
Pride/ Greed/ Anger

Three things in life that are truly constant:
Father/ Son/ Holy Spirit

I asked the Lord to bless you,
As I prayed for you today;
To guide you and protect you,
As you go along your way.
His love is always with you,
All of His promises are true.
Believe, and He will see you through!

Something to think about, "just sayin'."

Wishing all of you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Christmas "Buzz"

We had our family Christmas gathering on the 27th. We enjoyed a meal before the gift giving. We had a good time and it started out calm and organized and then in seconds it was the usual ripping of packages with excitement, toys, boxes and papers everywhere...but, that is the fun of it. We did enjoy the grandkids opening their gifts first.

Rudy is a bit like his mother(me)........we don't like to have our picture taken, but I did get a little smile out of him this time. Good picture Rudy--It wasn't all that painful, now was it?

It was so warm the night of the 27th and Nathan was really hot. Katie took his outfit off and let him get a little air. I just had to get a picture of his toy and show you once again how much he has grown. His baby thighs would make a football player envious.

Left to right - Josh, Gillan, Andrew, and Gracie opened their traditional Christmas ornaments from Grandma. Sorry about the lighting. It looks like the moon is coming up in the TV.

This is where it really all started to happen. Gillan and Gracie received I-Pods from us this year.
They were really thrilled and I think it was really a surprise for Gracie. Josh and Andrew who are still really in to the movie "Cars", along with all of the cast of characters. Josh made a wish list several weeks before Christmas of the play sets (along with drawings of each) that he and Andrew would like to have. I picked two out for them and they seemed to be very pleased.

Grandpa with all of our grandkids

Nathan meeting Great Uncle Jack for the first time

Just lookin' around

Grandpa & Nathan again

A Christmas Greeting From Us to You

Now this is something I have not done on this blog...post a picture of "us"....I just really wanted to send this Christmas message to each of you. Thank you faithful readers. I hope you will hang with me into the next year. The Smilebox card is short and sweet....hope you are not disappointed.....only one picture...........and boo, hoo no grandchildren pictures. There will be pictures of them coming after the weekend.

Make a Smilebox greeting

Sister & Brother-in-Law

I don't think I have ever posted a picture of my sister and brother-in-law---don't know why, because they are very special people. They are always doing for others. They have genuine concern for people and a willingness to help do whatever they can. They are very generous and have kind hearts. Both of them are funny and just fun to be around. My sister is six years older than me and married young, so "Bob"(his grandpa name) is like a brother to me. He has just always been in my life. And, I have to say that Bob is a great husband. He loves my sister so much.........there is nothing he would not do for that woman.

As a child I know I was really a pest and a brat. Carole was scared of everything and I really got my kicks from scaring her. She was always and still is so sweet to me. Our Mom never made her take me places, but she often would....just because, well I guess she is just really nice or she wanted me to go with her. I have always looked up to her. She has always been willing to advise me and that is especially important now that we no longer have our Mom.

A sister or a brother can share their heart---we often talk about our past, some of it good and some not so good....... in turn I have tried to encourage my kids to remain close as adults, because there are things to share that only a sibling can really know about. Much can be gained by sharing memories, laughter and even sorrow when shared between siblings.

"Gram" and "Bob" I love you both more than you know.

Easy Taco Pie

Here it is Sandy...recipe now posted below.

Quick Crescent Taco Pie

1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup chunky salsa
1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 1/2 cups crushed corn chips
1 8 oz. carton sour cream
6 slices American cheese

Shredded lettuce, sliced black olives, & diced tomatoes

Brown meat in large skillet; drain. Add seasoning mix, water, and salsa; simmer for 5 minutes. Spread the crescent roll dough in 10 inch pie plate to form crust; press edges together at seams. Sprinkle 1 cup crushed corn chips on crust bottom, reserving remaining 1/2 cup. Spoon meat mixture into pie crust. Spread sour cream over meat. Cover with cheese slices; sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of corn chips on top. Bake @ 375 degrees for 20 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Serve with lettuce, olives, & tomatoes. Yield 6 servings.

Something Fun To Pass Time

Most of you probably don't need anything to pass the time.....usually, I don't either. But, since I am confined and love playing anything with grandkids, Josh and Andrew introduced me to Fun Foam. It is a lot like Play Dough, but it is softer and easier to work with. I think it is easier to clean up too. The creativity was flowing. From left to right, Andrew made a fancy water slide. I made flowers and a bird house...complete with blue bird and Josh made a different looking snowman. The colors were limited so we just had to do the best we could.....but, it was great fun.

Back Update and More

I will get to the "back update" in a minute, but below is my Christmas tree this year. Many of you may not know that I thought I really needed a tall...very tall Christmas tree when we moved into the new house...almost six years ago. Well, I got what I wanted and it is a beautiful tree, but I just didn't feel like I could deal with it this year....due to the back surgery. Half of the lights stopped working and we tried so hard to fix them last year....anyway, the thing weighs a ton and is bulky and almost impossible to assemble and take down and get it up and down from the attic. Below is the cute little Norfolk Pine David brought home for me. My dear friend Linda came to visit and re- potted and helped decorate. It is getting the right amount of light from the big window...at least I hope so. It may not look as "Christmasey" (not a word??) as usual, but it will be pretty for years to come if I don't kill it.

The picture above is Josh....he is quite fascinated with the snow globe--it is motion sensitive, so if he is not touching it, he is clapping his hands. Below is Andrew.......he is so funny....he loves the globe too.......I think he looks like one of those life size dolls people make and stand facing the wall. People, I am just looking for entertainment for myself here. I will get to the back in a minute.

And, of course Katie's boys are not complete without the one below....Nathan is a joy....still wish I could really pick him up and hold him. Gillan & Gracie will be here after Christmas and I will get to be with all of my grand kiddos. Can't wait.

Alright....I went to see the doctor Thursday....my first day away from this place since the surgery three weeks ago. I am feeling great....no pain, no pain medication needed. They took another x-ray and the doctor thought I was doing wonderful....and I am, so I am ready to go shopping............NO, he said, " NO....stay in the brace day and night, don't get in a car, avoid crowds, don't lift, don't do laundry, etc. etc. I have really been good and feel good. He is concerned about my feeling too good. "This will be the hardest part," he said. I must continue to do Nothing (yeah, right) until I return for a visit...oh my...what about family Christmas, Boyer get-together, church Christmas programs, haircuts????? He firmly said, NO...you know what to do! And he continued with news of a lady in the hospital now who did not follow his orders and will probably need surgery again..........this was a "downer".......I had shopping on my mind. I want to be uncaged/unleashed ( sounds like I am a dog or maybe a lion)...... I didn't talk much on the way home.....I was speaking with the Lord or should I say He was talking to me............HIS obvious answer was that I should be grateful that I am doing so well and not want to jeopardize what has been so skillfully corrected. And, yes I do feel that way. I am very grateful and NO, I do not want to mess it up. So, my next outing is January 8. Oh yes, and I will get a lighter brace then too ( I thought the doc said I would be in a brace for only two months). I know....this is a gift....the new type surgery......much less recovery time....it sometimes takes weeks in the bed and a year to heal for the old type back surgery. I think the doctor must have picked up on my Type A personality and is really holding me back extra. But, I'm happy, I'm happy yes, I AM HAPPY...Happy and Thankful! I do know the Lord brought me through this surgery and he will help me through the healing process.

I did forget to share that the doctor was so proud of his work that he did a video of me to show to other doctors whom he trains to do this Minimal Invasive Procedure that I had done. I just gave my name, the procedure I had done and gave my pain level before the surgery versus the pain level now.

This blog may be boring you to tears, but it is terrific mental therapy for me.........until next doctor's visit...I will be here!

Baby!

Oh, there is nothing like a sleeping baby. Nathan is more fun everyday. He is starting to really talk and coo (well you know, make sweet sounds). I sure wish I could pick him up anytime I wanted to. I do get to hold him, but I want to pick him up and really hold him. The brace I have to wear makes both of us uncomfortable.

I just could not resist taking pictures of his little hands and feet.

Oh, and these little rolls on his thighs...... I just could not resist.
He is gaining and growing like crazy.

Hey, Does Anyone Know This Guy?

Guess...do you know?

More Thanksgiving Day Photos

Papa catches the last of the great-grandkids to hand out the traditional
twenty dollar bills from him for Christmas.

The Beach Bunch
Cortny, Diane, Kelly, Carter, and Jordan

Jake & Andrew (second cousins) are a pair - they enjoy the time playing outside together.

In the early evening everyone here either went home or ventured outside and Rudy, Nathan, and I were left alone. Since I can't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk, I had to call Rudy away from the computer to get Nathan.....he (Nate not Rudy) was crying. Anyway, Rudy just took Nathan to the computer with him and you can see that the baby was content and captivated.

Our son and family
Christy, Rudy, Gillan and Gracie

Lexi and Gracie are 2nd cousins, but we all see a resemblance in the two. They both have beautiful blue eyes. They are close to the same age and have so much fun together.

The Littlefields
Roger, Kasey, Jake, Lexi, and Will

Papa, age 90 and his eleven great-grandkids
Four girls and seven boys
Ages - 2 months to 19 years

Thanksgiving Reflections and Leftovers

I know, Thanksgiving is over and I have moved on with a new Christmas layout ....Katie's selection and I like it. I still have not discussed my "back" situation much here, and I will be brief about it. I had surgery to correct my problem of deteriorated vertebrae (L4-L5) and a bulging disc November 19th. I just wanted to be in bed for about five days, but I am now doing much better. However, I have to continue to wear the back brace and basically do NOTHING, and GO NO WHERE.......not what I was wired to do. Anyway, this too shall pass. We had all of my side of the family for Thanksgiving and it just could not have happened without everyone being so helpful. I can't thank you enough family for all you did. I think everyone had a good time. I know the children especially enjoyed being together.....I will post more on that later.

I was able to help Katie a little on Wednesday as we started the food preparation...she did most of it...I was just there to cheer her on. Below, is the beginning of one of our traditional dishes....Hominy Casserole.

This is Katie, a.k.a. Martha Stewart's 1st Roasted Turkey
Beautiful job!

Rudy had the honor of carving the turkey..hum, he might not have seen it as such.

You were very helpful too, Rudy. My daughter-in-law Christy did so much and is still here continuing to clean, cook, and care for the kids, etc., etc. -- Thank you so much Christy, I love you and appreciate you. My sister/brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, nieces and great nieces all brought additional favorite dishes and did clean up and more. Once again, thank you all. I am blessed and thankful for each one of you. For the first time in my adult life, I sat in a chair and watched them work......oh, I am so not used to doing that. They did a perfect job of everything and this house and the world will continue to work without my input...shocking revelation! Oh, didn't I mention leftovers in the title of this post? Yes, .....we do still have plenty of them.

Sulphur Springs City Championship Winner

There was excitement in Sulphur Springs yesterday. The team of girls who Rudy coaches won the City Championship in Soccer! Our girl Gracie in the center front row (white shirt) pictured below had a great deal to do with the win. Go Gracie! I am sure the coach was a great part of it too! Okay, so maybe the other girls helped some too...does that sound at all prejudice? Posted above is the opposing team showing their enthusiasm or lack their of. Kids sports are tough.

Gillan & Gracie sporting the trophies

Third Post Today - WOW!

I was all set today to take several pictures of Nathan, because it was the first day I have seen him smiling so much......he is starting to make those cooing "baby talk" sounds....love it. This is the only picture I was able to get, because for the first time my camera battery went totally dead and would not do a thing. I am charged up and running again with the camera. I am so anxious for Thanksgiving when I can see all of the grandkids....be ready for pictures kids. Even though in pain, I am trying to enjoy every minute before my back surgery. If you didn't know about that....(I have not wanted to spoil this blog with those details), but I will probably address it some here tomorrow. I have struggled with discouragement and the blog is an uplifter (is that a word) for me.

P.S. - Nathan was 7 weeks old Thursday.

Checking Things Outside

Yesterday, I spent some time with Josh. He did his desk work for school and then he read to me. He is an amazing reader. We were needing a "little break" as he calls it.....so we went outside and I showed him the bird nest below. We had a real chuckle about the colorful silk flower pedals weaved into the nest...the nest seems to be abandoned...no eggs, no birds found.

We checked out the green house next and then on to the front to see the little flowers that came up voluntary from the pot I had on the porch... he had just been reading about seeds, seedling, sprouts, etc.........and how a seed becomes a plant...seemed timely and appropriate to advance the lesson.

It was chilly out, but we still enjoyed the sunshine and our talk. He teaches me a lot, or at least reminds me of things learned but long forgotten. Josh has grown up so much and he is really a sweet kid.

Catching Up

I just downloaded a few pictures from my camera. I wanted to share some of them tonight. I guess this one is self-explanatory. Our Daddy is amazing. He has lived a life of excesses....alcohol, tobacco, everything fried in "grease".......he even adds grease to his sausage...can you imagine?.....he has NO major health problems... of course, he does not get around as well as he used to, and he has some arthritis and the usual aches and pains, but all in all he has been pretty healthy. He always worked hard and provided for our family. He continues to live alone and still drives. How many people can do that at "90"?

He still takes a pretty good picture too!

Oh So Good ....Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

I thought I would add this easy pie recipe. It is so good and would even be a great dessert to follow the soup listed in the previous post. This pie is very sweet and rich....made one today!

Make a Smilebox recipe

Ahhh.....Soup Weather!

My good friend Sandy just called and requested this recipe. I thought I would just post it here...thinking others might enjoy this great fall/winter soup, as well.

*NOTE: Just in case you viewed this recipe earlier....I failed to list the one can of cream of chicken soup to the recipe..........I hope your soup was still good if you made it without it....so sorry. I have wondered if people leave out ingredients so that others will not make it as well as they do.....but, I promise it was an honest mistake.

Make a Smilebox recipe

Punkin' Time

I have a couple of cutie "Chunky Monkey" Pumpkin doll baby pictures too. Do you believe those little fat cheeks? Of course, you know I mean that chunky monkey thing in the most loving way.

I couldn't keep from taking Katie's picture while she was taking Nathan's picture outside the window.