New Year's Eve 2011

2011 - it was a very good year.  Maybe I didn't accomplish everything that I had hoped, but I received a great many blessings for which I am truly thankful.  I made sweet memories with family and friends, and had a few adventures along the way.  Here's hoping 2012 will be the same!

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Today's blessings:  spending the day with Lindley; Container Store with Molly and Maribeth; boiled shrimp dinner for Sam's birthday

What Happens When the Granddaughter Sleeps Over

1. Purple toenails and fingernails
2. Lunch/dinner consisting of whatever she will eat
3. Anything and everything getting tossed in the bathtub to encourage said granddaughter to take bath.
4. Birthday presents for 2nd birthday on January 13 get brought out early - like today.
5. As much of Sesame Street/Elmo's World as is toddler possible.
6. Lots of tramp-a-zeen time.
7. Lots more of hugs, kisses, and giggles

What could be better?

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Today's blessings: 31 years of Sam; Lindley sleep-over; Molly painting Lindley's toenails and fingernails; MSU winning bowl game; lunch/snack deliveries via Maribeth, Mathieu, and Molly; DVC ressie agents; AAA dude

It's That Time Of Year Again ...

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Today's blessings:  Pancake Pantry with David and friend; mattress dudes; Home Depot-ing with Mathieu; chatting with Ben Little; chatting with Karen B; Radio Shack dude; Maggie the Cat snuggling with Mathieu

Why I Am Stoo-pidd

Because I am the only person in the house who cleans the bathroom.  

Even those I do not use.

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Today's blessings:  Warming mattress pad; 3-Day donation from Kat and Sarah; David and friend and Phil and friends coming in for MSU bowl game; progress at Mathieu and Maribeth's house and the successful hanging of the window blinds

Why I Am A Jayn-yuss

1.  Not only do I know how to replace the toilet paper on the toilet paper roll, I know where to buy toilet paper, when we are about out of toilet paper, and which toilet paper the family prefers.

2.  Not only do I know where every item is in the house (or at least am supposed to know), I know where to return to its special place, every item that has been taken out and used (even if I wasn't the one using it).

3.  Not only do I know how to load a dishwasher, I also know how to unload the dishwasher and ... (wait for it) ... put the dishes away.

4.  Not only do I understand that if you turn on  vacuum cleaner and roll it over a surface that it will suck stuff up, but I also know how to empty the container that holds the sucked-up particles.  And I can tell when the sucked-up particle container is full and needs to be emptied.

5.  Not only do I know where the Christmas decorations are stored, I also can put up and decorate a Christmas tree and then un-decorate and take down said Christmas tree before anybody even realizes that Christmas tree decorating is being done.

Mensa, I'm waiting for your call!

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Today's blessings:  shopping with Maribeth and Mathieu; waiting for Molly's maid man; crock pot chili on a cold rainy night; picking up Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley at the airport

And Then It Was The Day After Christmas

... now when does that diet start again?

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Today's blessings:  movie with Steve, Molly, and Mathieu; turkey casserole dinner with Steve, Maribeth, and Mathieu; Molly's fudge; 

Merry Christmas!

... from what seems not-so-long ago!

May this Christmas be filled with many happy memories!!

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Today's blessings:  Christmas Day and all that it represents; movie with Steve, Mathieu, Maribeth, and Molly

I Couldn't Tell It Better Than This!!

From a few of my friends ...

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Today's blessings:  time with GDizzle; safe road trip back home

24-Hour Travel

In a few hours, Steve, Maribeth, Mathieu, Molly, and I will be headed south to Columbus, Mississippi, to spend the night with Steve's dad, GDizzle.  It will be a quick trip, just enough time to say "Merry Christmas" and to head back home on Christmas Eve.  While it's nice to visit with family at Christmas, it's also nice to wake up on Christmas morning in your own bed - especially when you no longer have little ones waking up early to inspect their Santa goodies!

If you're travelling this Christmas, I wish you safe travels and many happy memories!!

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Today's blessings:  reading books to Lindley before taking her and her parents to the airport; road trip with the rest of the family to Columbus, MS

Davidson Crock Pot Christmas 2011

Tonight we celebrated our family Christmas.  Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley will leave tomorrow to spend Christmas with the Ogles, so tonight was our big night.

 We had decided months ago to have Crock Pot Christmas. Past Christmases have included Cereal Christmas, Magic Bullet Christmas, and Disney Christmas, just to name a few.  This year, everyone was to bring their part of the meal that was prepared in the crock pot.  Apparently, this could include contributing to Molly's 3-Day fund if she would prepare yours.  Anyhow, we ended up with turkey breast, boiled peanuts, hash brown casserole, macaroni and cheese, spinach dip, mulled wine, and chocolate cake (yes, chocolate cake in the crock pot, and it was quite good!).  Because we are such high-class people, we just took the crocks out of the pots and placed them on the table.  We also used the Thanksgiving plates, which if you have a discerning eye, you might be able to figure out where they came from.

Now for the part you've all been waiting for - Make-It Christmas presents.  I would like to say at this point that the recipients were not drunk at the taking of these pictures, nor do their expressions convey their feelings about their gift. At least I don't think so.  Anyhoo, on to the gifts:

 Sam's gift was an original painting of the track at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Disney World.  On it are cutouts of him and Lindley at her kids' race in October.  As you can see, he was dumbfounded at my artistic talent.

 Molly, who is not possessed by the way, got a pink piggy bank for her desk at work in which to receive donations for the 3-Day.  On the pig is original artwork depicting the walk.  It's a wonder what one can do with a plastic pig and sharpies.

Lynnette gets the acting award for most enthusiastic.  She got a lap blankie made from squares of Lindley's baby clothes.  Lucky for Lynnette, she has skinny legs, otherwise the blankie would barely be large enough to cover her feet.

Steve got a "Fudge-O-Meter" for the frig to let the candy makers in the house know when he is out of homemade fudge and is in need of some more.  Of course, it would have been nice if there had been some fudge to accompany the fudge-o-meter ...

 Maribeth got 3 hospital gowns for her upcoming days in March when Baby BoBo decides to arrive.  Maribeth decided to demonstrate the Velchro tabs on the shoulder.  She also decided to demonstrate her labor-day game face.

Mathieu got a blankie for the hospital made from the leftover bits of Maribeth's hospital togs so that he will know which laboring woman is his.  He's hopeful he will get a little shut-eye in the hospital  We'll let him live in his little fantasy world for now.

Lindley got Elmo/Abby Cadabby pajamas and blankie.  She was far more interested in the play money Uncle Mati gave her than any boring clothes, so we have no picture of her.  Hmmmm - money over homemade clothes.  The girl has her priorities straight already!

So there you have it - another Davidson Christmas in the books.  And we didn't even have to order from Papa Johns!

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Today's blessings:  Davidson Family Christmas and all that it entailed!!

Four More Days!!!

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Today's blessings:  J Alex with Steve and Maribeth; moving furniture, Home Depot, and Sonic with Mathieu

My Twelve Days of Make-It Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, I got out my Christmas list. (Dang it!  Why did I choose to make everybody's Christmas gifts again?)

On the second day of Christmas, I got out my sewing machine.  (And watched it drop a stitch, break the thread, get all jammed up.  Where's the decoupage stuff?)

On the third day of Christmas, I got out my sole cookbook.  (And burned the brownies, forgot to add the sugar, turned the oven on too high.  Who called the Health Department?)

On the fourth day of Christmas, I got out some paints and canvas.  (Forget the paint-by-numbers - won't just painting the entire canvas one color lend more to the imagination?)

On the fifth day of Christmas, I got out some knitting needles.  (And started the blanket which turned into a scarf which turned into a hotpad which quickly unraveled all by itself when I took a bathroom break.)

On the sixth day of Christmas, I bought some silk flowers and a vase.  (The vase broke when the cat knocked it over and the cat was so scared it took off through the front door, trailing the silk flowers behind her.  While the scaredy-cat didn't seem to mind the thunderstorm, the silk flowers did!)

On the seventh day of Christmas, I decided to write a poem.  (Which turned into Haiku since I only had to come up with three lines, which sounds easy until you have to factor in the syllable count.  Poetry is not poetry if a calculator is involved).

On the eighth day of Christmas, I decided to make a CD mix.  (Really?  As if I (a) knew how to make one, and (b) knew where a blank CD might be in my house!)

On the ninth day of Christmas, I decided to create a powerpoint presentation of our family.  (Yep, right after I do that CD mix thing.)

On the tenth day of Christmas, I decided to make my own candles.  (Until I found out I could get a gross of them at Dollar Tree for a dollar.  Time, particularly mine, is money!)

On the eleventh day of Christmas, I decided to make everyone matching Christmas sweatshirts.  (Yeah, that should go over well - can't wait to see the family picture of that!  Why don't I just bang my head against the wall now?)

On the twelfth day of Christmas, I got on my computer and ordered gifts the easy way.  After all, I picked it out, ordered it, and paid for it - all by myself - isn't that making it?!

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Today's blessings:  4 miles with Karen B; Mathieu and Maribeth's new bedroom and bath finished!; moving furniture at Maribeth and Mathieu's; Lindley-sitting (albeit late)

Buddy Bear II's Lesson

This is Buddy Bear.  Technically, it's Buddy Bear II, but that's part of his story.  Here's how it goes:

I bought Buddy Bear I in New York a while ago for Lindley. Eventually Buddy Bear I ended up in Lindley's crib for bedtime snuggling purposes.

When Lindley started her new school this fall, she was asked to bring a blanket and snuggle friend for naptime.  Rather than run the risk of forgetting Buddy Bear I at school and having bedtime drama, Lynnette decided to arrange for Buddy Bear II to arrive and accompany Lindley to school.

However, even though Buddy Bear II was from the exact same company as Buddy Bear I, he was not made of the same quality fabric as Buddy Bear I.  In short, his paws shredded at the seams, and his ears soon followed.  With one paw completely off, he was also losing weight, via losing his stuffing.  So, Buddy Bear II was brought home from school and a steady stream of replacements were sent to school as substitutes.

Today Sam brought Buddy Bear II over in the hopes that something might be done to help Buddy Bear II.  I found some leftover flannel and stitched some new paws, ears, and feet.  He also received some replacement stuffing for his limp little arms.  Although it wasn't done with the expert stitching of his original maker, he seems quite pleased with the results.

In fact, that's the lesson of Buddy Bear II.  Even though I was sticking him with a needle and sewing him up somewhat sloppily, he kept his smile.  Maybe it was because he was happy to be whole again.  Maybe it was because he has hopes of returning to school with Lindley.  Maybe it was because he is thankful that so many people cared enough to help him out.

I'm not sure, since he really doesn't have a voice to tell me.  I just hope that the next time somebody gives me a helping hand, even though it might hurt a little bit, I have a smile on my face.  Why wouldn't I, if somebody cares enough to make me whole again?

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Today's blessings:  Steve bringing McCabe's Pub for lunch; finishing a last-minute idea Christmas present; repairing Buddy Bear II; seeing pictures of old classmates

In The Spirit of Christmas

Minnie the Cat and Minnie the Mouse

Christmas buddies -

In Lindley's chair ...

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Today's blessings:  6 miles with the Karens and Molly; Starbucks via Karen P; Shoney's with Steve and Molly; Shoney's family and Steve's gift card; Lindley time

A Little Love

Today I passed a fresh Christmas tree lot.  There were many beautiful trees - green ones.  And then at the front, I saw them - one white and one turquoise Christmas tree, flocked to every inch with the offending colors.

Sure, maybe somebody will think the flocked trees are beautiful and just what they want.  Maybe somebody will go to the lot searching for that perfect turquoise flocked tree.  Maybe turquoise trees are all the rage this year, and somebody forgot to tell me.

I guess I probably shouldn't have an opinion, since my tree is the same one I've had for years.  I take it out of its box and put it up every year.  It looks about as real as a plastic tree can look, perhaps even more than the turquoise one. At least I know my tree was never alive. But there's something about that turquoise tree that has stayed with me.  It's almost like I saw it cringe as I went past - as though it were embarrassed about what it had become.

I just hope there's a Charlie Brown out there somewhere who will buy that tree and take it home.  And I hope there's a Linus to remind us all with his words:

"I never thought it was such a bad little tree.  It's not bad at all really.  Maybe it just needs a little love."

Words to remember, not just about trees, but about everything that somebody else may not deem important.  After all, maybe all it needs is just a little love.

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Today's blessings:  Lunch at Fido with the Karens, Molly, and Pallu, with Gloria and her family stopping by to say hello; Lindley time; barbecue and veggies for dinner with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Maribeth, and Mathieu; mall-ing with Sam

When Great Loves Collide

My great love:  Lindley M

Lindley's great loves:  trampoline jumping and Elmo

A perfect day:  when it all comes together at my house!!

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Today's blessings: Catching up race scrappy; Mathieu's successful Lasix; Lindley time; pizza with Steve, Sam, Maribeth, and Mathieu; Marilyn's sewing class certificate; watching bad movies with Steve, Maribeth and Mathieu

I Admit It - I'm Confused

Today in the Tennessean, I read a story about Lifeway recalling pink Bibles. The Bible in question is called the "Here's Hope Breast Cancer Bible" and LifeWay donated a dollar for each copy to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, an organization whose sole purpose is to fight breast cancer.

Apparently LifeWay decided to recall the Bibles after some people complained that Komen donates some of the breast cancer funds to Planned Parenthood. Although Komen assured LifeWay that the donated funds are used only for breast cancer screening and awareness, LifeWay's president said that "it is not in keeping with LifeWay's core values to have to have even an indirect relationship with Planned Parenthood."

So here's where I get confused. I thought LifeWay was all about spreading the good news about Jesus Christ and God's love. Instead, here's what I know:

1. Recalling the Bibles means that some people won't get to read the Bible. Is that Lifeway's goal?

2. According to Komen, Lifeway had pledged $25,000 to the organization. According to LifeWay, about three dozen complaints had been filed. So, 36 people helped decide the fate of potential Bible readers and mammogram receivers. Could we say that those 36 people have a God complex, if they are so powerful as to make those choices.

3. LifeWay does not want to indirectly associate with Planned Parenthood. I've read the Bible. Jesus, the ultimate LifeWay CEO, directly associated with Mary Magdalene, a prostitute and who was possessed by demons. Yet Jesus loved her and accepted her and her life was changed. Is Jesus' example not the one to follow, instead of judging two organizations whose goals are to help women?

4. I am a Christian and believe that Christianity is about love. Period. Otherwise, with my many mistakes, sins, and bad actions, I would be completely banned from the presence of God. I believe that my purpose in this life is to spread that unconditional love to others - regardless of what tags or labels humans may choose to place. Maybe a Bible verse will help: 1 John 4:7-8 "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

So LifeWay - what is it? Do you love, or do you judge?
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Today's blessings: good medical news from friends with serious illnesses; curtain shopping with Maribeth; seeing Nan at Target

For Those Who Appreciated Yesterday's Holiday House Lights ...

... here is your answer to the Christmas tree decision ...

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Today's blessings: Four miles with KB; closet and key shopping with Maribeth; Red Lobster lunch with Maribeth and Molly

Why My House Isn't Lit For Christmas

... because this is what it would look like!

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Today's blessings: successful shopping; picking up Lindley from day care and going to Pinkberry

And ... I'm Done!!!

With my "make-it" Christmas presents, that is. I finished the last one today and wrapped it along with the consolation present that each make-it will include. This means that I am finished with Christmas shopping and all of the gifts have been wrapped and put on top of the chifferobe in the living room next to the Christmas tree. We can't put them under the tree yet, since Lindley has figured out that presents are made to be opened immediately as soon as they are located. Also, since they are all wrapped and put in one location, there will be none of that, "Wait, did you not open the (insert gift name here)?" and the resulting search under the bed, in the closet, up in the attic, for the missing gift (which may not be found until next July). All I have left to do is pick up a few things to help Santa out with the stockings.

Oh, and in case next fall I blog about how I chose another "make-it" Christmas, PLEASE STOP ME!! That is, if the recipients of these gifts doesn't retire the category this year!

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Today's blessings: Watching "Love Actually" and "Elizabeth I" while finishing the last gifts; picking up Maribeth at the airport; Steve picking up Applebees for dinner; Omaha Steak delivery from the Graves

Thoughts to Think On

What very mysterious things days were.

Sometimes they fly by,

and other times they seem to last forever,

yet they are all exactly twenty-four hours.

There's quite a lot we don't know about them.

Melanie Benjamin, Alice I Have Been, 2010

[M]aybe the most any of us can expect of ourselves isn't perfection

but progress.

Michelle Burford, O Magazine, 2003

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Today's blessings: Picking up Sam at the airport; furniture moving; Steve's Bubba burgers for lunch with Sam, Lynnette, Steve, and Molly; Lindley time

A Good Saturday And Lessons Learned

It started with the Snowflake 5K. Actually, it started earlier than that when Karen texted me, saying, "Are we going to be snowflakes this am?" Lesson #1: Always have a jogging partner, because generally nobody wants to be the loser and say, "Naw, we ain't wogging - we're staying in bed!" This morning I was not the one who texted hoping for an out. Instead, I was the one who said, "Yes. We be dumb." So we went to the 5K where it was cold and wogged our way to a finish.

Along the way we had our picture with Santa. Lesson #2: If it's Christmas and you agreed to be Santa, please try to generate a little enthusiasm. Even senior citizens still believe in you!!

After we got home from the race, it was time to shower and clean up, since the Karens, Dawn, and I were going to lunch and the "The Nutcracker." Even though I had just logged 3.1 miles, I decided that I didn't need a coat. I thought wrong. Lesson #3: If it's cold and it's December and it's Nashville, carry a coat. It's better to shed than shiver.

Since the cafe we had chosen was only a few blocks from TPAC, we decided to park midway in-between the two locations. We passed one parking lot next to the cafe, rounded the block, and ended up in the parking lost we passed. Lesson #4: Save gas and choose the first parking lot. You're going to end up parking there anyway.

Although we did have a rather long wait for our food, it was delicious. I had a pimento cheese grilled cheese sandwich with a fried green tomato inside. I did say this was a Southern comfort food cafe and not a healthy-for-you cafe, didn't I? Since time was getting tight, we told our waiter we needed our four checks quickly. Karen also told him that she wanted a piece of cherry cobbler, and to put it on her check. Luckily Dawn was the brains of our party and suggested that perhaps he not only going to bring four checks, but also four pieces of cherry cobbler and put it all on Karen's check. Karen jumped up and ran to Mr. Waiter, who confirmed Dawn's suspicions and rectified the situation. Four checks, one piece of cherry cobbler, four spoons. Lesson #5: Always bring one smart person when eating comfort food, since the comfort of the food tends to numb brain cells.

We had time to walk the two blocks (shivering a bit for me) to TPAC, visit the restrooms, and find our seats. We barely managed to stay awake during the first act, get beverages to awaken us during intermission, and settle down for the second act - until Karen said, (as the house lights were going down), "I think I left the candles burning in my house when I left." Needless to say, the Sugarplum Fairy could not dance quickly enough for Karen. Lesson #6: Eating comfort food before a performance in a dark, warm room will induce drowsiness; make sure Red Bull is the beverage of choice. Also, blow out any candles when you leave the house, lest you remember that you didn't blow them out and remember nothing of what conspired during the second act.

Once the play was over, we headed back to Karen's, whose house was still standing and not on fire. We parted ways and made plans to walk for the upcoming week. Lesson #7: Spending time with good friends is a gift in any season - but during this season of peace and goodwill, it's even better!

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Today's lessons: Snowflake 5K with Steve and Karen and race swag; Lindley time; lunch and Nutcracker with Karen B, Karen P, and Dawn; planning to use Groupon for dinner with Steve and arriving at restaurant only to find it closed (as in out of business)

Friday Facts

1. Baby, it's cold outside. Which means, in our 50+ year old house it's also a bit chilly inside, so the heat gets pumped up. Which also means I want to get in the bed and snuggle under the blankie. Which means I don't get much done, except watch Law and Order - The Early Years.

2. Did not get out to wog any, although we walked in the mall yesterday and have a 5k in the morning. When it's going to be really cold. Which means I will have to layer, which means probably sweating, which means cold again when I stop sweating when the 5k is over and the cold hits the sweat.

3. Got almost all the Christmas presents done and wrapped, except for one last make-it. Which is still in the sorta-planning, sorta-designing stage. Hopefully the idea will come quickly to fruition. One can dream ...

4. Realized how much I have to do in the days, weeks, months, and year ahead, and how much I had planned to do during the past year but haven't gotten done. Wonder if this time next year, I'll be realizing anything differently. Decided that I was thinking and realizing too much and need to go to bed.

So that's it for today. I also ordered one of my favorite Christmas movies, "The Gathering" with Ed Asner. I hope to have all my Christmas stuff done by the time it comes in, so I can snuggle in the bed and watch it. Christmas is coming!!

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Today's blessings: Airport run with Sam; Otters dinner and race bib pickup with Steve and Molly; almost finishing Christmas shopping; Steve's safe trip back home; pecans from Ms Wilson; chatting with Matt B; Christmas lights on houses as we went to dinner

Me. Today.

Something about going to the mall to walk at 6am gets the day moving.

Especially if it gets you in the mood to finish up the Christmas shopping.

Thanks goodness for caffeine!

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Today's blessings: Mall-walking with the Karens and Molly; taking Maribeth and Mathieu to the airport; Krogering and peeling taters with Molly; successful Christmas shopping; dinner at Molly's with Karen, Karen, Sharon, and Molly

When Being Judgmental Bites You In The Butt

This morning I decided to get out and walk a few miles. Even though it was cold. And dark. And I wore dark clothes, the very thing I fuss at walkers for wearing when they walk when it's dark. So I became the very person I think is stupid.

I hate when that happens, being that person that I railed against the day before, which happens more often that I would like to admit.

Tolerance, anyone?

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Today's blessings: Two miles in the early morning; switching desks and organizing; one more present delivered and wrapped; Steve's safe travel to Columbus

Make-It Update

As of today, I have four out of six make-it gifts done. I still have one to make and one to come up with the idea so I can make it. I have consolation presents to go with the make-it present so that the recipient at least has something that might be usable. The four finished make-its (and their consolation accompaniments) have been wrapped, so I am really ahead of the game.

Now if I could just learn to paint/quilt/sculpt/and~or whittle, I might get that last make-it made!!

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Today's blessings: Free hot fudge cake and lunch at Shoney's and shopping with Steve; chicken dinner with Sam, Lindley, Steve, Molly, Maribeth, Mathieu, and Adam at Molly's; texting with Marilyn during Biggest Loser; Nigel the dog's health improvement; more Christmas presents delivered

Just a Little Seasonal Help ...

I admit it. I've been busy making stuff and picking up stuff and procrastinating stuff. But I have been busy enough to help you with your holiday photos this year - at least on what NOT to do. Just click here and be amused - unless one of the photos is your family (I especially love little Claire)!

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Today's blessings: outlet shopping with Steve; picking up Lindley at day care; Steve's hot dogs for dinner; Christmas present deliveries

Giving Thanks for Unexpected Gifts

So here's my Sunday School lesson, except that I got it on Saturday:

Maribeth and Matheiu have been on a cruise (Disney, of course). While they were gone, it seemed like it was the best time to have the floors in their house stripped and re-stained. Of course, that meant that all the furniture had to be moved to the part of the house that doesn't have the icky floors in question. This included moving the bed, which happened to be a Sleep Number bed, which doesn't have your everyday mattress and box springs. Basically, the mattress is two air mattresses and the box spring is a bunch of over-sized Lego's that you put together (however it sounds, mine has given me the best nights of sleep ever).

Anyhow, after M/M left for the cruise, Sam and I managed to take apart the bed and shove the two parts of the bed into the bathroom and kitchen. The floors got refinished and yesterday morning I went over to meet Carpenter Bill who is doing the remodeling of the house and the painters who are going to paint the inside. C-Bill offered to help me re-assemble the bed in M/M's bedroom, which we did. We both left and I went to purchase a few supplies, including a temp shade for their bedroom, since all the curtains/rods were down for the impeding painting.

I stood on the bed to put up the aforementioned shade, and some of the Lego box spring decided to unattach. I surveyed the damage, and decided that the three puny slats that were holding up the box spring were insufficient, and I would replace them - in the three hours before M/M would be back in Nashville.

I pushed the two parts of the bed up and leaned them on the wall so I could get one of the inferior bed slats for measurement for my Home Depot bed slat run. I brought it home, measured it, and saw that it was about 5 feet. I go to Home Depot and look at the lumber. I see 1x6 pieces, remember that I measured 5 feet and think, "Perfect! Six feet is the exact length I need!" Don't ask me why I thought 5 feet and 6 feet are the same measurement. It was just one of those moments that seemed to make sense.

Of course, when I got back to M/M's, I realized my mistake and that I was going to have to cut the boards. This meant returning to my house and getting my jigsaw and coming back. I was now down to two hours before return, and I still hadn't been to the grocery store to get milk and bread.

Upon my return to my house, Sam was about to arrive with lunch for Lynnette and me. I had a lunch break and said to Lynnette that I was about to leave to cut the boards and reassemble the bed. Here's where the God part comes in. Just as I was getting up to find my jigsaw, my phone rings and it's Carpenter Bill. He says, "Luanne, did you put these wooden boards in here?" I affirmed the news and told him of the predicament. To make this long story short, he cut the planks precisely to the bed and help me reassemble the entire thing. Not only was the bed fixed, but it was fixed far beyond my feeble attempts could make it.

So what's the lesson here? That if we will just realize it, God is a part of our every day lives. He knows what we need and when we need it. He hears us when we pray and even when we don't. Sometimes we don't get the answer we think we want, and sometimes we get an answer that we didn't even ask for. We just need to stop and realize that there is something greater than us in this world, and that we are loved far more than we can ever fathom. We just need to recognize it and give thanks for it.

After all, why else would Carpenter Bill be at the house on a Saturday afternoon after he had already left? Why would he even bother to ask about the boards and then take the time to cut them to exactly the perfect length? Why? Because Somebody knew I needed help and provided it for me.

Thank you God, for looking after me every moment of my life. But most of all, thank for all the gifts and blessings you give, especially the unexpected ones.

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Today's blessings: Lindley time; brunch with Lynnette, Maribeth, Mathieu, and Molly; Maribeth and Mathieu's official announcement that it's a girl!

And They're Back

Maribeth, Mathieu, Molly, and Steve came home after a week of cruising/golf (you figure out who did what). Molly came home to find a clean house (thanks to her housesitter) and that Rambo had not run away. Maribeth and Mathieu came home to a finished deck and refinished floors. Steve came home in time to pack a bag and leave with Sam for a golf outing in Alabama.

Meanwhile, I had purchased bread and milk, set up Maribeth and Mathieu's bed, filled Steve's car up with gas, and picked up the major messes in the house.

Home, sweet home!

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Today's blessings: Lindley time; Factory for lunch with Sam and Lynnette and cheesecake for Lynnette's birthday celebration with the family; Bill Cox help with Maribeth and Mathieu's bed; safe travels for the family; cruise prizes from the cruisers

Clean Up Day

With everyone gone for the week, the house has fallen into a mess. It would seem that with everyone gone, wouldn't the house stay clean? In a word, no.

Here's what happens: I get the time to work on projects uninterrupted. The best thing is that I can leave unfinished projects exactly where I want to, along with the accompanying mess that the project entails. In the case of sewing, that means fabric scraps, discarded thread, and all the other paraphernalia that I need in order to do my version of sewing. The side messes of the week include mail in various parts of the house (wherever I happened to be when I decided to put the mail down), trash cans that need emptying, and recycling that needs to be collected. Because it's Christmastime, it means that there are rolls and scraps of wrapping paper on the bed and on the floor and on my desk. I won't even get into the whole food/eating thing, since it might prompt a call to the health department.

Anyhoo, the family is returning tomorrow, and since I did complete several of my big projects, I could put stuff away. In other words, it was time to clean up the house. After 8 hours, I have one room done. The funny thing is that I don't think anyone will even notice, as long as there is milk in the fridge and bread in the pantry.

So I guess I'd better get to the grocery store ..

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Today's blessings: completing major sewing projects; 5k-ish with Gloria; sleeping Lindley babysitting; beautiful sunny day

Happy Birthday Lynnette!

Today is Lynnette's birthday. To celebrate her, I thought I would list what I consider to be the Top Ten Moments since she joined our family:

1. First time I met her - in St. Louis - where she was working at the same summer youth camp as Sam (and where they met). Maribeth and I drove up in my (at the time) car - a Volkswagon Cabrio (small convertible). Sam, his friend Bugg, Maribeth, Lynnette, and I all went out to dinner in that car -boys in front and girls in back. Luckily Lynnette is tiny, which made up for all the space I was taking up in the back seat. However, since she is tiny, I also thought she was still in high school (I think she was in grad school).

2. Doing her first "big" race - the now defunct Minnie 15K. I kept sight of her jogging ahead of me until I finally caught up with her and we finished together. I think that was the last time we finished a race (that wasn't a fun run) together!

3. Her first Davidson Disney trip - she roomed with Molly and got the full Davidson Disney drama - tears, hurt feelings, dining ressies, late night at the parks - and we didn't even stay on property!

4. The "all girls" Disney trip when she, Marilyn, and I all got to the airport at the same time and got the rental car and headed out to Wilderness Lodge - after midnight. We couldn't work the GPS thingy (a first-gen GPS) on the car and ended up driving around and around past the MK, looking for the road to to to Wilderness Lodge. The good news was that there were no lines at check in!

5. Her first (to date, anyway) marathon where Maribeth and I were her race crew, meeting her at every two miles to provide drinks and support. Which was handy, since she was a little preggers (unknown to anyone) and feeling the need to toss her cookies (or crackers or whatever) every now and then on the course. Luckily Sam (who did the half marathon) joined the support team when Maribeth had to go to work and could ascertain whether she needed to quit (she didn't!).

6. Any road trip with the family, which usually involves made-up games, arguments about trivial nothingness, and surveys about ridiculous things.. Luckily she travels with an Ipod and not a gun, because I'm not sure whom she would shoot first!

7. Her willingness to travel with Maribeth for a special mission, which mostly involved Lynnette spending time in her room at a Microtel (which will also hopefully be her last time in a Microtel).

8. Her tenure with the Cabrio and the various car situations it presented.

9. The family Thanksgiving trip to New York City which involved dead batteries on planes and crashing private parade parties.

10. Lindley's first diaper dash - when she couldn't crawl - and Lynnette getting her to the finish line!

These are just a few of the fun times we've had, and there are many more to come - Happy Birthday Lynnette!!

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Today's blessings: 2 miles with the Karens in the cold; floor dudes at M&M's house; getting projects complete; actually figuring out the DVD player and watching 3 movies

Christmas is Coming!

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Today's blessings: a bit of Christmas shopping and making stuff; picking up Lindley at day care and watching Elmo; floor progress at M&M's

Tuesday Highlights

1. Walked 4 miles at 6am in cold weather with four friends - even though we didn't stop for breakfast. It beat snoozing in the bed for an extra hour or two. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

2. Decided to go to McDonald's for breakfast, since I burned at least 31 calories ambling down the sidewalk for four miles. Opted out of the drive-through because of the long lines and pulled around the parking lot, feeling quite please that there was a parking spot close to the door - only to find out that it had a McDonald's "reserved" sign. Who was it reserved for and why that particular spot? Since nobody was around for me to ask, I left and ended up at Sonic.

3. Ordered a breakfast sandwich and drink at Sonic and paid with my credit card, even though I had been to the bank and had $20. Instead of using cash, I credit carded and then tipped 75 cents, the only change I had. I think the carhop was thrilled with the tip and plans to open a savings account.

4. Came home, ate breakfast, took a shower, and started the laundry process. Went over to check on the progress of Maribeth and Mathieu's house remodel and made some executive decisions. Maybe the green polka-dots won't be so bad ...

5. Went to fabric store to look for a pattern and fabric and ended up getting both. Found out a few hours later that I had left the pattern on the store counter. Luckily they held it and I was able to go by and pick it up. When I got home, I decided to start work on sewing project, which was hampered by cats who like to (1) hear the rustle of patterns when they paw them, and (b) prefer to sit on top of uncut fabric when I get the scissors in my hand. Sewing project delayed.

6. Cleaned out litter box and wish cats would take care of their business when they are outside. Cats laughed and went to scratch on chairs.

7. Decided to balance checkbook and could not figure why computer said I was broke while online banking said I was solvent. Found that I had entered a $113 debit as $11,300. Decimals suck sometimes.

8. Decided to restart sewing project. "Secretariat" was on television, so I had something to distract me, until sewing machine decided to act up. Decided to give it a rest and threw cats outside for some total peace and quiet.

So I guess it's time for bed - it's been a busy day and the cats are out, so the prospects are good for a decent night's sleep!

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Today's blessings: Chatting with the girls for 4 miles; getting projects started; more Christmas presents delivered and wrapped; nice sales people

Hoping For Some Zzzzzzz

So last night I think I got about two hours sleep. This resulted in 800 catnaps today, none of which made up for last night. So the cats and I will try to do better tonight.

And yes, the cats will probably sleep in these positions (as will I)!

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Today's blessings: Progress on M/M's house; another make-it present in the works

Yikers! Let The Christmas Present-ing Begin!!

Every year, our family has tried to come up with some "great" idea for Christmas gift giving. We've given gift cards and drawn names and given to charity. Last year we decided that everyone would have a "theme" for their gift giving. For instance, for this year, Sam's theme is "air." He will be giving every person in the family a gift that has to do with "air." Would it help to tell you that Steve's theme is "feet?"

Anyhow, I had a weak moment and decided to go with my theme from last year - "make it." The only person who has actually kept my gift from last year is Lindley - whom everyone agreed got the best make it present (a homemade A-B-C scrapbook made from family pictures). So one would think that everyone might discourage me from repeating that theme. One would be wrong.

So, instead of going to Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, I am searching the internet for great make-it gift ideas. Since I don't knit, quilt, macrame, or paint, one might think my ideas are limited. Again, one would be wrong. I don't seem to let my lack of talent impede my gift giving. And as usual, I have great ideas for Lindley's present. The others - well, not so much. When I tried to google gifts, here's one of the few non-obscene ideas I came across:

Fortunately, I don't knit.

Anyhow, I shall continue to research in hopes of finding that perfect project for the family. I'll try to sandwich it in between my research for my part of the family Christmas meal. This year, in the tradition of Cereal Christmas and Fast Food Christmas and Disney Christmas, it's Crock Pot Christmas. So far, Maribeth's doing boiled peanuts and Sam is doing cheese dip.

Just another Christmas at the Davidsons!

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Today's blessings: picking up Molly's CSA; First Watch with Sam, Lynnette, and Lindley; chatting with the cruisers; new Christmas tree skirt; Lindley time

The Best Job In The World

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild. ~Welsh Proverb

Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children. ~Ruth Goode

A mother becomes a true grandmother the day she stops noticing the terrible things her children do because she is so enchanted with the wonderful things her grandchildren do. ~Lois Wyse

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Today's blessings: Finishing the carpet pulling-up at Prescott; Lindley time; more Christmas present deliveries; chatting with Maribeth and Molly before their cruise; Sharon joining Udderly Pink

White Friday

I did not stand in line at the stores today to buy stuff at super incredible prices. Instead, I pulled up some nasty carpet in Maribeth and Mathieu's bedroom (they are off to Florida for a cruise). Apparently when one (in this case, the former owner) chooses to clean carpets with the powdery-type carpet cleaner, the powdery cleaner is not picked up by one's vacuum cleaner. Instead, it sifts through the carpet and pad and ends up on the floor underneath. After I had pulled up the carpet and pad, there was a ton of white powder all over the floor. Luckily I had remembered to wear a mask (lesson learned when we pulled up the carpet in the other bedroom), so I was spared the inhalation of the gunk (which I couldn't help but wonder had it been an illegal white powder, how that might change my work speed). It took two dustpans full to clean up the floor enough to start pulling up the tack strips. The only part of this job left is to pull up the sixty jillion staples all over the floor, which I decided to put off until tomorrow.

I guess we all have our versions of fun for the day after Thanksgiving ...

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Today's blessings: Taking Maribeth and Mathieu to the airport; carpet project 90% complete; burrito lunch with Sam and Lynnette; Lindley time; getting started on Christmas gifts

A Day To Be Grateful

For my family both near and far;

For my friends both old and new;

For all things in my life with which I have been blessed,

I thank God.

It is indeed a wonderful life!

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Today's blessings: 5 miles in the Boulevard Bolt with Sam, Jo, Josh, and my personal wogging party - Karen, Karen, and Sharon; lunch at Pucketts with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Maribeth, and Mathieu; Steve and Molly's safe arrival in Florida; take-out dinner from Cracker Barrel with Maribeth and Mathieu; watching Lindley on her trampoline

The Times They Are a-Changin'

Me, mid-1980s, to my kids: "Quit jumping on the bed! You're going to break it! Quit jumping on the couch! You're going to fall and break your neck!"

Me, today, to Lindley: "Let's go jump on Lala's bed!! Running up and down on the couch is a great idea!! What the heck - Lala and Pawpaw will buy you a Lindley trampoline to put in the sun room!"

And so we did! Of course, we have no pictures or videos of Lindley jumping in her trampoline - we all were having too much fun!!

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Today's blessings: Lindley's trampoline delivery and Mathieu spearheading its assembly; picking up Lindley at daycare; Molly and her cook staff preparing Thanksgiving dinner; being thankful at dinner with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Mathieu, Maribeth, Molly, and Adam

Watch Your Panty Waddage

This evening I was on my way to pick up Steve from the airport. Due to a number of errands, I went the back route, which happened to have a train crossing included in the route. Of course, I thought I might be running a bit late, since my errand running was not panning out as I had planned. Just as I turned onto the road with the train crossing, of course the warning lights started blinking and the safety gates went down. I started getting all nervous and could feel my panties getting in a wad. I settled myself down, since there was really not a great spot to turn around, and decided I would just spend the time counting the cars. And I did - one, .... two, .... three .... Yep - there were three cars in all, hardly worth knotting my britches up.

Today's lesson: your panties will last much longer if you just hang loose and chill out - and save all that bundling for the big stuff!

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Today's blessings: Getting some of the house picked up; putting up and decorating the Christmas tree while watching "Elf" on tv; pedis with Molly and sparkly nail polish; picking up Steve at the airport; picking up Maribeth and Mathieu at the airport; more Christmas gift deliveries

Lost and Found ... Eventually

Molly called around 6 pm, asking if I had seen her shiny metallic wallet, the one that held her credit cards and driver's license. I told her I hadn't, but I would look at my house. I found nothing, except maybe how gross it was under my sectional couch.

I called her back and we retraced her steps. The last time she remembered seeing it was yesterday when she and I had gone Krogering. Although she remembered stuffing it in an outer pocket of her purse after checking out, she hadn't seen it since. She noticed it was missing when she went to get lunch today. We retraced every step she made after the grocery store. I went to her house and we went through her couch (underneath which was a yucky as mine), her bedroom (slightly cleaner but with bags of stuff from her car and baskets of clean/dirty laundry), and her car (clean only because she had hauled everything out to look for her keys there). We even drove to Kroger, just in case it was on the ground where we parked (sure - 24 hours later - but at that point we were getting desperate - Thanksgiving is in two days and she leaves for a cruise in four days. Things were going to be interesting if she had to cancel/reissue her credit cards and driver's license).

The good news was that we knew the wallet hadn't been stolen because none of the credit cards had been used (Molly had been checking constantly since she realized they were missing). It would seem that the wallet was somewhere in her personal territory - but where?

She called her friend who had come over for dinner, her cousin who had visited her this weekend, and her boyfriend who was one of the last people at her house. But still, no wallet. Two hours later, we decided to go check her office - just in case it had fallen out of her purse.

And there it was, in a box behind her desk. She had put her purse there and apparently the wallet had fallen out, not to be missed until she needed to pay for lunch. We had spent two hours searching, only to find it in the first place we probably should have looked.

What's the moral of this story? Get a big wallet and put a tracking device on it? Start looking for a missing item from the point when and where you realize it's first missing? Get a video camera and start making a video daily diary?

Maybe, but I like this moral of the story better: no matter how, no matter when, no matter why, it's always a blessing to have and be with family - especially when things turn out happily!

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Today's blessings: Steve's safe travel to Florida; first Christmas songs on radio; nice dudes helping with boxes at UHaul; getting Christmas order packages in the mail; picking up Boulevard Bolt bibs and tshirts; looking for wallet with Molly

It's What's Inside That Counts

I'm not sure which is worse - the fact that the brand name of this product is B&M, or the way that the product looks when it comes out of its container. And I won't even get into the interpretation of the raisins in this particular rendition of this product. I will mention that this company also produces baked beans (a no-brainer there). From all appearances, it looks like something I would never approach with the thought of trying it.

However, according to reviews, it's the best thing since, well, sliced bread. Guess it goes to show that you can't judge a book by its cover. Or in this case, a loaf of bread by its can.

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Today's blessings: 4 miles and Bongo Java with Karen and Molly; McAllister's takeout with Steve, Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Molly, and David; Krogering with Molly; helpful Michael's clerk; two new sweaters via Molly

One and Done

No matter what you say, I know what season it is - the season of whack-a-doodle shopping. You know, Black Friday and all. Molly and Steve are the masters of this phenomenon. I'm the exact opposite, which makes me wonder why in the heck I was in Old Navy with 8 bazillion other people this morning.

Oh wait - Molly said that coats would be 75% off and fleeces were $14. Or $16. Except that fleeces on the website were $7, but you could print out a coupon and get them for that price in the store. But since I did not need/want a coat, and the fleece situation was confusing, again - why was I in the store? Especially since the check-out line was from the register to the back of the store, and the registers weren't all open yet, because the un-needed/wanted coat sale didn't start until noon, and it was 11:45 am, yet I was standing in line with no coat and no fleece - in fact no clothing at all. I was just there as a placeholder. I guess I was there to balance out the two women in front of me in line - with their 97 coats apiece. Their massive coat haul was only trumped by the conversation they were having with their BFF across the store in another check-out line, as each one regaled and tried to one-up the other about not only this coat bonanza, but last year's and the year before that.

All I can surmise is that this was my contribution for the Black Friday madness. Even if they were going to give away coats with a fleece bonus for standing in line, I will not be there. My Black Friday shopping is done, and I saved a fortune - mainly because I did not spend one cent. Sure, I will have to wear my old coat and fleece - if I need a coat or fleece at all. After all, isn't that one of the perks of hot flashes?

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Today's blessings: Walking 4+ miles and breakfasting with Molly, Karen, and Jo; purchasing 4 milk bottles at yard sale on the walk home; Old Navy and Five Guys with Molly and David; Ragtime with David; Steve's Bubba Burgers for dinner with Sam, Lynnette, Lindley, Molly, Adam, Steve, and David

Now What Was I Going To Blog About?

I had a really good topic - really, I did. I thought about it earlier today, and had it all planned out. I think it was going to be an Andy Rooney (may he rest in peace) rant about something or the other. I'm sure it was quite witty. Or maybe not. I guess it does't matter, since at this point I have no idea what it was about.

Which brings me to another point, a habit that Maribeth and I decided we should start. Since we can't remember what we did, or whom we did it with (like something will trigger in my brain and I will ask her why is that triggering - what/where/when did we see/do/eat that) and neither of us can remember until we think really hard and eventually can put the pieces together, we decided that we should carry around a video camera and have a video diary of our day. Which of course is ridiculous, since our days are barely a smidge above boring. But at least we would be able to put the pieces together without taxing the teensy memory parts of our brains.

All that sounds well and good, until we remembered that we don't have a video camera anymore, and if we did, the battery would be dead, and if it was charged, then it wouldn't save anything because the memory disk would still be in my computer, where the memory disks are usually stored when I am ready to take a picture with my regular camera. That is, when my regular camera (a) can be found, and (b) has a charged battery.

So, to put this blog post in perspective, I had a brilliant idea, but since the video camera plan had not been put into action, you have been put through this rambling explanation of why you are not reading about it. The brilliant idea, that is.

Ain't modern technology great?

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Today's blessings: Wal-Mart-ing with Steve; K-Mart-ing and Taco Bell-ing and clean-sheeting with Molly; phone chatting with Maribeth; seeing Marilyn in the audience at the MSU game in NYC; Lucy's wedding pics; cleaning up dead plants in front yard; getting Nutcracker and Ragtime tix

Grandmaw's Here

Tonight I went out with the girls to celebrate Jo's birthday. The food was delicious, the company was amazing, and a fun time was had by all. Of course we had to take a few pictures. Upon looking at the finished result, I came up with with the following question - why are pictures so much worse than when I look in the mirror (where I at least look semi-normal)?

In other words, in the group picture I look like I'm ready for the nursing home. One could only hope the picture will inspire me to do something - like lose 100 pounds and go buy some Clairol. We'll see how that works out.

Technically I am a grandmaw. I just didn't expect to look like one so soon ....

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Today's blessings: 4 miles down Belmont with the Karens; finally finding the car fixup place and Steve; celebrating Jo's birthday with Karen, Karen, and Molly; 3 day planning

Memphis in Nashville

It. Was. Excellent!!

HOCKADOO!!

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Today's blessings: new dishwasher delivery and installation and dude that did both; Memphis with Karen; Lindley pickup and Pinkberry with Steve; JibJab fun

Tuesday Therapy

I think the increase in the water/gas bill is still cheaper than seeing Dr. Phil ..

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Today's blessings: taking Maribeth to the airport and her safe travel to Wyoming; lazy day of doing nothing much; long soak in the tub

So What Is This Udderly Pink???

It's the name of our team. So far, it's me and my girls to the left - Molly and the Karens. We're still hoping that Jo and Gloria sign up, and that many more (from all over the country) will join the team. So, the question remains - WHAT IS UDDERLY PINK??

I guess the best way to answer this question is just to answer a lot of questions.

1. What kind of team have you formed and what qualifications do you need to join the team?

This team formed for the The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure^® . This event will take place in San Francisco on September 7-9, 2012. To qualify, you must be breathing and have a heartbeat.

2. What happens during this event?

You walk approximately 20 miles a day for 3 days. And by walk I mean walk. You start in the morning and take as long as you need. There are lunch breaks and snack breaks scheduled along the way. When you get back to camp, you get a hot meal (breakfast and dinner), you get a hot shower in a semi-truck, you get to do the necessary in a porta-potty, and you get to sleep in a 2-person tent. It's amazing.

3. What if I can't walk the whole thing?

You can get picked up by a sweeper van, who will take you to the next snack stop or lunch or back to camp if it's late in the afternoon. If you don't want to walk, you can sign up as a crew volunteer and still be part of the team.

4. How much does it cost?

Registration is $90, although there is a coupon CURE2012 that saves a bit on that (it expires on December 1). To participate in the walk, each person has to raise $2300. I know that sounds like a lot of money, but it can be done, especially if we all work together. Crew members are exempt from the fundraiser part.

5. Now let me get this straight - I'm supposed to raise $2300, walk 60 miles over 3 days, sleep in a tent, shower in a truck, and peepoop in a porta-potty. And I'm doing this why?

Because you probably know somebody who has been affected by breast cancer. Because breast cancer needs to be cured. Because this is an experience that is so special, it's hard to put into words. So maybe this video of the my walk in San Diego will help.

So now you know. Fundraising on my part starts after the holidays, unless you need your car washed before then. Meanwhile, don't you want to join us?

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Today's blessings: Steve bringing me lunch; chili dinner at Molly's with the family