Oh Christmas tree....

 Before the lights and ornaments


The tree is one of my favorite Christmas things.  I miss going and picking out our tree at the tree farm.   When the kids were little we would drive out to the farm and have hot chocolate and begin the search for the perfect tree.  Do you know a tree in a huge field looks so much smaller until you cut it and try to fit it in the house??
The lights that were once put on by Mark are now put on by Mark Stephen.  (not always happy about it, I might add) Even though I feel the need to tell him what branches still need more light he does a great job.
You can see for yourself when I add a pic of the finished product.

Less of this More of that

A more realistic version to resolutions??

  Less                   More    

Late work hours    Home at dinner time

Stress            Relaxation techniques

Wishing            Planning and doing

TV                     Reading             

Processed              Natural

Blackberry               Ipod

Judging              Understanding

I see this as a work in progress.  I can add to it as I see some things I need to do less of and replace it with a better option.

I think I may need to get started on this list.   I will start with Stress since it "tis the season".

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

Today marks the year anniversary since my nephew Jimmy passed away.  I remember that call like it was yesterday.  We had just arrived home from Danielle's college graduation very proud and very happy.  We unpacked the car and I was sitting at the kitchen table doing some work and the phone rang.  I saw the caller id come across the phone and said Mark's brothers name.  I thought oh, they are calling to say congratulations to Danielle.  Mark answered and was back off the phone very fast and as soon as I saw his face I knew something was wrong but never expected to hear him say Jimmy died this morning.

To tell you a little about Jimmy...  Every time you would see him he was so happy and such a pleasant personality.  You would always be greeted by a big hug and I can still hear him saying, Hi, Aunt Terri.  During family dinners we always ended up in a crazy discussion about the comparison of the past generations to this generation or religion or sex...I am telling ya our dinners were interesting to say the least.  He would listen to what was said and then offer his thoughts.   During these discussions,  Jimmy was always the voice of reason and always the one to give people benefit of the doubt.  He was so loving and generous not judgmental.  I have to say it I missed him at our table when he chose to sit at the kids table, I don't blame him though.  I think they had fun at their own spot in the kitchen.

This past year, any time the family has been together, I wait for Jimmy to come in the door or run up the steps with that huge smile and his "Hi, Aunt Terri" and sadly it does not happen.

My heart aches for his mom, dad, brother and sister.   Such a helpless feeling to know you can not  take their pain away.  The only way to do that would be if we could change the fate of May 17, 2009. 

Jimmy you are missed.

An example of the "kids table" and you can see by their smiles it was the place to be.

Spring Flowers

 

I Love this picture, the red is so bright

Spring

We usually do not see the yellow birds till late spring or early summer.  I saw this one on the feeder so of course a great photo op.

New Layout

Ok it has been way to long since I "blogged".  I think I have had sooo much to say I didn't know where to begin.  I know I did not like the layout of the blog I was using and I wanted something that was more of a daily diary look.  (Maybe that will help me post each day??) :)

February 5th Snow

I do not like the cold and turn blue as the temperature drops below 70 but I LOVE the snow.  I was so happy when it started to snow last night.  What is it about the snow that brings a peaceful feeling?  (Ok peaceful if you are not stuck someplace you do not want to be or you really have to go out in it..)
I wanted to just capture every snow capped tree.  I hope to get out tomorrow and take pictures of how pretty the snow is.

Ok so ummm 2 weeks later here are some of the pics I took.

It looked like we would have been snowed in for days but by the next day it was business as usual.

Mom's 81st Birthday

My mom was 81 this week. Born in 1929. Babe Ruth in 1929 was the first player to hit 500 home runs. 29 was the start of the great depression and Calvin Coolidge was president.
World war 2 ended when she was 16.
When she was 21 the average salary was $2,992 and bread was .14 cents. A house cost roughly 8K. (I would not happy about that salary but bring back the 8k house) Gary Cooper and Bing Crosby were a few of the top stars. Some of the popular singers in 1950, when she was 21 were Perry Como and Mario Lanza, Nat King Cole and of course Elvis! Truman was President.
My mom was not allowed to go to college and she would have loved to have gone. She loved school and math.
It just made me think of how her world must have changed and how different things are now. What will it be when I am 81??
Happy Birthday, Mom
“And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.”

January 22nd Testing Day

Ok I am one who hates going to Dr. and driving up to a hospital gives me the heebee Geebees (first time I ever used that in print) Anyway so I have to fight 2 things I hate today. Getting a test done AT a hospital.
I know I need to get this into perspective may other people are facing far worse than I am. Can someone tell my mind that??? :)
The test I have to get is a Pulmonary Stress test. From what I hear, I get hooked up to EKG sucky things and have some type of thing in my mouth to measure lung function. I know I am out of shape but to prove it they will put me on a treadmill or bike for I dunno 15 minutes and see how I do and while feeling dizzy. I am out of breath walking from my car to my desk at work so I am thinking this won't be fun. The nurse who scheduled me made me feel better by letting me know "A Dr. is here in case anything happens." umm ok great.
It is taking everything I have not to cancel the appointment. I woke up thinking about it, not feeling reassured that a Dr. is there in case something happens. I met a friend for breakfast ordered my favorite and sat and picked it apart only to bring most of it home in a container.
i tried to tell hubby I can't go I am too dizzy. His reply, that's why we're going. So much for that. After all, he did take off today to go with me.
I put this off long enough guess it's time to go. I'm gonna be saying a lot of Hail Mary's..... to be continued
Hats off to those who work in hospitals..yuk
It was not too bad put on this mask thing make sure your mouth is sealed around the breathing piece so no air gets in while you do that hooked up to EKG suckys ride the bike and as it inclines keep up with it. Did I mention I am out of shape?????
I will say the nurses who worked up there were AWESOME.
Next weeks challenge..... get blood taken :::eyeroll:::::

January 18th Lindsay goes back to college

After a month home it was time for Lindsay to go back to college.  The good thing was we did not have to drive the whole 3.5 hours today.  We met her roommate at a rest stop along the turnpike and they went off the rest of the way together.  With mixed emotions we drove off in opposite directions.
Lindsay got into the car, packed to the max I might add.  The girls all smiles drove away all excited to start their new semester and as roommates.  Mark pulled out of the rest stop and as we started our ride home and I have tears in my eyes.  Don't get me wrong, I am glad she is happy and after how hard it was for her the first few weeks to be away, to see her excited to get back to her friends is very reassuring.
After all,  I cried each time we drove Danielle back to school, even her senior year.  You would think I would get used to it :)
I should be glad...Lindsay is happy, the house is quiet.   I should get a better night sleep without her lead feet bouncing up and down the steps, she is not making the dog bark, I don't hear her ipod in the shower at 11p.
So I cried WHY?????  :)
I saw a quote the other day and it made me think of her as she goes back to school.
"Don't try so hard to fit in when you are born to stand out." Profound huh ??!!
I think it should be painted on every dorm room wall.  We all need to be reminded of this from time to time but there is so much pressure on kids between what they have to deal with in high school and college to fit in.  As a mom,  you want them to fit in but you want them to fit in because of who they truly are and not sacrifice any part of themselves in order to so this.
So as Lindsay starts this new semester, that I hope includes more school work, may she fit in by standing out.

January 17th

Ok, it has been a while since I updated my blog...  about a year if your keeping track.  One of my MANY New Years resolutions is to get back to blogging or tracking my week.  So I am a little late on my resolution but I am here now.  A few of my resolutions

Update Blog weekly (I know I just said that)

Do not stay late at work more then 2 days a week. (again not really accomplishing that one YET)

Going through some testing to find out why I am dizzy (no comments) and I WILL follow through till I get an answer so I can get back on my game

Exercise once I am given the OK. (Doesn't everyone throw out the need to exercise with New Years resolutions????)

Eat better (again whats a new year without saying I need to eat better) ...by the way I am doing ok with that one, so far.

Scrapbook a page a week. It can be either traditional or digital (to date I am only 1 behind) :)
Read -I love to read I just do not seem to find time to do it and this will be a challenge with American Idol starting back up.

Sunday Family Dinners !!! I think it should be mandatory for all to attend (family I mean...do not show up at my door on Sunday waiting for a home cooked meal)

Don't Judge - yes I run my mouth before thinking sometimes and I will try to pull myself back when I catch myself saying something about another and think...The Shack !!

Last but not least- Come out of my comfort zone a little more. If you really know me you will know what I mean here. I need to challenge myself a bit with things I am uncomfortable with.

Welp that about does it.  I think 10 is a nice even number for goals and they seem pretty realistic and yet some will be a challenge.  It is all about improving myself.  Maybe with keeping up with the blog I will hold myself accountable.
Off to shop so I can reach 2 of my goals, Sunday dinner (last supper before Lindsay leaves to go back to college) and Eat right since she wants Chicken Parm and mashed potatoes and broccolli.  mmmm mmm

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