Good bye to 09

Relishing in the peace and quiet in front of the fire, smelling cinnamon rolls in the oven and fresh brewed coffee... so grateful for my life, God, my fabulous husband-my soulmate-best friend, my 2 beautiful children, my parents, Ralph, Char, My brother, Tiffany & Jason all my family and friends. Thank you for the journey of 2009. GOOD TIMES ! GOOD TIMES !

I look forward to sharing a blessed 2010 with each of you !

Have a very HAPPY & SAFE NEW YEARS !

Christmas far from"Normal"

Christmas was far from Normal this year.

For a month, we had tossed back and forth what we were going to do for the Christmas holiday. We just had a hard time making any sort of decisions for what ever reason.

This year was going to be be very different on so many levels... Our 16 year old and our 9 year old were going back to Denver for the holiday, one set of parents were going to be on a cruse ship on the open sea half way across the world, the other set of parents are over 1000 miles away.

We tossed a few ideas around... Let's go to Florida to see our 85 year old grandmother. Washington DC is to be quite spectacular this time of year...

With our kids safely in Colorado and our parents safely half way across the world.

The question still remains unanswered WHAT THAT HECK ARE WE GOING TO DO?

Christmas Eve morning the conversation went something like this.

ME: Good Morning! Merry Christmas Eve.
My 29 year old: So what are we going to do today?
ME: I have no idea, what do you want to do?
My 29 year old: Well, I guess any out of state travel is out.
ME: Why it is just raining, we have no snow.
My 29 year old: Yeah well there is a blizzard every were else around us.
ME: Well let's go to church tonight.
MY 29 year old: OK... What time is the service?
Me: Well we have a choice 5,6,7 or 10:00.
My 29 year old: OK lets go to the 5:00 and the 7:00 and then go have dinner.
ME: Just looking at him, wounding if he realized it was Christmas EVE.
My29year old: Tomorrow we will go to Chicago to spend the day with Tiffany(DOR)and Jason(Silor). and then come home.
Me: OK, sounds like a plan(YEAH WE HAVE A PLAN)!


We left to go to the 5:00 church service. Great service, with a great celebration for the birth of Jesus and lot of Christmas carols we sang with packed house. It was beginning to feel like Christmas !

We made a quick stop and then my 29 year old really did wanted to go to another service. So we went, it was a candle light service it was very nice. We lit our candles while singing Silent Night. Then I felt a fuzzing next to me... It kind of sounded like OH, AHH SHHII..... I looked over and started laughing hysterically! My 29 year old had HOT dripping wax all over his hand and could not do anything about it other then sit there and look at it.

We got out of there quite quickly. While still laughing running to out vehicle in the rain. I got in and asked him it we are going to make it to the next service. My 29 year old looked at me and said NO, we are going out to dinner.

Again just looking at him, saying you do realize it is Christmas Eve ? He said yep everything will be open ! I gave him the good ol'emm~hmmm.

Well needless to say, NOTHING WAS OPEN....
Then we pulled into a lot with two cars and the sign said ....



I felt like I was living in the movie "The Christmas Story"
I could do nothing but laugh, I guess that we are making this night as far from normal as we can get. LET'S GO !

All in all we had a great time! Just the two of us, as far from what is Normal to us both. We had each other to bring in good cheer and I would not have changed a thing!

If I had to spend Christmas with one person, God new who that one was to be.
Thanks for the the wonderful Christmas Eve memories Nathan !


Merry Christmas Eve !

Christmas Magic

So do you BELIEVE ?
I'm 33 and the magic of Christmas is absolutely wonderful !

Over the years we tend to have so many different Christmas tradition...
We try to keep them going each year and some get lost in the hassle and bassel.

We stared this new charming tradition this year. For most families they started it when there children were very small. Like most children and adults through the ages, they wanted to know how Santa really knew who was naughty or who was nice.

When you have a child the doctors do not give you an instruction manual so you just have to go with it. That is what we have done here.

STICK WITH ME AND JUST KEEP READING.

So to help us with that answer few hundred year old question we officially adopted a pixie elf. We gave him a name(Max). Each year he will arrive around the holidays, usually at Thanksgiving like he did this year. His sole responsibility is to watch over the kids and Nathan too. Max will report there behavior to Santa each night. Each morning after we awake, we all discovered the elf had returned from the North Pole and was now resting in a new and different place.Max has been in our bathroom, on book shelf's, in the fire place, the Christmas tree and many more places. So far we have found him each time.

Each day we all have raced each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position


There are a few rules to better preserve his mystique the kids are not allowed to touch him but talking to him well this a different matter all together. Nathan and the kids have shared many secrets with the elf (Max) my guess would both good and bad... but that is why they call them secrets, and while he was under strict orders not to talk to them, the elf (Max)was under no such orders where I'm concerned (Nathan does not like this rule).

Unwittingly, this tradition provided an added benefit: it has helped the kids and Nathan to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf (Max)is watching," for errant behavior to be modified.

This new tradition has lead to so many fun treasured Christmas memories for our entire family.

This Morning we had a bit of hard time trying to locate him. We thought that someone was bad and he did not come back from the North Pole. Well that is what I blamed it on. Needless to say that caused a emotional break down from both our 9 year old and the 29 year old. (What was I thinking when I hid this dam elf (Max)... I thought someone would find him... Sooner then later. I had to think quick.)

Then right before it was time to eat breakfast ... I asked for our 9 year old to get the milk out for the oatmeal.


There he is my 9 year old said.
He in the refrigerator Mom !




(I found myself thanking Santa...Made it threw that one.)

All you have to do is BELIEVE !

3 or 33 or 103 keep the magic alive !

Turkey Day Quiz

How much do you know about the turkey?


When was the first Thanksgiving celebration?
1492
1567
1621
1777


Where was the turkey first domesticated?
Canada
Mexico and Central America
New Zealand
India


What is a female turkey called?
a rooster
a cuckoo
a chick
a hen


What is a male turkey called?
a larry
a clark
a harry
a tom


What great American statesman lobbied to make the turkey the national symbol?
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Andrew Jackson


What sound does a female turkey make?
gobble
cluck
chirp
peep


What sound does a male turkey make?
gobble
click
chirp
peep


About how many feathers does a mature turkey have?
1,500
2,000
3,500
5,000


Which state produces the most turkeys annually?
Kansas
Ohio
Arkansas
Minnesota


How fast can wild turkeys run?
5 mph
15 mph
25 mph
45 mph


How does Arkansas rank among the other states in turkey production?
first
third
eighth
fourteenth


What Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the colonists?
the Wampanoag tribe
the Sioux tribe
the Choctaw tribe
the Arapaho tribe


Can wild turkeys fly? If so, how fast?
No.
Yes, up to 25 mph
Yes, up to 40 mph
Yes, up to 55 mph


Approximately what percentage of American homes eats turkey on Thanksgiving?
49%
67%
82%
90%


Approximately what percentage of American homes eats turkey on Christmas?
34%
50%
67%
89%


What is the name of the skin that hangs from a turkey's neck?
snark
wattle
garble
swag


Which U.S. president specified that Thanksgiving would fall on the last Thursday of November?
Martin Van Buren
Andrew Jackson
William H. Taft
Abraham Lincoln


Which president attempted to move the Thanksgiving holiday to the fourth Thursday in November to create a longer Christmas shopping season?
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Harry S. Truman
Gerald R. Ford


Which country consumes the most turkey per year per capita?
The United States
Israel
Spain
The United Kingdom


What is the best way to defrost a turkey?
with a hair dryer
in the refrigerator
in cold water
in the microwave oven




Here are the results of the trivia quiz: When was the first Thanksgiving celebration?

When was the first Thanksgiving celebration?
1621

Where was the turkey first domesticated?
Mexico and Central America

What is a female turkey called?
A hen

What is a male turkey called?
A tom

What great American statesman lobbied to make the turkey the national symbol?
Benjamin Franklin


What sound does a female turkey make?
Cluck

What sound does a male turkey make?
Gobble

About how many feathers does a mature turkey have?
3,500

Which state produces the most turkeys annually?
Minnesota

How fast can wild turkeys run?
25 mph

How does Arkansas rank among the other states in turkey production?
Third

What Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the colonists?
The Wampanoag tribe


Can wild turkeys fly? If so, how fast?
Yes, up to 55 mph

Approximately what percentage of American homes eats turkey on Thanksgiving?
90%

Approximately what percentage of American homes eats turkey on Christmas?
50%

What is the name of the skin that hangs from a turkey's neck?
Wattle

Which U.S. president specified that Thanksgiving would fall on the last Thursday of November?
Abraham Lincoln

Which president attempted to move the Thanksgiving holiday to the fourth Thursday in November to create a longer Christmas shopping season?
Franklin D. Roosevelt


Which country consumes the most turkey per year per capita?
Israel

What is the best way to defrost a turkey?
In the refrigerator

Have a safe and woundful thanksgiving !
Gobble, gobble

Happy Anniversary To Ones We Love.

We never know
Or fully realize
How sweet and kind our parents are,
How gentle and how wise.


We simply take for granted,
From day to passing day,
Each sacrifice they make for us
In their own loving way.


But then we grow and finally learn,
The way that children do,
How much their love has really meant,
How thoughtful they've been, too -


And so this comes with all the thanks
You both deserve and more.
For there aren't two dearer parents
Than the one this post's for


Happy Anniversary!
All our love.

Let's Be Thankfull All Year Long.

OK I admit, I have been completely neglecting my blog...
I could tell you 100 different reason why
I have not been posting. Each of them would be true.
So I will just go with what I have been
thinking about the pass few weeks.

I have been doing allot of studying
and reading the pass few weeks.
My brain has felt like it wants to explode!

We are coming to the time of year,
were all the stress kicks into high gear.
I thought it was a great time to
reflect and to be thankful.


Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Have a great week !

Happy Birthday !

I know, I have so many great things to post about, it has been so long ago since my last post.... I have been with out a PC for sometime and you don't need to tell me how frustrating it is.... I think I have covered all the four letter words in the book on this subject.

Today I had to make sure to log on to someones PC to put up a special post.
This one is to some one new in my life.


MY FATHER-IN-LAW !
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

We once again are wishing you another year
Of laughter, joy and fun,
Surprises, love and happiness,
And when your birthday’s done,


We hope you feel deep in your heart,
As your birthdays come and go,
How very much you mean to us,
More than you can know.

LOVE YA !
Have a great day !

Last day of school

Today was the last full day of school! Can you believe it.... Summer vacation already.

I can not believe how fast the time has went by. It feels like we were just having the talk with our 15 year old, on how different high school is from junior high !!!

Yep, our 15 year old made it threw her freshman year of high school. Now don't get me wrong, there were times I thought we would not make it but with God beside us we did it !!! She is growing into a beautiful young women.

Our baby well he will be 9 years old in a week. He is moving up to the third grade.
Leaning all this "New" math, spelling words I can not pronounce...

Man what happen when did I miss it all. The Portie training, the coloring in the lines, the first tooth fairy visit, the first broken heat, the first dance, the first school suspension. HOLY COW !


Tell your kids that you love them. They will soon one day be all grown up.
For those of you that already have the ones that are all grown up, Thank you, we love you and a job well done !

Have a great weekend !

Each day is a gift !

Today is such a gift. We forget that sometimes.

For all of you that read my blog, I encourage you
to pray for strength for one of our fellow bloggers
(The Freeman's)and their family.


You can read more here.
http://kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html

Have a great day !

Cyber party for who?

It's been awhile .....Time for another cyber party
and a slice of cake !

Amber (A true friend for more then 20 years)

Your Birthday
Today is happy
It most certainly is
Shake a pop
And make it fizz

Fly a kite
Or take a nap
Slap a knee
And pat a back

Run or skip
Without a care
Or fly a plane
If you dare

Swim or skate
Take your pick
Hit a mailbox
With a stick

Fall or trip
Laugh or play
Do whatever
It's your Birthday !

You can even have more then one slice of cake !




Happy 33rd Birthday Amber !
We Love you !

40th (Ruby) Wedding Anniversary

Today is the day of my parents
40th (Ruby) Wedding Anniversary.
I wanted to take the time to post a few words...


Although this is your special day
To share with one another,
It's special, too, for everone
Who love you, Mom & Dad...

That's why so many loving thoughts
Come with this wish for you both today.

For everything to make this day
Just perfect for you two!


Today as both of you look back
with happiness and pride
Upon the forty cherished years
That you've spent side by side,
May every memory that you share
Of dreams you've seen come true,

Happy Wedding Anniversary with Love.

Time in Louisville

This pass weekend it was my birthday, my family and I decided
to take a mini vacation to Louisville (if you put two cotton balls in
your mouth and say Louisville then you will fit right in with the locals) Kentucky.

We loaded up on Friday Morning and hit
the road about 12:00 noon. Louisville is just about 4 1/2 hours
from Normal with with time change.

We arrived to our hotel downtown Louisville
with a warm temperature of 87.

We deiced to take a walk on the streets of downtown.



We had the privilege of listing to the Louisville boys and girls club drum line.

To our surprise the Kentucky Derby Festival was in full swing.
This is a festival that takes place the week before
the big race at Church Hill downs.
There are local bands, food, bike races and much much more.

Our walk that evening took us about six blocks over to the
hot spot of downtown Louisville. Fourth Street Live.




This is an area that the street is blocked off with no threw traffic. Day life is full of fun restaurants, shops, and street shows. Night life is for 21 years of age and older, the lights kick on and it is one big block party. Concerts in the middle of the street, people dressed up enjoying adult beverages and having a great time.


We had a few things that we came
acorss that we do not see every day.




Our fifteen year old dream car...




A bazaar bike rack.




Some of the street names... We even had a run in with one of the most famous guy's in town.






Yep, that is Kernel Sanders him self.


We ended that evening with a stroll by the Ohio river.



It was a great Friday night. I will post the next part of our mini vacation soon.

Easter comes but once a year.

Easter comes but once a year
When it does, we all know its here
Children coloring Easter eggs and



filling themselves with chocolate
and lets not forget the Easter egg hunt.

This year we even had little chicks to build little Lego's coops for (Thanks Ralph).





But remember we must, that the Lord died for us
And ascended into heaven to give us fresh lives
For each and every one of us !


God Bless & Happy Easter !

Just my life.

Wow .... I have been slacking on my poor little blog.

I am sorry... We have been going non-stop that pass few weeks.
Kids, family, work, school, homework, planning a wedding just to name a few off of the list of LIFE !

I tell ya this pass week the kids were on spring break, this year we stayed home(lesson learned). We had my Mom fly in to spend a few days in this place we call "NORMAL". We had a great time, we even got some wedding things out of the way. I even think she may come back for a visit.

During some down time, I had a few of them oh let's call them opportunities or pleasant conversations with our 15 year old teen age daughter.

All I can say is why could we not start out as parents and then grow up to be kids ?

Life as a teenager is often very different(I got that)than life as either a child or an adult. It is a turbulent time, with different obstacles to face, and often it seems as if there are many, many more of them.

So if we had the chance to be parents first, then kids I would be on pace for some good years ahead don't you think.

Have a great week!

Courage

Well today I got a bit of courage.

I picked my 15 year old up from school today, she had her first behind the wheel class today. She told me how they went into a local neighborhood and did some turns, stops and lane changes. So that is when I took a leap into faith and my courage kicked into high gear.

I stopped about 3/4 of a mile from the house at Rosa Parks parking lot, said OK you finish driving home ! She thought I was joking. When I sat in the passenger seat and pulled my seat belt tight and clicked it, she new I was serious.

She got in the seat and buckled her seat belt and checked the mirrors. She inched her way out and she was inching over in the other line on our side and I had to remind her to stay in her lane. I once again politely reminder her to use her blinkers. Doing OK a few minor details. AMEN ! We made it to our sub division.

That is when it got interesting.

She took the left turn into out sub division and I thought we almost flipped the car over ! It was so sharp. I told her to slow down and take the turn slow hand over hand. Then she proceeded down the windy road that lead to our house, she had one more left turn to go. She made it nice and easy.


She took her time making her way down our street, a bit nervous with all the cars parked on the road. Time for the turn for that she worked on during class today. No problem. She came up to our drive way, she did not turn sharp enough she went up on the boulevard and kept going ...

I YELLED STOP THE CAR !

I looked up, our neighbor was in the front room of her house on the phone you should have seen the look on her face. I think it ran threw her head that I black jeep was coming threw the front window. I will talk to her tommrrow to see what she thinking!

I jumped out of the car and I could not do nothing but laugh my butt off. I think our 15 year old thought she was in a heap of trouble. With her face as pail as could be, I tell her to get out of the car. She leans over to get out forgetting the car was not in park yet. So again

I YELL PUT THE CAR IN PARK !

BOY OH BOY !!!!

While I was still laughing. Our 8 year old jumped out of the back seat and said "I am never doing that again".

Should have been here, I tell ya that was a ride I will never forget.

Fireproof

I heard from a few in our family and some friends about this movie (Fireproof), and just recently I watched it with my soon to husband. I am sure we all have had ups and downs through the years. But thanks be to God who is in control of everything in our life's. As we watched this movie, it was incredibly encouraging for both of us, and we realize how much more we need to do to keep our life's and our soon to be marriage fireproof.

What an impacting message. I recommend for each and everyone to watch.
A mini journey that is unbelievable.

Have a blessed week !

Hear Ye Hear Ye

Hear Ye Hear Ye

So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.

Every February 2nd I have had the same conversation with our eight year old.

Bubba: Mom, why did you not tell me today was a special day ?
Me: Today is a special day ?
Bubba: Yes, we are going to have 6 more weeks of winter.
Me: We are, how do you know that ?
Bubba: Because the hedge hog was able to see his shadow!

OK, I might be the worst Mom in the world not to correct him that it is a Ground Hog but it is truly a conversation I look forward to each year.

Super Bowl Trivia

Super bowl is a big thing in my house hold.
Well at least for one member of the family.
So this post is for him. ENJOY !

Count Down to Super Bowl XLIII
3 Days & 9 hours.

Which team will represent Super Bowl XLIII?
Steelers or Cardinals ?

Looking threw the paper this morning, I found this fun trivia about the Super Bowl.
For the few of you that know me, I am not a football kind of girl by any means. It did not stop me from having fun with this trivia.

Have at it and Good Luck !

1. He was the only player to be named MVP of a Super Bowl in his last game as a player. He led his team to victory.

a. Denver Bronco Quarterback John Elway in Super Bowl XXXIII.
b. New York Jets Quarterback Joe Namath in Super Bowl III.
c. San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Joe Montana in Super Bowl XXIV.
d. San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Steve Young in Super Bowl XXIX.

2. The Pittsburgh Steelers just won their fifth Super Bowl this year in Super Bowl XL. The team tied what two other teams for the most Super Bowl championships?

a. The New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.
b. The Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers.
c. The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys.

3. These three teams have lost the most Super Bowls-four each.

a. The Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, and Minnesota Vikings.
b. The Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos.
c. The Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills.
d. The Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and Cincinnati Bengals.

4. This team has appeared in the most Super Bowls-eight.

a. New England Patriots.
b. Pittsburgh Steelers.
c. San Francisco 49ers.
d. Dallas Cowboys.

5. Only one team has won four Super Bowls in a decade.

a. Pittsburgh Steelers-the 1970's.
b. The Dallas Cowboys-the 1990's.
c. The Denver Broncos-the 1990's.
d. The New England Patriots-the current decade.

6. Only two teams have won three Super Bowls in four years. The two teams and the decade they won the Super Bowls in are:

a. The Dallas Cowboys (1980's) and New England Patriots (current decade).
b. The Dallas Cowboys (1990's) and New England Patriots (1990's).
c. The Dallas Cowboys (1990's) and New England Patriots (current decade).

7.This team scored the most points in a quarter-35-in a winning effort.

a. The Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXI, second quarter, against the
Denver Broncos.
b. The Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXI, third quarter, against the
Denver Broncos.
c. The Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXI, second quarter, against the
Buffalo Bills.
d. The Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXI, third quarter, against the
Buffalo Bills.

8. Only one team has ever appeared in four straight Super Bowls.

a. Pittsburgh Steelers.
b. Dallas Cowboys.
c. Miami Dolphins.
d. Buffalo Bills.

9. Only one team has scored eight touchdowns in a winning effort.

a. Dallas against Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVII.
b. San Francisco against San Diego in Super Bowl XXIX.
c. Tampa Bay against Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII.
d. San Francisco against Denver in Super Bowl XXIV.

10. The most consecutive wins by any team in a Super Bowl has been:

a. Two.
b. Three.
c. Four.

11. This Super Bowl set the record for the most points by both teams.

a. Super Bowl XXIX with 75 points: San Francisco 49, San Diego 26.
b. Super Bowl XXVII with 75 points: Dallas 49, Buffalo 26.
c. Super Bowl XXXVII with 75 points: Tampa Bay 49, Oakland 26.

12. This Super Bowl set the record for the most combined touchdowns by both teams.

a. Super Bowl XIII: (9) Pittsburgh 5, Dallas 4
b. Super Bowl XXIX: (10) San Francisco 7, San Diego 3
c. Super Bowl XXVII: (9) Dallas 7, San Diego 2
d. Super Bowl XXVII: (9) Tampa Bay 6, Oakland 3

13. This Super Bowl set the record for the most rushing yards by a winning team in the Super Bowl with 280.

a. Super Bowl XXII Washington against Denver
b. Super Bowl XVII Washington against Miami.
c. Super Bowl XI Oakland against Minnesota.

14. Two winning teams have tied for the record for the most rushing touchdowns in victory with four.

a. Chicago against New England in Super Bowl XX and Denver against
Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII.
b. Green Bay against Kansas City in Super Bowl I and Miami
against Minnesota in Super Bowl VIII.

15. This team set the record for the most total yards gained in a Super Bowl with 602.

a. San Francisco against Miami in Super Bowl XIX.
b. Washington against Denver in Super Bowl XXII.



OK,let's see how many you got right ....


Answer Key

1. a.-Elway led the Broncos to a 34-19 victory over the Atlanta Falcons with 336
yards passing, with one touchdown and one touchdown rushing.
2. c.
3. b.-The Broncos have also won two Super Bowls, while the Vikings and Bills
haven't yet won one.
4. d.-The Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos have tied for second with six
appearances.
5. a.
6. c.
7. a.
8. d. - They lost all four.
9. d.
10. a. 11. a.-The other scores were really Dallas 52 Buffalo 17; Tampa Bay 48 Oakland 21
12. b.-The other listed records are true.
13. a.
14. a.
15. b.

Have a great rest of the week!

SNOW DAY

Some parts of Central Illinois woke up to 5 inches of new snow we had about 10" and it is still snowing hard, though the weather service warned that the big problem will be wind gusts up to 35 mph arriving later this morning.

None of that seemed to matter when @ 5:00 am the news guy
stated that all the all the local
schools will be closed today.

YES, WE HAVE A SNOW DAY !!!




Kick back and enjoy a cup of coco and read a book or enjoy a old movie.

Have a blessed day !

Party for one we love.

Cyber Party in the house !!!
Time to celerbate a very speicel birthday.

Join me in wishing WOR AKA Char
A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY !


There are times when only a Mother's love
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us, the confidence
We need from day to day.


Thank you for your heart, faith and hope
And all your steadfast love
You were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above...

Happy Birthday Mom (Char)!

New Year's Wishes from Normal

May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist, your gastro-enterologist, your urologist, your proctologist, your podiatrist, your psychiatrist, your plumber and the I.R.S.

May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall; and may your blood pressure, your triglycerides, your cholesterol, your white blood count and your mortgage interest not rise.

May New Year's find you seated around the table, together with your beloved family and cherished friends. May you find the food better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and the pleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily do that night.

May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finish dinner, may the commercials on TV not be louder than the program you have been watching, and may your check book and your budget balance - and include generous amounts for charity.

May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse, your child, your parent, your siblings; but not to your secretary, your nurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor.

And may we live in a world at peace and with the awareness of God's love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart.

Happy New Year Noraml style !