I totally planned to write this morning... but time got away from me, so here it is almost bedtime!  

Went to Mom & Dad's for Thanksgiving.  There is nothing quite like being at your folks for a Holiday, especially Thanksgiving!  Mom was a little bummed cause she got a "fresh" turkey breast to roast... only to find out, it was pre-cooked and was more like deli turkey lunchmeat.... but it was turkey and only one small part of the otherwise delicious meal.   

While at the folk's, we got to visit with my uncle, whom I had not seen in 29 years.  I enjoyed his MidWest talk.  He reminded me a little, of some farmers I heard talking a while back at a tractor store in Walla Walla, Washington .  Very enjoyable, very different from how city folk talk!!!  

On Wednesday afternoon, we had some time to kill... so we looked up several old places we had lived when we were first married and the first house we ever bought.  That was over 38 years ago... and believe it or not, they WERE still there.  When we got to the first house, Tom was driving by slowing as I video taped the brick walk he had put in so many years ago, and the shrubs we planted... several of them (a Lace Leaf Japanese Maple, and a California Redwood) looked very healthy and very big.  Anyway, the current owner happened to come out as I was filming and looked a little puzzled, maybe even a little worried.  So Tom turned us around and came back to tell her it was our first house, etc.... Well, she invited us in and we met her husband.. and saw some other stuff Tom had built so many years back.  It was fun.  The people were very gracious.  They even gave us there e-mail address.

We got to visit with Caryn & WUP (Weird Uncle Paul) as he is affectionately called... however, one year we did find some "Weird Relative Repellant" which we did have to buy just for him.  It was a very good visit.  Next we visited my girlfriend from High School and her husband.  It was so fun to catch up on things. 

We blew right over the Snoqualmie Pass, rock slide and all.  No hold ups at all!!!!

Yesterday, Jeff & Connie, Andrew & Ethan got here on their way from Redding to Spokane.  We had thanksgiving dinner again.  It was so good having them.  It was just about a 3 hour visit!  Connie had 80 signs to get in the mail today!  She sells them on e-bay. 

We didn't get to see Thad's family yet... but we will see them soon.  They just got back from Palm Springs!  Poor babies!

My little sister called me yesterday... she sure is special.  And she will always be my little sister no matter how old she gets.  There is something sisters have in a relationship that is unlike any other.  The things that interest her, interest me!  We got cut off and didn't get to properly finish our conversation... so later we can do it.   They are going to Indiana Friday to see their little girl away at College. 

Now for what happened this morning here.  Little Joseph ( 3 years old ) was looking out the window and there was frost on the ground, he said, "look snow outside.." and I said, "maybe it is frost on the grass" and Joseph said, "oh well, what the heck!"   It just sounded so grown-up and strange coming out of such a little kids mouth.  We don't know where he came up with the saying, as we don't say that phrase around here...

Well, it is off to watch TIN MEN before sleep comes!!!  Talk to you soon... Bye

Ok.. another thing!  I have to tell you what happened this morning.  The girls came down from upstairs and we were sitting in the great room enjoying the fire and some nice morning visiting.  Sharalee was nursing Isaiah on one of the couches... when two of the older girls 5 & 3.5 years sat down side by side right in front of the fire, then the 2.5 years old joined them on the left, then little Carinna (20 month old) immediately went to the right side.  They all had their nighties on and were as close as they could be to each other and to the fireplace and still be on carpet.  They looked so cute sitting there... then I felt like I was going to lose it... thinking about them not being here and how big and empty this house will be next winter, when each family has moved into their own homes.  I thought I heard the Lord's voice speak to me and say, "it is ok to have feelings... let them happen and don't be afraid of them!"  It was comforting.  It was sweet. 

A little while later...Carinna had some fruit loops in a little plastic cup and she was going around sharing them with everyone, even little Lucy!    The reason I mentioned Lucy specifically is because Little Lucy and Little Carinna have had some sharing issues each being close to two years old.  You know how that goes. 

Ok... things are getting kinda crazy!  First Chris and Tiff are adjusting their trip plans due to a rock slide in the pass and times of 6 - 9 hours additional travel time needed to just get over the pass... they have not finalized their plans yet!  Scott got a little delay on his visit and won't be here until late tonight (Saturday), so we are thinking if we could have Thanksgiving on Tuesday at Mom & Dad's, then Uncle Bobby could be there for Thanksgiving with them (& us).  Then Tom & I could drive him down to Uncle Tony's and Aunt Dodies that evening (saving Mom & Dad the drive down and back) and so we could spend a little time with Tom's sister, Caryn, before heading back over the pass to home.  Then Bobby would get to have two Thanksgivings.   Then we could come home on Thanksgiving afternoon/evening when the rest of the world is chowing down on their Turkey Day Dinner and taking naps and watching football.... thus the pass would be passable possibly.  (Tom's sister has plans to go to her long, long time friend's for Thanksgiving.)  Then we would be back here for Chris & Tiff, if they still come and also home in time to see Jeff & Connie & Boys as they drive through.  Wheee!!!    What y'all think about that plan?  The only thing is, mom says Steve has to agree to come for Thanksgiving on Tuesday instead of Thursday... and you know how military he can be about changing the regimen!!!  

BTW - I will take pictures!!!!

Got word today that my eldest grandson, Master Andrew, is doing marvelous in school.  He has earned 4 - A's, a B, and a C so far this year.  It has not always been so for him.  He also broke up with his very first girlfriend,  and has gotten himself a job.  THAT BOY IS GROWING UP FAST. 

Yesterday, while I was working at the doctor's office, Tom bought a pellet stove for the shop.  It came with one ton of pellets (supposedly free)... I think Tom said that is 50 bags.  Joel helped him get it with his pickup.   Tomorrow I work at the doctor's again... I wonder what he will bring home this time??? 

Steve's boy, Scott, is paying us a visit on Saturday, so we are delaying our Seattle trip for a couple of days.  I got next week off work, at least I think I got it off.  Jeff & Connie are stopping by on Sunday after Thanksgiving.  Chris & Tiff are coming that Thanksgiving weekend too! 

Steve is having a little fit as he couldn't remember which part of the cow the ribeye steak comes from!  He thinks he is getting senile.  I say, "could be!!!"    I told him to get the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook... they have pictures in there. 

Just a short note.  A friend's son, who happens to be an army ranger, stopped by today.  It was very interesting listening to him.  He has matured a lot since going into the military.  He was sharing about the trouble with "us" as in the USA.... basically he was saying that we are too "nice" and don't understand our enemy.  I believe him.  Wish I could share everything he shared.  He isn't at liberty to talk about many things.  Maybe some day.  Anyway, made me really want to pray, not only for him, but for our nation.  God Bless America! 

It is already Friday.......... weeks are coming and going at an alarming pace!  I guess that just means I am running really fast these days!    The end of the race is near, surely it is near. 

It seems I go through these times in my life, rather frequently, where we will be at Costco, let's say, just browsing around, looking at things and I get this... so what... what's it all for anyway kind of a feeling.  Like I don't WANT ANYTHING else.  The THINGS I already have are TOO MANY!  Does anyone else experience these kinds of feelings?  Then I will start thinking about TIME and the fact that this minute is the only "this minute" I will ever get and it is gone forever.... well, not really gone, gone... just gone in an earthly sense. 

Sure am homesick at times.  Have you ever thought about what if?  Like, what if I get to Heaven, and I really don't like my room?    Just kidding.. I know it will be absolutely the most superb place anyone could ever hope to be.  The thing that I have been camped on lately, thinking about the Lord, is about how much I like Him.  He just simply amazes me.  I am so taken by Him. 

Did anyone notice Aunt Dodie wrote in her blog today?  Pretty cool, huh? 

Good evening.... I have been at work at the doctor's office all day... Sure enjoyed reading everyone's blog this morning.... thanks especially to Jedijo!  I loved the stories... and that went along with itsjustme03's blogging about stories. 

Mom & Dad left on Monday... got stranded here Sunday due to a rock slide in the mountain pass... but took a different route to get home on Monday. 

It was a strange visit in some ways.... wind (that isn't strange whenever they visit it almost always gets very windy) but it was wind that was so extreme, that it not only buffeted the motorhome making relaxing difficult, but it also blew down a tree which hit the motorhome and knocked out the power cord.  Fortunately, there was no damage to the motorhome.  Thanks Lord!!!  (the tree was damaged due to the neighbor spraying it with roundup -- long story) 

Last night all the kids in the house except the 7 y/o and 2 month old, were dancing to some Christian Rap music... that would be 5 kids between 20 months - 6 y/o.  They were dressed in everything from diapers, underwear, pjs or fancy dress up dresses.  It was REALLY, REALLY CUTE!!!! 

Hey! It was the tune "Hey Hey" by the Elms that was played on "The Happy Rock Extravaganza", not "Hey Now" as I reported erronerously on Friday.    Well, one must be careful and get these things right!  Remember the Word says, "Open Rebuke, is better than Hidden Love"!!! 

Today is get the report cards done for Calvary Christian School day.  Conferences start next week....and well, there are some changes that are needed in each of the grades........ so I am up very early getting it done by today!!! 

We plan a little trip tomorrow to Spokane to visit with Thad & Jen & Kids and then Connie & boys (Jeff is in Little Rock until Sunday PM).  Mom and Dad are here so we will be taking them up with us.  It is so much fun getting to have them here.  They were such troopers yesterday to trapse around with us all day while we ran our "crazy life" errands.  There is something so special, deep and rich about a parents love.  I am getting it on both sides now... know what I mean? 

My heart is so overflowing with gratitude to my Lord.  I am so nothing and yet the knowledge of that isn't in the slightest little bit depressing.... it makes me want to sing, cause HE loves me so much just as I am.  His love is ever infiltrating and redeeming my intermost being.  OK... I am getting a little gooshy here, but I think you get the picture.

I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

What is going on?  This whirlwind in my life right now is absolutely coming on so fast and furious.  Is it the Holy Spirit?  It must be Him causing me to be very much in love with my Lord and allowing me power and times of witnessing.  IT IS SOOOO AWESOME!  Is a fall near?  I always think this way.     

"Have Thine Own Way Lord" is my song... no matter what or why or when...