Celebrate Your Girlfriends

2010-11-02T09:05:00.006-05:00

Just a few things that I love from Idaho...a very few, cause I loved everything about it!
And really loved this view from the plane before I even got there.

And just look at this room! And the wonderful beautiful women preparing our
meals and serving us with the hugest smiles and hearts ever.
It is the essence of the whole week.
Loving each other...just that simple.

And the very best roommates I have ever had!
Marianne, Mona and Jayne. love them so much!My "TRUTH" journal. Still empty...cant come up with a good enough reason of why.
But it sits in the living room so I can see it all the time.
It just makes me feel good and smile inside.
I've lived with so many lies over the years, its just good to really know the
truth really does exist and is alive and well inside of me!

I love you Jayne!

The walk to the lake was beautiful itself...then the sunset and...no words for that!
Thank you God, it was magnificent!
At the motel in Eagle where we met the bus to take us to heaven...I mean McCall.
The most serene, clear, flowing and COLD river ever! There was a huge tree log
that had fallen in the water just a step off the bank. I just had to sit
on it a while and soak the travel tired footsies. But only long enough
for this picture, or they would have frozen and broken off!

The rose garden in Boise provided another of Gods most beautiful works.
We had a nice walk through it taking pics of all the different colors.
And the squirrels and geese were there to entertain also...
making you watch your step for sure!

We get back to our room after a full morning of shopping,
and I mean a LOT of shopping! That Jayne can make the rounds!
We get back into our wonderfully fancy hotel room and look out
the window to find this!
A double rainbow over the mountains! How cool is that!!!

And 2 of my all time favorite things...Angie and Keagan.
They just fill my heart with all things good.

Thank You Jayne! I Love You!

2010-10-21T13:52:00.006-05:00

So Jayne emails me with "I want to do this!" with a link to Brave Girls Camp. She said, "I really need this". I do too, I remember thinking. Really longing for the bravery I thought I needed to do the things I needed to do. Mainly confront my marriage, and my son. Take up for and take care of me for a change. Maybe I could find out how to be the aggressive extrovert I have always wanted to be. That's being brave isn't it? I look at it...yep, looks like fun to me! OK, I'm in!
Now, I didn't bother to read all the rave reviews, or even read Melody's blog. Sorry, but I really didn't. What I read was pretty simple. Idaho...means a long way away from Texas and everyone and everything in it to me. October...means cool weather and mountains. Crafts...means fun, fun, fun, and I can learn some scrap booking from Jayne. Women...means getting away from men for a while...my main goal. And good food...always sounds pretty good to me! Sure I want to go!

So I start saving every little extra penny I could get my hands on and sent in my down payment...and payments as regular as I could till it was finally paid off. Not telling anyone except Jayne for several months. It felt very much out of my comfort area, spending that kind of money on only me, for such selfish reasons, but for some reason, I had to do it. And I had to do it now before I backed out. Its easier to look at 1200.00 in little lumps than in one big one. I just had to constantly remind myself that I make the money around her, me and only me, so me and only me will decide how to spend it! And I'm spending it on ME!

It was almost a years wait for October to finally get here. One look at that says that year flew by. The other part says that it took years to finally say TODAY is the day I leave! And the excitement was multiplied by the fact that I finally, after almost 4 years, got to see Angie and Keagan again. As much as Idaho was great in every way, my time with them meant everything to me.

But this is a blog about Brave Girls Camp.

Brave Girl Camp is the vacation from life that you have been waiting for, and the experience of a lifetime. Our goal is to make sure that you have the time of your life while making lifelong friendships, and especially that you go back to your life a stronger, more joyful woman, feeling on-track and ready to be exactly who you are and to do exactly what is in your heart to do.

There! Now doesn't that sound like fun? You read this page...
http://www.bravegirlsclub.com/aboutbravegirlcamp-main.html
and tell me if you wouldn't want to do that! (because I am not a computer person and I don't know how to have you click on a word and it just pops up like it should, that's why I put that in!)

And every single word of that whole page is absolutely true! Every single word! It is total fun, a great get-away vacation, I have life long friendships, and I am for sure a better woman for having experienced those 5 days.

What I didn't pay attention to was the getting to know, or work on your "inner self" part. Where you do the art projects to help you work through "stuff" that has happened in your life. Sounds simple and painless enough. Mainly because I very rarely allow anything to get to me in an outwardly emotional way. My problem is that me and my inner self haven't gotten along in a long while and she was having a hay day trying to get out and eat this mushy stuff up. Not really sure how to describe my inner self in a nice way...but since this is my blog, I can just say...she is a bitch to get along with sometimes. You people out there are really lucky that you don't have to listen to her every day. I have to say, ole inner self had a better time than I did at times. She had a blast with her constant "I told you so's"! She would poke at my heart with every one of Melody's truths that I would cut out. And the outer me, was required to stay calm and collected at all times. Because that's what I do.

Now I am not one that is always comparing myself to every other woman out there. I am pretty secure in myself. Sounds conceited to write that out like that, but I really don't think of it that way. I'm certainly not better than anyone else, just not any less than either. This one of the few things that inner self and I do agree on. One of the hardest things I saw at BGC was the women that didn't feel this way. The ones who have been told for so long that they were on the much lesser than list. And the women who had been so deeply hurt over and over by the ones they loved and trusted the most. And the women who just didn't believe in themselves. And the women who just needed to be told they were so awesome and totally worth loving. And the women that I could feel melt into my arms when I hugged them because they were so starved for a real hug. And the women who looked so empty, lost, alone and scared when they arrived. I have to admit, I was NOT prepared for that. My heart actually physically ached for them.

I was not prepared for all of that...but I was humbled by and honored to be around everyone of those amazing women. I will now admit to feeling very out of place at the first "red carpet" meeting. Even though my husband had just suddenly ended our 26 years together a month before...I had nothing to say in the circle. My childhood may not have been perfect, but it was perfect for me. I had everything I could have needed and everything I remember wanting, and I was totally loved and adored by everyone around me. I just wanted to be my mom when I grew up, because she was perfect in every way to me. And marry someone just like my dad, cause he was perfect to me. And have 7 kids, cause I have 3 siblings and...OK, well that didn't work out so well. But yes my siblings are now perfect for me!

My point is, I had nothing what so ever to compare to what these women had all been through. I had no idea what to say. My first thought was..."Hi, I'm Georgia from Texas and I think I got on the wrong plane and ended up at the wrong retreat". But luckily God knew just where he was sending me and I gave in and let it happen. I felt such empathy for each of them. I wanted to have words to help then understand their worth. To have the hugs to make them feel better. To show them in some way how important they are and how beautiful they are in every way. I didn't have any of that.

But Melody and Kathy did. Every single moment of every day told us all just that. In hundreds of different ways. Every where you looked, the love oozed from every little nook and cranny. It was in every tiny bird placed in exactly the right place. The first morning as I sat eating breakfast, I looked up and saw my mom sitting at her quilting frame. I couldn't swallow for choking back the tears. Love dripped from the cinnamon rolls. It blinked in the Christmas lights that hung everywhere. It flickered in the candle flames. It cuddled around me in a huge fluffy towel all my own. It soothed the jitters in the notes of every sweet song. It chips away at the hardness with every twinkling eye that smiles at you. And the sunset over beautiful Lake Payette told me without a doubt that God had sent me to this very place to be with these very women at this very moment in my life to reaffirm...that I am truly LOVED!

See all the wonderful pictures on my Facebook page.

January???

2010-06-23T14:54:00.002-05:00

Are you kidding me??? January??? I havent even looked at this thing since January??? Damn! Time really does fly!
You know when time flies?
When you keep 5 babies every day. Under the age of 2.
When you have 23,753 chickens.
When your husband isnt working.
When you are ebaying everything that isnt nailed down for extra money.
When your son isnt working.
When you work every available weekend shift at the hospital.
When your kitchen cabinets fall off of the wall.
When you find black mold behind those said cabinets.
When your car needs a new water pump for a year so you cant go out of town in it.
When your windshield wiper quits working in a rain storm and its also time to get car inspected.
When baby chicks keep hatching!
When your freezer door gets left open long enough to make everything but the 12lb turkey hot.
When you wish May came after December so you have more time to party plan.
When May cant come fast enough to have fun at the party.
When you vow to keep in touch with someone and you realize its already been 3 months!
When suddenly all my babies are walking and talking!
When did that happen!!!!!

So now I vow to write in this more often. Or at least before next January.

I'm not Oprah, but this is "What I Know For Sure" HUGE SISTER WARNING!

2010-01-31T10:49:00.004-06:00

There are very few things in this life that I know for sure. Very few. And listing them may make your toes curl and your hair fall out. So I wont.

But I can list the things I know for sure because its pretty short. This list is absolute. There is no question in my mind or heart that it is the total and complete truth. I have no "proof" to show you. And I cannot tell you why I know it is the complete truth. Mostly because I do not know for sure myself why I know. But my mind and heart know it for sure.

God is real and God is God. Pretty simple to me. My proof of this, is every breath I take.
Jesus is God. Because He was born, died and resurrected for us.
Heaven is real. And I will go there when I die. Because Jesus was resurrected for me.
This life is for us to practice loving each other, and being good to each other. EVERY each other, not just the ones we want to.
That love comes from God, not from us. Without God we don't know how to really love.
Forgiveness should be one of the commandments. It is that important.
Along with unconditional acceptance of others. ALL others.
Again, without God, you cannot do this.
We are just not good enough to be able to do this on our own. Yes, we think we are. But we are not.

When Sally was preparing to move to Minnesota, she had to have my approval. She said she would not go if I did not say it was OK with me. WTF! Of course it was NOT OK with me. But I never told her that. There was no way I would have ever stopped her from having her new life and new adventure. She was scared. I was more scared. One of our many, more important, conversations went somewhat like this.
Sally: We are meant to experience new things in life. That's why God gave us so many choices.
Me: I think Dallas would be a good experience for you too. she laughed.
S: You know, this life is just for practice, don't you?
M: How about you practice in Dallas? she laughed.
S: Even a million miles apart wont make a difference to us.
M: No, but I can drive 200 miles, I cant drive a million. she laughed.
S: I'm serious. The closeness in our hearts is what matters. No matter how far apart we are now, in the end we will always be together. And that is the forever that matters. Not now. Because we are together in God, we will be together always.

That last statement makes my life relationships even more important to me.

She always had that way of grounding me and making even the most difficult times bearable. And I still use a lot of our conversations to make my everyday life bearable.

I have had to remember and use this conversation several times in the past 10 years or so when many of my close friends would choose to have their life adventures elsewhere. Especially when Sharon decided to move to Missouri. And I gave her my blessing. But I went with her. That way, I had the visual of exactly where she was when we talked on the phone. Also and more important than that, I left her, she didn't leave me. That was as hard as letting Sally go...because she didn't come back. And that, as stupid as it sounds, was in my mind a lot.

But Sharon did come back. And she is hurting, in a way that I cant understand. I want to fix it, but I cant, all I can do is pray for her. Just as Jesus prays for her when she cant pray for herself. And Sharon is one of the most important people in my life and my heart is hurting for her like no other. So I am asking now...Please pray for Sharon with me.

2010-01-08T22:38:00.002-06:00

One of my most favorite things that I have found on Facebook (besides that damn bejeweled game) is Moms Who Drink and Swear. I totally LOVE this woman! She says everything I ever thought, but would never ever have said about raising children. My favorite line, so far, was a few weeks ago...

"I love Jesus, but I fucking HATE Christmas!"

How perfect is that!!! It exactly how I feel. I WANT to love Christmas. I WANT to WANT to shop, and cook, and eat, and wrap, and sing, and decorate, and party and drink, and all that crap. But the real truth is, I could not care less about any of it anymore. And yes, I am the same person that at once put up 21 trees inside my house every year. And dozens of nativity scenes and dozens of santas and dozens of snowmen and every thing else you can imagine. And yes I still like all the stuff I have, but it is STUFF! With the exception of a few ornaments that are sentimental and some of my Nannies stuff, the rest could just disappear and I would never miss any of it. It would truly scare you if you actually saw all my Christmas stuff all together in one place. It scares me. I don't even know how many LARGE totes full of Christmas I have anymore. And I certainly can't count the small ones.

It just sucks so bad that Christmas just sets people up for disappointment. Maybe it's just me, I don't know. Everyone wants something special. Who actually gets what they really want? And why do we expect it so much? Why cant we just be happy with a greeting, or a card, or nothing? Because we are all programed to be greedy bastards, that's why. We have been fed this shit all of our lives. And none of it really means a damn thing. We have to compare ourselves to everyone else that we thought got what they wanted, so we turn sour. But really they didn't get what they wanted either. Its a vicious thing I tell you! Christmas is sucking all of the Christ right out of us all! (Hold on a minute, I need a bigger box to stand on here.)

So why can't we just not do it anymore? A few years ago we decided we were spending too much money buying everyone something, so we need to cut down on who all we have to buy for. OK, only the kids. Sorry, I cant NOT buy something for my mom and sisters and friends, just cant do it! That would take ALL of the joy away for me. So that left more money to spend on them, which I love to do. Even though none of us really should be doing it at all anyway, we all do. And that is when its fun, cause I really WANT to buy for them, sorry, I don't give a shit about the men.

It all just feels like its so hard to do anymore. Like we are forced to buy gifts. Forced to go to a party. Forced to cook too much. Forced to eat too much. Forced to drink too much. Forced to give up an important evening where we could be watching reruns on TV and put up with family. Forced to have a good time. Forced to like what we are given and forced to say thank you. What happened to the WANT to do it all?

This is how Christmas should be.

We should be celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Together with family. Going to church or just being together and enjoying each others company. Without time restraints and grumpiness.
We should be honoring Christ by doing what we can to be more like Him instead of the opposite.
We should love more instead of hatred, indifference, ignorance, prejudice.
We should do what we can when someone is asking for help, instead of always looking the other way. I don't care if he buys a beer or cigarettes with it, I would too if I were on the street. Go ahead, walk a few hours in his shoes, and so would you.
We should be buying groceries for those who don't have any, instead of buying more of what we already have and don't need anyway, the fat asses we are.
We should be cooking food for those who can't cook for themselves, and serving them with gratitude for the ability to do so.
We should be buying coats and blankets for those who are out in the cold without, instead of sitting in our warm homes complaining about the cost of heating.
We should be providing safety and love for the children who are out there without anyone to love them and hold them and tell them they are loved.
We should be praying for those who are lost and can't pray for themselves anymore. Or we may find ourselves there too.
We should be thankful every second for what and who we have, instead of bitching constantly about what we want and why those we love don't please us in what ever way.

We should just be thankful.

Please feel free to change all of the "we's" in this rant to "I". Just feels better to hope someone feels the same way I do.

WTF???

2010-01-05T18:26:00.001-06:00

What happened to Monday? I seem to have misplaced it somewhere. It must be in hiding with my pea brain, I have looked for that for several years now and just can not remember where I put it. I looked at the calender and it says that it was there...yesterday. But I don't remember it. Was it good? Did it suck as most Mondays do? WTF???

2010-01-04T11:08:00.007-06:00

Sitting here while all the babies snooze, listening to their tiny snores, makes me ponder.
What will they grow up to accomplish? Who will they be?

Little Logan the line backer. I swear he grows an inch a week.
The sweetest disposition you could ever imagine in a baby.

Kobe will be the life of the party where ever he goes. He is a real heart breaker. A smile that can melt glaciers and a hug a minute. He drives the others crazy wanting hugs every few minutes.

Sweet Andy. Eyes that shine to brighten the world. He is just happy, all the time, happy happy happy! I want to be Andy when I grow up.

Mischievous Ms. Makayla. A tiny little firecracker. And has us all wrapped around her little finger, especially Uncle John. She points...and she gets.

Yes, they cry. There are dirty diapers. They fuss. They fight. They whine. They demand attention. They are babies. That's what they do.
But...
Just holding them, hugging them, watching them play, listening to their sweet gibberish, and laughs and squeals, seeing their smiles every day...
makes my world a wonderful place for me to be.

It's A New Year After All

2010-01-03T20:41:00.008-06:00

Why did I doubt it? Not really sure. But it happened anyway.
Without me doing a damn thing to make it happen. For once, something happened all by it self.
I really like it when that happens.

I'm pretty sure we have a new year here in Deadrock too. But I am totally for certain sure that it happened in San Antonio. Cause I was there. And I saw it. With both eyes all focused and everything. I'm sure it happened there cause I got a New Years Kiss. Yup. Sure did.

Thank you Lannie and Gina for a GREAT New Years! We love you loads!

See the proof? Fireworks over the Tower of the Americas! I told you it was true!

Oh, and it was cold. We had the longest river taxi ride EVER!

Damn woman driver wouldn't take us to our hotel, it was out of the way.
We made that stupid circle at least a dozen times.
Bitch didn't get a tip either.The lights were great too, even though the photography isn't. Happy New Years Everyone!

There Was A Time...

2009-07-24T11:18:00.028-05:00

When I was just about the cutest thing around. And round I was (WAS?) yes, now I'm more oblong. Apparently I was pretty poor back in the day. No clothes or shoes and a paper sack for a hat. But I looked happy. But my big brother loved me. Guess he didn't have any clothes either.But I had bling! And plenty of food I think. Looks like when I finally became more mobile on my own, I must have needed shoes. And since Kevin loved me so much, he loaned me some of his. And his shirt too. What a good brother. Funny, I still seem to put that foot in my mouth quite regularly .

Here I was trying out for the part in Little Orphan Annie. They said I was too well rounded for the part.

So I tried proving my versatility.I was sad, so very sad. So mom started dressing me better. She made me lots and lots of spin spin spin dresses. With lots of fluff and laces and ribbons. I was sure I was hit the big time, after all, who in the world could resist a cutie pie like me? After all, I had talent! I could dance! In flip flops even!

I'm very flexible.

I could help build the sets.

I knew my way around a photo shoot, and was a pro at making that camera love me.
And could swing with the best of them. Back when it was a good thing. I can even supply my own props.I assured them that I was was the ultimate professional.

Always arriving at the set on time. Having my own driver of course.

I even had a backup driver if needed.

Or being the modern woman I am, I could just drive myself! Then I saw it! My name up in lights! SHIRLEY TEMPLE!Damn it...dreaming again.

The Dream...(sister alert!)

2009-07-10T13:41:00.003-05:00

I know that dreams can be really unpredictable, but mine are just totally out there sometimes. I wake up wondering where in the HELL did that come from??? What could possibly make me dream such weird things? I don't eat spicy things. I rarely drink too much of the wrong things. I'm not worrying about or dwelling on any one thing too much. Not that I realize anyway.

But the other night I have to say, whatever it was that brought this one on, I wish I could bottle it and use it nightly! I needed this dream more than anything I can think of needing or wanting. It was way better than the anti depressants I'm taking. Way better than a bottle of margaritas. Or a vacation to get away from it all. Way better than anything I can think of happening.

When Nannie died, about 23 years ago now, I use to pray nightly that I would dream about her. I missed her so much it was a almost a physical pain. And I just wanted to see her. It took a very long time, like several years, but I finally started seeing her on a pretty regular basis. At first, I was the only one in my dreams that could see her. We were always at her house of course, usually in either the kitchen or dining room. She never spoke, but I was happy just the same. All I needed was to see her, to feel her there. Eventually she started talking to me and finally the others could see her and hear her too. It was like she wasn't gone at all. Just another big gathering at Nannies house all ready and waiting to eat as always. I still love those dreams. And its still almost monthly that I get to visit with her.

And its been the same way with Sally. I've spent hours and hours begging, pleading and bargaining with God to let me dream about her. It never worked. In all these years, I have maybe dreamed of her 5 or 6 times. And the other night it finally happened...she finally talked to me. Not just a little in passing, but long conversations. I could have stayed in that dream forever. I haven't known that kind of calm and peace in a very long time.

Of course I have no remembrance of how it all started. I do remember not being surprised at seeing her. I was very happy of course, but I felt almost like I knew she was finally coming to see me. She said she only had 2 weeks to spend with me and that we should make the most of it. She wanted to take me places and show me things that I needed to see.

At one point we were sitting cross legged in a beautiful meadow just looking at the green trees and flowers and animals go on for miles. It was quiet and serene and peaceful. And as we sat there the scenery would change, like we were sitting on a turntable. And as it slowly turned we would see a new vision of something to beautiful to imagine. The meadow would turn into mountains, first green then snow covered. Then it turns to a beautiful night sky with a huge brightly lit city on the horizon. We saw the grand canyon again together. We saw the ocean, clear and blue. Always changing. It seemed like we were there forever.

I don't know what we talked about, but we talked constantly as we always did. We talked about everything and everyone. I know she told me that she was happy and that she was exactly where she always knew that she would be. And that it was beyond perfect in every way. And she couldn't wait to show it all to me one day.

I vividly remember conversations we had when we were in Arizona and Wyoming together on vacations. While standing at the edge of the grand canyon, we held hands and she prayed. She thanked God for his creations of such beauty and especially for allowing us to share them together. And in Wyoming as we stood at the shore of a frozen Lake Superior, she prayed the same thing. Then as we drove out onto that frozen lake...in a van...on ice...for 3 miles...on ice...with ice cold water beneath it...did I say on ice? She suddenly reaches for my hand and says, "If the ice broke and we went under, we would both meet Jesus together! Wouldn't that be exciting!" And as I felt her soft warm hand, and I looked at her beautiful soft smile and saw the sparkle of love for God that was always in her eyes, all I could say was "Hell NO! Are you fucking nuts?!!" I really thought she was going to pee her pants laughing. And we were both deadly serious! She went on to tell me that night as we sat in a sweet little bed and breakfast, freezing our butts off, just what she envisioned heaven to be.

The path that the angels will lead you on is stark white and smoky. And they will sing all the way. There is a beautiful golden arch with gates wide open. Through the gates the path turns to pure gold, very bright and shiny. You can hear the singing and praises to God. As you move forward you begin to see the ones you love. Everyone is there waiting for you with open arms, so very glad to see you. You know everyone and everyone knows you. And there is nothing but love and happiness. You never have to see sadness, hurt or anger ever again. There is no time for that in heaven. She assured me that all of her time would be spent singing praises to God. She knew this without even the most tiny sliver of doubt. She knew this because it was Gods promise to her. That she would have the desires of her heart. And that was the most important desire she had. She assured me more times than one, that, "One day, I will go to sleep. And when I wake I will be face to face with Jesus! And it will be the most glorious day of my life!"

And I know that without even the most tiny sliver of doubt, Sally got the desires of her heart. She told me so.

Jonathan...Mommys Got A New Project!!!

2009-06-15T09:20:00.007-05:00

I am sure he cringes every time he hears those words!

I have wanted an incubator for EVER! And always thought they cost hundreds of dollars. And some do. But then I started reading my favorite chicken forum and found out that you could make one out of junk! I read and researched and read and researched some more. Printing out dozens of different ways to do it.

So when I got ready and made my decision, I call on my little me, Jonathan. He loves to build stuff almost as much as I do. And yes, he always has his own ideas why it should be done his way and not mine. Because he's a man and that's just what men do. But guess what, when its my project...he almost always looses.

Most homemade incubators are made from an old ice chest. I am guessing for the insulation. Didn't have one, so I used an old tote and lined it with 1 inch insulation, taped together with duck tape. Gotta love that stuff! And it's Jonathans favorite toys, with some card board, duck tape and a knife, he could build a city! Even made the lid of insulation and cut a hole to lay a piece of Plexiglas on top for my viewing pleasure.

We used 2x4's to frame the bottom and covered it with screen door wire. In the bottom is also the lights for heat. I used a string of C9 Christmas lights, unscrewing all but 5 of the bulbs. After letting it set for 24 hours, the temp was 110 degrees. So I unscrewed another bulb and it went down to 100. Perfect. Didn't realize what kind of heat those little bulbs can put off.

There is a plastic jar cut off and filled with water in the bottom also for the humidity. It is staying between 45 and 50.

He took a little fan out of his old computer to use to keep the air circulating inside and to keep the temperature constant. It is held in place by wooden shishkabob sticks stuck into the insulation. He used a 12v plug that went to an old cell phone, wired it to the fan and plugged it in. Worked like majic!

John picked me up a thermometer/humidity checker thingy at Home Depot for about $8.00. I taped it to the Plexiglas so it is easy to read.

There is also a wooden dowel that holds the egg cartons in the center of the box. They are taped to the dowel so that the eggs can be turned several times daily. They rotate side to side only about 5 or 6 inches or so. This is so the eggs will develope right inside the egg. If you have ever watched a mama hen, she is always moving the eggs around, that's why. And the dowel sticks out the side of the box so I don't have to open it to turn them and loose heat and humidity. Well, that's about it. And for 8 bucks, here's what I came home to yesterday. See him in the corner?

See why I am so obsessed with this? He is the sweetest little thing ever! Of course until the next one is hatched. But for now, he's my love!

He is so very fluffy, more so than the rest have been. I'm pretty sure he is silky all the way. He is very silver with little white tips on his wings and white under his chin. He has a white tummy and the totally cutest little white fluffy butt ever!

Oh, and 4 toes on one foot and 5 on the other. Well, nobody's perfect!
He is already hopping all over the place and singing like he's got a song you just gotta hear!

And just like me, he already loves to have his belly rubbed.

Ya'll gonna come see me? Bring food!

Meet Sigfried & Sarafina SaSquash

2009-06-07T20:43:00.002-05:00

FINE! Then tell me what YOU would have done with deformed squash!

So Meet Sigfried and Sarafina SaSquash. Dressed in their red carpet finery they enjoyed a night out in Austin on Friday night attending the premier of The Hangover. Starring Zack Greg's brother and Gia's brother in law Galifianakis! They had the times of their short lives. The red carpet treatment all the way!

Arriving at the Alamo Draft House Cinema early to be sure to see any stars as they arrived, Sarafina insisted on wearing her tiger skin wrap with the matching pillbox hat, and carrying her silver and pearl clutch. Sigfried nixed the black tie attire for a more casual and comfortable wear. His best Texas bolo and his big rodeo belt buckle of course.

Everyone screamed as Zack was tazzzzzered! Totally cool man!

The excited and happy Zack's brother and sister in law had the best time of all! Look at the beaming on Greg's face! Is he proud or what!!!

No, we cant stay for The Terminator.

Sarafina was totally star struck with Greg. She is in love.

They talked all the way home about what a wonderful party that Gia threw for all their family and friends. And how much fun it was to crash their party. Oh, and how beautiful she is because she looks so much like her oldest sister.

Picture hording is a new hobby for the SaSquashes.

And here is Georgia's other beautiful sister Gina and...
OH MY GOD!!! I KNOW THAT MAN! HE WILL EAT ANYTHING!!!!! Look how he is looking at us! Is that drool? Evil I say, EVIL!

How sweet and innocent youth is. Gullible enough to hold two squash people and smile in public.

Well folks. Thanks for joining us for The SaSquashes Big Adventure. They have plans to travel the states before rotting...uh...retirement. So look for them in a state near you. I am thinking they will be making a trip to Florida via first class mail very soon! Look out Jayne!

My First Real Garden!

2009-06-07T20:23:00.004-05:00

I have wanted a "real" garden forever. I have played at it many times and never came up with much but the occasional tomato or radish, which I hate. So after all the daily inspiration from my Chickens In The Road friends and their beautiful gardens, I just had to give it a real try. Not to mention, it was grow food or starve.
I made my plans, begged, borrowed and stole till I got the lumber I wanted and had John construct my boxes. Of course I drew the plans differently that the outcome I received. But they will grow a bountiful harvest none the less. Or at least some beautiful weeds in some really nice and expensive raised beds.

And a short few weeks later...A "real" garden! I am so proud I just don't know what to say.
I have zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, brussel sprouts (for Gina), turnips (for Gina), egg plants, bell peppers, jalapenos, tabasco peppers, parsley, cinnamon basil, marigolds and giant sunflowers for the chickens.

And here's my first squash.

I just don't know what to say about that. I have heard of the two headed fish that come out of the lake near the Alcoa plant. I'm thinking maybe I should call Erin Brockosomething.
What the hell???

Sisters Are SOOOO Much Better Than Calgon!

2009-05-31T15:45:00.004-05:00

Is there anything more perfect than picking up the phone and saying, "I want to go to the coast May 27th through the 29th" and hearing "Ok, let's go!" I really don't think there is. And I barely gave them a weeks notice. In Gina's case, all I really have to say is wake up, we're going somewhere, and she stumbles to the car. Gia takes a day or two to rearrange her busy schedule. I need a schedule.

So Gia picked me up Wednesday morning and we zoomed over to get Gina and headed south. It pretty much rained on us the entire way there. I kept thinking we would drive out of it. But it was even raining on the coast. We got there around 4, unloaded our stuff at our home for the next 3 days and headed to the beer joint on the beach. After all, that's what we were there for! We ate a bite and had a few beers...and found out that Gina doesn't like water in her beer. Go figure. The rain stopped and cleared off while we sat in the bar with the locals. So we headed back to the pool and the huge bottle of margaritas that Gia brought. Gina had more beer, Gia had a margarita and I think I had the rest.

The next morning I woke up as Gia was going out the door. There was nothing in the room to tell me what time it was so I got up and dressed and headed to the beach. And left this one enjoying what she loves best about a vacation. Don't we all?

It was still cloudy. I didn't realize until I got to the beach that the sun was just coming up. So I spread my towel and had a seat to enjoy the show. And it was beautiful. The wind was high making the waves high too.

The birds put on a show too. This ones a butt poker. Hes a lot bigger than the gulls.

Later in the day someone told us about the wildlife preserve/bird sanctuary that was there in Port Aransas. As many times as we have been there, we didn't know about it. And Gia does love the wildlife so we HAD to go see.
It can kind of make you take a step back when this sign is the first thing you see. Supposedly there is only one. We didn't see him so I will just take their word for it.

We watched the crabs dance around and mate.

Watched the turtle sunbathing and defending her spot.

Watched the birds pole sit. No dancing involved.

Made the sun beauties pose.

After seeing all the critters we could stand, we headed back to the pool. They were out there for hours, as in long enough to get crispy. Me, I laid in the room for a while then did some local art shop browsing. Came in to hungry girls. Of course I was named to fix supper. No problem. I got the meat out and put it in a skillet and got butted out. That little six foot kitchen isn't room enough for our three butts, so mine found a chair to supervise from.

Later on we headed for a short sit at the beach. And watched Gia in the running of the gulls. I refuse to take her to Spain. Gulls is all she gets.

And of course on Thursday morning, on our way out of town...

The Three G's On The Beach!

And Yet I Still Wake Up Every Day...

2009-05-16T17:34:00.002-05:00

Its been 5 years.

5 of her birthdays that I have missed with her.

5 of everything that I have missed with her.

This really sucks.

Everything about it really sucks.

Right now, today, at this particular minute...

I can not tell you one single good thing that has come from her dying.

Not one.

Not even a fracture of one.

I know there is something.

Ive made the list before.

Ive told everyone before.

Ive told myself before.

But right now... I cant think of anything.

All I know is it hurts like it just happened today.

5 years, it shouldn't still hurt like this.

I shouldn't have to be going through this.

She is the one that told me to "Do what ever the doctors say. Take care of yourself. I cant live in this world without you in it".

And it sucks to remember that conversation.

Why wasn't it me?

Why do I have to live in this world without her?

She was SO MUCH MORE than me.

She was so much better than me.

More loving.

More giving.

More patient.

More wise.

More everything.

Nothing can make this better.

Will it ever get better?

Happy Birthday Sally

2009-05-16T17:22:00.006-05:00

I miss you more than words could ever say.

Girlfriends 2009 - Another One For The Books!

2009-05-07T17:25:00.003-05:00

Well, we did it again. Another wonderfully successful party. I am humbled, once again, at every ones generosity. I always feel like I never say enough thank yous to everyone. I even had a speech planned this year, with a list attached and everything. So I wouldn't miss anyone this year. The speech never got made.

The whole night is such a whirlwind that I am not even sure that I breath during it. I swear if it wasn't for appointed drill Sargent Gia, I wouldn't even remember to put my drawers on! Oh, what a party that would be!

And what everyone wants to know first...Ellen from Taylor won the beautiful quilt. So sorry it wasn't you. But I couldn't have asked for a more excited scream when I called out her name. Its so much more fun when the winner is present. Just look at that happy smile. I know, you would have smiled too. But get over it, you didn't win. Maybe next year you will buy more tickets.
And Zeta got to visit with her best friend Wanda who came all the way from Bremond.
Just look at them line up for the margaritas. I spent the night looking for mine, as usual. I always set it down to hug cause its not nice to pour it down the back of a new girlfriend. Then I cant find it again. I swear someone was hiding it from me.
And what is a party without pole dancing? Very boring, that's what. And if its something we do not have is a boring party. I'm not going to tell you her dancer name.
But the "who came the farthest" award goes to my best girlfriend Sharon. All the way from St Louis MO. Just for me. I love her!
Of course the best dressed award goes to (drum roll here) Tike! Looking especially beautiful in her teal and hot pink summer frock. She does love to party.
Just look at how stuffed that tumbler was!!! That means bucks folks!
And the bucks are for the scholarship winner Jessie (on the right). She is very grateful for any help at all. Working full time and taking a full course load and being mom to Bailey. Congratulations and the very best of wishes to you Jessie!We did manage to keep Zeta sober most of the night. I actually don't think she even knows what a beer tastes like. But this picture was fun to pull off. Here mom, hold this for a minute...Click!
And the star of the night...Mary Charlotte Young. Totally awesome! Everyone loved her.
And they partied into the night.
And I have to thank you all once again. For your love, prayers and support. For your unwavering friendship. For your lifting me up and holding me up when I sink. For your constant encouragement.
Mom thank you for instilling in me the goodness to want to do this and help others. For quilting your little fingers to the bone. For all you do.
Gina and Gia...thank you for everything. Without the both of you, this would never happen. You are always there for me, no matter what kind of crazy thing I come up with next. You are always right there in the middle of it all. Cheering and pushing me on. Making it all happen. My dreams, and YOU make it happen. Thank you...I love you.

Are YOU My Mommy???

2009-04-27T20:45:00.002-05:00

Ok, just a little break from girlfriend stuff. Because this is important stuff. Really, really, really important stuff. I wouldn't take a break in girlfriend stuff for just anything, you know. It would have to be important, because girlfriend stuff is totally the most important stuff around.

So yesterday...I became a GRANDMA! See, I told you it was important! Don't ever doubt me again!

And I was really surprised too because I wasn't expecting it for another couple of weeks. Its a long story, and I don't want to do a really long blog right now. I just want to get to the pictures. Because they are great.

Meet...cute, little, I don't-know-what-his-name-is! "HELLO! Are YOU my mommy?" "No, I'm your wonderful loving Grandma."This was the first time I ever saw little I don't-know-what-his-name-is. His mamas jumped out of the nest to eat, and there he was, peeking out at me. I was in love. Aren't you?
And today after work, I came home to find...little I don't-know-what-his-name-is, UNDER the nest. Cheeping his little wet, cold heart out.
Grandma to the rescue!
"Oh, thank you Grandma!" "You saved me!" "I love you Grandma!" "Let me sing to you Grandma!" He likes to call me Grandma, I could tell.
I just can't bring myself to tell little I-don't-know-what-his-name-is that I am really suspecting that THIS is his mommy.
And I don't want him to know right now because she is not a very good mommy. In fact she laid his little egg and just went off and left him like he was a...a...a egg or something. She didn't even consider sitting on him to keep him warm enough for him to hatch or anything. She left him! Unwanted, to be hatched and raised in a CULT! A cult of 3 mommies and 2 daddies, and lots of fuzzy, frilly, floozies, that just run around cavorting with the daddies. And because I am a wonderful, loving Grandma, I put the daddies and the floozies off in another pen! Now the 3 good, sweet, loving mommies can hatch and raise all the little babies in a happy chicken pen home.

You're welcome cute little I-know-what-his-name-is. I love you too!

T

Oh Lord, WHAT am I thinking???

2009-04-22T10:27:00.004-05:00

I am having a party here in 10... that's ten days! Count them, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10! And I am working all day today so that really makes 9. And I have to work on Monday so that makes 8. And one day I have to grocery shop and prepare food so that makes 7. I have one day of quilting to do which makes it only 6. And one day of sewing leaves only 5. And John has promised me a day away tomorrow to see if I can find some of my sanity somewhere along the bluebonnet covered highways to Brenham, leaving me with 4 days to see if I can turn this totally crappy junk pile into a beautiful party worthy yard. Lord give me strength! And some muscle relaxers and strong pain relief. A few pre-party margaritas wont hurt anything either.

Luckily, I had Gina and Gia a couple days last week and the back is looking pretty good. All the flower beds are moved and and reset. We have a lot more room this year than before. But I also have a lot of uneven ground to work on. Its going to take several wheelbarrows of dirt to fill in some of the holes where the flower bed rocks use to be. And gophers. And moles. And tree stumps. And of course we had the several inches of rain after all our work, to settle stuff and really pack in what we had done. But my flowers and what little grass is there is really happy now. I am hoping that the taking out of some trees back there will allow for some sunshine into our world (yes, along with the heat!) and we can give the grass a fighting chance now.

So on Friday, its time to pull out the gloves, the weed eater, the shovels, rakes and hoes, the wheelbarrow, and the truss. And put my butt to work!

And the one thing we will have this year that we didn't have last year...

A FIRE PIT!!!

And for all who are wondering, Zeta the wonder quilter, has ONE row left on the big quilt! I know, I don't believe it either!

And after the yard comes the...
*setting up tables and chairs
*fixing a place for the singer
*try out margarita recipe
*hanging thousands of white christmas lights
*putting together all the silent auction items
*try strawberry margaritas
*put together 50 gift bags
* recheck bags the next day
*try mexican martinis
*setting up the quilt racks and raffle table
*food prep
*ice chest and lots of ice
*make jello shots
*hang the banners
*try jello shots and adjust vodka
*put some hair on and set up the big girlfriends
*try more jello shots
*redo girlfriends hair the next day
*maybe lessen vodka a bit
* spray for wasps and mosquito's before trying new jello shots
*hang candles not husband
*get nails done
*take a nap

Quilt is IN THE FRAME!!!

2009-04-04T16:42:00.002-05:00

FINALLY!!! This top really kicked my butt! Every possible little screw up I could have made...I did! The worst being cutting some half squares a half inch too small. That will not work no matter how you try to stretch it. I probably would have just bought more of that material, re cut, and started over with it. But...I sewed all those sections together before I realized they didn't fit with the other sections. Yes, I cussed, a lot, loud, and for a long time. In fact, I can still let out a string of color just thinking about it. I worked 4 solid days from the time I got up to the time I collapsed into bed. And all I could see, was a wasted day and fabric. So I did what I do when I get frustrated...

I should have stopped there. Oh well, I like hats.

Ok, so back to the quilt. This is the process. Not rocket science, but it's big, bulky and takes time. This is moms sewing room. Her quilt frame hangs from the ceiling by ropes. It can be rolled up to be out of the way or down to work on. Here we have the lining pinned in the frame and the batting all smooth and ready to go. Yes, that's a Christmas tree...don't ask, she likes it.

Then we stretch the top on it and pin, pin, pin, pin, pin...It has to be tight.

Then you give Zeta a needle and some thread and step back out of her way!

Look at old chicken claw GO!

Then up down up down up down ip pull, up down up down up pull, up down up down up pull...and there you have it! A quilted quilt! Now wasn't that easy?

Its just about to tickled her pink!

So there you have it. Now why doesn't every wman have a quilt frame in her house? Why isn't every woman sitting around quilting all day? I don't know either! Mom has people all the time ask her to teach them how to quilt. She can't wait for someone to actually show up to learn. So go on over there and she will sit you down and poke a needle at you. Before you know it, you will be able to say "Why yes, I have hand quilted before! With a professional! Because I was taught by the very best! And I actually stitched on the 2009 Celebrate Your Girlfriends quilt that they raffled off and made thousands of dollars for the scholarship fund!"

Want your chance to win this beautiful quilt??? Of course you do! Contact me for tickets, or Gina or Zeta or Gia, or any woman who is lucky enough to have been at a Girlfriends party with us and we can tell you how! We can also give you directions to the party this year. May 2! Mary Charlotte Young will be strummin and singin her little heart out. And I promise to keep the margarita jug FULL!

My Blessings Grow

2009-03-28T20:23:00.005-05:00

I moan and I groan. I complain and whine. I procrastinate. I bitch and nag. And nag and bitch. I want and want and want. I get down and depressed and negative. Then I bitch and complain and whine some more.

And I am ashamed.

I am the most blessed person that I know of. And I had to be reminded of that by people that I have never even met face to face. Not just one or two, but a LOT of people.

Thank you Girlfriends, for being the wonderful daily blessings of my life!

And here are some of my blessings at previous Celebrate Your Girlfriends parties. A couple of pages from my scrapbook.

Last years scholarship winner and quilt raffle winner.nu=3394>;;3>6;:>WSNRCG=323:7:9386<8:nu0mrj">Me with some girlfriends.nu=3394>;;3>6;:>WSNRCG=323:7:9386<8;nu0mrj">

And the Winner is...

2009-03-25T10:52:00.002-05:00

YOU!!!

Cause YOU are my favorite!!!

If I don't have your address, make sure to email me with it.

I am taking my mom out for some mommy/daughter time tonight and tomorrow. We are going out to read some signs! My mom LOVES to read signs! Road signs, billboard signs, business names, licence plates, signs on vehicles, peoples shirts...Everything she sees, she has to read, out loud.
And she loves to tell you that when she was a kid, anytime they got to go anywhere, they read the signs. Only it was totally hilarious when they did it. Because after every sign they read, they added "between the sheets!" And apparently it was really funny to say such a dirty thing out loud and get away with it.
And yes I have tried it when alone of course, just to see what it was all about. "Kountry Inn Hotel...between the sheets." "Chinese Buffet...between the sheets." "Watch KCEN channel 6 News...between the sheets." Ok, so I can smile about it. But after a few hours of it...that's enough...between the sheets!

In a couple days, I am going to download some pictures of the past Girlfriend parties, just so it will make you want to not miss it for the world! Because you should, you know! BE THERE! FOR THE WORLD! between the sheets!

Cause Cindy said to GIVE STUFF AWAY!

2009-03-20T11:51:00.003-05:00

This I got from my friend Cindys blog. What a cool idea! I love it and I love giving things away! So even if you dont have a blog and you want something free, just cause I like you and want to give you something, leave me a comment. And this is a great way to get rid of some junk...uh...wonderful treasures that I have been saving just for YOU, my special friend! And I made the setting changes that should allow all to leave a comment, so DO IT! Tell me that there is someone out there! That I am not in this blog all alone. That I am loved and needed. That I am a wonderful person and darnit, you like me. Give me a sign, are you there? Sing me the Barney song. Paint me a rainbow. Or blow me a kiss. SOMETHING!

I Will Make Something For You

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me.This offer does have some restrictions so please read carefully:- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.- What I create will be just for YOU.- It will be done this year (2009).- It will be something made in the real world and not something over the internet.- It might be a mix CD, homemade hot sauce, an original photograph, poem, baked goods, or a photograph of a poem about baked goods and hot sauce...who knows!In return, all you need to do is post this text into a blog of your own and make 5 things for 5 other people.Make sure to comment here that you are interested in my little gifty and then post it in your blog.Void where prohibited, use only as directed, for a limited time only, store in a cool dry place.Let's keep it going!"

Now for your viewing pleasure...

Super Wrestler Henry!

My first attempt at painting (since I was 13 anyway) in 2000 I think.

How much we love our mother! No, really we do!

Just an antique quilt top that I LOVE! Cant wait to get it in moms frames.

And a rooster butt.

The way to win a quilt in a raffel...

2009-03-14T09:03:00.004-05:00

The way to win a beautiful hand made and hand quilted quilt that is made by my beautiful Mom, is to buy $100.00 worth of tickets! That's what Robyn did last year for the Celebrate Your Girlfriends party and she won! Every payday she came walking into my office..."I need more tickets. I HAVE to have that quilt!" I was so happy when she won it. It is a really beautiful king size quilt. You should see the one Mom is working on right now. Pictures coming soon, I promise!

And this year we are doing something new, because we don't have RULES to follow and we can do what ever we want to to make things better and more fun for YOU! I am making a second quilt! These are the fabrics I am starting with. Wonderful tropic looking turquoise. I love it.

Yesterday with the day off, I finally got it cut out and partially put together. Then decided it needs to be a little bigger. It will be a over sized lap quilt.

In the bow tie pattern. Actually the "easy" bow tie pattern, done on the machine, not hand sewn. NO I DO NOT HAND SEW! I am way to impatient for such things when it comes to quilting. I want a fast finish. See some results a quickly as possible. And this is one of those patterns.

I actually got all the bow ties made last night, but received a call that I would have to go to work today, so had to quit and go to bed. Beauty sleep you know. More like, so I don't hurt someone the next day sleep.

Don't you just want to lick these colors! I can not wait to get this one cut out. I am hoping it will be the first prize quilt. Wouldn't it be beautiful on your bed? Don't you want to buy some tickets? Don't you want to sell some tickets? Let me know!

BFG Wedding OVER! Time to PLAY!

2009-03-07T09:13:00.006-06:00

Now that all the wonderful fun luv fests are over and done with, at least on my part!

I can get down to my new sewing/art/craft/play room. I am so very much in love with

my room! It just makes me happy thinking of it. I wish I were a more organized person,

but it just ain't happening! So I live with what I am and move on. As long as I know where

to find what I want, I'm ok. And as soon as I get all my labels on stuff, I'll know where

everything is. Cause right now, I just know if its in the room or not. Or maybe what side

of the room it might be on. But I am making progress.

Wish I had more wall space. I even moved some of my favorite and newest crosses in here so I can see them. Cant really see it here, but on the door ledge under the crosses are antique thimbles. I love thimbles too! I have hundreds, and still buy them when I see them in antique stores or junk shops. I love wooden spools too, thread or empty. Just in case anyone wants to send me a present or surprise or something, these little suggestions will help.

And every sewing machine has her own shelf where she lives. Standing watch over her court. Being beautiful and regal and old and broken. But loved all the same! I wouldn't throw you out just because you were old and broken!

The purple shelves have all my beading stuff. Not that I bead anymore, but if I wanted to, I could. And it is amazing how many times someone wants a little something that I just happen to have in that cabinet. Really comes in handy, like when making bridal veils for instance. Handy!

All the boxes in the bottom of the "green room" are small fabric scraps. 10 boxes, all

sorted by color. A scrappy quilters dream! Please, come fill your dream!!! Or your basket,

or your box. Please!The shelf over the window is my fun, keep forever stuff. I need more of those shelves. I still have all that stuff in boxes not gone thru yet.

The UT wall is all fabric by yardage. Sorted by color as close as I could before I went

crazy and blind. The top shelf is boxes sorted by cut out quilts, ready to be sewn, by

someone, anyone, you? Call me, lets talk.

The drawers on the bottom are also sorted fabrics. 2 drawers Christmas, 2 fall and other

holiday, 1 baby quilts, 2 antique fabric (oooo I just had a thrill!) 1 for aprons, 1 of antique

quilt squares and patterns (another thrill!) and other various stuff. Remember, I have a

lot of stuff.

The rack on the right is finished quilts. The boxes on the left are large pieces of

fabric that I will never use for anything more than drop cloths when I decide I have had

enough of the UT wall and paint it turquoise! Actually I will donate it all to the Lutheran

church for the ladies to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. And the fan, well,

I am one hot mama...

The Captains Bridge! Beam me up Scotty! Not where YOU are! To my room!

My beautiful new computer is right behind my sewing machine. So I can blog, stitch,

post, snip, picture, pin, check weather, stitch. O love it!!! love it!!! love it!!!

I also have 2 tables set up around mine so there is room for 3 or 4 more women to be

sewing and or cutting out at the same time. HINT! HINT! HINT! And room for some

dancing at the same time!

First project of the new room. Signature quilt for the Celebrate Your Girlfriends party,

May 2nd come one come all and bring a girlfriend!

It is a bow tie quilt of my favorite colors and everyone coming to the party will sign a light colored block. Haven't decided yet if it will be auctioned off at the end of the night, or if it will be second prize in the raffle drawing. All suggestions welcome! After all this is our 5th anniversary party and I really want it to be a huge one. So if you have any ideas, please let me know!

The word for today class is, "Beautiful"!

2009-03-06T08:02:00.006-06:00

Now for some shots of the Big Day! Mom and Gia wait in the hallway for all the guests to be seated. In the meantime, Greg is pacing in the foyer with the priest

trying to calm his frayed nerves. Didn't work.

In Greek tradition, lots of tradition going on here, the bride and groom walk together down the isle behind the priest. Actually relieving a lot of tension from this bride! She did not want to walk it alone! I offered for her sisters to walk with her or in front of her and just sit in our seats and she go on. Other sister said, speak for yourself! There was never a rehearsal, all was just winged. And it worked just fine.

Greg walked my mom down to her seat, which was as sweet as sweet could be.

He really loves his new mother-in-law! And she him!

Here is the beautiful CALM bride awaiting to see her groom.

I have never seen one so calm or so beautiful!

Beautifully painted and ornate. This is the newly built Greek Orthodox Church in Austin. This is the alter wall. There is also a huge dome ceiling that will be painted to match.

The parade of the crowned couple. I'm sure they have a more appropriate name for it, but that's what I know it as. The priest put pearl crowns on them that were connected by a ribbon. Said a book full of words and they had a parade around the alter. Three times. I thought for a minute there she was going to skip or hopscotch or something. Wouldn't have surprised me!

She was really having a good time.
The huge "relief" kiss. It's OVER!!! In the foyer awaiting the congratulating family and friends.

The cake!

The first dance. Look at that face, tells it all doesn't it.

And the big hoppin, skippin, umpah, smash the dishes on the floor, Greek dance!

And AFTER the big hoppin, skippin, umpah, smash the dishes on the floor Greek dance!

Look at the reflector on her tennis shoes glowing! And shes a SMART bride as well as beautiful!

Soon as Greg and Gia return from their honeymoon at Yellowstone Natl Park,

in Jackson Hole Wyoming,

I will have to remind him of that one tradition where the groom

buys a new car for the oldest new sister-in-law. I know he hasn't forgotten,

he's just been busy. And that's ok, after all he does have a wife now.

So, I can wait a week or so.

VW Beetle convertible is what I'm thinking. White, red or green.

Random pictures from Friday night bash

2009-03-06T07:49:00.003-06:00

Since I have lost the touch of posting pictures on here. They just go where they want to, in any order they want to. I cant even seem to edit them into the right place. So I will just put them on and try to tell you about them in between. All are Friday night party pics.

The Divas Four! Gia, Georgia, Gina and mom Zeta.John and Georgia
Lannie and Gina

Cousin Nick..."No, Nick, I'm Gias SISTER!"

The Smuches

Harry and Nick...my dad Glynn and mom in the back ground.

May I Present To You...

2009-03-05T19:56:00.006-06:00

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Galafa...Gelifan...Gillefakinakin...

Gia and Greg!

Sorry he's only been one of us for 9 years or so and

I STILL can't spell that name!

And the whole weekend went off without a single problem! Maybe a very minor glitch here or there. But all in all, I cant think of one. Maybe the party crashers on Friday night. But that was just funny. And even though Saturday was really really really windy, like I would imagine Chicago to be, everything was still perfect! Totally perfect!

The Friday night cocktail party. It was held at an art gallery in downtown Austin that is owned by a friend of Gia's. And since 6th street in Austin is open almost all night, every once in a while we would have strangers that could not read, just walk in and head right to the food tables. Good thing the open bar was at the other end of the room! Gia would politely approach them and ask if they saw the "Private Party" sigh posted on every door. Most left immediately, somewhat embarrassed. One woman apologized and left her plate of food she had fixed, but kept the food she had dropped in her purse! She will always be one of our wedding funnies.

Everyone had a wonderful time getting to know each other. Greg's family is a fun bunch, to say the least. His dad Harry and uncle Nick are total HOOTS! VERY Greek and well, boisterous is a good word. They all love to laugh, mostly at each other. And turns out cousin Nick was a real hoot just like his uncles. He came up to me to introduce himself. He was so sweet. Stuck out his hand with a grin and said, "You must be Gias MOTHER". Poor guy had to live with that moment for the rest of the weekend. I am sure his cousins will remind him of it every chance they get... for the rest of his life. Probably have it etched on his tombstone.

Saturday was not at all what I had expected. I have been to, worked, put on, and served at many weddings in the last 30 years. And I have to say that this one was absolutely the easiest one EVER! And the most beautiful. Simplicity is everything! My girl knows where to put her money to benefit her most and she did everything perfectly on this one. I gotta say, Gia is tight. Very tight! She threw a beautiful wedding on what most weddings these days would get you the flowers and cake. And she put her money in service. Huge plug for the Wyndham in Austin. We were taken care of like I have never known. Not like I get out much, Motel 6 really doesn't do all that much. But they do leave the light on for ya. Basically, all we did was pin some bows on the chairs and set up the cake tables. I am not kidding, that is it! And it was perfect! Classy and elegant! Totally perfect!

We partied till midnight or some later and we just walked away. Cake crumbs and all. And someone else cleaned it all up! I have NEVER seen that before! Some went to the bar and finished out the night there. I hit the bed. This old sister was wiped out. Can't hang like I use to. But I don't think they missed me at all.

Sunday morning was a huge buffet breakfast, all in white. Greg's parents hosted this one, as gracious as ever. It was especially nice since most everyone was leaving by lunch that day and I would say 85% of the guests had to FLY home! It was great to sit in a quiet, as quiet as a room full of Greeks can be, banquet room and visit one more time before saying our goodbyes.

Ain't Love Glorius!

2009-02-23T14:52:00.002-06:00

Are they cute or what! Well they are making me nuts! And I love them dearly!

This is youngest sister Gia and her husband elect, come this Saturday, Greg. Hes not new around here, it just took him almost a decade to decide if he actually wanted to be a legal part of our loving group of squirrels we call family. He will really be questioning his decision come Sunday morning. Cause we will all be dressed up in our Sunday go to meetin best and puttin on our purtiest grins and attempting our very best behavior. Oh, and Gina and Lannie will be there...I said attempting, Gina does like a good party!

This wonderful occasion has really been put together in a very short time. Like less than 6 months. It has gone from a quaint little family gathering to what we call our very own "Big Fat Greek Wedding". Literally, it is. Sorry Gia, Vegas is out for sure now. It is being held in the huge Greek Orthodox Church in the big city. We're going to stay in a fancy hotel and everything. We have reservations!

She has the big fluffy long wedding dress and veil. Yes I finished the veil in time. The big 3 tier cake with tiny little icing cherry blossoms and a red velvet grooms cake shaped like an armadillo, just kidding. And the huge reception with fancy foods and probably two forks and two spoons for every person. There are musicians so there will be dancing. And toasts, NO NOT by me! But its coming from Greg's brother, so who knows, they may wish is were me by the time he is through! So we are only 5 days to the big event and I think sister still has hair although I'm not certain after talking to her on the phone just now. Greg tells her today that they MUST have programs for the wedding. They MUST have! EVERY wedding has programs! Programs? I go to the church expecting a wedding to take place. There is a priest, bride and a groom and some other guy. They go to the front of the church. Priest says stuff. They put on rings. Kiss. Done. Married. Walk out and drink booze. Program schmogram. So Gia's making a program. Five days Gia, breath, its only five more days.

We are all really looking forward to this fun weekend. And it will last all weekend long. A nice cocktail party on Friday night, the wedding Saturday afternoon, reception and dance Saturday night, and a breakfast on Sunday morning. That's a pretty big thing for us. Since a nice time for us usually consists of renting two movies instead of one to go with the pizza.

So be watching for some fantastic photos of the uniting of two more beautiful people in this world. It really will be great and I could not be happier for any two people in the world. They are totally fitted for each other in every way. Both are exceptional people with the biggest hearts ever and I know without a doubt would do anything for me or anyone else who had a need. They deserve a wonderful wedding and a long and lasting life together. And by golly they are just cute together!

I wonder if Greg knows its customary in the Greek tradition for the groom to give the brides oldest sister a new car?

STOP! I have to see that barn!!!

2009-02-22T07:55:00.004-06:00

STOP!!! I HAVE TO SEE THAT BARN!!!

Isnt it beautiful! Kind of a new trend among quilters who live on farms. I have seen pictures of them in my quilters magazines but this was the first one I had ever seen in person. I really love it. I wish I had a barn so I could paint one. I thought about painting one on the side of my house. Needs painting anyway. Somehow it just isnt the same. This wonderful old barn resides in the beautiful hills of North Carolina. I saw one other one too, but its pretty impossible in some places to turn around on those roads. And yes, this really was exciting for me...as sisters roll their eyes.

Gia calls me last month. "Will you go somewhere with me?" Sure. "Over night, for a few nights?" Well, "It wont cost you anything." Sure, if Im off work. "You are." "Ok, call you later."

So that was a fun conversation. Later came. "Ok, so I want to take you and Gina to Zacks cabin in the mountains in North Carolina." Cool, sounds like fun, when we going? "Jan 29 and come home Feb 2." Ok, Im in.

And then of course its time for me to get sick. After all its been 2 years since my last bad in the bed wanna die pleeeeese kill me now sickness. And I am in bed from Jan 11 to the 20th. Doing exactly what the doctors told me to do. Stay in bed, drink lots of fluids take your antibiotics. Done. Got sicker every single day. How is this happening? I am suppose to get a little BETTER every day, not worse. So as the new president is being sworn in on tv, I decide that I cant breath. I went in to one of my coughing fits and ended up on the kitchen floor wondering if this was it for me. No air going in is not a good thing is what Im thinking. So I lay here on the floor waiting to pass out and either die or start breathing and be ok. I usually like it when I have only 2 things to choose from, makes it easier most of the time. But I was just not real sure about those 2 options at the time. I guess cause I wasnt going to know the choice my body made till I either hear the harps or the sirens. Hmmmm...maybe I should calm down and make myself breath, that would be a better option. And by golly it finally worked.

I guessed Mr Obama can become President Obama without me watching on tv, and he seems like a nice sort a guy so Im thinking that he wouldnt mind if I go see a doctor now and maybe watch all this later on the news. Luckily Lara was working in the clinic. Sometimes I do get lucky, and I was glad this was one of those times. I didnt even get through signing in at the window and she said, "Im admitting you." I attempted the argument just to make it look good, knowing all along that was really the only option. Kitchen floor vs. hospital bed. Well, ok.

5 days later, awol time. I have had just about all of that tiny 5x5 room I could take. Of course they took good care of me. They all know me, and want me to get well so I can cook for them. Even though the kitchen did try to secretly kill me by serving me every single thing that I put on my allergy list! Just wait till I cook for them one day!

I get home just in time to lay on the couch all day long on my 50th birthday. It would have been a great day if I didnt feel like crap and hurt all over. I had spent 2 weeks in a bed propped up like a drunk against a tree and my ass just throbbed! And not in a good way. So bad that I could even sit on the couch, I had to lay on my side on the couch, and my sides hurt too, and my back, and my front and my top and my bottom. Just a crappy few days there. To go along with the crappy past few weeks.

Mom did make a wonderful scrumptious supper on Tuesday night for mine and Seths birthday. We all ate like it was for sure our last meal.

Thursday came and Gina and I drove to pick up Gia and head to the airport. Gia made sure there would be the golf cart people there to pick us up because I certainly wasnt up to walking farther than the nearest chair. I kind of think they were glad I had been sick. Seems they really liked getting to ride everywhere. Maybe they will take along the old sister with a cane for more trips.

The flight up was perfect. Smooth as could be for the tiniest plane on earth! Good thing Gina had lost 8 pounds, if she hadnt, one of us would have been sitting on the floor. Cause these 2 asses just barely fit in those two seats. Seats that were made for elementary children. And definitely legless people, and shoulderless people. Basically if you had just a skinny body and no limbs, you would fit just fine. Gia had a wonderful seat mate. Cute little old lady that instantly fell asleep and looked like a bobble head on a dirt road. The bathroom was fun too. The door is so small you have to squeeze in sideways, as far as you can, duck to miss the door way. Suck in your gut so you can close the door. Get your pants down without bending your arms. Squat on the tiny hole. Pee, and attempt a wipe. Stand, but not up straight, or you bang your head on the ceiling. Its only shoulder tall to me in there. Get your pants back up again without bending your arms. Wash your hands in 3 tablespoons of water and a drop of soap, dry them on your pants. Check your hair in the circus mirror. And squeeze sideways out the door. You kind of look like a contortionist exiting a shoebox. I think I had more room in my carry on.

We make it to the rental car. Drive to the exit gate where Gia asks the gate attendant, "Did you hear that?" Yup, go get another car. Good, cause this one stinks! And someone shook up a bottle of big red and spewed it all over the back seat, doors and ceiling. Felt like a walmart cart, sticky everywhere. New car and we are on the road!

Well we went about 2 blocks anyway. Girls have gotta eat dont they? And they especially have to eat when they see Cracker Barrel. And they have to buy stuff too. Like the cutest little colored glass water glasses with roosters on them! My girls are so good to me.

And back on the road we finally made it to Gregs parents house. Gorgeous place. Wonderful warm and welcoming people.

Get a load of Harry flipping our breakfast eggs! What a hoot! They took the greatest care of us while we were there. Just like family!

After spending the night, we ventured out to the mountains. Beautiful drive. So totally opposite of Texas. We stopped for a load of groceries. And I do mean a load! That car was packed! The road was tiny and sweet and cozy.
And the cabin...PERFECT!

Well good thing we didnt try this trip at night! Even Ginas gps was confused and probably scared to death of being lost forever and eaten by bears or old mountain men.

At the cabin and unloaded, I head for the couch and the fireplace. Which would be my daily agenda for the next 5 days.

The girls had other plans. They hiked a bit. Chopped wood for the fireplace.

Cooked. Played beautyshop. Put away several quarts of moonshine and a couple cases of beer. All to my one bottle of wine. But I had drugs on my side. Moonshine, beer, haircolor...hmmmm, does THAT sound like something YOU would try only weeks before your big fat greek wedding? I think NOT! But never, and I mean NEVER put anything past these two! And never ever get drunker than they are. There are no guarantees of the outcome of that situation! So this is Gina with her first attempt to foil color Skunks...I mean Gias hair. It was really something to watch! Like Lucy and Ethel.

And of course she talked to the lovey dovey smoochy hoochy sweety peety honey bunny boyfriend! Like every hour or so. They would have talked more often, but in between they had email. Jeez, just marry the poor schmuck already and get it over with!

And THAT was our first big sisters adventure. It was a total blast, and we still love each other! No really, we do! Gias about to be 40 and Gina 45. I just turned 50. Gia was whining about why did it take us this long to take a trip together. Gina said cause we like you now. I said, If you had offered to pay 10 years ago, we would have gone then!

So they take me to the airport on Monday cause I have to work the next day. They decided they deserved to stay a few more days. At work on Tuesday, I get an email from Gia. A sweet little website she has set up for our vacation. Along with pics of a snowman, and them sledding down the back hill on several inches of beautiful white snow. Not a drop while I was there. Bitches!

Surprise! Its not your birthday!

2009-02-21T10:39:00.000-06:00

And fabric shopping is one of my all time favorite pass times. I decided a day all to myself would be a great thing. And it was. With nothing but walmart in town, I ventured off to Temple making Hobby Lobby the first stop. Nothing in purple that would work. So I went to Hancock and spent over an hour there. Not being able to decide which I wanted, I needed to call Sally and get her opinion. A really good time to have forgotten my phone. None of these choices seemed to be her anyway. So I left empty handed. Next stop a nice lunch all by myself. I actually like to do that, eat alone in restaurants, even though I dont know anyone else that does. So after all the shopping I could handle, I finally got home in the early afternoon. I think that was maybe the very first time in my life I had left town without telling a single sole where I was going. And I am sure it will be the last.

I turned the corner to my house and there were cars everywhere. I saw sister Ginas, sister in law Debbys, Johns truck, and my pastor Trishs car. Of course they all show up on the day I go shopping! And this just might be my surprise birthday party! It was 2 weeks ago, but it could happen! But it didnt.

I walked in the front door. Everyone just kind of walking around acting busy. Hellos and where you beens. As I get to the kitchen, they seem to close in around me. And wouldnt let me by. Someone took my bags and my purse. I remember not wanting to let them go, dont know why or what I was thinking. John came into the circle with me and said "Sallys gone, Sallys dead." I dropped my bottle of coke.

I remember an instant anger at him. I yelled at him. "Dont say that to me!" Over and over. I knew it wasnt his fault, but I had to be angry at someone. I really dont remember a lot more about that day. The most vivid memory was when I sat on the couch crying. And my little Henry, Ginas littlest only 3 at the time, climbed on the couch and stood behind me. He put his tiny arm around my shoulder and just pat me. "Its ok Georgia, I love you, its ok." He would lay his little head on my shoulder and as much as I hurt, that tiny little man was the only thing that could make a difference. It was if he was filling the huge cracks that were happening in my heart. He can still do that to this day.

I called Mike, Sallys husband. He said that she never called him that morning to tell him she was on her way home. She always did. He called her all morning, till around noon. Then he finally called Linda. She assumed Sally was already gone as usual. But she wasnt. She was in the same position as when Linda left her the night before. Just as she had fallen asleep. There were no reasons for it at all. She simply went to sleep, and didnt wake up.

She died the exact way she that she wanted to. She had told me this several times only months before. We discussed it in June in Arizona, when we were standing at the edge of the grand canyon. We held hands and she prayed. Praising God for the awesome beauty he had created for us to share together. And for our sisterhood and all we meant to each other. She prayed for the little old man in the diner she had bought lunch for the day before. Must have been in his 80s, he wore a skirt and lipstick and rouge and carried a purse. She prayed for the little Indian woman that sat in the room behind us at a weaving loom day after day. She could pray like no one I have ever heard. And could go on and on till I would finally say AMEN, if I could get it in between her catching a breath! As we stood there looking down at the river, she just suddenly out of the blue said, "Some day I will just go to sleep and wake up face to face with Jesus". Thats how I want to go and thats how it will be." It will be a glorious wonderful day! He will take my hand and lead me in. There will be singing and worshiping from then on. Ill see dad and grandma Lily and Holly. I hope Ill see mom. Im so ready! I would go this instant!" My answer was, "Step away from the canyon!" We laughed and went on with the rest of our vacation. Now, some of the most precious memories I have.

Only a month later, I had to call her and tell her that Cory, my nephew, had died. She was here from MN the very next day. And spent a whole week with me, with us, because she was part of our family. I told her she didnt have to come. But she said she had to come to take care of me so that I could take care of Debby and Kevin. She was right of course. I could not have made it without her strength and presence. We were sitting in the porch swing after midnight one night, when she brought it up again, the way she would wake up face to face with Jesus. And that she was excited for Cory and what he was getting to do at that very moment. When she left, it was the last time I saw her.

I talked to Angie, Sallys daughter in college in Fargo. All she could say was, "Can you come? Please get here as fast as you can. I need you here." Trish made all the arrangments. All I know is Mike and Angie met me at the airport. There was snow everywhere and it was really cold. We went to Lindas house to get Sallys van. I couldnt go in any further than the front door. It was the first time I had met Linda and I dont even remember it. When we got in the van and turned it on, the radio was blaring loud. Crazy loud! Just as she would have listened to it playing the recent Dove awards CD. Song #13. I could hear her singing at the top of her lungs, praising God. Her most favorite thing in the world to do. On the 2 or more hour drive to Mikes parents house, we played that song over and over and over. Mike gave it to me. I play it over and over and over.

Over the next 5 days, the house filled with people. They made me a part of them. Mike made arrangments for a viewing at the funeral home one evening, then cremation, and a beautiful service at a huge church. We sat for hours going through pictures to make posters and set them at the funeral home. Angie and I made a scrap book with lots of pages for people to write their thoughts of Sally. It was full by the end of the evening. I could not believe how many people were there. She had only been in Minnesota for 5 years. How could you know that many people in that short of time. What a stupid thought! Sally was the difination of "people person" She never knew a stranger...none any stranger that Georgia! she would say.

I finally made my way to the casket at the other end of this huge room. I stood there staring at this body I did not recognize. My heart knew it was her, my mind was totally confused. She was propped up on 2 pillows. Damn near sitting up right! Her hair was nothing like I had ever seen. She was made up like teenager ready for a hot date. I just stared, in shock at what I was seeing. She had lost 60 pounds, on purpose with diet and exercise. She had a mole removed that she always hated. She had her EARS PIERCED and didnt even tell me! For 15 years I had ragged her for not getting her ears pierced, and there they were, tiny diamond studs. She had laser surgery on her eyes, no longer needing glasses. WHO WAS THIS? All of this was suppose to surprise me when I came up for her birthday/graduation. Well by God, it worked!!! I was certainly surprised! Mike came over to see if I was ok and I started laughing. And told him what I thought about it. the lady that worked there heard me and came over to help. I told her, "We're not playing cards here, shes dead, cant she lay down now?" I pulled out one of the pillows and pushed the other one down so that she laid flat, or at least flatter. I ran my fingers thru her hair to fluff it and make itmore like she wore it. I used tissues to get rid of the red blush and the blue eyeshadow and the red lipstick. Had the woman put her on some light pink lipstick and leave her alone. Then as I pulled up a chair beside her and I cried. Before I left I clipped a lock of her hair, she wouldnt mind.

The memorial service the next day was just beautiful. I could not understand why they chose this huge auditorium instead of the little church that they had always gone to. The one Sally loved. But as that auditorium filled, I knew why...it FILLED! I was in shock of the amount of people. Hundreds of people. Afterwards at the reception, I heard from everyone I spoke with how much Sally and I looked alike, I know, and how they didnt even know Sally had a sister, I didnt correct that one either. My heart will filled with the many many many stories that I heard of how Sally had touched their lives. How she had helped them out in different times of need, in so many different situations. How they had just met her but she had sent them a cheerful card or made a phone call to say hello. How she had paid them to do jobs for her instead of making them feel like they were taking handouts. How she had paid for their semester of books for college because they were a single parent and couldnt afford them. (And HERE is where the scholorship comes from!) About how she had given some rides to the doctor, or brought them bags of groceries, or boxes of Christmas gifts for their kids. How she had prayed for them, how she had lead them to Jesus and their eternal greatfullness to her for it. Story after story was the heart of the Sally I knew and loved. The most selfless person I had ever known. The strongest christian who lived her life to always be a BETTER christian than she thought she was. Not possible.

Mike and Angie went shopping one day for a suitable wooden box to put the ashes in. They returned so proud of what they had found. It was a beautiful box stained wood with fabric on top that would have matched her new bedroom. When I opened it, I started laughing. I laughed so hard there were tears. It was a sewing box! Sally didnt even know there were eyes in a needle for thread! She hot glued buttons on when they came off, and stapled the hem of her skirts! A sewing box! How appropriate! Mike, Angie and I brought the ashes back to bury beside her beloved daddy. We had a sweet short service at the cemetary on Valentines day. It warmed up to close to 80 degrees and the sun was brighter than ever before. A most perfect day.

Later on, Mike and I discussed Sallys graduation. He said they would just mail her diploma to him. But I had taken 2 weeks off from work to be there. This was so very important to her. She had worked so hard for this. She had 3.9 gpa, that really pissed her off, whe really wanted that 4.0. She deserved for someone to go to her ceremony in her place. He agreed and made arrangments for he and I to step up and receive her diplomas for her. Gina drove me up there so I didnt have to go alone. Gina would never make me go through anything alone, she is always there.

The graduation was unbelievable! A tiny christian college in the shape of a cross. And her impact on this school and its instructors, students, office personel, everyone there, was just as unbelieveable. The same stories as before. Several people talked about her and what she meant to the school and to them. Of her caring and christian way of life. The committees she was on, prayer groups, student help groups. They did a washing of the feet, where the dean of the school washed the feet of the students. She not only received her diploma with honors, but awards too. I cant remember them all right now, but will post pictures later when I figure out how.

This was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I have ever done in my life.

Before we left MN, Mike gave me Sallys car. The one she left Rockdale in, her 94 Corsica. He said Jonathan needed a car and she would want him to have it. Gina volunteered to drive it home. Which meant I would drive home alone in my Blazer. 24 hours. Alone. Damn.

I think we barely got to the interstate when the past few days came crashing in on me. I started crying and screaming and cursing and laughing and praying and pleading and crying and screaming and.........it lasted for hours and hours. Finally we got to Iowa. I saw a billboard. I needed to stop and see the covered bridges of Madison county. I have no idea if it was THE bridges of Madison county. But I didnt care, I HAD to see them. And of course Gina abliges, following me miles out of the way...to look at a bridge. And see the house that John Wayne was born in. Guess I can say Ive seen it all now. John Waynes birthplace and the covered bridges and the biggest ball of twine in the world. I am blessed.

Now back on the road. And the crying, screaming, fit throwing resumes. Just cant seem to stop it. And in the midst of all this, I remember her birthday is on the 16th of May, just days away. How in the hell am I suppose to live through that too! We were going to go out on a day long boat trip on some lake for her birthday. Wonder what lake? Lets see there are only 10,000 to choose from in MN! Well, I could go to the lake at home all by myself for the day. And end up drowning myself more than likely. Not a good idea. Then I should have her a party just like I would have if she had been in Rockdale.

Celebrate Your Girlfriends Day is born!!!

A party, not a mourning, a real party, with food, drinks, laughter. A REAL party, lots of drinds, she loved margaritas! My mind started spinning with ideas. Im laughing and trying to take notes and not run over anyone on the interstate. Had a few scares there. And a few "idiot woman driver" looks. But it all worked out. By the time we stopped for the night I was more exhausted than I had ever been in my whole life. I dont remember if I even told Gina of my plans. I think I just became non existant for the night. But back on the highway the next day, the plans resumed. It was going to be great! And I still had about a week to do everything!

My whole idea of the party was for every woman to realize the importance of her girlfriends. To celebrate them, love them, cherish them. Tell them how much they are loved and cherished. Have fun together and make lasting life long memories. It is so much more important than anyone thinks about on a daily basis. Until you cant make any more memories with that person anymore. Or you cant tell them again that you love them and how special you think they are. So I just had to bring it to everyone attention. I got Gina, Gia and mom involved, along with every other woman I could think of on such short notice. We sent out invitations to every woman we knew and that knew Sally. We decided the night before to raffle one of moms quilts to see if we could raise a little money to get a scholorship started in her name. We raised over 300.00 that night. Over 25 women showed up! We ate, drank margaritas, beer and stayed up till who knows when. It was the greatest, most bittersweet party I had ever been to. Everyone had a wonderful time. We just HAVE to do this again next year!

The next year grew to over 30 and we gave the 300.00 to a single parent returning to school. It would be enough to buy her books! It filled my heart. She was so greatful. And we added a silent auction and another quilt as first prize to the raffle and one of my paintings as second prize. We raised enough to give away 2- 300.00 scholorships the next year. And another 600.00 last year. This year we have 1000.00 to give away. We will decide how to divide it when we receive the applications. And we may have more to add by party time.

The party this year is on May 2. The first party was on a week night because I had it on her birthday. After that we made it the first Saturday in May because of graduations and mothers day and May just gets busy for everyone. We are expecting a great turnout this year. With live music by Mary Charlotte Young (google her) from Bryan/College Station. She is young and a wonderful singer/songwriter. Very jazzy and blusy. And we are making double margaritas, because last year we almost ran out! And that many more jello shots! And more food! And who knows what else. My back yard will be full again! We are expecting over 40 and hoping for over 50!

We have great silent auction items to raise money. And everyone who comes always goes home with keepsakes. In past years we have made canvas tote bags, t-shirts, koozies, zipper coin purses all with the girlfriends logo on them. And flip flops and girlfriend photo albums and bracelets. Every thing at the party is paid for my be or my family and friends who love this as much as I do. 100% of the moneys taken in at the party go to the scholorship fund.

I have no idea who will ever read this, besides Jayne and Dee, but if even one woman tells her girlfriend how important she is to her, I will be happy.

And you are all invited to the party!!! Just email me! I WILL make room!

My Very First Ever...

2009-02-19T18:38:00.000-06:00

This is my very first ever attempt for "blogging". I think its will be pretty interesting since I only just found out a few months ago what a blog was. Ok, so Im a late bloomer.

So first, a disclaimer...yes I know there is a spell checker thingy, and no I never use it, so get use to it. And I hate these thingys ''''''''', so I rarely use them. And sometimes words fall out of me that shouldnt, sorry. Dont read those if you dont like them. And I promise to do my best to curb my brain, and make it PG 13 at least. And I must confess, I have no idea where this will go as I have very little control over my mind these days. So read at your own risk.

I seem to be doing way too much with my life these days. And I dont really think a lot of it has much meaning to anyone, probably even to me. I just do stuff. I get involved with stuff. I say yes to way too much stuff. I have way too much stuff. Seems stuff is my life. Wow, lightbulb moment here. I need to rid my life of some stuff! And I have been working on that all day and didnt even really realize it. Guess Im doing good.

But I must admit that I also do some good stuff. Stuff for other people that makes them happy. Keeping Big Z (my mom) busy keeps everybody happy. Thats a full time job in itself! I am attempting to help Little G (my youngest sister) with her wedding. Thank you God, it will be over soon for all of our sanities. Seems everyone at work these days wants something from me. Learning to say a huge NO there. That stuff is for ME! Which leads to doing more stuff for the sole purpose of ME. Stuff I want to do, like to do and need to do. All for ME. The more I do for me, the more I like me.

But by far, the very most important thing I do in my life anymore, stuff wise, is the Celebrate Your Girlfriends Day party. This year is number 5. It is hard for me to believe that it is year number 5. For many different reasons. Good reasons, fun reasons, great reasons, and some down right crappy reasons. And some reasons that literally rip my heart out.

I am thinking I should explain the party a bit more. Other than its a party. And we drink a lot, eat a lot, and laugh a lot, and its only for women! After all, it is a celebration of our favorite people in the world, our girlfriends.

On Feb 7, 2005 Sally called me. She was totally excited and yelling in the phone, "I DID IT! I'M A COLLEGE GRADUATE! I JUST FINISHED MY LAST COLLEGE CLASS!" After years of taking classes whenever she could, she had finally finished, and turned in her final thesis. On which she made a A+ of course! I was so proud and happy to share in her excitement. We talked only a few minutes, as she was at her friend Lindas house where she would spend the night and go home to Souix Falls in the morning. Crown College where she attended, was in the Minneapolis area. She and Mike had just recently bought a house 4 hours away in Souix Falls. They stayed in a hotel for a month or more while they painted and remodeled the house. She would travel to her only class on monday nights and spend the night with Linda and go home the next morning. She really liked having the time with Linda, her little weekly vacation, she called it. They had been in the house only a week or so. Their plans were to make it into a bed and breakfast that could be used in their ministry. She gave me all the paint numbers and names to me so I could make quilts for all the rooms. And since her birthday and graduation was coming up in May, a new quilt would be a perfect gift. And since I was off work the next day, that would be the perfect time to shop for fabric.