Remembering 2010's moving moments

Looking back on 2010, it has it's good and bad memories. We've had some great visits with family and friends. Parties were memory makers, and anticipating the ones for the New Year.

We gathered with friends for events over the year, visiting for hours, catching up on what had been happening. Leaving with well wishes for each one, and looking forward to our next visit. We planted new growth in our minds and hearts and gardens, watched the sun rise and set, the seasons change, flowers bloom and trees bud and leaf. We felt the warmth of spring, the heat of summer, the cool of fall, and the cold of winter.

The days passed one behind the other, each day giving us another view of the beauty God created for us to enjoy. We've watched our children grow into adulthood every day, our elders grow older, and our grandchildren grow bigger, stronger, and smarter by the minute.

The joys we have been allowed to witness have come from the grace of God. Without him in our hearts, our lives would be dull and dark.

We have enjoyed the fruits of our labor, the material things our money can buy, and the ability to thrive each day with thoughts and feeling all our own, yet together as family.

One of the things I have so enjoyed this past year, has been my closer talk and walks with God. I have always been a believer, but this last year, I have opened my heart more to the life He has blessed me with, the family he has given me to share, and the friends he has allowed me to meet, either in person or through cyber world. For these things, I am forever thankful for.

Unfortunately, we lost some of our family and friends over the past year, like previous years before. We just never know when ones name will be called to heaven. We lost one as young as a few weeks old in our family, some friends who were just enjoying life in their early 20's, as well as some family and friends who had enjoyed long long lives. Dealing with death seems to change our life forever. Only God knows how our life was suppose to go along the path for us. Too many times we feel cheated and alone after loosing one close to us. We wonder if we can go on.

But life resumes, life goes on, life exists, heart broken, red eyes, and sad faces. Inside we cease to move forward. Until one day, we offer our hearts and sorrow to God, and he lifts the burden we feel so heavily on our shoulders, and shows us the beauty we have put on hold.

So to all my family and friends, may you too, get closer to God and feel the peace he offers beside Him. May your New Year offer you comfort in times of trouble or loss. May you find peace and joy in every day. May you have a new New Year inside you.

Dec. 31 Reverb journey end

December 31 – Core Story What central story is at the core of you, and how do you share it with the world?

Core Story - Simple, God and my family are the core of me. And I share them with the world here in my blog for anyone who is interested in hearing about our adventures and my personal thoughts.

I would like to thank LR for the link to this reverb journey of 2010 through her blog. http://cranialpurge.blogspot.com/

Gwen, Kaileen & Cali, and the Reverb team for the inspirations through this journey. It's been fun.

To 2011, May God walk beside everyone, and at times of need, carry us down our paths of life, and hug us all everyday, sharing His love and guidance. To everyone, God Bless you in 2011 and beyond.

Goodbye 2010 Hello 2011

Dec. 30 Reverb journey

December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?

Gift - Emotional - For me it has to be the anticipation of opening the presents by the kids. As children they always asked for an early gift, and we usually gave in and let them open one or two. Now that they are grown, they still want to open one early, but we don't give in now. So they question us, "is it this, it is that, did you remember I wanted...". We tell them they are getting a lump of coal, or bundle of switches.
They just say the same ole. "Oh Mom, or Oh Dad....". So it's fun, still poking fun at them wondering what is under the tree.
This year even I was wishing Christmas day to come, for I was wondering if I too, would get what I wished for. And I must have been very good this year, as all my gifts were great ones, and my wished ones. Along with a few surprise ones.

The greatest gift though, was the gathering of our little family, sharing the love and laughter the whole day. The snow which fell Christmas eve, just made it a real old fashioned feeling Christmas.

Dec. 29 Reverb journey

December 29 – Defining Moment Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

WOW - this one come with a definition.

Defining moment - God has carried us high this past year, I can't really recall any real defining moments when I felt I was truely in a leadership position.

Only thing I can think of which I feel would qualify is using common sense and administrating asked for advice to my kids in situations with our Granddaughter. Teething pains, tummy questions, disipline guidelines, choosing what foods to add to her diet, things of this nature.

Most of my year has been spent learning to keep busy alone. After working for so many years, this, being a homemaker again, has been a real learning experience for me. I have gone back and re-read what I did last winter to get through the dreary months of cold and inactivity for some ideas for this winter. Last year I was able to keep it together and not suffer winter blues. This year the blues have taken hold, and I am not battling them too well. It's time to re-evaluate and try a different approach in heading them off. Maybe this reverb journey is one fine way of working on something different the rest of this winter season. Hummmmm...

Dec. 28 Reverb journey

December 28 – Achieve

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.


Achieve - Continue being me and helping my family be as happy as can be. I figure I will feel more pride everyday just seeing the smiles on our faces as we tackle any obstacle in our paths. I will feel closer to God with every prayer.

10 things or thoughts I can achieve to experience this feeling.
1. Contentment - Be content with life. Don't make any expectations which are to high to reach, keep them grounded.
2. Peace of mind - Keep praying God guides us and our paths stay cleared of debri.
3. Freedom - The freedom to except challenges and meet with little resistance.
4. Acceptance - Accept what I can do, and ask for help on things I can't do alone.
5. Continuance - Continue to love, live and laugh without negative thoughts and feelings.
6. Positivity - Keep positive attitude in making decisions. Ask for Gods help in choosing the right one.
7. Security - Hold close my family and listen when they talk, hug when they need it, and always leave them with an I love you with every parting.
8. Strong - Be as strong as I can be, set an example of what I do and what I say, how I handle crisis, and most of all of showing how I love.
9. Wisdom - Take the time to remember those who are gone and all they have taught us and how we may use that knowledge to better our lives and ready our own journey to heaven one day.
10. Keep being me. Enjoy every day we are given to witness life and all the living things.

Dec. 27 Reverb journey

December 27 – Ordinary Joy Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

Besides spending time with my family. I love to garden. Summer time finds me up early heading to the farm to work in my garden and enjoy the peace and serenity. Most of my trips to the farm are alone, which I take the me time to just chill out, empty my mind of thoughts, talk to God and talk to those who are no longer with us physically, but remain in my heart. I think this qualifies for an ordinary joy, and it's one of my favorite things to do. I miss being outside in the winter. I spend many days just watching from my porch, the little squirrels which live in the neighboring trees come to my little red wagon and eat ears of corn I place in it, for winter feeding, dreaming of spring to come and playing in the dirt again.

Christmas at our House

Christmas day 2010

It snowed all day Christmas eve, so we had a white Christmas, making our day complete.

We so enjoyed watching Kiley open presents, for she would get so excited seeing what was inside the boxes and wrapping paper.

She couldn't wait to get into her little recliner we got her. She climbed inside before her Dad and I could get it out of the box. Of course we had saved this one for last. We got it out of the box and she got in it and proceeded to watch TV just like a big girl.




Dave got a miniature Christmas town among his gifts. He had been wanting one for a couple years. His last gift was waiting out in the shed. He thought he was getting something hidden in shed for Steve. The smile on his face was just priceless as he spotted the white and yellow trailer sitting there. It is painted to match his cub cadet lawn mower. He was very pleased to get it.





Melanie wanted a quesida (spelling) maker, which she got, along with family picture frames from her request list. These among the other gifts she got, she loved everything.
We have on order a new kitchen table and chairs for her and Dave, but awaiting the call when they get to store to pick up. They are thrilled.








Leslie got a car stero, among her presents. She said it wasn't the one she had picked out, but this one was better, so she was very very happy she will now be able to listen to her CD's again.

She also got a nail salon kit and even sat little Kiley down and painted her nails for her. Now I can see them every other day or so, primping each others nails. Oh what was I thinking. But Aunt Leslie just loves playing dress up and with her little niece.




Steve and I got our surprises too. Every gift was from the heart of our kids and each other. There were things for just us, and then things for sharing with the whole family.

Surely this is another one of those bestest Christmas' ever memories.

Oh, and there is nothing like having an air compressor running in my kitchen, just to make sure it works. Oh well, I have always said my house is our home.

Christmas Eve present opening for Kiley

Christmas eve we went over to Melanie and Dave's to watch Kiley open her presents at her house.

Christmas day she will open presents at our house with all of us celebrating the day together.

First picture is of the kids Christmas tree. Kiley was a good little trooper, she got into it a few times, but they were able to get her attention diverted and she would stay out of it.




Kiley got some new shoes. Little patent leather ones to wear with her little dresses and skirt outfits. She walked around looking down at her feet after Mommy put them on her.

She loves to model her outfits already, and look pretty. She's even went into the bathroom to look at herself in the full length mirror.

Makes me wonder what her teen years will be like with her preening now.




She got books too as part of her presents. She loves her books, and wants to learn the pictures in them so she can turn to a page and find anything you ask her to find, after only a couple times being told what she is seeing.

Sometimes her smartness scares me. I fear she will get bored in school with her ease of learning.

Guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Years from now....



She, of course eewwed and aahhuuued over her new clothes.

She got baby dolls and stuffed animals which laugh and / or make some sort of noises.

She got a new toy box for her toys.

Steve and I also bought her a princess play house, bedroom outfit with matching curtains and bedding, she got them early. Her little bedroom looks great, and she spends hours in there playing. Now she has to come to our house and get more stuff to take home with her. Won't her parents be proud of us when they take it home and have to find a place for everything.

Dec. 26 Reverb journey

December 26 – Soul Food

What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

Soul Food - I really can't think of anything new tried and loved so much that I would call it soul food.
I did get a bread machine last spring, and we have all enjoyed the smell and taste of homemade bread quite often throughout the year. I never got the hang of making it by hand, so with machine, I was able to bake bread like my mom used to but with much less effort.
I also had much more fresh vegetables from garden this summer, so we stuffed out faces with fresh everything for several months this past year.
Nothing else quite comes to mind that qualifies for soul food. I thank God for all he has provided us with over the year, and pray for continued supplements for the coming year.

Dec. 25 Reverb journey

December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself

Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

Photo - This is me. It was taken today, Christmas Day 2010, at our house while opening presents. I got distracted watching little Kiley go from person to person helping them open gifts. Steve had the camera at this point, Dave and I had it at other times. Finding pictures of me in my albums is unusual, for I am the one behind the camera 99.9% of the time. I spend 1000's of moments like this, just admiring my family and feeling my heart swell with pride watching each of them laugh, talk, argue, and just gaze back at me and ask "what", when I am just looking at them. Our day was a great one, blessed with wonderful gifts from each other, and spending the whole day just hanging out. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend Christmas Day.

Dec. 24 Reverb journey

December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

Everything's OK - I don't think I have had a moment that could serve as proof, that everything is going to be alright. There are always going to be pitfalls, un-expected tragedies, mishaps, stumbles and setbacks, which will trigger that insecure spot in the brain that questions when will things be alright. Since I don't know where my alright is suppose to be exactly for me, I will just be content with taking one day at a time, deal with it, and hope to wake up breathing the next day to see what it has in store for me to contend with. So I guess I will experience my moment daily, and have many moments throughout the coming year. Perhaps I will share those moments in some of my future blogs, as I am sure I have shared some in this past year.

Dec. 23 Reverb journey

December 23 – New Name Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

New Name - Let me answer this question with another question. If I were a different name, would I be a different me?
Probably not, so since I like who I am, Hi, I'm Laura and I am me. I like me and who I am in this life, so I wouldn't change my name or choose another even for a day. Thanks for the opportunity though.

Dec. 22 Reverb journey

December 22 – Travel How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

Travel - I traveled by foot, by tractor, by truck, by imagination and by Internet (my cyber connections).
I put many miles on these little size 7 feet of mine.

By tractor, not so many miles as hours in the seat.

By truck, again, many miles with God as our co-pilot.

By imagination every time I sat down and opened a book, I journeyed miles far and wide in the world.

And lastly, and the most enjoyable travel, was through cyber space via Internet. 2010 has introduced me to some of the worlds friendliest, caring, witty, loyal, happy, vibrant and a few odd people who have touched me in the heart with their words. Thanks to all of them. Big cyber Hugs to each and every one of you.

2011 - I pray for safe travels again, and binding ties to those who I meet along the way.

Dec. 21 Reverb journey

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

Future Self - 5 years from now, God willing, I see myself still standing proud beside Steve, our kids and our grandchild/ren.
Advice for coming year - continue to live life, laugh often, and love with my whole heart.

Bonus - Dear Laura - Continue to pray. Cherish each visit and evoke many memories from your elders, and leave with hugs and kisses and I love yous every single time. Continue to follow your dreams and make time to stop and smell the roses often. Love and prayers, Laura

Dec. 20 Reverb journey

December 20 – Beyond Avoidance What should you have done this year but didn’t because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)

Beyond Avoidance - LOL I sit here, with a shit eatin' grin on my face, wondering, 1.) are you my conscience, or 2.) have you been listening to me talk in my sleep? Because I don't openly discuss things I have avoided doing, I just refer them to my to-do list. My otherwise deterred reason for not doing them, is I just didn't get "around to it".

So which one do you want me to confess too? Would it be the dresses I didn't get sewn for my granddaughter, the material went into drawer for "getting around to". Would it be the chair I haven't gotten refinished yet, it's waiting now, for warmer weather to work on outside, ya know the dusty sanding it needs, I'll get around to it. Or say, replace the one bathroom tile, just because I haven't taken the time to work the one up and put the new one down, now I think I will have to get around to it, for it's a simple task and nothing pressing to do with winter here right now. Let's see, it might be the little red wagon I started to refinish, but got busy with other things, just didn't get around to it, excuse now, it's too cold out to finish it right now, it's also on the to-do list.

Did I tell you I am a list maker. Yip, that's me, I have one now that is only partially marked off from this spring/summer which reminds me of some of the things I had wanted to accomplish, put off to get around to one day.

It could be the kitchen floor, it's needed replacing for years now. Excuse: I need help doing it, I just need to pick a time span when I have the help and get everything needed to complete it gathered together. Biggest thing is to finally pick the replacement floor. What do you call a indecisive person? That's me on picking floor choice.

My bonus: Now that it's out here in black and white for whoever to see, I feel my conscience working at me, and now that to-do list will hang on fridge to remind me daily to get off my rear and get things done. Thank you reverb team member for digging into my head or listening in on my private conversations during lala land babblings for the confession time sharing today.

This was a fun uplifting reverb prompt. I hope if anyone reads this, they feel the lift of their own guilt, compared to my heavy burden now. LOL

To a Tractor Pulling Friend

Steve and I attended the visitation of one of our fellow tractor pullers tonight. He was a great friend to all who knew him, and the line in which we stood in to greet his family showed the many people he touched who come to pay their respects.

This time of year to lose a loved one is hard on the family. I know personally what it is like. My own father passed away Dec. 24, 1996. Christmas isn't the same any longer, but it brings closer to our hearts, the memories those who go before us leave us with.

Glenn Day, you were a special man, you will be missed. Rest in peace our friend. God Bless you. If there is a tractor pull in heaven, save us a parking space.

Dec. 19 Reverb journey

December 19 – Healing What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?

Healing - HUH???? I wish the translate button worked for an explanation of this one. Sorry Reverb team, but where the hell did this one come from? ...drip by drip evolution? huh?

Ok, let's try this.....Healing - Injury I sustained in 06' left me disabled, 3 surgeries, 2 attempts to reattach torn tissue, 1 patch job to cover hole, 3 attempts at physical therapy, verdict - you will never regain use of limb, basically learn to live with it. I have not healed in 2010, I have loss more use and suffer chronic pain more than in 2009, so 2011 doesn't look like it will heal any either, just progressively get weaker and weaker. Spiritually, healing has gone well, I love that I am able to open up conversationally with God and at times actually feel his presences all around me. 2011 looks like I will continue this path, and build on it for my own peace of mind and calm spirit.

After reading this, I hope I haven't botched this one too bad. But really, I can't get over the ........drip by drip evolution thing here guys.............really????

Dec. 18 Reverb journey

December 18 – Try What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it?

Try - Oh the wheels in my head are spinning. Try - What do I want to try in 2011? Is this a list question or do I have to pick one thing? Re-read prompt, this can be either/or. Ok, now where do I start???????????????

Did try - let's start with my gardening, enlarge garden, done- it worked great, I was able to keep up with it, keep it clean, nature cooperated, produced well, canned pickles for first time ever, (Note to self-don't try pickles again, 2010's sucked) learned zucchini can be made into pineapple as well as grow over night from a rain shower, so don't wait 4 days to check on produce. One cucumber plant will produce enough cucumbers for a medium size town. Potatoes don't grow in north end of new garden space, nor does green onions. Wind storms blow down sweet corn and farm has more wind than in town where we live. 27 tomato plants were a little too many for I think I turned red and plump from eating so many and canning them into juice and sauces. Green beans produce all summer long, even tho' ya think they are done, just leave them growing and they will re-reproduce and grow again, and again. Nuf said on gardening.

Tried - down sizing, getting rid of some furniture which wasn't needed, yet sat around in house being used, gave some to the kids for their home, only to go out and buy a recliner to put in same room desk was in - note to self, what were you really thinking on downsizing, taking up a little less space with new item? Need to work on getting rid of, and keeping space empty once something is gone, not filling it again.

Tried - taking less Advil for my pain, and resting a little more often to help lessen the reason for pain from overworking disabled body part. I think I am getting fat and lazy from doing this, but I think my guts are in better condition than they were from less pain killers in me.

Tried - helping a little more on farm, found I like and can use hydraulic levers on 706 better than on the 966, so told Steve I am commandeering the 706 for future field work. 2011 will be our 3rd year of farming on our own, without just helping FIL, who passed in 2007, and left us some ground. So it's been a learning experience for me, for I only did errands and now I am physically a part of the physical part of farming and I love it. I need to find me a hat, something me and unique. Just a thought.....

Tried - taking Granddaughter with me to garden, and help me in what ever I do, be it weeding flower beds, working in garden, weeding, picking produce, and planting even. Findings - that I have introduced into her diet, dirt clods, corn cobs, rocks, leafy greens from anything I planted, raw veggies of all sorts, and even a grub worm that she brought to me instead of eating. So in conclusion, I can do this, just need to find her some tools to use and hope she gets out of this eating and putting everything in her mouth stage by 2011 gardening / outside work time.

Will end this here, and prepare for another year of trying and succeeding. I love a challenge.

Dec. 17 Reverb journey

December 17 – Lesson Learned What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?

Lesson Learned - This one takes me back to my memories to answer. My mom has been gone for 23 years. Yet her voice still rings loud and clear, "If you think about your day, you will find you have learned something new everyday."

So everyday I have learned something new about myself. Whether it be on the positive side or the negative side of the word, I know something has been learned everyday, just that my brain short circuited remembering each one separately. A few which is lit up for me to grasp right now are, patience, faith, forgiveness, forgetfulness, attitude, loyalty, insecurity, and strength. These are just a few that have impacted my life that are triggered by this question.

To narrow it down to the best thing I have learned and how it applies to the future, I would have to say I have learned that I am smart as I was yesterday, but not as smart as I will be tomorrow, for another lesson will be learned.

Filed under blackmail photos

I took this first picture for future blackmailing purposes. Even grandchildren need to be reminded one day of certain antics they pulled as youngsters. Keeps them from being too overly spoilt.

I had put a hair bow in her hair, and she took it out as soon as my hand was down. I took it away from her and she started crying like a heart broken teenager. I tried to explain to her how pretty she would look if she left it in her hair, but she wasn't buying that, she only wanted it back to play with.

Aunt Leslie to the rescue, she came out of her room to see why Kiley was crying, and she held her while I put the bow back in her hair. This bow has special memories for me, for both my girls wore it in their hair when they were babies, and now our granddaughter gets to wear it in hers, well, when she sees fit to leave it there, which is for pictures only, and they better be taken fast, or it's gone.

So this picture was taken while Aunt Leslie held and told her how pretty she was and that Grandma was a mean ole grandma. Of course Kiley being Kiley just smiled at that.

Note that spoilt little sparkle in her eye when Aunt Leslie tells her such things.

So as Kiley reaches that "payback" time of her life, this picture will be among those embarrassing photo's to pull out, by either her parents or us.

I have always told my girls when they said things like, Mom your crazy, that they made me this way, so they have to live with the results. Don't you just love motherhood...........or parenthood for that matter.

Dec. 16 Reverb journey

December 16 – Friendship How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

Friendship - Our friends have stayed steady and loyal this year, as they have every year. The only changes that have been made is the number of people we call friends has gradually risen over 2010, and that makes us very rich in friendship.

Dec. 15 Reverb journey

December 15 – 5 Minutes Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.

Dec. 14 Reverb journey

December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?

Appreciate - Life

I Thank God everyday for Life and everything Life has to offer. Faith - Family - Health - Happiness - Love - Laughter - Nature's Beauty - 4 Seasons - Sunshine - Full Moons - Rainbows - Smiles - Hugs - Friendship - Memories - Reruns - DVD's - my weird sense of humor - Music - Steve - the list is endless. Living Life to the fullest and appreciating everyday given us to be present on earth, while we wait in line to enter Heaven, is one of the most rewarding experiences we can be offered in this life. All it requires is to open the door and breathe, look around, listen, and feel God everyday.

Dec. 13 Reverb journey

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step?

Action - It's Dec. 13, this time of year isn't action time around here. Winter tends to put a damper on all the ideas and aspirations running amuck in this head. I need a winter project. Today's reverb inspires me to find one. So the next step is to pull out some old sampler magazines and find something to do. Now where did I stash those magazines?

Dec. 12 Reverb journey

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?

Body Integration - with every prayer.

Dec. 11 Reverb journey

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

11 Things -
1. Junk mail - toss it as it comes daily, no more piles.
2. In my head recipes - write on paper, so kids can enjoy surprising me with goodies.
3. Wallpaper in living room - It's old.
4. Long lists - Shorten the work load so I may enjoy life a little more. If it doesn't get done today, there is tomorrow, if there is no tomorrow, someone else can do it.
5. Dishpan hands - Use the dishwasher more often, that's what it is there for, let it help.
6. Clutter in attic - Years of collecting stored in attic needs to go. Out of site, out of mind.
7. Forgetfulness - Write it down, accept the inevitable, I'm getting older.
8. Box of photos under my bed - Finally place them in albums, eliminate dust collector in bedroom.
9. Temp Topping w/ Tarps - Motivate Steve and help build much needed shed. Stop wasting money on company lowered quality material tarps.
10. Sugar - Fight Diabetes for Steve, help keep his sugar intake down, hoping to lower his sugar levels. Keep him healthy and around for years to come.
11. Worn out tee shirts - so comfy, stretched just like they need to be, holes and faded from many wash and wears. I seriously wear out my tee's, literally wear them out, as in til they are falling off me or I am falling out of them. Go shopping for me more. Yuck, but somebody's gotta do the dirty jobs. That's why my tee's don't last, I get stuck with the dirty jobs.


**I could have added more than these 11 things. But really working hard in late 2010, to shorten my lists, for eliminating long lists in 2011.

Dec. 10 Reverb journey

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

Wisdom - The wisest decision I made in 2010 would be enlarging my garden. I feel the extra space added not only fresh vegetables for our table, canned vegetables for our pantry, huge savings on our grocery bill, but also an emotional enhancer for the mind and body.

All five senses were satisfied during the summer as I tended my garden. My body was physically worked, some days exercised and stretched beyond the limit. Tired muscles would drop into bed at night, and sleeping once again became a habit, unlike the restless nights I have encountered since the injury which changed my life.

I have always been a morning person. I love watching the sun rise and feeling the cool dawn slowly warm as the morning sun heats up the day. All the while crawling around in fresh tilled dirt, tending tender plants and harvesting fresh vegetables to take home for canning and adding to our menu for dinner every night. I miss my garden during this black and white season we call winter.

Dec. 9 Reverb journey

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.

Party - Aug. 21, 2010 - My day began early, as Steve and I were helping our daughter and son in law set up tables, prepare last minute food, arrange seating, and decorate for THE party of the year. Kiley's 1st Birthday. For the last month leading up to this special day, the memories of watching Kiley grow swarmed in my head, seeing her first smile, hearing her first laugh, watching her roll over for the first time, watching her learn to crawl, seeing her take her first step, and finally seeing, just 2 days before her birthday, her first tooth. Now the day had come to see her begin her next year in life. I looked ahead to watching her open her presents, look at her cards, play with her balloons, intermingle with family and friends in a group setting, and most of all, to watching her eat her first piece of birthday cake all by herself.

Most years the month of August are hot and humid in our area. This year Mother Nature cooperated and gave us a very beautiful sunny day, very warm bit with a light breeze blowing, tables set up under big shade trees in the kids back yard. Upon one table set Kiley's birthday cake her Mom had baked and decorated for this big day. Tea, soda, punch and water, sliced meats, cheeses, chips, fruit tray, veggies with dip, fresh sliced tomatoes, were layed out on another table for guests to enjoy. Ice cream awaited in the freezer to be served with the cake later.

Kiley, being a gracious little hostess at her party, played with, shared her toys, books, and her big smiles with everyone present, going to one then another, all around the guests and then starting all over again.

When it come time to open her presents, she sat patiently on the table and as each card was opened and presented to her, she held the card and looked at it as it was read to her, just like she was reading it with her Aunt Leslie, who by the way, enjoyed being the helper to her niece while her Dad helped place presents on the table one at a time for her to open and her Mom was busy behind the camera capturing the moments, to cherish forever, this major event of the year. Every present was oowwed and aahhed over, and not once did she loose interest in this new game of opening the colorful packages and cartoon character covered bags to find new toys, books, games, clothes, and money.

As each person started to leave for the day, she kissed them goodbye and gave her special little hug with the uuhhh, as she squeezed them. By late afternoon, she was getting tired, no sleep for the weary with a party going on. Her other Grandma took the pleasure of walking and rocking her to sleep finally about 4:30, while the rest of us helped the kids clean up, put away food, put up tables and chairs and talk about the days highlights of watching and bragging to each other what good little hostess she had been.

There are a few months yet before her next birthday celebration, but it is one we are all looking forward to with much anticipation.

First Picture with Santa

December 3, 2010 - Took Melanie, Dave and Kiley to Alton with us for dinner out and some much needed advise on a couple Christmas gifts for Mel and Dave. After we had dinner, we headed to the Alton Mall. They used to have a couple of book stores in this Mall. My how the years have been unkind to this Mall, it is a skeleton Mall now, just a few stores remain open, and of course the giant Macy's and JC Penny and Sears still hold their own in this down economy. But gone are the library and book stores which used to be a frequent draw of mine. Gone is the pet store, shoe store, bakery's with all the goodies inviting us to sit a while, even just to have a drink and enjoy the smells of the cookies and candies being made and sold. Gone are the choice of restaurants, arcades for the kids, and even Dairy Queen have closed their doors.

Are the days of Malls over? All around Alton, we see more and more individual stores opening, and under construction. I rather enjoyed being in one building, opposed to traveling from one to another, fighting traffic, and the cold. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I liked the new Malls which opened in the late 70's and early 80's for the convinence of shopping in one place and in different stores.

So as we walked from one end of the Mall to the other, there at the escalators was the traditional Christmas village and Santa Clause. Thank God, some things didn't change or move out.

I talked with Kiley earlier, when she was at my house for the day, while her parents worked. I had told her we would go see Santa one day soon, and she could sit on his lap and tell him what she wanted for Christmas this year. Of course she had no idea what asking for gifts are all about for a child at this age, but she loves to play with my stuffed musical Santa's and even in her little way of talking, says Santa when we watch him dance and sing under the tree. So we walked into the village, and her mom put her down for me to take up to Santa. At first she didn't want to come with me, for this Santa was big as life and she was used to the little ones smaller than her. Finally, I picked her up, and holding her tightly, spoke softly that Santa had a book he would show her if she sat and let the lady take a picture of her and Santa together for us. I sat her upon his leg, and she started to look scared, Santa reached down and picked up his The night before Christmas book, and opened it. She looked at the book, and then at me, still not sure she wanted to sit here on this man in red, and I walked up and bent down, showed her some of the pictures in the book that we find in her books at home, and Santa very softly started reading the story to her. It only took a minute and she was fully engrossed in the story, and looking at the beautiful pictures in his book, she didn't mind the picture taking, taking place, and she would look up at Santa as he read, then back at the book. I stood there wondering what was going on in her little mind, and I was filled with pride, that all the strangers she has been around in our area have been good people, and we haven't had to teach her yet, there are bad ones out there. She attends our tractor pulls, all are strangers to her, she has gone on shopping expeditions, been to funerals and weddings, all among strangers to her. I am so glad I was present to see her enjoy the innocence only a child, has this year with her first visit to Santa. I pray we get to witness many many more years of her firsts, as she grows.

Dec. 8 Reverb journey

December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.

Beautifully Different - Definitely I am different. Being raised without a lot of money for frivolities, we made due with what we had access to. I have be complimented many times on my ability to create in the kitchen cooking, sewing, crafting, organizing, etc. I think those who know me like my being able to take any challenge and conquer the task before me, and the fact that I love the challenge and learning new things. If it catches my interest, I study it and improvise when needed, but I usually am able to duplicate what my intended goal may be. Like this blog reverbing challenge. I will do this challenge and enjoy it along the way.


I am so happy this early morning, I have caught up with the daily reverbs, and will continue daily with you all.

Dec. 7 Reverb journey

December 7 – Community Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

Community - Cyber world. Back when I worked at my old job, I had everyday connections to the gossip in our little town. Now I live a quiet, drama free, stress free life at home. I am able to pick and choose who I socialize with outside my home, and those who aren't on my preference list aren't bothered by my presence. I thoroughly enjoy the summers of hanging out doing things we love with others who enjoy the same hobbies and interests. Cyber world has opened the door to reach across miles to connect with other like minded people in this big world, and I am loving learning and connecting with those I have things in common with.

Dec. 6 Reverb journey

December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

Make - Last thing I made, oh my, I have so many little craft projects in the works, but the last thing I made was a blanket. I crocheted a blanket to lay across my living room couch. I have a hat and scarf to crochet for GD, I need time to sit and just do it soon.

Dec.5 Reverb journey

December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?

Let go - 2010 marked a turning point for me. I have held a grudge for the horrible last 2 years of my FIL's life dictated by his family. 2010 has found me letting it go. Not dwelling on it, for there is nothing I can do about how things turned out. He is gone. I still feel the loss so fresh in my heart, but I have given him over to God and pray one day we will meet again, and hope he is happy, reunited with his wife and his own siblings and parents in heaven.

Dec. 4 Reverb journey

December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

Wonder - My husband Steve with our first grandchild, Kiley Nicole. Wonders never cease in grandparenthood.

Dec. 3 Reverb jouney

December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).



Moment - Spring planting - I woke early, dressed in jeans and tee shirt, gathered my gardening tools, loaded my truck for my trip to the farm. Waiting for my coffee to finish perking, I walked around our yard admiring the green grass growing, the sound of the birds chirping, and watched as the squirrels ran up and down, all around the trees, and onto the branches loaded with buds and tiny new leaves opened at the ends of the branches. I stood for several minutes watching my daffodils heavy with blooms, swaying in the light breeze, while a honey bee buzzed from one yellow flower to another, trying to decide which flower he wanted to have for his breakfast.

On the way to our farm, I was excited to see a family of deer out by the road with their young, nipping at the tender blades of grass in an open field. As I entered our farm drive, I stopped to plant 3 morning glory at the base of a utility pole. As I dug the holes and placed the flowers into the soil, it occurred to me that all the flowers I plant, the seeds I put into the ground, the plants I will place into this soil, all this work will be alive with fragrance and beauty in just a few weeks. As time goes by, I will then be able to harvest the vegetables I have planted, be able to inhale the smell of fresh flowers, and see the rainbow of colors throughout my garden. Spring made me feel alive and thankful for all God's beauty we are blessed with everyday, but mostly take for granted.

Dec.2 Reverb journey

December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?

Eliminate - Insecurity about topic on my mind. Ants in the pants feeling while sitting at my desk. Can't sit still long enough to concentrate. Distractioned easily.
Solution - clear the mind and once again just write from the heart and not the head.

Dec. 1 Reverb journey

I'm jumping aboard the Reverb-ing train.
December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?

2010 in one word - Mesmerized
I am astonished with the wonders of a young child growing in today's world. As a mother of 2, I realize I missed so much in my busy life when mine were babies and growing up. I thought I had seen it all, heard it all, and witnessed it all. Was I ever wrong. I watch my granddaughter while her parents work, she is our first grandchild, so this is a new experience for us, being grandparents, not just parent, aunt and uncle, cousin and friend. I have watched this baby grow into a little person that I love with my whole heart, unconditionally and with many thanks to God for allowing me to enjoy this part of my growing older years. I find myself being drawn into her world, seeing things as she sees them, playing with her toys with the same excitment and pleasure she has playing with them, and feeling the same joy of seeing her as she has in seeing me after a day apart. Is this what they mean when they say we have a second childhood? She continues daily to draw me into her world of learning and experiencing life as it is today.

2011 in one word - Decompress
Yesterdays have many regrets as we age. Things we have done, things done to us, wrong words spoken, name calling, labeling, etc. the list goes on of the things we wish we hadn't said or done. My goal is to forgive and forget the bad past, cherish the good memories, all while making new memories to be the best yet to come. My goal is to let go of the past and hang on for the ride of my life.

Week is gone already

My day was a typical one of those which I planned on getting several things done, only I didn't get anything accomplished at all really.

So Saturday will be a busy catch up day, as little Kiley will be with her mom at home.

Leslie, Kiley and I did get some Christmas shopping done. I think Kiley is done on gifts now. Picked up mostly things for her, as she is the easiest to buy for. I have one thing for each of the kids so far, but now the hunt goes on for the rest of theirs, and that is the hard part. Finding things for the grown up kids now days, and I don't pick the clothes they will wear, so not to many clothes items can be gotten. So the search is on for books, movies, and such that they would like. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated. :)

I made bread pudding with some getting old bread Thursday afternoon. Kiley has yet to have tried bread pudding, and she loves it. I wish I had put raisins in it, but as most of the family doesn't do them, I left them out. Next time will add them.

I must have run fever this week and didn't realize it, for my lips are very chapped and cracked open. So annoying and hurts. So I am slathering them with chap stick every few minutes. They are starting to feel like a soft candle. lol

I have gotten the Christmas cards made out and ready to mail. I am really behind on those this year. I usually have them addressed and ready to mail the day after Thanksgiving. I have to fight for the ink pen now days with the little one around, so have put off doing it during the day time, and evenings are spent with Steve and usually the kids a couple times a week. So just haven't gotten it done.

I picked up some movies the other day. Those 2 in 1 kind for $9 at Walmart. I didn't know Tom Selleck had made a series based on Robert D. Parkers - Jesse Stone books. Steve and I started watching them last night. Leslie went out with friends, Dave worked til 7, so Mel took Kiley home and I addressed cards til Steve got home and I fixed supper and we vegged out in front of TV, just the 2 of us.

Saturday morning I have to pick up some 1" x 12"s. Then when Steve gets home at 12:30, he works half day this Saturday, we plan on going Christmas shopping for (if we can) the rest of presents for kids. Then before we head home, we will drive around and see the lights in the area. One of our favorite things to do in December is see the Christmas lights still, at our age. Depends on what time we get home, we will pop in another of the Tom Selleck movies, we have 4 more to watch in the series.

The wood I am picking up is for Dave's present. Steve made a trailer for him to pull behind his lawn mower for yard work and what ever he needs it for. Steve has the frame painted yellow, as Dave's cub cadet rider is the yellow and white one Steve gave him a couple years ago. I am sure Kiley will like riding in it too when it's warmer. Since it's cold and I have to paint it, I will have to paint the boards in the house and then Steve will have to put them on later. If only he had finished it 3 weeks ago when we were having those 60 and 70* temps.

Snowed here on Thursday morning, dusting the ground. WOW did you see news where north western NY got hit with 2 foot of snow, closing I-90. People were stuck in their cars for like 20 hours+. Seems like the pattern from last year is a little more northern this year. Last year this time Iowa was hit bad with inches and inches of snow. Steve was in a Kinze class up there, and they ended up closing the school, cancelling class and they were stranded 3 days there til roads were opened. He ended up taking the course online when he got home. No school this year tho.

Well, talked your ear off, or your eyes out, gotta head to bed sometime tonight. Take care.

Tiny Snow Flakes

It's cold here now. Have enjoyed the warm days of temps in the 50's, but today they stayed in the low 30's and the wind made it even colder.

Good thing was that the cold brought with it some tiny snow flakes throughout the day. Every time I had a moment, I bundled up and headed out into the snow mist, just to enjoy seeing it up close and feel it on my face.

Got the big Christmas tree put up in living room and all decorated today. Dave and Kiley come over in the early afternoon and they helped me get it out of attic and put up, fluffed, shaped, and decorated all in just a few hours. Melanie and Steve was working, Leslie was babysitting for a friend, so that left Dave, Kiley and I to just hang out and it was really nice. When the rest got here, we made homemade pizza together and enjoyed sitting around the kitchen table talking and eating. Little Kiley didn't get a nap, so she ate quietly and then was falling asleep. So I washed her and laid her on my bed and she took a late nap.

I had to re-arrange my living room to put the tree up, so that room got cleaned for the month. The cleaning of moving everything out, vacuuming under it, cleaning baseboards and walls, vacuuming the furniture, dusting, the works cleaning.

When the kids got ready to leave, little Kiley didn't want to go home. She cried, and we reminded her she would be back in the morning. She and I have to go get tires put on the blue truck in the afternoon, but I plan on making some cookies in the morning and she will have fun helping me. Well, her help is standing on a chair at the counter watching me and playing with the measuring spoons and cups as I am done with them. While the cookies are baking and the clean up of dishes commence, I will then hunt up the utensils she plays with and return them to kitchen as she finds other things to play with. Life is so fun with a year old grandchild running loose around the house.