Dec 31, 2012

Should I tell about the:
man who is addicted to meth?
lady who has been looking for a job for 4 years?
man living in his car and wants some help getting it fixed?
Andersons and their new iPhones?
4 people I called who HAVE jobs?
visit to Sylvia and her telling us her jaw pain is gone?
late afternoon delicious lunch at Durango's?

No, I won't tell about that.

I'll say that I feel blessed by the marvelous year we have had.

2 wedding celebrations,
3 weddings,
visits by grandchildren and other family members,
church responsibilities,
health,
Allen's successful eye surgeries,
visit to see Kristi D in Seattle.

So many GOOD things.

Thank you 2012 and Heavenly Father.

On My High Horse

So, MK told me he challenged his entire family to eat a POUND of vegetables a day.

I was aghast...a POUND of vegetables every day?

But, he explained why, the reasoning, the philosophy, etc.

So, I have been thinking about food and its effects.  I don't like what I have floating around in my head.

Because I just don't know, truthfully, how much difference what we eat really makes...

to our health, our longevity, our quality of life.

My neighbors smoked for 60 years - they gave it up a year ago - and they drink vodka every night.  They are in their late 70's, look like they've lead a hard life, but they are in good health.

My cousin,  a strict adherent to the word of wisdom his entire life, has incurable cancer.

My friend never eats sweets, eats sparingly, exercises, eats very very little meat or carbohydrates, and looks like a beached whale.

A friend's father died in his mid 50's even though he was trying to be wise about his health.

So, for me, I just don't get it.  I try to eat somewhat healthy, but I eat WAY TOO MANY SWEETS, CARBS, AND FATS.

However, I don't see it having an adverse effect on my health right now.

So, for right now at least, I'll keep the salt shaker on hand and the See's chocolates on my night stand.

Thanks...glad that's off my chest.

Time to Brag

Bridger, Sayre, Oscar...

They live in California; it's too far away.

Because, as you can see, they are about as cute as can be.  And, I need them to be around more!

Why I Love My Brothers

Every year we draw names;

this year we received from Gavin and Libby...

this was the gift card attached to the huge basket of goodies:

Makes me smile and laugh and also, ENJOY the tasty treats!

Family, there just ain't nuttin' like it!

Expectations

It came in her Christmas letter...

a declaration of expectations.

"If I don't expect anything, I am never disappointed," she wrote.

It's an interesting philosophy.  And, I'm trying to decide if it is a good thing or not.

Shouldn't we expect people to show gratitude?

Shouldn't we expect appreciation for something we have done?

But, then, if that is why we are doing it, that is not right either....so maybe MaryLou has a point.

Keep your expectations low, and you'll rarely be disappointed.

Every Day a GIFT

B - our dear dear friend for many years - is having heart surgery on Jan 2.

My 1st cousin has incurable cancer...his brother has a bad form of Parkinson's disease.

5 ladies in our neighborhood/ward just had surgery.

My best friend from high school just told me in her Christmas card that she now walks with a cane and that her husband is in very poor health.

I will continue to be grateful for every single day!

Each day is a precious gift....

Gratitude for Good Neighbors

Popcorn, caramel corn (3 kinds), fudge, soda, jam (2 kinds), cookies, chocolate, candle, even some wrapping paper...

so many fun, tasty, wonderful gifts.

From so many marvelous neighbors.

I am humbled.

I am grateful.