MY 55TH BIRTHDAY !!

Today is Thankful Thursday hosted by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Thank you Lynn for hosting this special event..

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Mon. Sept. 28, 2009 was my 55th birthday. It was a wonderful day that I began celebrating on the Friday before, and didn't complete until Tues. afternoon, haha. The older and older I have become, the longer and longer the celebrations have lasted. That seems only fair, right?? I have started referring to it as my "birthday week" instead of just my "birth DAY"!! As I have reflected back over this birthday and many others that I have had, I was struck again by how much I have to be truly grateful for. A God and Savior Whom I love and owe everything I am to, a husband who is and will always be my best friend, along with with my partner and my love. If you want to check out his birthday blog to me click here Four kids whom I am not sure what I would ever do without, 8 grandchildren whom I adore, and 3 sisters who are and will always be my best friends, parents whom I love beyond measure, and friends who complete my world. It just doesn't get any better than this. When one of my kids asked me what I would like for my birthday I gave the standard answer most parents do..."Oh, I have everthing I need." But when pressed, I said, "OK, write me a birthday blog. It can kind of be like a home made card." The more I thought about it, the better I liked it. I have always loved homemade cards and gifts, and this idea seemed truly perfect. Doesn't cost a thing, requires some honest thinking, and puts words and emotions to paper (or a computer screen) which is something you don't always do. So I began to spread the word to all of my kids. Now to be fair, I did not mention this to my oldest son Joe, as he does not have computer access at this particular time in his life. And to be even more honest, writing for Joe has never been his cup of tea. I didn't want this to be a chore for anyone. But upon hearing what was happening, he too is in the process of putting his thoughts to paper. He has assured me his will be ready by this week-end, so I will add the link to his when it comes. These blogs (which I have decided to share for those who are interested, helped to make this birthday truly special and I thank EVERYONE who shared one)....

The celebration began on Friday when my youngest son Jimmy and his wife and family came up from San Diego to spend the day. Larissa and my birthday's are only 2 days apart so we have always shared our day. We have a wonderful time with it. We decided on the Market Broiler for dinner and I had my first meal that was NOT Jenny Craig in almost 3 months. You will be happy to know I did very well. I split my dinner with Jeff. I had a wonderful Maui Maui and rice and veggies. I stayed away from the bread completely and drank only water....Suprisingly I was full and enjoyed my dinner THOROUGHLY...My son John picked up the tab that night as his birthday present for me. It was REALLY nice and totally appreciated by all...His blog was wonderful, but he posted it on a private family blog site (instead of his own) and so therefore this one cannot be shared, but it was a STUN to say the least. John is in the process of writing a couple of different books, and truly is gifted with his writing as far as I am concerned....My son Jimmy also posted his blog on the private spot so it cannot be shared either. However his started with my 3 darling little grandbabies holding their signs which I did copy and post. His post was also quite creative and well written. Larissa's post you can find here It was sooo sweet and really appreciated. Larissa faithfully blogs now, I'm quite certain because she knows I really want her to. I really am appreciative that she takes the time out of her VERY busy days, just to please me. Here are the pics at least that Jimmy posted with his....pretty cute huh??


J.D.


Capri


Donatella




These flowers arrived on my birthday from my Melly and Mike. This picture really doesn't do them justice. They were sooo pretty. I love getting flowers and Lily's are definitely my faves...


They had some really pretty Sun Flowers..


And some truly gorgeous Lily's...

My Melly's blog can be checked out here


Jimmy and Larissa gave me this beautiful glass cross to add to my fall decorations. I have added it here to my fireplace mantle, and I think it is REALLY good here. What do you think Larissa??


A closer look...


Even closer...it is soo pretty. I really love it you guys...

On the Sat. before my birthday my mom and step dad came up to have dinner with Jeff and I and we played cards. We had a wonderful time as always. I beat them at all Hearts, whoo hoo, and we tyed our game of Hand and Foot. Which is at least a step in the right direction as my mom and I have been getting ruthlessly beat for a while now, haha...My step dad patiently showed me how to add links (I just couldn't figure it out on my own for some reason, though it really is quite simple) to my blog, and I was most appreciative!!

My wonderful husband pampered me through the day on Sun. Actually washed and dried all my new dishes and together we found places for them all. He also washed my car thoroughly inside and out, and anyone who has seen it recently knows what a chore that really was, and cooked up my Jenny Craig meals and served them to me with a smile all day!!


These are one of the new napkin ring holders that Jeff got me as part of his gifts to me this year...I think he went a little wild, but I'm am not complaining, haha These are soo pretty, and I have had my eye on them for a while. I am thinking Thanksgiving..


He also got me these new glasses... they are so pretty with an amber bottom


And an entire set for 12 of these dishes!! I have been wanting new dishes for a while now, and have also had my eye on these for a while. I wanted off white (goes with everything). They are hard to see in this pic (too shiny) but they are really pretty with an embossed fruit around the rim...I am really excited with these...


He also got me these gold chargers. Here is where he really went kind of nuts. I have been wanted chargers for a while now and I am really pleased with these....


This place setting pic should have come after I showed off my mom's quilted place mats she made me, but it got mixed up some how. I can be such a glue. But Maryrose, what do you think?? I might be able to do my tablescape now, haha


A different angle..


A close up of the BEAUTIFUL quilted place mats that my wonderous mother made for me. I know there was hours and hours in these mom, and I LOVE them, and You...


The whole place mat...


A close up of the back..


The whole back...


This was a candle (also for my new fall collection) from my girl friend Cindy. Cindy and I have been friends since we were 9 years old. We were best friends through high school and I was her maid of honor at her wedding. We simply grew up together, and are now enjoying growing "older" together, haha


Can't wait to light this and enjoy the wonderous smell. Cindy and I enjoyed lunch together yesterday and chatted and visited the day away. It was soo nice as always to be with her..


My sisters Diane and Danae took me out to lunch and to see the movie Julie/Julia on my actual birthday and got me this book....We had such a FUN time. I really enjoyed my day with them as always...My sister Diane also wrote me a blog, and you can check it out here

That night Jeff made sure he was home by 6 (which is NEVER easy for him since he works in LA) in time enough to make my dinner (AGAIN) with lots of added veggies, and also brought me a bottle of Eternity perfume. He really shouldn't have got me anything else as he had already gone a little over board with all the dishes, but it was most appreciated as I have been without any perfume for a couple of months now. I can never be disciplined with it when I have it, as I just LOVE it for some reason....Eternity is my favorite.....Well, that about sums it up. There were countless calls from other family members and friends and I even got a few singing ones as well. I have many people in my life who love me and I am a very blessed person. This to me is what life is all about. I am sorry this is sooo long, for those of one who stuck with this to the end, haha...and I do apologize. But my cup truly does runneth over....

Eph 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LARISSA

Today, Saturday September 26, 2009 is my daughter-in-law Larissa's 29th birthday. Larissa has been married to my youngest son Jimmy now for almost (in Oct.) 8 years. They met while attending Bible college in Murietta and neither Jimmy's or our lives have ever been quite the same again. As "pat" as this might sound, it really is true. To know Larissa is to love her. She is beautiful, selfless, hard working, funny, a GREAT wife to my son, a WONDERFUL mother to my grandchildren, and completes our family in many ways that only she could. I believe the Lord very generously gave her to all of us when He gave her to my son. I had prayed diligently for the woman my son would marry when he told us he had been called to the ministry, as I knew how hard the role of a "preacher's wife" can be. I honestly can't tell you how well I feel she plays this part. She is supportive and loving and cares for her family with compassion and a generous heart. I feel my son is a very lucky man to have been blessed with her, but I feel just as blessed as she is not only another daughter for me to love and fuss over, but a mature Christian for me to fellowship with and call my friend. Larissa is such a sweet girl that at first I feared my quick witted, teasing, somewhat overwhelming at times, family would "eat her alive", haha. But much to my pleasure, we all quickly found that Larissa could hold her own with this pack. How we all love her!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY Larissa...may the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you now and forever more!! Love you....mom


This is my son Jimmy and Larissa at Melody's wedding June 8, 2008...They really are a cute couple don't ya think??


I love this pic of Larissa and J.D. on his first day of pre-school.


She is mommy to Capri, JD, and little Donatella. A difficult job at best as the oldest is only 4. Larissa is a FANTASTIC mom and I can see the fruit of her labors in these precious little people...


LOVE this pic...


Such a pretty girl..

MELODY. BAXTER AND DONATELLA

I had a few pictures that by themselves did not make much of a post so I decided to add them altogether as one. Hope you all enjoy them as much as I did..


A picture of my beautiful girl with her Baxter...I just stole this off her facebook so it is not in the correct order and has been added late. I LOVED the pic and didn't know where else to fit it in....


I know I have shared this photo before, but I thought it was worth a repeat. This is my Melly with their corn crop. She said it grew SEVERAL more inches before it was ready. She didn't take a pic of the completed corn much to my dismay...I don't know why I am so fascinated with all these farm pictures and stories as I am. Maybe it is because I am such a city girl and it is all soo new and different to me. Or could it be because it is about my girl whom I am missing today...Either way it's harvest time on their farm and I wish I was there to see it...OK, and I guess her too.. = )


This is a pic of the corn being harvested. It is taken then to their dairy and stored in large bins for feed for the cows. I TOLD her to take a pic of the bins etc., but so far she has not obeyed me, haha...


This is a picture of Baxter, Melody's silky terrior dog that she loves beyond reason...She takes PLENTY of pictures of him. He really is pretty cute. I don't know what in the world she'd do without this little ball of hair. Mike bought him for Mel for a wedding present for her as he knew she'd need someone to keep her company after he moved her away from all her family and friends when they married. He certainly helps keep her busy...


He poses pretty well don't think? I'm thinking he is pretty used to getting his picture snapped...


His hair really is quite silky. Mel is pretty diligent (or is is obsessed? haha) about keeping him combed and groomed...


Got to have a pic of him having some water. Told you she takes LOTS of pics of Baxter...


This is Mike's dog Bud who roams the dairy with Mike. He is really a good dog too and a WONDERFUL watch dog on the dairy. He is rarely not by Mike's side. Mel loves him too death too (she really is an animal freak) but she doesn't allow his HUGE body in the house much. He sleeps on their front porch until it's too cold and then he heads to the barn...


I'm thinking Mel wanted to prove Mike loves this little thing too. This is where Baxter watches football with Mike...


Tella wearing Capri's wig....haha It was soo cute and funny I just had to share it.


She is SUCH a happy baby. I'm telling you I've rarely heard her cry...

Well, that's it for now. Our women's Bible study group starting meeting again a couple of weeks ago and everyone is do here in a few minutes. If anyone has anything that they would like to have lifted before the Lord in prayer, PLEASE let me know as we would be most happy to. Hope you all have a wonderful week-end. I know I am looking forward to it for sure.....God's Blessings to you all....

THE LORD IS GOOD...

I read Psalm 101 this morning during my devotional time and was struck again by how much of my state of mind depends upon the choices I make everyday. The choice to walk with Him, lean on Him, and keep my eyes fixed on Him.

I will sing of mercy and justice; to You oh Lord I will sing praises. I will behave wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Psalm 101:1-3

I have been struggling for a while now with a tremendous amount of pain in my knees. Now I am not one to go to the doctors unless I feel I have no alternative, but after 5 straight months of pain I FINALLY went and a couple of tests later I have been diagnosed with a pretty advanced case of arthritis. I have also pretty much struggled a good deal of my life with my weight. It's funny though looking back to when I was in my 20's, and 30's, and even some of my 40's, what I "thought" was a HUGE problem really only amounted to 15 or 20 pounds. Somewhere in my mid 40's however, it simply seemed to get away from me and it turned into a truly frightening number on the scale. Apparently, my weight was a LARGE contributing factor as to why my arthritis is so advanced. I've worried about heart problems, and high blood pressure and diabetes, but I had NO IDEA that arthritis was even a possibility. I wonder if it would have stopped me though if I am being honest, as the other threats were real and always looming and yet I ate on. ANYWAY, apparently what is done is done and I have to move on from here. I began the "diet" (as I've mentioned I know MANY times, sorry, haha) and have managed to painstakingly chisel off 28 pounds. The food is good, and with all the fresh veggies and fruits (and an occasional Golden Spoon) I am really not feeling deprived at all. It is annoying at times as I must remember to bring my food along where ever I go, and my beloved eating out adventures have been nipped for now, and I have had to attend SEVERAL events with basically my hands tied behind my back to keep out of the "goodies", but it really is doable, even for me. My problem recently has been finding some form of exercise that I can do that won't buckle my knees and make them throb. I've been disgusted with myself for a while now as for several months before Mel's wedding I was diligently doing the treadmill that we have, 30 to 40 min. a day, 4 or 5 days a week!! I lost 75 pounds for her wedding, and sadly put 50 of them back on in the year after she moved away. But I regress....28 are back off and I am on my way again. I have looked at that Treadmill and wondered if I would ever again step on it and put in my time and actually not collapse in pain afterwards. Today, after my prayer time I felt the Lord was telling me to just get on and see what happened. I turned the thing on and heard the familiar whirl noise and began. I actually felt excitement that I had forced myself to do it. 8 minutes later I turned it off, and began to access "how" I felt. I am not going to lie. I was a little sore. One of my knees a little worse than the other. BUT!! not nearly as bad as I feared. I was not collapsing, and felt (like before) somewhat energized from there. I went on to work some laundry, did up the dishes, watered out back, and here I am. Now I have had to take some Tylenol, and I am icing my knees as I type. But I did it!! My goal is to slowly add a few minutes a day and eventually be back up to 20 min or so at least 3 times a week. I guess it remains to be seen how I will be feeling later on today, but so far so good.. I guess I am also hoping as the weight slowly eeks off I will put less and less pressure on my knees and become more and more mobile. The doc. told me that knee replacement surgery was in my future, but who knows?? Maybe the Lord has something else in mind for me. But either way, I will trust the Lord, keep my eyes on Him, and continually sing His praises. Maybe the treadmill won't be my way of getting the exercise I need, but there's always the swimming pool in my backyard to try next...sigh..Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you all, Melody is NOT coming afterall on the 10th of Oct. as she has a school things she cannot get out of....she is trying to work something else out to maybe come for a week-end sometime in Oct. Hopefully, that will happen. In the meantime, I can't bear to remove my little ticker thing until I know what to replace it with...I MISS her for sure, but I am glad she is as good as she's ever been about her responsibilies for school. But I am thinking we will both be glad when she is FINALLY done....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY J.D.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

(A few tips on how to enjoy this slideshow (for you beginners, haha) first, click the pause bottom on the little pink bear on the left hand side of this page to shut off my blog page music. Then, click FULL SCREEN on the right hand side of the slideshow when it starts to enjoy full affect. Then, click escape button to shut it off when finished viewing....ENJOY)

Yesterday, September 19, 2009 was my precious grandson J.D.'s third birthday. Grandpa and I and Uncle Johnny and Aunt Diane and Annabel, Lindsey & Jeffie, all traveled down together to San Diego to enjoy his "Ice Age" swim party with him. We all had such a nice day. The kids as always enjoyed being together and swam, played and ate to their little hearts content. JD has such a sweet, outgoing, happy little personality. It is pretty much impossible to be around him and not be filled with joy. I love listening to his expressive way of talking and telling his little stories. His enthusiasm and sheer love of life are just downright contagious. He has brought such happiness to my heart in his three short little years it would be hard to even describe. I look so forward to seeing what the Lord has planned for this little guy, because I just know it's something big. May the Lord bless him and make His face to shine upon him now and forever more....HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SWEET J.D. and may all your dreams come true.....Grandma

A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BLOG...

I haven't written a post for a few days now. It's not because I don't have many things I "could" post about, but because I am not sure "what" I should post about. I think most of the time I want my posts to be upbeat, positive, and interesting to the mainly total strangers who are the only ones who seem to be occasionally reading it, and yet there are times when I just want to write out what is rambling around in my head. I have always found that to be particularly therapeutic. So I apologize in advance to whoever might find this particular post unusual for me, and not especially entertaining.

A very short few months ago, if you would have asked me, I would have told you I had no idea what a blog even was. I had vaguely heard the word and understood that some people were into "blogging", but I hadn't really given it much thought. Then, I stumbled upon first Kristi's cake blog and from there one day stumbled upon her personal blog and the one of her good friend Crystal's (who is my niece) as well. I LOVED the whole feel of what I was discovering a blog to be. At first I just occasionally would check out their two blogs. Truthfully, it didn't even occur to me to do one of my own. I have always loved to write, and to journal, so you might wonder what took me so long to think of doing one myself, but honestly very suddenly one day I thought, "Hey, I could do one too." But then I began to ask myself, but who would read it?? But I figured, I have a LARGE family, some good friends, and they would all love this too, right? And so it began. At first, we had soo many of us that were doing it, it became difficult at times to keep up with it all. My blogs were long, (too long I was told by a few) and no one had any idea how to work anything. Eventually, we began to figure things out and I was thoroughly enjoying myself with the whole thing. But sadly, one by one, they all began to dwindle off and finally I found myself ALONE in the blogging world. I considered throwing in the towel and forgetting the whole thing, but just couldn't quite bear to give up the enjoyment I'd found. I begged and bugged the others to continue doing it, but had very little luck. I tried harder. I sent out e-mails to all my friends, sent some of my more detailed blogs occasionally as well, and tried to shame my own kids into reading them and doing one of their own... NOTHING....With the exception of my one wonderful daughter-in-law who writes a blog a few times a week complete with pics of my darling grandkids, (I've no doubt just to please me), I just couldn't get anyone going on it. Sooo, I began to browse around. I started with the wonderful collection of people who Kristi blogged with, and went on from there. At first, I felt a little funny reading the personal blogs of people I have never met. But it wasn't long and I found myself following along with their everyday lives, sometimes laughing along, crying along, praying for others, and in a VERY LARGE world of some of the most creative, entertaining, and inspiring people I have ever met...well, sort of met anyway. I've discovered other Christian women who think and feel very much like I do from all over the United States. I've read of people who have beaten down obstacles in their life and accomplished some truly wonderful things. I've sat at my computer and laughed aloud at the funny things others say in such truthful and vulnerable ways. I've cried at the hardships some of had to endure, and prayed diligently for people who I will no doubt NEVER meet until we arrive together someday in heaven. It's like opening a very large book every day, and following the lives of so many people, I doubt I could even count them up. I've been inspired by many to do more with my life, and to challenge myself in areas I haven't tried at for years...I have been forced the last few months to spend a great deal of my time sitting, as my knees have bothered me sooo much at times I could hardly get around. I FINALLY felt like it had gone on long enough and that I needed to go the docs and figure out if maybe it had something to do with something besides the fact that I carry around a great deal of weight. Well sure enough, I heard a few days ago that I have a pretty advanced case of arthritis, and that short of knee replacement surgery eventually, there really is not much to be done. He doesn't feel like I am there yet, and so I guess I will continue on doing the things I have been doing and hoping it doesn't get much worse. I have lost 28 pounds with my Jenny Craig, yay, but there is alot more to go. I can be as active as my pain allows me to be, and my activity will not make it worse he says, so I will stay as active as I can. I am praying of course that the more weight I lose, the easier I will make it on myself, and the longer it will be before surgery is necessary. All of this to say I am feeling a little down these last couple of days, but I am not going to let this keep me there. I am a truly blessed person and I know my God is always there for me. In the meantime, it makes me very glad I did not give in and throw in the towel on blogging. What a WONDERFUL way to spend some of my time when I find myself hurting and therefore sitting. I thank God for all He has given me in this world of blogging, and look forward to others He may lead me to...May He richly bless you all....

FALL IS FINALLY IN THE AIR....

Over the last couple of days I managed to dig out all of my fall decorations and get them up. Even though it is DEFINITELY still hot, I can "feel" fall is in the air. It seems as though many fellow bloggers share my love of the fall. I'm not sure what it is...the rich, deep colors, the cooler crisp air, harvest time, pumpkins, the start of a new school year, the holidays right around the corner, or the combination of all these things and much more, it has always been my favorite time of year. I have had most of my decorations for a few years now, but I try and add at least one new and fun item every year. All of these things here on my front porch are old favorites...my welcome girl bear sign is still wearing her 4th of July outfit. I guess she doesn't have an official fall dress. I might look for that tomorrow...


My scarecrow only cost me 5 bucks 3 years ago, and he is still looking good..the grandkids all love him..


I had a wreath I made years ago for years and years, and then suddenly two years ago, it vanished...who knows what happened to it?? But I replaced it with this one from Michael's and it is really pretty too I guess, but not quite the same..sigh


My plastic pumpkins...I love them..


A full shot (kind of anyway) of my family room where most of my fall decorations are..


The coffee table with an old arrangement, but the candles are new.. I can't wait to burn them and smell the wonderful smells...


A close up of the centerpiece. I've had this for years..it really is pretty cute.


This pic should have been after the next one. I don't know how they got out of order, other than Grandma had a LONG day with the kids, haha...(have to blame someone) anyway, it is a close up of the top of the cabinet in the family room. It is sporting some new leaves etc. in the arrangement. I got them at Tai Pan...It is soo hard not to go nuts there....


Full shot of the cabinet...


I LOVE this little sign...I have had this forever...


A close up of one of the leaf and pinecombs that I got and spruced up my arrangement to make it Fall. It gets changed to Christmas flowers at Christmas time, and spring flowers in the spring...I am not quite sure why I have never done summertime. I will definitely have to do that next year..


One of my fall angels...I have two. Have had these girls forever...


Kitchen table...I'm thinking I need some pretty fall placemats...


My dining room which has the new fall table runner my mother made for me last Christmas.. It is reversible and the other side is Christmas. I LOVE it....I will show the Christmas side when Christmas decs go up..


It's quilted...She made one for all of her daughters...there are 4 of us...


Isn't it pretty?? I just love it and her...


Fireplace mantle in my family room..


I just love these candle holders. I got them maybe 5 years ago. Looks like I need some new candles though, haha...must have burned them more than I thought last year..


My little angels are kind of lost up there, but I LOVE them...They were a gift from a girl friend of mine a few years ago..


My pilgrim couple I got at the Sideboard a few years ago. I love that store..

That's about it on my Fall decs...Don't think I need much else this year. A couple of new candles (and a GOOD one for the kitchen) some place mats and a dress for my bear. Not too bad...Did I mention I LOVE this time of year...


On Sunday Jimmy and Larissa came up to celebrate John's birthday and we took their kids to get their pictures taken...They are SUCH darling subjects needless to say it was hard to be disciplined and not go wild buying them all...Grandma did pretty good..


It was REALLY hard to get them all looking, not moving, smiling etc, etc. at the same time, haha This one was the best we thought....


I just had to share this pic though it is not one of the professionals.. JD got to go to his first Charger game with daddy last Friday. We are ALL big football fans in the Class family. JD, though not quite 3 LOVES this game and follows along really well. He looks adorable here Grandma is thinking...he was soo excited!!


Almost 3 year old (this month!) JD...what a doll...look at those dimples...sorry is my "Grandma" showing??


Look at those eyes!! A future heart breaker no doubt..


He looks and reminds me soo much of his daddy...though he looks ALOT like Grandpa..


This pic of Donatella says it all. Her first professional pose at 7 months...


Her eyes are the prettiest light blue...what a sweetie she is...


I LOVE this one....soo precious...


Donatella's bed of roses...

Capri will have her pics taken at school this year...plus she did just get to be the fairy princess...I love pics (as you can safely see) and I was very excited to get all of my grandkids (or most anyway) done recently...Sorry this is soo long, but I think I am officially done now. Good thing too, I'm starving....OH! I almost forgot, in case you didn't notice my ticker, my Melly is coming in a month for 5 days!!! YAY.....