In Memory...

It’s that time of year. Time to remember all of the things that happened in 2008. 2008 started out good. Then half way through it all fell apart.

As I sit here looking at the MSN home page you see “In Memoriam 2008”. On that list you see actors, singers, news people, athletes, designers, politicians and many others.

I have my own little Memoriam list for 2008. None of these people were famous nor were they rich. They didn’t make laws, records or clothes but in their own way they touch many people’s lives.

I would like to list some of the people we lost around here. I know there are much more but these few come to mind.

Mary Ann Gibbs

Sammie Black

Phyllis Powell

Wade Holt

Josh Linder

Gary Arender

Buster Hall

Ann Reese

Judy Brown

Leon Groom

Bill Manning

Ed Duke

Bob Vinson

Kyle Zitko

These are just a few that have passed away from this area. Each of these people will be missed. Most of the people on my list weren’t that old. Mom was 62, Wade was 18. Isn’t it weird that each of these people was allotted a certain amount of time?

I mean, God gave Mom only 62 years to be here with us. Somehow I feel cheated. We all think we will live to “be a ripe old age”. Sadly, they didn’t and some of us won’t. I can't imagine what Wade's parents feel. How robbed or short changed they must feel.

I wonder if you recognize people from your community when your in heaven? It was explained to me that people in heaven don't know what's going on down here since the bible tells us there are no tears in heaven. If our loved ones could see us they would be unhappy and sad because we are unhappy and sad. Their prime purpose is to worship God not feel sorry for us.

I know that Mom enjoyed singing. I know that Mary Ann could sing also. Wonder if they are singing together??

As we go into the “New Year” let us all remember that we never know how much time we have. Remember to let those around you how much you love them. And by all means…make sure you have everything planned and prepared for. Case in point…here.

Christmas 2008 doin's

A friend of ours always makes these wonderful cookies and icing for Christmas so tonight we pulled them out and decorated! Oh and we ate them also. You can tell that the kids had a nice time doing both.

I've also taken a few pictures of some of the ornaments on the tree. Some explanation is required for a few of them. Let's see...

Melissa's is the Christmas tree shoe ornament. Michael's is Snoopy since he's like Charlie Brown, wishy one minute, washy then next.
Tinkerbell belongs to Amanda. Last year she picked out a Disney Princess one but since she's growning out of the Princess stage...

Mike is the Grinch. No explanation needed for this one. And of course, Rhett and Scarlett. One day my cousin Nancy will be inheriting all of my GWTW stuff. I'll leave notice that the ornaments need to be handed down to her also. I know she will enjoy them as much as I have!

Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

Pet Peeve #4

Here's another one of my pet peeves...Empty hangers left hanging in the closet!! Please tell me what is so hard about taking your clothes off the hanger and removing the hanger from the closet???

It drives me crazy to pull out the hangers as I am hanging up freshing dried clothing. I'm finding out that the older I get, the more pet peeves I have.

Homeschool happenings

This blog that I started about 3 years ago was a way in which I was gonna keep up with Amanda's homeschool adventure. Some how life always gets in the way and I blog about that instead. So tonight, I thought I would actually blog about Amanda and close a chapter in her life.

For the past 2 1/2 years, Amanda has attended a little cooking class called "Show off Chefs". It's been taught by a teacher from the school district here. Her name is Marie Thomas Osborne. She grew up here in Podunk, TX. and is making an impact on her students. Both in public school and through her cooking class. Tonight was her last night to hold class. Due to different circumstances, she had to make the decision to close up shop.

I would like to Thank Marie for the past 2 1/2 years for the time, effort and creative recipes she taught Amanda and the others.

This is also our last week of school before taking 2 weeks off for the holidays. I know we are looking forward to the rest. We have quite a few homeschool families that attend our church and one particular family started school earlier this year in order to take the whole month of December off!!

The science class that we had for 14 weeks is over. History is still a booger! and will have to be the only subject we do over the holidays in order to not get behind. It's A LOT of reading but I have enjoyed reading about our history. Although, I am tired of the Pilgrims. I'm ready to move onto the colonist, American Revolution, Civil War, etc.

Piano lessons will resume the week of Jan. 5, 2009. 2009! can you believe that??? January 7, 2009 will be Amanda's 11th birthday! Man, I'm getting old. No, actually, Mike's getting old!!! I'm just saying...

Anyway, looking forward to Friday and hopefully some warmer weather!!!

Christmas Questionnaire

I saw this on Beth Moore's blog and thought I would post it also.

1. Fresh or Fake Tree

We use to do fresh trees when I was little and when Mike and I first got married. But then I had to be the one to clean up the mess so we now have one of those trees from Walmart that is pre lit!! I so enjoy it!! It's in three pieces and isn't too big. That way it doesn't kill you getting it in and out of the attic.

2. Favorite Ornament

My favorite ornament(s) would be my GWTW ornaments. Yes, I have Gone With the Wind ornaments.

3. Favorite Christmas Song

O, Holy Night. I know a lot of people have sang this song but Martina McBride's version is beautiful.

4. Favorite Tradition

We don't really have "traditions". Mike usually reads the story of Christ birth from Luke. One year he wanted to change that and read it from Matthew. Which didn't go over well, it sounds prettier coming from Luke.

5. Favorite Gift Ever Received

This one is difficult to answer. It would have to be either my pink chi iron because without it I am a big bush head!!! or the Campbell soup mug that I found in Mom's closet after she died. I collect Campbell soup kid stuff. She had bought the mug and put it away for Christmas.

6. Favorite Christmas Meal

My favorite Christmas meal is probably the ones in Kansas City with Mike's parents. Yes, it's very stressful up there but his Mom knows how to set a beautiful table along with the wonderful food.

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie

Ok, this is EASY...chocolate chip!!! But it doesn't have to be Christmas to have them.

8. Favorite Place to Be

Home with my family.

9. Favorite Memory

It would have to be when I was in Kindergarten or first grade. We lived in Oklahoma. My sister and I were being tucked into bed by both Mom and Dad, it was Christmas Eve and they were explaining that we needed to go to sleep so "Santa" would come. Now, I'm not making this up, really. We heard noises on the roof. I totally promise! Something was on the roof and it sounded like hooves. I know, I know...

10. Favorite Christmas Movie

It's a Wonderful Life has to be my favorite Christmas Movie. When George realizes his worth more dead than alive, then God sends Clarence to show him what a truly wonderful life he had. My daughter can't figure out why it's in black and white! Oh and Charlie Brown Christmas is right up there. I'd put both in with GWTW, of course!!! LOL!!!

Happy Holidays!!

Yes, we are trying to get ready for Christmas. Michael completed the yearly ritual of putting the lights on the house.

Michael, Melissa and Amanda decorated the tree this year. They did a pretty good job. We did purchase a smaller tree from Walmart for $25.00 at the day after Thanksgiving sale. It's pre lit so that was a blessing.

Every year we decorate the outside. I enjoy that more than anything! I am a light person! One day, I'm gonna have the entire house decorated and timed to blarring music! I'm sure the neighbors will be thrilled!!!

We also hit the day after Thanksgiving sale at Lowe's. We ended up with Chuck and Snoopy. Don't you just love 'em!!!