An Ode to 2006

Seeing as it is the last day of 2006, I think I should have a farewell post. Maybe an ode to the year or something like that.

An Ode to the Year: Oh, 2006. What a year you have been, with rashes and crashes and things that akin (see February and March posts for explanation). A washing machine kaput and an evergreen tree, shopping for houses and then for some tea. A job as a waitress, a job as a cook, also with teaching and reading a book. Being a teacher for months on an end, becoming much more than only a friend. A half dozen marriages were attended with joy and then to come home to my very own boy. With sorrow in November, but joy we did not borrow. We have it to hold and forever tomorrow. The love of the Lord will see us on through, this year and next year with no further ado. Thank you.

The Christmas Season

I got some really great Christmas shots this year. Look at the excitement on the faces of those guys... Woo-hoot!

I really had a very nice Christmas this year. One gets to appreciate the holidays spent with family... Watching everyone open their gifts is always so fun. Ben loved the watch I bought him and Adam was thrilled about his new framing nailer. I'm ready to make some jam with the new stock pot Adam bought me (YES! I really wanted one!). But most importantly, Christmas is a time to celebrate what the Lord has done for us. To imagine that the God of the universe would send His Son to be born as a baby, in a stable full of dirty animals, no less... How grateful I am that He did that for us. And that He would except you and I as His followers and His children. Excepting us has to be much more humbling than being born in a stable. We were so much dirtier than any of those animals. But because Jesus was born in that stable so long ago, we can be washed clean in His blood and have our eternal hope in Him. God is so good. Praise His name... He is the reason for our joyful celebration.

Merry Christmas Eve!

So yesterday I stayed home ALL day! I made pies (four of them), cleaned minimally, watched a movie, and wrapped presents. What an eventful day... I am quite pleased with it. I made two pumpkin pies and two pecan pies (is this da ja vue?). The only thing is that... well, instead of putting bourbon in the pecan pie, I used oozu. You might be thinking, "Oozu? Why oozu?" or "What is oozu?" Well, oozu is a Greek alcohol and this summer when my boss Mary and her family went to Greece they brought gifts home for everyone. And because they couldn't be partial with anyone, they got us all the same thing... Oozu and two little shot glasses. How nice... seeing as I don't drink and I couldn't give they drink away, I stashed it in a "secret" hiding place for the last four months waiting for Christmas when I would make pecan pie. So in went two tablespoons of oozu in each pecan pie. I have no idea how it will affect the pie but I'm sure I will find out at Adam's grandparent's this afternoon. Hopefully it'll be okay. Shortly Bob and Joanne are coming over to open their gifts (if Bob ever gets done walking the dog) and then we are going to Buffalo to Joanne's parents house. (Please let the pie be okay!)

Here's wishing everyone a loverly Christmas Eve today. May you be blessed by the Lord and keep Him in the center of your celebration. Much Love to you all!

Nothing Interesting

Since I have about an hour to spare (I should be cleaning my house or something useful) I shall blog to you all. I've been working a bit lately. Every day this week and I 'll be working everyday next week (except Christmas) because I'll be going babysitting. Christmas has come very quickly this time around. Somehow it just sneaked up. Adam and I are spending Christmas Eve at his grandparents in Buffalo. His Aunt and Uncle and two cousins will be there too. I am bringing two pies. One pumpkin and one pecan. I'll be baking all day Saturday because I am bringing pies to Mom's house on Monday too. That makes four pies... talk about lots of work. Maybe Adam will make supper tomorrow?

Tonight I'm going out to eat with Carissa, Emily and Eliza Jane. Supposedly there is some nice place to eat out at East View so we shall "don our gay apparel" and dine with the high society. Once in a while we go out with each other and it's such a nice way to keep in contact, especially with everyone off at school or working long strenuous hours. Sometimes I get to missing my friends and it's great when we all get together. Speaking 'o which, I ought to give a few people a call and set up appointments before they all rush back to the books.

Okay enough of this boring blabber. I'll post again when I have more interesting conversation. Hmmm, I should find my camera, which is buried somewhere out in the car. Not very safe. And where is this snow we're supposed to get for Christmas? All I see is rain.

I'm Invited

Aunt Rachel called and invited me to go to her house tonight and watch It's a Wonderful Life with them. Good thing for blogs or else I'd be lonesome tonight. Thanks for inviting me Aunt Rachel!

Christmas Parties... I'm Not Invited

I need someone to visit tonight. Does anyone want to come over? Adam's work is having a Christmas party (which I had forgotten about till he called me ten minutes ago) and he says wives aren't invited. I think that is odd... Anyway, I'll be at home cause he'll have the car. What should I make for dinner for one?

Anyone Up For Iced Tea?

This is what it feels like we should be doing today instead of getting ready to celebrating Christmas. Riding bikes sounds like fun on a day like this! It has been so warm this week. Up in the 50's today. It certainly is not like a normal December. So, is anyone up for coming over to tan in the backyard? Okay, okay... That was a joke. But how about swimming or having a barbeque? To be honest, I really would like a little snow, maybe just for the next two weeks, to help get me in the Christmas mood. How about you?

The Busy Season

So, for the last several weeks, I've been rather boring. Boorish. But this week I've been very, very busy. You see, it is candy season at the restaurant. If you didn't know, I work at a restaurant and the business also sells homemade candy. Everyone from the whole world over either comes or calls to order candy. Yesterday, we sent a box of chocolates to Hawaii and today I made up three boxes that were to be sent to the Bahamas. I've been going in to work at 8:00 every morning, before going to waitress, to help with candy orders. Yesterday I worked ALL day just taking and filling candy orders for people. It really is a great place to work. I love seeing all the different candies my boss and her husband make. They make all kinds of homemade candy canes, ribbon candy and sugar speck this time of year. I'm always amazed at all the different flavors and colors and all the people who come to get their candy from us. It definently is an experience I'll never forget. So, needless to say, now I'm tired from working all week and am ready for a day off tomorrow to catch up with myself, my house and my Christmas shopping. I have turned down another day of packing candy and babysitting. My laundry is sky high because I have had no time to wash it. I must go buy Adam's Christmas present (or else he might be disappointed). Oh, so much to do... I mustn't forget to praise the Lord for all His goodness and for the gift of Jesus Christ- the real reason for the season. I must remind myself to slow down and thank Him for all He has done for us. What a great God we do serve!

A Boring Blog Survey

So, I was surfing random blogs and came across a survey. I love filling out surveys, so, just to bore you I shall post.

Eye color:
green

Shoe size:
7 1/2

Height:
5' 3 & 3/4"

What are you wearing right now?
green sweater and muddy black dress pants

Righty or lefty:
righto

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FAVORITES

Kind of pants:
my brown linen pants

Drink:
water and chai tea

Month:
June... July and August still to go!

Cartoon:
the old ones... road runner, bugs bunny, elmer fudd, etc.
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HAVE YOU EVER...

Given anyone a bath?
a few small children

Broken a bone:
no

Played truth or dare:
I used to all the time with the Hester's

Came close to dying:
I don't think so.

Been in a hot tub:
yes

Fall asleep in Class:
No, unless you call Sunday night church a class... then I have. And Mom and Dad made me go to bed that night without watching America's Funniest Videos. Guess I deserved it.

Broken someone's heart:
Yes... but I think he got over it.

Cried when someone died:
yes

Fell off your chair:
Who hasn't?

Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call:
no

Saved email conversations?
I don't think so, but I do save important e-mails.

EVER HAD...

Chicken pox:
when I was a kid

Sore Throat:
yup

Stitches:
Eight little stiches around my knuckle... washing glasses for a friend. Boy, did he feel bad.

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DO YOU...

Question yourself:
all the time

Who was the last person that texted you?
G.I. Joe

Who makes you smile a lot:
Troy, he's so cute!

Who knows you the best:
Mom and Dad, Adam is a close third

Do you like filling these out?
Sadly, yes. I find them quite enjoyable.

Do you wear contact lenses or glasses?
Both

Do you get along with your family?
I love my family and get along with them too.

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Random Questions:

What did you do yesterday:
Went Christmas shopping, ate pizza at Mom's house, texted G.I. Joe, went to the public market

What car/truck do you wish to have?
mine... I'm quite content with it

How many remote controls are in your house?:
'round about four

Scary or Funny Movies:
funny ones

Chocolate or Vanilla:
vanille

Summer or winter:
definently summer

Coffee or tea:
Tea. I try not to drink coffee. But I do like it.

Phone or in person:
In person... I've regretted "over the phone".

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Yesterday did you...

1. Talked to someone you like:
Yes, quite a few people I like.

2. Buy something:
yup, Christmas is coming! and soda pop and coffee

3.Get sick:
no

4. Talk to an ex:
ex what? no

5. Miss someone:
I usually miss people... so I'll say yes just incase.

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Last person who....

Slept in your bed:
myself

Went to the movies with?
Adam

Said "I Love You" to?
Adam

__________________________________

MORE Random.....

what book are you reading now?
Revelation and Joshua... I don't seem to be reading much else lately.

What's under your bed:
dust and probably an old water bottle or two

Favorite sports to watch?
hockey (adam's fault)

Favorite Locations?
my parent's house and the beach

What are you most scared of right now?
things

Who do you really hate right now?
the fly in the window

Song that's stuck in your head right NOW?
all I can hear is that buzzing fly and no song is in my head (that's odd)
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Random... (again)

Your Favorite Food?
muffins

Are you too shy to ask someone out?
I was, but now I'm married, so I can ask any old time.

Hugs or Kisses?:
some of each, but more hugs

Dogs or cats?:
cats


So there you go. A boring survey. I had fun filling it out and I hope you enjoy reading it and learning more about me.

Long Post, Short Post

So, just when I was going to delete the last post because I though it was too long and that no one would want to read it, I saw that Mom had commented. So I guess it stays. I received our first Christmas card of the year today. It was from the Hess's. Oh, how I love to be remebered by Mrs. Hess. What joy and elation!

Gramanita's Christmas Memories

One might wonder, "What is with this post???" Well, I received some wonderful Christmas memories from my Gramanita and I found them so lovely, I just had to share them. Please understand that this came through e-mail and might be sloppy. I'll try to clean it up for you though. Enjoy! (Even though I didn't write it.)


Anita's story from her childhood...(okay okay, one of them anyway)
In the 1940's when I was a child...there seems to be two things that I remember most..little and probably short..so I will save you for the moment for the long versions you know I can come up with! all of us have a story...a memory...and besides it would be good for us to write anyway...and remember...and send..

OKAY..the two things I remember..okay okay it will be a few more...My "Nanny" and "Nampy" used to come and visit sometimes at Christmas..and of course because I spent so much time with them, I was also the favourite...my sisters got great stuff from Santa...but my Mom and dad thought I was very bad all the time so..not much for the bad girl...however my Grama every year somehow got hold of my doll and Christmas morning there she would be once again...the best dressed doll in the neighbourhood...and her and I both had the most fantastic little capes...so fantastic that even GramaGail, who used to be a child once also...and had everything, was green with envy..and her mom tried real hard to make her a cape the same...but mine was the best cape and doll to match in the whole world! And today...Gail is the best seamstress in the whole little town she still lives in. The other thing I got from my grama was something I have only one left even today...then I was none too pleased with them...but when I look at the work today I am totally in awe...little hankies...all trimmed in the daintiest lace in the world...that she had made herself from something called tatting or some thing like that...then I was none tooo impressed...but they are quite incredible and colourfull also...one more thing..can you believe this...every year I used to really see Santa in the sky...I used to get up late at night..I would lay awake quietly waiting for the moment when all was quiet in the house..and that must have been very late as my parents where party folks...then I would get up...and look out the window and I would always see these incredible lights in the sky...moved right accross the sky...rudolf of course leading the sleigh...I could not make out Santa...but I just knew...once I could see this...I tippy toed back to my little bed...and slept soundly till morning...little did I know, not only did I live in direct line of the Buffalo airport...but I was looking over the field where at the time was a factory that built airplanes...oh well....so when I was 12 and Sandra Game told me there was no Santa...I beat her up!..and that really is the truth...ask GramaGail...

sorry...that was suppose to be short!

okay...YOUR TURNS

I love this...would make a wonderful little book for our kids and theirs and theirs...think about it and please write...Your...memories

I JUST LOVE THIS NEXT STORY....AND VERY WELL WRITTEN ALSO!


The worst Christmas ever.......by Lori Anne...

I must have been about 8 or 9 and was so excited about Santa Clause coming to visit that night. All of my clothes were stuffed tightly under my freshly made bed, just in case Santa looked into my bedroom. My blankets were tucked under the mattress so tight, I could hardly move underneath them; when I tried to jump out of bed Christmas morning, I bout killed myself. As quickly as I could get off the floor, I made a get away the living room, to discover, yes, even poor children get a visit from Santa Clause. I watched as my sisters proceeded to dump their stocking crammed with goodies on the floor. I was so excited for them, as they all oohed and awed over their treasures. I ran to my stocking, which was stuffed full. Like a trophy, I proudly carried my filled stocking in front of them, as if to show them, that my stuffed stocking represented what a good kid I was this year. I excitedly took that stocking and proceeded to dump it upside-down....nothing came out....I shook it, nothing still....whatever was in there, was firmly packed in there. I finally decided I would have to unstuff this stocking like my mother unstuffed a turkey. I stuck my hand in and started to pull out many colorful "things".....many things,....and many more. Where is the candy, I turned the stocking inside out, ....where are the toys........what, no potato either???? I felt cheated. I moped and sulked, as I watched my brother and sisters suck the stuck candy from the bottom of their stockings and made a big ta-doo over their treasures.....and all I got was stupid colorful.....WHAT....."What is this supposed to be, a joke?" I thought to myself. Kathy sat warmly in front of the furnace, gloating over all her stupid candy....I cried inside, you see, "I love candy" and I deserved it more then Kathy, she was in trouble all the time, surely Santa must know that. As I sat off to the side of the colorful Christmas tree, I sulked. I don't even remember what I had already unwrapped as I continued to feel jipped out of a decent stuffed stocking. "How could Santa not think I was good enough this year, to even get a potato?" My grades were OK, my bed was made, I was real good this year, and I even left out cookies for Santa, and a carrot for Rudolf too..... Well, we were toward the end of the unwrapping, just a few gifts left now. Each of us kids had one gift left to unwrap, mine was second to the last. Still sulking, I began to open up a stupid metal thing that poked me as I took the paper off. "Great, a continuation of the stocking....." I was now going from sulky to mad.....as I stated " What is this supposed to be?" Mom then showed me how to take the colorful loops of things from my stocking and create potholders of many different patterns and colors. I remember being in awe of all the potholders I could create with my loom. "My gosh, I had so many loops to use with my loom, it would keep me busy making potholders for the whole city", and I did, with pride and patience....gosh, I loved my loom. Now, and even then, I remember being ashamed of my own selfish behavior.....but how sweet my loom was, and how busy and wonderfully happy it made me.

I love you mom and all of the sweet memories you give me.




Anita's Memories... of her childrens christmases...(remember..I'm old...and a romantic... most of the time)

WE ALL REMEMBER THINGS DIFFERENTLY...IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO HEAR IF ANY
OF YOU HAVE MEMORIES OF CHRISTMASES AS A CHILD...WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER???...about before and getting ready for Christmas??



This is my memory of some particular Christmases when we had very little money...each one of the 6 children got a couple dollars and off we went on a shopping spree...alot of it window and windup shopping...going to all the expensive toy displays...winding up or setting off all the toys..pressing stuffed toy hands to listening to the the message or song they played...watching toy trains wind their way around little toy villages, watching people is a wonderful thing, especially little children shopping with their parents and taking in the wonders of the season...their eyes big and glazed over...delighted at the various things to see...going to the pet shops...to see all the animals, kittens, puppies, fish etc...then stopping off last at the second hand store and each child getting the one gift for their sister or brother(picked names) and seeing how they could fix it up and make it a wonderful gift all wrapped up in the saturday newspapers funnies...topping the whole day off with a hot chocolate...and popcorn(some for stringing and some for eating) and watching as the Christmas Trees was trimmed and lit...turning off all the lights except for those on the tree and sitting in the warm delight of the season...I so love my children and the loving warmth they gave me in the short time I had them with me...thats what makes happy...knowing I was soooo fortunate to have had such wonderful healthy incredible children...I am truly blessed!!!!!!

Dec. 3rd, 2005

On Sunday, we had our first anniversary.

Afternoon Tea for Two

I'm sure you all are thinking, "Well, it's about time she posted again!" What can I say? I'm a busy girl... most of the time. I can't believe I am so far behind. Guess I'll start with last Thursday. I meant to post about this last Friday but Adam was in a hurry, so I couldn't.

Last Thursday my dear friend Emily was going to take me out for afternoon tea at Hick's and McCarthy's in Pittsford. The thing was that I usually don't get home from work till 3:30 and that's when reservations were. So that left me very little time between work and then to stop at home and get changed. But I planned accordingly and wore my nicer pants to work and brought along a shirt to change into. I was going to change my shirt at work before I left. But the thing was, I didn't remember about changing my shirt till after I was in my car. Oops. By now it was already after three and time is scarce so I didn't think I had enough time to go back into work (especially since we close at three and maybe the door was already locked). Where could I change??? I couldn't stop at home, I can't change here in the parking lot (who knows what wack's were watching), I can't wait till I get to the restaurant. The only good thing was I always wear two shirts (just that one's a spaghetti strap). Hmmm. The only near vacant place I knew along the way was, um, the road? Who knew that I would be daring enough to change my shirt while driving. It actually is quite easy. Although I would never had tried it if there were any cars around or if the road was curvy. One shirt off real quick and the other on again. The other shirt had a real big neck so it was just over the head and then I could see again. Quite fun. Anyway, I only met Emily about ten minutes late (which was much better than I had thought I would be). Tea was to be served in a small dining room which over looked main street. The tables were small (to compliment afternoon tea guests) and spread with a white table cloth. Two tea cups and matching tea pots were arranged nicely on the table. We chose our teas; Emily, vanilla and myself, the house blend. Accompanying our tea, were small sandwiches, scones, sponge cake and fruit tarts. Good thing we were hungry. Everything was so tasty and the atmosphere was so relaxing. She and I sat and talked for about an hour or so. When we left, we were given little satchels of lavender as souveniers. I put mine in my purse and now my purse smells like lavender, which I think is quite nice.
After tea, we went to The Christmas Tree Shoppe in Henrietta. It is a relativley new place and was very busy. Especially because of the holiday. I bought myself some Christmas tree ornaments and stuff. I don't have many ornaments yet but I think one kinda collects them as they go, so I'm not very worried. We are thinking about getting a tree this weekend. I guess that means we'll have to clear a space for one?
Anyway, Emily and I had such a lovely time together and afternoon tea was just wonderful. If anyone is ever interested in going for tea sometime, just let me know! I'd love to go again.