Mon.-Phil's feeling pretty rough. He's taking it easy, listening to his financial CD's and sleeping off and on. I made a big pot of just vegetable soup with chicken broth, chili, and ginger/lemon tea. Susan and I brought in everything from the car and I got it all put away. Garage doors are going up today. Judy called and D's surgery went well and they found no cancer which is absolutely a miracle. Drs said there was a slim chance that it was not cancer. D is able to come home tonight. So thankful. Susan is headed to basketball practice tonight. Michael went over to the guys place to spend time with Travis and all. I went to bed at 7.
Tues.-And slept until 6 this morning. Did wash. Phil's throat looks rough. Feels like he has a fever and I can't find a thermometer anywhere. Decided to call the doctor. Long story short. Susan took him in since he feels like he is having out of body experiences with all the pressure in his head plus the meds we're forcing down his throat. Flu. He has the flu. Doc put him on Tamiflu and put Susan and I on it as well since we are living in the same house with him. So expensive but he feels responsible for bringing it in the house and doesn't want us to get it. I took a good nap this afternoon. Phil paid bills and is listening to his finance book. Susan went to Julie's and then to Julie's church event later. Lucy has been laying on her every chance she gets. Separation anxiety due to Christmas events in Pa. and now she's leaving again for the night. The boys are having their friends over for the night. I started a file for my blog writings. I'm editing favorite ones and then I will download the file and take it to the printers. I have several writing projects on the go. One with Lindsay, the blog devotionals, and Mom and Dad's courtship story. I wanted to get my desk cleaned off today but that will have to be my New Year's Day project. Naomi called. It was nice to catch up. Katrina posted several videos on fb of our family gathering. I am older than I think I am. It's strange to see ones self on video.
Wed.-The guys are staying away from the flu house. Phil is worse today but the doctor said it is to be expected. He slept most of the day after having a rough night. I tried to get some things done but wasn't too successful. Hip and shoulder hurting badly and making it hard to function. Susan got home in the afternoon after spending the night at Julie's. She and I watched 1 1/2 movies and drank hot chocolate. Freeman shot a button buck. A day of rest. I wanted to start the new year with the house somewhat organized but that didn't happen and it doesn't matter. Called Karen to give her a warning about the flu. So far so good up there. Dr. F. sent me home with a bunch of stuff for Phil. And memory vitamins for me. A day of peace. Amen.
Thurs.-Phil still recovering from respiratory flu and now it looks like I have a stomach bug with a 101.8 temp. Feeling awful.
Fri.-Lazy day for Phil and I. I worked on WM phone calls and fb messages. Phil's fever broke. He did a little work but rested most of the day. Susan was doctor and fixed things for Phil and made a delicious lunch of lentil burgers with mushroom buns. She and her team won their game in Richmond tonight. Michael, Phil, and I , watched Despicable Me 2 and Philip joined us for Mission Impossible 5. Freeman and Philip put up another rack in the laundry room to help me get more organized. Missed a Mom's and More Christmas party tonight. Think I got so sick yesterday because I ate bagged spinach and kale. Can't handle the preservatives and get sick every time but forgot about it this time around. It will be nice to feel good again.
Sat.-Freeman, Philip, and Susan, went hunting several times today but didn't get anything. Phil is still laying low but did some work outside. I have a sore throat and runny nose. Felt better than yesterday and vacuumed and washed a floor and worked on my desk and made some cream of tomato soup. Michael is headed to an airport with the W's to meet Sarah as she comes back from a missions trip to G. Philip is headed to Martin's. I'm hitting the sack early and Phil and Susan are watching 'Lord of the Rings.'
Sun.-Slept from 7 last eve until 10 this morn. Stayed in bed and Phil brought me toast and tea. Finally got up when Susan came home from church. Watched several movies and went back to bed again soon after 6. Phil's getting slowly better. I'm getting slowly worse. No fever so it is not flu. Just a nasty sore throat and head cold at this point and doing everything I can to keep it there and get better. Philip had worship practice this morning and played on the worship team. Michael has been with the Warren's. We are scattered today but we are resting. Sometime this week, my blog registered over 40,000 hits. U.S. reads it the most-27,000+. Then, in order from most to least-, Russia, Germany, Netherlands, U.K., Canada, France, Ukraine, S.Korea, and Poland.
I've been thinking about Nadia-she is a Lutheran priest and Jeanne Grunert gave me her book to read. Her language is a bit of a stretch but it makes me laugh a little and gasp a little but mostly, what she says in the midst of her language, makes me love God more. I find myself telling Him I love Him more than I have before. I wonder. I read the Bible. I read CSLewis and Nouwen, and Gary Thomas and Mary DeTurris Poust-a Catholic writer. I read Cloud and Townsend and Joseph Prince and Mark Batterson and Ken Hagin. Anne Lamott and Beth Moore. Mostly, I read Isaiah, John, Paul, David, and Solomon's writings with a few others thrown in. And I realize that I am my mother. She always had a stack of 10 books or so besides the Bible that she was reading from. And I don't know anyone who was more balanced and tolerant and conservative than she was. Hopefully, the vast differences in what my writers write will all point me to the God they love and through their different perceptions of His word and His ways, I can see Him from their perspective and come to love Him even more than if I relied on my own perspective of Him. Somehow, I am figuring out how to keep an open mind, an open heart, an open soul to the way others see God, and yet remember that broad is the gate that leads to destruction and narrow is the gate that leads to life. So. Help me God. Help me know The Truth as You are and not the Truth as others perceive you. Help me not to be so open that I miss the Secret Garden Gate because the Public Garden Gates are swung open wide.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Hertzler Doings~Dec. 22-28, 2013
Mon.-Susan and Phil took a special trip to Wilkes Jewelry store where he got her a beautiful silver necklace and also one for me, with a sparkly Treble clef on dangling display. Made rolls for Hertzler Christmas lunch. Rain, rain, rain. Philip working on garage. Michael doing odd jobs. Susan packing, etc. What a day.
Tues.-Philip, Michael, and Susan headed for Pa. shortly before 10. Alli and Freeman went to spend the eve. with her family and will head to Pa. in the morning. I made some old fashioned molasses cookies and dipped the end in vanilla coating. Also made some Reeses peanut butter bars, did some wash, cleaned the house, wrapped some gifts, etc. Phil got some firewood and delivered it to a friend and did a lot of work around the farm. In the evening, we went to Christ Church for their Christmas eve service. The Loys were there and the Jones and others we know and love. It was good to be in the house of God, reading and listening to Scriptures, hearing the word, singing carols, partaking in communion around the altar (first ever I dipped the wafer in real wine and I did it because there were only 4 little cups of grape juice left and I thought there might not be enough if I took one-good excuse anyway), and catching up with old friends. Hit the sack before 11. The kids are Christmas caroling this eve. and will spend the night at Joe's. At least, that's the plan.
Wed.-Woke up slow. Had a nice breakfast of mushrooms, broccoli, ham, and eggs all scrambled together. Read some. Watched several movies. Took care of animals. Made some bacon wrapped, brown sugar dipped, sweet potato cubes-baked in oven. Took a trip around the farm on the Polaris with Phil. Treated this day like a Sunday except we didn't go anywhere. Michael sent us a Christmas song recorded around the Hertzler table. I would definitely say it was a homesick for family in Pa kind of day for me. Merry Christmas everybody!
Thurs.-Did wash and cleaned part of the house. Went out to Farmville with Phil in the eve. for Morris R's wife's funeral. (Steve's brother). Stopped at Janelle's to feed fish and at Grunerts to return mystery book and pick up several more. Also went to Food Lion and Walmart. With Phil. There is something terribly attractive about a man who shops with me. Plus we get more than we came for and get it done in half the time. Received word that Pete M. died of an aneurism. Freeman called from Pa. Terrible accident on west-bound turnpike near Adamstown. Traffic tied up for 7 miles when he went through the east-bound side. Read on news that they closed both sides to clean up. He made it through just in time. Several deaths and a number of injuries. They weren't expecting that much snow. Philip and Susan went to Cabela's with Cam and Jackie. Had homemade pizza last eve. with them. Michael posted a video they made of themselves 'singing' the Trans-Siberian orchestra music. Susan is smiling and tolerating it all in the back seat. So funny. Philip got him to post it with the title-'You're welcome, Face Book.' They had originally made it for themselves. Dan Shippey reposted with the words 'I'm so thankful these guys are my brothers,' or something like that anyway. Phil is achey, sore-throat, and coughing. I am fighting a sore throat. We need to recover quickly.
Fri.-Started Phil on an antibiotic we had floating around here. Did some wash. Planned a calendar featuring church women="Church Women in the Most Unlikely Places" or 'Church Women You Know Where You'd Least Expect Them'. Halfway planned on face book already. Went shopping in town to Belk and found some treasures. Stopped at Judy's first and had a cup of coffee and caught up talking as fast as we could. Fed Diesel on the way home. Philip was hunting when I got back and Susan was here, too. It's nice to have them home again. Mickey stopped in for awhile and told us more about her son-in-law. A tree fell on him, not a branch. He has passed unto eternity. Watched an Indiana Jones movie and got ready for the weekend. Two things the Lord promised me today. I wrote them on cards and put them in the bathroom where I can see them everyday. One says, "I make all things new." I am going to live as though I believe that.
Sat.-Left Va. around 6 in the morning and arrived at my brother, Abe's, around noon. We put the kettle of half frozen corn on the stove top and Abie added a half stick of butter. We enjoyed chatting with family as they came in and scarfed down some special cheeses and spreads and pickles. Karen served us Abe's clam chowder soup as a precursor to a meal of tossed salad, turkey, oyster filling, filling, corn, gourmet potatoes, Harvard beets, and I gotta be missing something. Plus lots of desserts. I sat beside brother Alan and he showed me pictures of his grandkids, etc. and I loved it. Rosalee and her family were there. She came with a walker and cane, having had hip replacement surgery not much more than a week or two ago. My highlight was singing Christmas carols around the piano for a good hour. We also said what hymns we wanted sung at our funerals and I had to pretend wail to hide my desire to really wail when Abie sang, 'Sunset and Evening Star....' as we were saying good bye. He wants that sung at his funeral. 'Isn't it pretty?' he asked. Yes, and hauntingly sweet, and I don't want to think about his funeral, thank you very much. Abby had to work at Lanc. Gen. and we were all disappointed she couldn't join us. Katrina showed us her engagement ring. Wedding late summer, we're thinking. Annika and Stew were there as well as Karistan and her gang and Kendra and Eric. Alan and Carol were the only ones from their family who could come. It's been quite a year for some of us. Hopefully, 2014 will hold more joy. Came home to Mom and Dad and visited with them and gave them their gifts and Jim and Debra came over with Taylor and Jordan and Jordan's friend, Dianna. Then we went over to Joe and Karen's and played with the little guy, Jonathan, and hit the sack around 10. Michael had come back up with us after traveling back on Friday with Susan and Philip. Sarah was going on a missions trip to Guatemala and he wanted to say good bye and Travis and Erik and April were home and he got to spend the evening with them on Friday before hopping back in our car Sat. morning to head back up to Pa.
Sun.-Had a nice relaxing morning with Karen and Jonathan, and then, Joe, eating her homemade blueberry, vanilla, and peach yogurt with her homemade granola. We forgot to bring some home with us. Yogurt. Went to Hopewell and Dwayne, the interim pastor, spoke on 'Family Matters.' Incredible sermon on the family. Visited with many people after church and then walked down a few steps into the fellowship hall where we had The Mast Reunion. Lots of food, shared memories, Doug's 'Potato Jake' song, Christmas carols, Phil and bro's and Uncle Paul singing, "Forever Young" at everyone's request, lots of hugs, and finally good byes. It's always hard to leave Mom and Dad and all of my wonderful sis in laws and brother in laws and Ed and Anne and Phil's uncles and aunts and cousins. It was raining, too. But it helped that we got to take Annie back home. Stopped at Newton B's first to pick up the huge amount of hand towels I brought from Susie for 10 bucks. She was selling them on face book and I jumped at them. We never have enough nice rags around here plus they are nice enough to use for awhile. Phil gave Annie her gift and she liked her pearls very much. We gave her a bag with Little David's gift of a train ornament, camouflage hat, and knit hat and gloves.
We left the area around 4 and stopped once every hour and still got home at 10. Phil is still not feeling well. He said it's hard enough to feel sick at home and it's even harder away from home. I'm not sure if the antibiotic is helping him. I think rest and ginger tea might be what he needs most. And thus ends this Christmas season. My favorite memory of every gathering-our own family's Christmas celebration included, is the singing. We sang and sang and sang. And it was beautiful. It was also very special that a certain little Jonathan sought out my company and wanted me to be with him in his house under the table and sit beside him at the Mast Dinner. Family is wonderful. I am thankful.
Tues.-Philip, Michael, and Susan headed for Pa. shortly before 10. Alli and Freeman went to spend the eve. with her family and will head to Pa. in the morning. I made some old fashioned molasses cookies and dipped the end in vanilla coating. Also made some Reeses peanut butter bars, did some wash, cleaned the house, wrapped some gifts, etc. Phil got some firewood and delivered it to a friend and did a lot of work around the farm. In the evening, we went to Christ Church for their Christmas eve service. The Loys were there and the Jones and others we know and love. It was good to be in the house of God, reading and listening to Scriptures, hearing the word, singing carols, partaking in communion around the altar (first ever I dipped the wafer in real wine and I did it because there were only 4 little cups of grape juice left and I thought there might not be enough if I took one-good excuse anyway), and catching up with old friends. Hit the sack before 11. The kids are Christmas caroling this eve. and will spend the night at Joe's. At least, that's the plan.
Wed.-Woke up slow. Had a nice breakfast of mushrooms, broccoli, ham, and eggs all scrambled together. Read some. Watched several movies. Took care of animals. Made some bacon wrapped, brown sugar dipped, sweet potato cubes-baked in oven. Took a trip around the farm on the Polaris with Phil. Treated this day like a Sunday except we didn't go anywhere. Michael sent us a Christmas song recorded around the Hertzler table. I would definitely say it was a homesick for family in Pa kind of day for me. Merry Christmas everybody!
Thurs.-Did wash and cleaned part of the house. Went out to Farmville with Phil in the eve. for Morris R's wife's funeral. (Steve's brother). Stopped at Janelle's to feed fish and at Grunerts to return mystery book and pick up several more. Also went to Food Lion and Walmart. With Phil. There is something terribly attractive about a man who shops with me. Plus we get more than we came for and get it done in half the time. Received word that Pete M. died of an aneurism. Freeman called from Pa. Terrible accident on west-bound turnpike near Adamstown. Traffic tied up for 7 miles when he went through the east-bound side. Read on news that they closed both sides to clean up. He made it through just in time. Several deaths and a number of injuries. They weren't expecting that much snow. Philip and Susan went to Cabela's with Cam and Jackie. Had homemade pizza last eve. with them. Michael posted a video they made of themselves 'singing' the Trans-Siberian orchestra music. Susan is smiling and tolerating it all in the back seat. So funny. Philip got him to post it with the title-'You're welcome, Face Book.' They had originally made it for themselves. Dan Shippey reposted with the words 'I'm so thankful these guys are my brothers,' or something like that anyway. Phil is achey, sore-throat, and coughing. I am fighting a sore throat. We need to recover quickly.
Fri.-Started Phil on an antibiotic we had floating around here. Did some wash. Planned a calendar featuring church women="Church Women in the Most Unlikely Places" or 'Church Women You Know Where You'd Least Expect Them'. Halfway planned on face book already. Went shopping in town to Belk and found some treasures. Stopped at Judy's first and had a cup of coffee and caught up talking as fast as we could. Fed Diesel on the way home. Philip was hunting when I got back and Susan was here, too. It's nice to have them home again. Mickey stopped in for awhile and told us more about her son-in-law. A tree fell on him, not a branch. He has passed unto eternity. Watched an Indiana Jones movie and got ready for the weekend. Two things the Lord promised me today. I wrote them on cards and put them in the bathroom where I can see them everyday. One says, "I make all things new." I am going to live as though I believe that.
Sat.-Left Va. around 6 in the morning and arrived at my brother, Abe's, around noon. We put the kettle of half frozen corn on the stove top and Abie added a half stick of butter. We enjoyed chatting with family as they came in and scarfed down some special cheeses and spreads and pickles. Karen served us Abe's clam chowder soup as a precursor to a meal of tossed salad, turkey, oyster filling, filling, corn, gourmet potatoes, Harvard beets, and I gotta be missing something. Plus lots of desserts. I sat beside brother Alan and he showed me pictures of his grandkids, etc. and I loved it. Rosalee and her family were there. She came with a walker and cane, having had hip replacement surgery not much more than a week or two ago. My highlight was singing Christmas carols around the piano for a good hour. We also said what hymns we wanted sung at our funerals and I had to pretend wail to hide my desire to really wail when Abie sang, 'Sunset and Evening Star....' as we were saying good bye. He wants that sung at his funeral. 'Isn't it pretty?' he asked. Yes, and hauntingly sweet, and I don't want to think about his funeral, thank you very much. Abby had to work at Lanc. Gen. and we were all disappointed she couldn't join us. Katrina showed us her engagement ring. Wedding late summer, we're thinking. Annika and Stew were there as well as Karistan and her gang and Kendra and Eric. Alan and Carol were the only ones from their family who could come. It's been quite a year for some of us. Hopefully, 2014 will hold more joy. Came home to Mom and Dad and visited with them and gave them their gifts and Jim and Debra came over with Taylor and Jordan and Jordan's friend, Dianna. Then we went over to Joe and Karen's and played with the little guy, Jonathan, and hit the sack around 10. Michael had come back up with us after traveling back on Friday with Susan and Philip. Sarah was going on a missions trip to Guatemala and he wanted to say good bye and Travis and Erik and April were home and he got to spend the evening with them on Friday before hopping back in our car Sat. morning to head back up to Pa.
Sun.-Had a nice relaxing morning with Karen and Jonathan, and then, Joe, eating her homemade blueberry, vanilla, and peach yogurt with her homemade granola. We forgot to bring some home with us. Yogurt. Went to Hopewell and Dwayne, the interim pastor, spoke on 'Family Matters.' Incredible sermon on the family. Visited with many people after church and then walked down a few steps into the fellowship hall where we had The Mast Reunion. Lots of food, shared memories, Doug's 'Potato Jake' song, Christmas carols, Phil and bro's and Uncle Paul singing, "Forever Young" at everyone's request, lots of hugs, and finally good byes. It's always hard to leave Mom and Dad and all of my wonderful sis in laws and brother in laws and Ed and Anne and Phil's uncles and aunts and cousins. It was raining, too. But it helped that we got to take Annie back home. Stopped at Newton B's first to pick up the huge amount of hand towels I brought from Susie for 10 bucks. She was selling them on face book and I jumped at them. We never have enough nice rags around here plus they are nice enough to use for awhile. Phil gave Annie her gift and she liked her pearls very much. We gave her a bag with Little David's gift of a train ornament, camouflage hat, and knit hat and gloves.
We left the area around 4 and stopped once every hour and still got home at 10. Phil is still not feeling well. He said it's hard enough to feel sick at home and it's even harder away from home. I'm not sure if the antibiotic is helping him. I think rest and ginger tea might be what he needs most. And thus ends this Christmas season. My favorite memory of every gathering-our own family's Christmas celebration included, is the singing. We sang and sang and sang. And it was beautiful. It was also very special that a certain little Jonathan sought out my company and wanted me to be with him in his house under the table and sit beside him at the Mast Dinner. Family is wonderful. I am thankful.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Hertzler Doings~Dec. 16-22, 2013
Mon.-Susan and I love Monday's. We regroup, refocus, and organize our week. I made some sugar cooky dough to bake later. Also did wash and wrote some cards, etc. Susan went out to town for voice lessons and basketball practice. I made caramel corn for the Warren family.
Tues.-Today's highlight-went to Farmville to get groceries. Stopped in to see Judy. Went to the Warren's and learned how to make mittens from old wool sweaters. Robin gave me a pair already made. Wonderful time. Stopped at Dianna's to show her my mittens. She was impressed. Made me a supper of vegetable soup and toasted cheese. Had a nice visit with Steve and her and Henry and Laurel. Susan went to Farmville also and got her hair trimmed, went to the chiro, basketball practice, and had fun at the Varsity Guy's Basketball game. She kept stats. Philip went to Chi Alpha.
Wed.-About mid morning I was outside working and Lucy and Davi were racing around. I avoided them and yelled several times because they kept circling back to me, but then Lucy went racing and Davi just plowed into me going about 25 mph and clotheslined me and the next thing I knew I was on the ground on my left side, crying. Michael was outside and came running and banged on the window and Phil and Susan came running out and Phil just held me and crooned and Susan ran and got a pillow and after laying there and coming to my senses and stretching my ankle, I realized it wasn't broken or sprained, and got up and limped into the house with the help of Phil. Susan helped put away groceries from last evening and vacuumed the floor plus did her other jobs. Dr. F took me in and worked on me for an hour. I was starting to ache all over. My neck and shoulders were especially affected. She told me to go home and soak in 2 cups of Epsom salts and powdered ginger. Which I happily did. I also made a potato soup for tomorrow's luncheon at Judy's. There was also sausage, onions, roasted garlic, a turnip, celery, carrots, two packs of corn, hard boiled eggs, butter, sour cream, cheese, cream cheese, and milk in it. Oh it's good. We had more than enough for our supper. Also made French silk pie, sugar cookies, crock pot candy, and cinnamon rolls, which I froze for our Christmas breakfast on Sat. Now, I'm headed to the tub to soak again. Michael is working on my Christmas gift in the man cave and never have I wanted to stop in and check on it like I have today, but I gave him my word. Susan and Philip went to NLyouth group. They were supposed to wear ugly sweaters but we didn't have any because I've gotten rid of them. Davi feels pretty bad for hurting me. She wants to be near me but she's not sure if she should be. And I've not wanted her in the house today because I was baking. Poor thing.
Thurs.-Phil and the guys went to The Animal House in Richmond to set trusses. Got finished. I went out to Judy's and dropped off soup, veggies, and French Silk Pie, and then to Bailey's, where Ginger picked me up and took me back to Judy's for our luncheon. Judy and I want to do this once a month, where we ask different women to get together to get to know each other better. If it suits our new pastor's wife to come each time, that would be great, and a good way for her to get to know others on a more intimate level as well as letting them get to know her. It was nice to have Jenny and Livi and Lexi there and Ginger, Worth, and Ryder, and Jennifer, Caleb, and Rainer. It didn't suit Sara to come and we missed her. Judy made homemade hot poppers and ham sandwiches. We sat around and visited and the kids played together so nicely. Ginger took me back to get my car and I came back to Judy's to pick up my stuff and go to Walmart. Went to bed early after chatting with Lindsay on facebook a bit. Susan had basketball practice. She was home alone and finished her WW1 book.I am brain tired as you can tell by my writing and my body is a bit stiff from yesterday's fall. But not bad, really. I'm thankful. Good night.
Oh-had this thought today. Jesus laid down his life for us on the cross but He also laid his life down when he came as a baby. He would not have been aware of who He was. He was just a baby, at the mercy of the adults around him. He was anonymous in His own eyes. For a very long time. He died to Himself. God. Almighty. Sovereign. He died and was born and became anonymous. Blows my mind.
Fri.-Got ready for our Christmas tomorrow. Susan helped me and also had basketball practice and party in the eve. Michael and Jordan worked on wood most of the day and Phil and Philip ran to Richmond to add a third screws to a building project. Alli invited me out to lunch. We went to The Babcock House and then to The Little Things in Life where we found a pair of converse newborn sneakers and a little fur cap for Baby. Also found some soft Gap shoes for Ben-Philip. Then we went to Kroger's and I got some things for tomorrow's supper. Came home and vacuumed the floor and got ready to go to church. Staff party. Delicious food and fellowship. Played Taboo. We Women Won. No thanks to PJ who insisted on trying to distract us by telling us his wife was pregnant, taking off his tie and swinging it around, and playing puppets with his hands against the back wall. I got some banana slices ready to put down his shirt if he tried it again but I thought it might be over the top and I stopped myself just in time. We sang some carols and also everyone shared what they were thankful for. It was a precious time. Everyone belonged and everyone was loved. I was too happy to sleep for a very long time.
Sat.-Got up early and started baking the cinnamon rolls that thawed overnight. I made some brown sugar icing and also, cream cheese icing. Freeman came over to meet Phil and Philip and they went over to Tom's to go hunting, but no one got anything. I took some cards to the neighbors-Martins, Kings, Marvin and Margaret, and Mitch and Mickey. Then I went to Dr. F's. The Davis' were there and it was nice to get Sunday morning hugs on a Saturday in the meadow. Michael made a big breakfast and we ate at 2. Alli got off work around 1 so we waited until 2 for breakfast which suited all of the rest of us just fine. He made scrapple, 3 kinds of sausage, 2 kinds of sausage gravy, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and biscuits. Then we sang Christmas carols around the table, each picking two. Michael recorded them on his computer. And Phil and I recited Luke 2 from memory while the others coached us from the Bible. Then we moved to the living room and exchanged gifts. Michael had my name and he had a digital movement sensor photo thingy that will start showing pictures when you are near it. He's already scanned 300 photos he found in the old house and he hasn't done any of the photo albums inside yet. It can hold at least 10,000 pictures and he is going to keep scanning them. The front 'label' has a picture of my dad on it and they had all said that the gift would make me cry and they were right. Camoflauge gifts abounded-dress shirt for Freeman, tie for Philip, gloves for the guys, a Cabela's gift in the future for Susan from Philip. Pearls for the girls. Earrings too. Flannel pants for the guys. Gift cards. Ornaments. Moccasins. Boots. Scarves. Fountain pen. Etc. Then, we put out some more food for supper and watched the extended version of the Hobbit. Sarah came over in the middle of the movie and afterwards, we gave her gifts from Phil and I. It was a nice day. Warm and pleasant, inside and out. Thank you God. Merry Christmas to us.
Sun.-I sat on the porch with a mug of tea in this dark, warm, windy, wild, weather of a morning and awoke the dawn with Davi. Phil and Philip headed to church at 7:30. Phil to the men's prayer breakfast and Philip to worship practice. Pastor Bill spoke about Peace;-with God, of God, with others, and for others. Jenny shared about being vulnerable so we can receive the prayers and comfort of others, especially during this busy season. Came home and Jordan, Sarah, and Julie joined us for a cooky icing afternoon. Then they played volleyball outside until it was raining too hard. They watched a movie in the man cave and came back over for pizza and Apples to Apples. Windows are open. Spring peepers are confused. What a second day of winter.
Tues.-Today's highlight-went to Farmville to get groceries. Stopped in to see Judy. Went to the Warren's and learned how to make mittens from old wool sweaters. Robin gave me a pair already made. Wonderful time. Stopped at Dianna's to show her my mittens. She was impressed. Made me a supper of vegetable soup and toasted cheese. Had a nice visit with Steve and her and Henry and Laurel. Susan went to Farmville also and got her hair trimmed, went to the chiro, basketball practice, and had fun at the Varsity Guy's Basketball game. She kept stats. Philip went to Chi Alpha.
Wed.-About mid morning I was outside working and Lucy and Davi were racing around. I avoided them and yelled several times because they kept circling back to me, but then Lucy went racing and Davi just plowed into me going about 25 mph and clotheslined me and the next thing I knew I was on the ground on my left side, crying. Michael was outside and came running and banged on the window and Phil and Susan came running out and Phil just held me and crooned and Susan ran and got a pillow and after laying there and coming to my senses and stretching my ankle, I realized it wasn't broken or sprained, and got up and limped into the house with the help of Phil. Susan helped put away groceries from last evening and vacuumed the floor plus did her other jobs. Dr. F took me in and worked on me for an hour. I was starting to ache all over. My neck and shoulders were especially affected. She told me to go home and soak in 2 cups of Epsom salts and powdered ginger. Which I happily did. I also made a potato soup for tomorrow's luncheon at Judy's. There was also sausage, onions, roasted garlic, a turnip, celery, carrots, two packs of corn, hard boiled eggs, butter, sour cream, cheese, cream cheese, and milk in it. Oh it's good. We had more than enough for our supper. Also made French silk pie, sugar cookies, crock pot candy, and cinnamon rolls, which I froze for our Christmas breakfast on Sat. Now, I'm headed to the tub to soak again. Michael is working on my Christmas gift in the man cave and never have I wanted to stop in and check on it like I have today, but I gave him my word. Susan and Philip went to NLyouth group. They were supposed to wear ugly sweaters but we didn't have any because I've gotten rid of them. Davi feels pretty bad for hurting me. She wants to be near me but she's not sure if she should be. And I've not wanted her in the house today because I was baking. Poor thing.
Thurs.-Phil and the guys went to The Animal House in Richmond to set trusses. Got finished. I went out to Judy's and dropped off soup, veggies, and French Silk Pie, and then to Bailey's, where Ginger picked me up and took me back to Judy's for our luncheon. Judy and I want to do this once a month, where we ask different women to get together to get to know each other better. If it suits our new pastor's wife to come each time, that would be great, and a good way for her to get to know others on a more intimate level as well as letting them get to know her. It was nice to have Jenny and Livi and Lexi there and Ginger, Worth, and Ryder, and Jennifer, Caleb, and Rainer. It didn't suit Sara to come and we missed her. Judy made homemade hot poppers and ham sandwiches. We sat around and visited and the kids played together so nicely. Ginger took me back to get my car and I came back to Judy's to pick up my stuff and go to Walmart. Went to bed early after chatting with Lindsay on facebook a bit. Susan had basketball practice. She was home alone and finished her WW1 book.I am brain tired as you can tell by my writing and my body is a bit stiff from yesterday's fall. But not bad, really. I'm thankful. Good night.
Oh-had this thought today. Jesus laid down his life for us on the cross but He also laid his life down when he came as a baby. He would not have been aware of who He was. He was just a baby, at the mercy of the adults around him. He was anonymous in His own eyes. For a very long time. He died to Himself. God. Almighty. Sovereign. He died and was born and became anonymous. Blows my mind.
Fri.-Got ready for our Christmas tomorrow. Susan helped me and also had basketball practice and party in the eve. Michael and Jordan worked on wood most of the day and Phil and Philip ran to Richmond to add a third screws to a building project. Alli invited me out to lunch. We went to The Babcock House and then to The Little Things in Life where we found a pair of converse newborn sneakers and a little fur cap for Baby. Also found some soft Gap shoes for Ben-Philip. Then we went to Kroger's and I got some things for tomorrow's supper. Came home and vacuumed the floor and got ready to go to church. Staff party. Delicious food and fellowship. Played Taboo. We Women Won. No thanks to PJ who insisted on trying to distract us by telling us his wife was pregnant, taking off his tie and swinging it around, and playing puppets with his hands against the back wall. I got some banana slices ready to put down his shirt if he tried it again but I thought it might be over the top and I stopped myself just in time. We sang some carols and also everyone shared what they were thankful for. It was a precious time. Everyone belonged and everyone was loved. I was too happy to sleep for a very long time.
Sat.-Got up early and started baking the cinnamon rolls that thawed overnight. I made some brown sugar icing and also, cream cheese icing. Freeman came over to meet Phil and Philip and they went over to Tom's to go hunting, but no one got anything. I took some cards to the neighbors-Martins, Kings, Marvin and Margaret, and Mitch and Mickey. Then I went to Dr. F's. The Davis' were there and it was nice to get Sunday morning hugs on a Saturday in the meadow. Michael made a big breakfast and we ate at 2. Alli got off work around 1 so we waited until 2 for breakfast which suited all of the rest of us just fine. He made scrapple, 3 kinds of sausage, 2 kinds of sausage gravy, hash browns, scrambled eggs, and biscuits. Then we sang Christmas carols around the table, each picking two. Michael recorded them on his computer. And Phil and I recited Luke 2 from memory while the others coached us from the Bible. Then we moved to the living room and exchanged gifts. Michael had my name and he had a digital movement sensor photo thingy that will start showing pictures when you are near it. He's already scanned 300 photos he found in the old house and he hasn't done any of the photo albums inside yet. It can hold at least 10,000 pictures and he is going to keep scanning them. The front 'label' has a picture of my dad on it and they had all said that the gift would make me cry and they were right. Camoflauge gifts abounded-dress shirt for Freeman, tie for Philip, gloves for the guys, a Cabela's gift in the future for Susan from Philip. Pearls for the girls. Earrings too. Flannel pants for the guys. Gift cards. Ornaments. Moccasins. Boots. Scarves. Fountain pen. Etc. Then, we put out some more food for supper and watched the extended version of the Hobbit. Sarah came over in the middle of the movie and afterwards, we gave her gifts from Phil and I. It was a nice day. Warm and pleasant, inside and out. Thank you God. Merry Christmas to us.
Sun.-I sat on the porch with a mug of tea in this dark, warm, windy, wild, weather of a morning and awoke the dawn with Davi. Phil and Philip headed to church at 7:30. Phil to the men's prayer breakfast and Philip to worship practice. Pastor Bill spoke about Peace;-with God, of God, with others, and for others. Jenny shared about being vulnerable so we can receive the prayers and comfort of others, especially during this busy season. Came home and Jordan, Sarah, and Julie joined us for a cooky icing afternoon. Then they played volleyball outside until it was raining too hard. They watched a movie in the man cave and came back over for pizza and Apples to Apples. Windows are open. Spring peepers are confused. What a second day of winter.
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