Christian Photographers Community

I have been trying to post here for several hours!  Each time I hit the "reply" button, I got the message that the page could not be found!   

First of all, Marilyn, I want you to know how badly I feel for you after reading your post!     I'm so sorry that, with just one phone call, your plans and happiness could all be shattered.  I know how you felt after shopping for the kids, and what you went through to get just the right gifts (even had to go back to buy batteries).  I don't know what to say right now.  I pray you will find a place of peace over this, and get some rest.  I do understand.   

Pat, I've read, and enjoyed, the story of the yellow shirt before, and it is a good one.   Thanks for sharing it again.

I have been having a difficult time of it lately.  I just feel very "blah" and seem to want to sleep all the time.  What's up with that?  Of course, I KNOW it isn't anything to do with that "o" word!! 

Speaking of "that word" Today is my grandson's birthday.  I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that my grand son is 36 years old!  How did that happen?  Where have I been while that little blond headed boy turned into a man and father to three boys of his own. I almost feel like Rip Van Winkle ....

I've been at this computer long enough, I think .... gotta get up and change positions at least.

Marilyn, my heart aches for you.  How hurtful that phone call must have seemed.  I pray the Lord will give you His own peace and comfort. 

For those of you who remember Suzanne Harris, I put a note in the sympathy and Bereavement folder. Her husband passed away.

Judy B:  Do you eat your meat pies cold or hot?  We prefer hot.  You are a good mom!

Marilyn: So sorry for your disheartening telephone conversation.

I have been feeling "down" about my own family because we have always gone to church together and this year four of them have to work and they have said they want to relax and not go through that part of our celebration.  So it goes, we as parents & grandparents try to work everything out to please so many. 

I am just going to do as we have been studying in here ----give thanks for every sweet thing we have and time together.  It won't be the same this year - maybe they will miss going to the service. 

Off to a concert as soon as Don gets home - which he can barely stand to "hear" as it is distorted but will try hard to hear it and smile at our gifted grandson.   

Carol I have them Hot.  With all the trimmings.

Well I have the tires changed, a part that is needed bought and Doug is doing s tuneup for me, so I also have the plugs and wires.  It has been a busy day.  Kass came home with me and proceeded to play her Sax.  She is quite good, you can actually hear the melody that she is playing.  Not just squeaks and squawks.  This is her second year.  She is planning on continuing on with music through to the end of High School.

The weather is cold, We are going through wood quite fast.  Thankfully we have a lot cut.  

Have a great night everyone

I'm really tired, and my mind's full of things to ponder.

Much love to each of you. We'll miss you while you're away, Janet.

Ruth Ann

Praise God!  Ivalou did great playing Euchre yesterday!  It was such a delight to see her having fun with all of us and laughing.  I had to leave early and go to Photo Guild.  What food!  Wow!  There were probably 75 people there.  Then we had three shows.  One couple went to Tahiti last July and showed us a Pro Gold Show where you put your photo in and then there are beautiful transistions and music.  What beautiful scenery.  Then another went to England, Scotland and Paris and showed us another show.  And one of the members asks the members to send her up to 6 photos and she takes those photos and puts on a Pro Gold Show.  Such talent in the Guild!  I know that show was at least 20 minutes long!

Today is PT for Ivalou this morning and a perm for Ivalou and a haircut for me this afternoon.  I imagine we will be eating out this evening. 

Christmas.  Christmas has always been a stressful holiday for me.  Rush..rush..rush.  Buy gifts, wrap gifts, decorate, cook, schedule, plan...and I have only had Christmas dinner at my house once in my married life!  After joining church a few years ago, I really enjoy the Christmas Cantatas/Programs and the Christmas Eve Candlelight services.  That's the meaning of Christmas...not all that other hubbub stuff.  And for gifts...GREEN!  Green fits all sizes!  And that sure takes out the stress for me.  I haven't even heard from Tony and Charlene.  We usually go out to eat somewhere and give each other Gift Cards.  She has been sick and had her appendix out so I don't even know if we will go out to eat anywhere.  But I understand.  They have a lot on their plate this year as well as I have.  And Charlene is to have a new granddaughter this week.  If not, labor is to be induced Sunday!

Hi everyone.  Finally we have a sunny and nice day here. 

I attended the Bible Study with the pastor this morning and this will be our last one until January 13th as he is taking a couple of weeks off right after Christmas.   Tonight is our last choir practice until after New Years so things are going to slow down a bit for me.

Since Pat didn't attend the Bible study this morning I decided it would be a good time to do my Christmas shopping for her.  What I wanted to get for her they no longer stock so had to change my plans.  However, I found three things that I hope she will like.  I will go out shopping with her this afternoon so that she can ride the electric cart and I can get things off the shelf for her.  Being on her feet very long cause her a lot of back pain and this helps.  We still need to get Christmas for our youngest great grandchild, who lives not too far from us and something else for our daughter. 

Marilyn, I am sorry that your plans haven't worked out as you had hoped.  Please don't let this ruin your peace of mind and serenity at this time of the year.  Next year don't tell anyone what you have purchased and then if they don't want the item they can take it back.    I do hope you will be able to see your family at sometime during the holidays.  Perhaps you could go sometime between the holidays and the grandchildren would then enjoy a second Christmas with you. 

Etta Sue, good news about Ivalou being up to playing cards and enjoying the afternoon out. 

Carol, maybe your family will change their mind at the last minute and attend worship with you.  It does sound like they will be with you on Christmas. 

Judy, sounds like you are keeping very busy up your way.

Pat, I hadn't read the yellow shirt story before.

I have had heather's Husband here overnight,  Today he is baking his famous cinnamon buns for me for Christmas. I asked for a double batch.  He has also made to braided egg loaves,  Absolutely yummy.  I am freezing them till Christmas eve when I will slowly thaw them then he will add the toppings when they get here Christmas day. 

Now for a question...How much of a cup is 1 stick of butter?

1 stick of butter is 1/2 cup

Thanks Pat!

Marilyn:   I like Larry's idea of being with family.

Don is in the basement working on something secret.  I just spent time loading two stories on my MP3 - it is nice to have something on and it doesn't disturb Don as the t.v. would - although he doesn't say anything I know that extra noise tires him.  The concert was so good - 8th graders and our g-son had two trumpet solos.  We have also been running around picking up bed rails & headboards for beds at our cabin - for guest rooms there.  We found good deals on Craig's List but you have to be careful in checking things out.  Am baking Challah bread today.  It is a rich milk and egg bread. 

Larry:  Just being with the family is super.  Because of work schedules, I don't think church will work out this Eve for the group and three of the families will head up to the mountains after we eat even though it is late or they will go very early in the morning. 

Last night was our Bible study Christmas party and potluck supper. Everyone had a great time.

Tonight is our church board dinner, so I'm to pick up our vision-challenged pianist at 5:45. "Won't be much time to dawdle today!"

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

I am going to go as planned on Christmas eve whether they like it our not. I want to give the  kids their  gifts when they aren't opening others  when mine will just be put to one side and forgotten. If  give them on Christmas eve then all they will be getting are mine.

We were pleasantly surprised last evening.  Around 8pm, we heard car doors shutting.  I was crocheting so got myself unwound and went to the door.  Twenty-three people came in the house from church...caroling!  Ivalou's family room is a log room and all those voices sounded so great!  What a lovely surprise!  

We both got haircuts yesterday.  I told Ivalou that I thought she was getting a perm and she said so did she.  But Sandy just cut her hair and mine.  Then we went to Perkins to eat.  I needed cat food and Ivalou wanted to get a couple of small gifts for Marge and Betty.  So she had a big day yesterday.  

We got the Lifeline necklace yesterday but I need to get it hooked up today for her.  Then we test for distance and make the first call to Lifeline.  I am thinking then I might get my pink slip and told to go home.

Lots of things to do really for me.  I have to bake some beans for a funeral dinner tomorrow at 11am.

Challenge # 39 is now closed to entries and open to voting. You have until Dec 24'th to cast your vote.  Choose your 10 (ten) favorites and then click on "Submit".

I would like to encourage everyone to go vote whether you entered a photo or not. The participants worked hard to get these great shots and they deserve a vote!

So click on the link and go vote.

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=9262.0

Don

Good Morning I am just running through here on my way to Yoga class. Gotta go now.

I am heading out to get a transmission check done.  We have a spare but need to know what is going on with this one first.

I slept well last night, so well that I didn't hear this alarm this morning.  Girls woke up in time to run out the door. they were on time for the bus.

I have to run
In Him
JudyB

Well you talk about a fickle vehicle.  The transmission didn't act up once while the mechanic was test driving it!!!  Oh well the problem will show itself, I just hope not while I am away from home!

Marilyn thank you for your IM's.

I have had a time of it getting the house warm.  I am having a time handling the cold this year.  

I bought a book today called "Touching Wonder" by John Blase.  It is an amazing look at Christmas.  If you have the opportunity to buy this small book, 122 short pages, do so.  It will be well worth the $$ spent.

Charlotte Church is on Vision TV right now, I would like to hear her.  She has a beautiful voice for a 14 year old girl.

Good Night, rest well my friends

Hi everyone.  Not much to report on the rainy and windy and chilly day here in Georgia.  Once again there are flood watches in certain areas on North Georgia, not where I live.

I spoke with our son and he and our DIL will come over Christmas morning but return home later that afternoon.  So we will enjoy however many minutes they are here.  At least the family will be together for Christmas.  We had hoped they would stay for a couple of days but they have dogs they need to get home to care for as the dogs are getting elderly and need a lot of attention.

I am having lunch today in Atlanta with a man I worked with for quite a few years.  He just retired last year, although he and I are basically the same age.  We are eating Mexican food at a good restaurant.

Time to get ready for morning coffee.  Hope everyone enjoy the day.

Good to see you  Larry.  I hope you are feeling better.  Have been praying for you.

Girls are off, I was up late keeping the fire going last night.  It too removing the ashes our to get it going better.  House was warmer this morning.  I guess we are going to have to let is die and remove most of the ash then restart.  That is not a choice way to operate.

I will be back later.  God bless

Judy - I think you were trying to say that your fire just won't burn when the ashes accumulate.  Sounds to me like you need to do exactly what you said - let it go out, remove the ashes, then restart it all over again.  Sounds like a lot of work to me.  We have natural gas for heating here, and I'm pretty glad to have it. Electric costs too much.  We have a mobilhome, so don't have a fireplace, though I kind of wish we did.  But, thankfully, we also have relatively mild winters here.

Yes Al, I was half asleep when I wrote that!  LOL  I wish we had a fireplace as well. Our Dad had 2 fireplaces in our home, often the one upstairs was lit on cold days like today.  Mother used to put up on the mantle a village scene.  I miss that aspect of Christmas decorating.  Today the girls will decorate.

Well, Al and Judy ... I live in a mobile home and don't have a fire place, but I do have a wood burning stove that needs the ashes cleaned out regularly!    As for decorating for Christmas --- I just changed the color of the candles I have out!  They are red now (some green and a couple purple ones) ... were beige and white/orange for Thanksgiving ... could be any color after the holidaze ... maybe blue and white with rain forest scent and/or french vanilla .... 

I've been given two little Christmas decorations, so that will be the extent of my decorations this year. My apartment is still not put back together after the recent maintenance work. They're coming Monday, and hopefully won't find anything else they need to do!

Love to each of you.

A busy day.  I left Ivalou's before she was up.  Got the beans baked and a shower.  I was trying to print big envelopes, 9" x 12", on the Epsom and it wouldn't print the envelopes for anything.  And on regular paper it was portrait instead of landscape and I had landscape ticked.  I noticed the time and had to get dressed and get the beans to church. 

I went to Office Depot for more envelopes, Walgreens for a pill carrier...I lost the last of three of mines somewhere last evening.  Got small ziplock bags...at least, I will only lose pills now!  And I ate at White Castle for lunch. 

I came home and tried the Epsom again.  It printed an envelope but was still portrait.  I changed something and it was fine!  So I printed 10 more.  Then to the desktop to print some more Christmas Cards.  Things are falling in place now. 

I went out to get the mail and took Ivalou's to her house.  I asked her who was coming tonight, Linda or Jo?  She said, 'No one!  I am staying by myself!'  That was news to me.  I don't know if this decision was made today or before.  She has been secretive and a little testy with me this week.  So when I came home, I unpacked my over night bag.  If she wants me to stay at night, she will have to tell me again.  I know there will be lots of things that she can't do and I will have to do them and I will be glad to do so.  But it will be great to visit next door instead of visit my own home!  The girls are like stamps today...sticking right to me! 

I am relaxing now and then I have to put a Cornbread Salad together for the Stevenson Christmas Dinner tomorrow at my niece's house.  It will be minus Kaye Don and Barb!

I still don't know who won 'So You Think You Can Dance'.  I was watching it when I got a phone call last evening from Ivalou and saying that Marge and Betty wanted us to go to the visitation at the funeral home and then out to eat.  I will find out the winner sometime today, I hope!

What?  No one posted after me yesterday?  Was the site down?  Did all the white stuff around the country clog up the lines? 

First covering snow for Central Indiana!  It is beautiful.  Every twig is covered with the white stuff! 

Today is the Stevenson Christmas Dinner and Ivalou is hesitant in going.  She is afraid she will fall on the snow.  What if it gets icy?  So I think I have assured her that I would back my car in the drive, sweep off the drive, put down salt and help her to the car.  What about at Robin's house?  I told her if it was cleared off there, I would call on the cell for someone to come out and help me with Ivalou!  So I think she is going. 

Now she isn't sure about church tomorrow either. 

No Makena Grace yet either!

Hi everyone.  Still no sun here but at least the rain has stopped.  I read yesterday that 2009 will go down as the wettest year in this part of Georgia since they have been keeping records.  This certainly should help restore the water tables. 

We heard from our son last night that his wife has decided to stay home at Christmas to tend the dogs and this will allow him to spend a couple of days with us.  He plans on driving over on Christmas morning.  It has been a long time since he stayed with us.  We will miss his wife but are grateful that he will be here. 

I attended a meeting this morning and plan on staying in the rest of the day.  We have a fireplace in our home that is in pristine condition as we have never had a fire in it and don't intend to do so.  It is a prefab.  We have had several other houses with fireplaces and used them very little and they are very inefficient in terms of the heat escaping, although I agree they are nice to look at.  Wood here has become very expensive.

Etta Sue, it sounds like Ivalou is ready to test what she can do on her own.  Hope you were able to get to the reunion.

Judy, I am sure your prayers have helped as I have been feeling good this week.  I think the increased medicine has also helped.   

Larry that is good.  God gave us doctors to do His bidding with the knowledge they have gained.

All is white here, not as white as the white of God's forgiveness.

Etta Sue, you have a busy life.  I love to read of your days events.

John came home last night I was able to fit in picking him up in between dropping the girls at our pastor's and picking them up.  They had a wonderful time of eating great food and fellowship.  We go for dinner on Sunday at 6:00, and very much looking forward to that.  This is something the pastor does with all of the congregation during the Christmas season. 

A friend has fixed our snow blower.  The girls hand shoveled the last dumping of snow.  It will be easier now.

We are heading to North Bay to get John's medications out of the truck.  At the same time we will finish up the last of the shopping.  That will be the end of preparations, as far as shopping is concerned.  I still have baking to do.  John will help with that this weekend.

I am off for now, In Him
Judy