But not necessarily in OUR house!

All roads (or *paths*), that led to the den, looked like this - last night:

  
  Neatly wrapped packages, everywhere you walked.

                                                                      
                                                                       There was no escaping the wrapped boxes with bows.
 

       
                    The girls requested their presents be scattered here,there, and everywhere.

So, we did.

But, this morning

       
                                              it was a totally different story!
                                      (I save all boxes and gift bags each year)

Yes, a good time was had by all.

More pictures and stories will follow next week!

Be Blessed  ~

 
                                    
                                     Slowly, the "wrapped" is overtaking the "unwrapped"                        

Christmas smells like
   bayberry candles, pine trees,
   logs burning in the fireplace ~
   liked popped corn, and plum pudding
        with flaming sauce,
   like turkey and cranberries.

Christmas feels like
   holly wreaths pricking your fingers,
   fragile egg-like tree ornaments
   and silky, spun glass angel hair,
   like sticky seals and smooth silk ribbon.

     

 
            My baking stations have been converted into a gift wrapping, "Holiday Village" center!     

                         
                    The closet                                                    The kitchen bar

Christmas sounds like
   church bells chiming, children laughing,
   voices singing "Silent Night"  ~
   like hustling feet and small bells tinkling,
   like snow crunching underfoot.

  

Christmas tastes like
   crisp apples and sweet tangerines,
   pumpkin pie and fruit cake,
   eggnog and cracked nuts,
   like date cookies and hot chocolate.

         

Christmas looks like                                                     
   glistening ribbon candy, holly stretched
        across the streets,
   colored tree lights blinking,
   like mistletoe in the doorways
        and bright packages on the floor,

Like star and creche and animals in
        humbled awe by their manger,
   wherein lies a different, smaller Being.

Christmas is
   the knowledge of God in our hearts . . .
        that through the Word made Flesh
   in the manger of Bethlehem we know we
        belong to God and cannot perish;
   that we have a perfect, permanent refuge
        and home.

Because we know this . . .
   Christmas smells, feels, sounds, tastes
        and looks
   ever so wonderful . . .
   year after year after year.

(Diana Smith Watts)

I hope all that you are trying to accomplish, this week, falls into place and that everyone takes a moment to "breathe."  

When you take that long slow breath,  look for a still, small place in the hustle and bustle.  It's where serenity and peace of mind exist  - it's found in, and through, our Lord and Savior.  

The star that shined high in the sky marked the birth of the most incredible human being to ever be born.  Such a bright star, it caused fear in King Herod and brought joy to those who "knew" the specialness of the long awaited birth of a little boy.

Be Blessed  ~

That's been my "mantra" this past week!  

I've accomplished so much in the past few days and managed to lie down, in between, to save my back. 

Yesterday, Jesse took the girls with him and they were gone from late morning until after 5pm.  While they were gone, I mixed up four different cookie recipes and baked two of them.  The other two had to chill, so I figured I could bake those today.  I also have two different cookies that still need their frosting.  I think that will be a good and perfect project for the girls, today. 

No pictures, yet, but for those of you interested, here is a list of what I baked this year (so far):
     *  Anise cookies
     *  Fruit cake cookies
     *  Hello Dolly bars
     *  Date nut bars
     *  Bourbon balls (an OLD family tradition) 
     *  Pumpkin cookies
     *  Russian teacakes

and the dough is chilling for: Chocolate Pixies and Chocolate Refrigerator cookies. 

I need to make the dough for shortbread cookies and chill it; and I also need to make fudge.  IF I feel like it, I may make a chocolate & peanut butter fudge - but, I'm thinking, most likely, NOT!  We have plenty for ourselves and plenty to give away as gifts.

               
                           (my computer's screen saver matches the rest of the decorations around the house) 

I've taken a very, VERY slow pace, but I have also *slowly* crossed things off of my list. I feel such a sense of accomplishment and so rested.  I'm really enjoying ALL of this!

Thursday, Jesse and I finished up the last of our shopping and bought a few groceries.  He treated us to lunch at Chili's and I got the hamburger I've been craving!  That was the day the girls bought gifts for each other.  I love watching their serious faces as they pick only the very best for each other.  Their desire to please is so sweet.  Despite the arguments throughout the week, they still have a kindness for each other and a serious bonding going on!

Now I'll have to start all of the wrapping.  The wrapping of 92 million boxes!!!! 

          
                                                                (an earlier picture)
                                         (the two end stacks have multiplied & are much higher)

Putting everything in boxes seemed like a good idea, at the time . . . I STILL think it is a good idea, and I believe I have found a way to simplify the procedure.  Instead of making awe inspired bows and ribbon, I'm going to try a band of ribbon around the middle (only) and where the ribbon meets in the center, I'll use a name sticker to hide the edges.  Since they will be stacked, no harm will be done. 

I *will* put some big, pretty bows on a few, along with a sprig of holly, a flower, berries, or a pine cone.  I'm sure, none of the children will miss having a package with a bow or flowers!

I remember wrapping everything at the kitchen bar (last year?).  It was higher than a table and easier on my back.  Since every, single thing is in a box this year, clearing the bar of bakery ingredients and using that to wrap is my next plan of attack!!!!  No one can tell what's in the box or who the box is going to.

We've all relaxed after dinner, each night.  Last night, we drove around some near by neighborhoods and looked at lights.  We're enjoying our quiet house and a family movie (here and there) on TV.  "Lifetime" is showing all kinds of warm-your-heart movies in the evenings.  I love sitting with Jesse and the girls all cozied up in the den.

Part of relaxing is turning on the lights on my ficus trees and lighting a couple fragrant candles.  I've used pine scented, and/or bayberry or mulled cider in different rooms.  Everywhere we go, there are gentle, twinkling lights and a wonderful aroma from the flickering candle flames.

We've talked and talked about the events leading up Jesus' birth.  We've talked about WHY God needed to send His son in flesh and blood.  We've talked about the last, and perfect, blood sacrifice to atone for our sins of the flesh.  Then, in the car (or just about any opportunity) we quiz them and at least one of them will ALWAYS get the answers right.  That's the best gift of all.  I love knowing God's Word is alive in my children's hearts.

A strange (and anonymous) package arrived yesterday, in the mail.  A box with our Sunday church's address, but no name by the address and no name on the card.  The box had a variety of small gifts for children, almost all of them were duplicated in sets of three.  We don't know if not signing the card was a mistake, or if someone wanted to do something nice for the girls and maintain a secret identity. 

I'm using gift sacks (yes! I'm done with boxes and making any more work for myself!!!!!) and filling each with the items from the church box.  Then we'll let the girls know the story behind the goody bag.

Jesse slept in late and he just got up, so I need to say goodbye here and wish you all a PEACE-FILLED weekend.  I can't believe I have a week left and so many things are nearly finished.  I'm also glad I stuck with my plan to SIMPLIFY and enjoy these days!

Be Blessed  ~

In the old days, I would have been upset with my time being so unbalanced.  I would have plunged ahead, making several batches of cookies (or at least the dough) and been so very tired, in the process.  And *that* would have made me even more grouchy.

           
                                                                 (dining room table)
                                          (silver and white - don't know why it looks gold)

Today, when it was 1:30pm and time for lunch, I didn't dwell on the fact we had barely made it through half of today's assignments.  The girls are missing absolutely simple, silly things. 

Like:

"What's wroooooong with this.  What am I doing wrooooooooong?!"  (those spellings indicate a whine in their voices)

Me:  "What number comes between 42 and 44?" 

"Um, 50?"

"No!  No!  Wait!!!  I mean 11? no, ummmm . . .  6?"  (my question marks indicate their lack of confidence)

"No!  Wait!  Oh, I don't knoooooooooooooooooooooooooow, this is too haaaaaaaaaaaaard," they wail.

And I'm not making that question up.  It really was in the 2nd grade math book, just like that: "What number comes between 42 and 44?"

(expelling large breath, here, before continuing)

Nope!  No cookies baked.  I've cluttered the bar with every ingredient a number of recipes could possibly contain, except for the eggs.  There are three sticks of softened butter that have been sitting there, since Sunday. 

I know I have everything I will need, because there are bare spots in my cupboards and hardly any room left on the bar to prepare dinner.  Ha!  I caught myself making a typo!  I almost wrote . . . "hardly any room to *repair* dinner,"  which is exactly what I had to do, last night. 

Repair the vegetable beef soup I had made. 

Jesse came home and lifted the pan's lid and informed me there was no broth in my "soup."  I had left the soup to simmer over a VERY small flame, but, I guess, it had been a while since I'd last checked it.  I quickly prayed, threw in a can of beef broth, two cans of water and we had "soup" again!

Yesterday and today, I've been fighting a horrible pinched nerve in my neck and right shoulder.  Pretty bad, pain.

I've prayed and prayed that God would help me enjoy this season and would not allow me to put myself in a tail spin, if things don't go exactly as planned.  At 57 1/2 years old, you'd think I'd know that by now. 

But I don't. 

   
                        (the holiday "crystal" - glasses purchased over the years from Arby's!!!!!!!!!)       

This period of time is also teaching the girls that their lack of attentiveness to their school assignments is rendering them cookie-less!  If it's 3pm and I haven't even cleaned up the homeschool books, I've given up on the idea of starting another mess by making cookies.  The disappointment in their faces is temporary.  Today, I told my children if I attempted to bake cookies, I'd keel over.  They didn't question me.  I don't even know if they can define the word "keel," but I must have *looked* like I was about to explode.  They didn't try to change my mind and all three took me quite seriously!

What I *do* plan to do, is read them some of the poems and stories from my old issues of "Ideals" Christmas magazines, while I plot what is about to become of the five chicken breasts thawing out in the kitchen.

Several times, the girls have asked me for a Christmas list and I posted one on the refrigerator door, today.  Most of what I want is dollar store stuff, but I REALLY want them.  White wash rags for the kitchen, hand lotion for my desk drawer, emery boards, rat tail plastic combs, and other such items. 

I know for sure, I've become my grandmother.  I *truly* enjoy those cheap little items, because I'm so grateful I don't have to shop for them myself!

        
                                                                     (Annamarie)

I've lit candles for the evening (bayberry and pine) and I've turned the mini lights on in my 3 ficus trees.

It's almost 5pm AND I'M NOT STRESSED.

God has answered my prayers. 

I'll try again tomorrow to bake.  If it doesn't happen, I'll try again on Thursday.  If Thursday produces no cookies, we'll see about the next day.  Since our last day of school is this Friday, I'll see how things go next week.  The cookie list may have to be shortened, but I'm determined to enjoy this time.

           
                                                                            (Rissy)

Some things are always the same at Christmas time, around here.  We have traditional foods/meals and I always find time to make my mother's bourbon balls. 

I also do certain things a little different, each year. 

A long time ago, I put encoded numbers on the gifts with no one's name.  Only *I* knew what number went to each child.

A few years ago, we went to church before opening stockings and gifts.  We *saw* everything but waited to "celebrate" with gifts and food.

Last year, Jesse put the gifts on the floor, forming a little pathway to the den.  Rissy asked if we could do it again.  She liked hunting for gifts.  We sent a child to hunt for a gift.  Whichever gift you found, you took it to the person who's name was on the tag.  You  couldn't retrieve one for yourself.  You had to put it down and let someone else discover your gift.

THIS year, I'm trying my best to wrap EVERYTHING in a box.  And, mainly shirt boxes.  Children usually look at a shirt box gift and disappointingly think to themselves, "Oh, it's clothes." 

My children all enjoy new clothes, but they are "children" and still like a little something to "play with," even if it's grown up play things.  I bought jewelry, books, knick knacks, beauty care products, lotions, etc., this year, and most all will be delivered in shirt boxes.  Ha!  I'm loving it!

Back to the attitude.  So many people complain about the "Christmas rush" and the "traffic" and the "people" everywhere.  Well, what would it be without the crazy chaos?  What would it be like if things went so smoothly, no one enjoyed a sigh within themselves because they "got it all together, no matter the late hours spent"????? 

Rubbing elbows with others is all part of it. 

I know celebrating Christmas doesn't come from Bible edicts or instructions, handed down through the years. 

Jesus never said to remember and celebrate His birthday.  But He *DID* speak of "peace" and He also spoke of "doing unto others."   I can't help but think one of the best tests we have, when gauging our progress in our Christian walk, is when we ask ourselves questions like: 

"Was I able to demonstrate patience, just now, when a third person shoved ahead of me in line?"

"Am I able to *love one another* when that man let the door shut in my face or that woman took *my* parking spot?"

"Do I have joy in my heart, despite this self imposed and crazy treadmill of a list I'm racing to fulfill?  And that stupid song?  Who made it up those lyrics and wrote that maniacal music.  And, why oh WHY do they play it over and over again on the radio and in the stores???"

Those are ALL things Jesus taught about. 

And, thank you LORD for your generous mercy, as we continually fall short of the mark.

As we grow in our Christian walk, there are fruits of the Spirit our lives should exhibit.  Without praying and asking God for help (or even the desire) in weeding out the bad attributes, we can never hope to progress from the unhappy, joylessness of the season to having real JOY in our hearts, LOVE for other human beings, and PEACE within.  No matter what, all of our busy lists and trappings shouldn't touch or steal our JOY, LOVE, or PEACE.

Since I've brought up the subject of joy, love, and peace this season, I'd like to ask for continued prayers for my mother in law.  In November she lost her husband.  Six days later, her mother.  Now, one of her older brothers, who's battled cancer, may not live through the month.  She needs the prayers of others to make it through this season - one of the hardest she's ever endured.

(big breath)  And, now, I'm off to put the chicken in the oven and read some stories to my children!

Be Blessed  ~

Yes, indeed!

I've spent entirely too much time dwelling on the mantel over the den's fireplace.  I don't believe I've ever wasted so much time "fiddling" with fluff, here and there, and never being satisfied.

For reasons, unknown to me, I haven't been happy with what I created, which had become more of a "creature" than a "creation" on the fireplace mantel.

As I said in an earlier blog, I've simplified, this year, and put up plain wreaths instead of garlands and lights in every doorway.  I didn't use lights on the fireplace mantel, and maybe that's what I'm missing.

                  ***********************************************************************************

I've had one of "those" weeks and I'm so glad it's the weekend.  There's another wonderment.  "The weekend" is no different (for me) than Monday through Friday, except for church.

Why, oh why, do I find myself thankfully whispering, "It's the weekend!  Yaaaaaay!!!"?????  Isn't that dumb?!!!!

I had my bone IV on Thursday and we grocery shopped afterwards.  The rest of my time was spent here at the house.  I put out one fire after another.  It was all very wearing and today was no different.

At least the fireplace's mantel is finished.  I MADE myself walk away from it. 

I'm sure if this was my last week on earth, I wouldn't want to be found squandering my time on a fireplace mantel.

Surely there are more important things to do with one's time!!!

We have one more week of school before we quit for several weeks.  It's presented a host of problems this week, mainly the introduction of impossible language skills (i.e. punctuation) and the introduction of algebra (in *3rd* grade? c'mon A Beka!).

I'm sure I am no more sick of teaching than the girls are of learning.  I'm also sure it's a tight race on exactly *who* can't wait for a winter break - them, or me!

                               
                                     (This is NOT a 2nd one, I moved it from the fireplace to the carpet)

Today, Jesse had a leaf removal job and took Sushi (our Blue Heeler, dog) with him.  She had a blast and he enjoyed taking his dog to work!  He came home, but wasn't ready to come inside.  So, he climbed up on the roof to see if there is lint caught in the top of dryer vent (couldn't find any), and told me he almost fell off the roof, backwards. 

I'm so glad he didn't. 

Not this week, anyway!  (rolling my eyes)

The school books are put away for the week, except I "will" attempt to tutor Rissy in algebra, tomorrow.  That will take place in between my baking cookies and spending some quality time with myself and a good book (NOT a textbook).

Yesterday,  we bought all kinds of yummy ingredients for baking.  I found a cookie recipe with fruitcake fruit in it.  Also, I may attempt to make butter mints (the flat, pastel mints that melt in your mouth).  They look easy enough.  AND, we sure can't forget about reading Christmas poems and stories from old "Ideals" magazines.  I have issues that were published in the 1950s and 1960s.

Her story reminded me that my own mom and I made them when I was in junior high (waaay back in 1964 - 1966).  After my mother died and I went through her things, I snagged the three pomanders we made one Christmas (oranges stuck with cloves).  I remember sitting for hours one week poking cloves into oranges, until I felt like my thumb tip was a bloody pulp.  It was weeks before the feeling came back into my thumb!!!  But, well worth the time.

Tonight when I took them from the shelf where they sit year round, I found they still carried the clove aroma.  I doubt that I'll ever attack making them with oranges again, but I might use Shanda's inspiration and give my girls apples and a bowl of cloves.  Who knows?  I might be building memories!!!

Starting tonight, I'm changing my attitude.  I'm going to try harder to create some warm fuzzy memories for my children. 

And, quite possibly, they won't remember the Christmas of 2010 as the Christmas I made them learn impossible punctuation and beginning algebra!!!!!!

Or worse yet, "The year Mom was busy decorating the fireplace mantel (for the umpteenth time) and didn't even notice us!"

Yikes!  Tomorrow, I had better pull out my "Ideals" magazines and whip up some cookie batter!!!

Be blessed  ~

                                          
                                                Things are stashed in hiding places,
                                               waiting for boxes and wrapping paper.

I hit a gold mine, this year, at a thrift store.  It isn't in an exclusive or wealthy part of town, but I have found mall brand clothing in like-new condition, some of them still have the store tags attached.  Old Navy, Lands End, Limited Too, Gap, Aeropostale, Apostrophe, Macy's, etc.  Beautiful things for cheap!  Cheap!  CHEAP!!!!!!!!

Can you say C.H.E.A.P.??????????????? 

I spent a little over $50 on tops for the three girls, PLUS two nightgowns for Rissy and Annamarie.  The nightgowns were the most expensive thing I purchased, $3.99 each!!!!  They are so plush and soft.  I'd betcha, MAYBE, they've been washed once. 

For Rissy, I found a ton of basic little, short sleeve t-shirts (to wear under long sleeve shirts) in every color you can imagine.  They were $1.00 each.  I would guess I bought a dozen of them. 

And the sweaters!!!!! Oh my! 

Again, only $2.00 average for a pull over or cardigan!  

They are excellent quality and a small fraction of what they'd be priced, if brand new.  I think people must receive gifts, wear them once (or not at all), and the things end up in thrift stores. 

Fortunately, I have a lot of clothing-size boxes in the garage storage.

Speaking of boxes and wrapping paper, none of that will take place, if I don't clear off the dining room table.  It's covered with the decorating things I may (or may not) choose to use around the house. 

I believe I've OVER simplified!!! 

When I think about the clean up AFTERWARDS, all the pretty stuff no longer sounds appealing! 

I decided against climbing on a step stool to put the usual green garlands with lights up across the doorways.

I found four green wreaths in the attic.  I've hung them OVER two different doorways, the fireplace, and one on the den's wall.  The two in the den have white decorations (flowers or white berries).  The ones in the front of the house are just plain green with a red bow.  Good enough for me!

I'll try to get pictures, when I'm finished.

Can you say S.I.M.P.L.E.???????????    

In my formal living room, I've covered a silk ficus tree with a strand of 100 lights and it looks great.  I'll do the other trees in the front of the house, as soon as I buy some extension cords.  The lights will stay on the trees year round.  I've wanted to do that for years.  At night, it's just enough light for us to see, and it's cheaper than a lamp's bulb.

                                      
                                                                    Rissy's trees.

I also found some mini trees in the attic.  I gave Luci & Annamarie the two larger trees (30" ???) for their bedrooms, and Rissy has two itty-bitty, dinky trees for her room (about 18" & 10").  She has the smallest dresser.  The girls were thrilled and had fun making each of their trees look exactly the way they wanted it.

While digging through the attic, I found miniature ornaments, like: snowmen, nutcrackers, berries, birds, some tiny red silk bows & glass bulbs.  Perfect for the little trees.  

I also found battery operated lights and some 35 bulb strands of electric lights.  Again, just perfect for the dresser top trees!  

             
                        Luci's tree.                                                               Annamarie's tree.

Starting on Wednesday, my plan is to start baking. 

The usual, familiar cookies & fudge, and a couple new types of cookies. 

This year, I'm trying my hand at Russian tea cakes.  They look easy; the ingredients aren't expensive, and, that's what everything is about this year

E.A.S.Y., SIMPLE, and *cheap* !!!!!!!!!!  

For some reason, school has been extremely difficult.  I don't know if the curriculum has increased its load, or if NONE OF US want to be doing school. 

Today, it took until 4pm to finish the basic subjects of spelling, language, & arithmetic.  Oh!  I sure don't want to have the rest of  the week be like today!  Such a struggle.  Luci, who normally cries all the time, is the only one that didn't cry.  Well, Luci AND me!   But, I don't count, because I really *wanted* to cry!!!!!!!!!!!

Jesse had a nice birthday with just us, on Saturday.  On Sunday, we met his brother , sister-in-law, and a friend at Red Lobster Restaurant.  The food was good, as was the service.  We went into Dillard's (like Macy's) afterward, and Jesse bought his favorite cologne.  He had a scratchy throat, yesterday, but when he came home from work tonight, he sounded like he had a full blown cold.  I gave him Thera-Flu and rubbed Vicks on his chest and throat.  He's out like a light, snoring in bed. 

With all the "putting up" of decorations, I also got the kitchen cleaned up (the counter tops, floor, and microwave).  I cleaned and organized my desk.  I washed down the outside of the washing machine (the girls tend to spill things).  AND, I wrote a winter letter to send to friends & family, since we no longer send  cards.

The lady who was helping me clean had to quit.  She's having surgery.

Maybe that's why I'm pooped, right now. 

I should get up from here and run the dishwasher, and then I need to go to bed.

Be Blessed  ~

I know it's a little late for me to be writing.

And, the truth be known, I'm not up "a little late," I'm up *A LOT* late -

for me, anyway!

This was a busy day, as I had my 3 month visit with my "would have been" breast surgeon and a routine mammogram.

The place where the mammogram is done usually keeps me for a couple of hours.  Today, I was in and out in less than an hour.  So, Jesse, the girls, and I went out for a quick Chinese buffet lunch before heading to the surgeon's office.

My surgeon officially "cut me loose" today and said she'd plan a mammogram and breast ultrasound in 6 months.  I didn't need to continue seeing her, unless something came back abnormal or I had reason for concern.

I'll miss her.  She's been a dear person throughout all of my cancer trials.  We had a long talk today, about some female concerns in an area *other than my breasts* and I sought her opinion (a valuable one to me) as a surgeon.  She still marvels at my journey from close to death, due to  aggressive cancer, to no sign of cancer. 

I continue to tell her (and anyone else that will listen), I had good doctors, good chemo therapy, good radiation therapy, and A GOOD GOD!!!!!

We discussed my Stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the fact cancer has disappeared.  She said, I should make future medical decisions (like a hysterectomy) based on living a long life, not a life that will only last another few years. 

She said she didn't have that magical crystal ball that tells the future, but her gut told her something negative would have showed up in 18 months time.  I never trust that (or any timetable) as a definite gauge - because one never knows.  In fact, I've highlighted all the places in the Bible that tell us to NOT trust man, but to trust God.

And that's where God comes. 

HE knows, and I'm okay *not* knowing, as long as I know HE knows!

(did you follow that?!)

I DID ask her if she thought it was wrong for me to encourage other people to pray and ask for healing (as well as accept medical help).  I've wondered if, maybe, my "preaching" was rubbing salt in the the wounds of others.  I've never wanted to hurt anyone by the words of my mouth. 

And, I've mulled over and questioned whether I shouldn't rave on and on about what God has done for me. 

I've wondered if, maybe, I should just let people believe what they believe and not encourage them to ask God and then trust Him.  In other words, *I* could pray for them, and if they *WANTED* to hear my story, they could ask.

I know we are all here to bring glory to God, but if someone is experiencing declining health, due to cancer or any other dread disease, should I say nothing and watch them slowly fade away?  That doesn't seem right.

I really have dealt with this question many, many times.

Today, my doctor answered that very question. 

She said, "You aren't a medical freak, if that's what you're thinking.  So, no!  Absolutely do NOT stop telling other people your story.  Your enthusiasm and faith are very contagious.  You offer hope and the encouragement to fight to those people you come in contact with."

She made a good point.

And, I replied, "I don't want to encourage only people who have cancer, but I want to encourage anyone with ANY problem (relationship, financial, parenting) to seek a binding relationship with God."

So, I'll continue to speak of my healing to anyone who cares to listen and, maybe, to those who don't think they want to hear what God has done for me. 

I'll keep praying (first) and then speak words of encouragement as I feel the Holy Spirit lead me.  I'm not "special" and I'm not more important to God than any other person.  The years added to my life haven't been added because I'm some super woman out there making a huge dent in God's kingdom.  I'm just me.

                                      ********************************************************************

Stephanie and JanaLyn came over tonight.  JanaLyn has been coughing and the school nurse thought it might be more of an asthma problem.  Stephanie needed some medicine for JanaLyn's nebulizer machine.  The same stuff Rissy just finished using.  I rubbed JanaLyn's back, which was full of knots between her shoulder blades.  Probably from coughing so much.  We loaded them up with Vicks rub, LifeSavers, and the asthma medicine.

We visited a while before they had to leave.  My girls were excited because of JanaLyn's visit, and they were hard to put to bed tonight. 

They kept popping back up with "one more thing" to say or do!

All is quite now and I'm ready to get off of here and get to bed. 

I think I was a little excited by JanaLyn's visit,  too!

 
      My cat (Chirper) keeps coming out here to see how close I am to heading back to bed.  He can't sleep without me!

Such loyalty!

Be Blessed  ~