My Reading Blog

Yesterday, as I sat on the front porch basking in sunshine and warmth, I pondered all that still remains to be accomplished before our trip up north.  The presents are bought and wrapped The cookies are baked The cards are addressed and sent The house is decorated The suitcases are out and ready for packing The Christmas music plays on and on I'm ready I'm truly ready to celebrate the birth of Our Savior and to be in the company of those that I love. I pray that each of you will have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

While we were visiting Michelle's over Thanksgiving week, the girls (M & P) gave us some incite as to how to work together.  At 5-1/2, their minds are going non-stop, always investigating and trying to figure out how to do something. We were in the kitchen talking when M screamed "Dad, there's a bug in the house!".  Dad went to check it out, only to discover a fly.  Dad calmly said, "Don't worry, it only a little fly".  He came back to our conversation.  We thought that was the end of the bug/fly, but the girls quietly plotted how they were going to catch this fly and "keep it safe". About 15 minutes later, they came scurrying into the kitchen to announce they had captured the fly and placed it in a clear plastic box with a kleenex for its bed.  They then described how they made a small ramp to "lure" this tiny creature into the box.  They were so proud of themselves to devise such a plan and have it come to fruition. The...

We have had many Thanksgiving Days to remember and cherish, but this one was especially meaningful and rewarding.  Our son and daughter-in-law have been telling us about their Thanksgiving Day experience each year, but this year we were able to experience it with them, Michelle & her family and her in-laws. Ten years ago our daughter-in-law's uncle established a foundation in memory of his wife's life.  This fund was set up to honor our military men and women who give so much of themselves.  Jen's aunt and uncle started giving to service men and women years before when they bought dinner for those who were eating out without family.  After her aunt passed, her uncle continued in this tradition, but expanded it.  He found a local restaurant who would help, he found people willing to donate money, gifts and their time.  He contacted Great Lakes Naval Station.  And so for 10 years this tradition continues.  He has moved out of the area and so...

Every Day SHOULD be a Day of Thanks! We are so blessed! We have family and friends We have good health We have a place to rest our heads We have food to grace our tables We live in a great country The list is endless and yet, We tend to forget and take for granted all the little things that we have been blessed with. Last Thursday I was blessed to be able to hand out Thanksgiving food baskets to a number of needy families.  They were so appreciative for just one meal of food and a prayer.  This Thursday, I'm joining our family in spending a day with 100 sailors who will be finishing their basic training and couldn't go home for the holiday. I pray that you and your families will be blessed on this Thanksgiving (and every day) and that you will be able to share this blessing with others.

Veterans Day A day set aside to honor all who have served in the United Stated Armed Forces A day set aside to remember all that these men and women have done and continue to do for each of us. A day set aside to thank each of them for their dedication  and service. A day to remember all that they have given up so that we can live in a free nation. To the special men in my life  My Hubby My Son My Brother My Father My Uncle who have served in the Army and Air Force,  I say THANK YOU!

Mom's been scratching her head and trying to think of something to write, but after telling her story about the Guatemala build, she can't think of anything worthwhile to write about.  So she left it up to me. Well, let me tell you.  It's been a rough month for me.  The week before Mom left, my tummy was pretty upset.  I managed to mess on the new carpet - not only in the master bedroom, but the spare bedroom as well.  I didn't mean to, but you know, sometimes things happen.  Mom wasn't really mad, but very concerned.  By the middle of the week, I was feeling better and Mom didn't call the vet.  She left and ..... I got worse and kept Dad up most of the night.  He took me to the vet and I had a digestive tract infection.  The vet put me on some pills, special diet food and lots of loving.  Dad took care of it all, but I really missed Mom.  I didn't sleep very good, was anxious most of the time and somewhat hyper,  Oh...

We once again were blessed to see a different part of Guatemala.  San Marcos is located in the northwest corner of Guatemala in a mountainous region at an elevation of 7,800 feet.  It is a community of approximately 36,000.  It is near the Mexican border and many people pass thru the area on their journey to hopefully "a better life".  They grow produce and raise a variety of livestock and they produce more wool than any other department in Guatemala. Our first and last days were spent in Antigua, which we have enjoyed on our previous builds.  This was no exception.  We visited one of many Jade factories and, of course, I had to purchase my birthday present while I was there.  We viewed the city from atop a cafe and enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery while also enjoying a glass (or two) of wine.  We toured the Cathedral of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, (which is now a 5 star hotel).  In the 15th century, Santo Domingo was a conv...