Day 30-Christmastime Excitement

On this last day of the month, I am thankful for getting the furniture moved and more of the house cleaned up and decorated for Christmas.  I could not have moved the furniture without help from my son, James.  Today we moved the television, bookcase, and a table and chairs.  It's been a lot of work but I also got most of the nutcrackers put up along with a few other Christmas decorations.  Have a few small broken things to repair but it's been so fun to get the decorations out of their boxes with the help of two little boys.  Put together two Advent calendars as well so the boys are looking forward to starting those tomorrow.  Read three more Christmas stories this evening, the favorite was Jacob's Gift by Max Lucado.

Day 29-A somewhat cleaner house

Having spent the last two days moving the furniture around and decorating a bit here and there and cleaning up the messes, I can finally sit in a room this evening and enjoy the view.  Yesterday, I just was going to put up some plates on the wall and unpack a few figurines which led to a china cabinet needing to be moved, which led to more cleaning.  Before the day was out yesterday, I had taken apart nearly the entire dining area, moved the china cabinet, stored the dishes, unpacked all the little figures for the nativity and the other figures as well.  So many memories contained in them.  Since I had moved the china cabinet, I needed to go ahead and clean up the mess which led to moving the sofas into a different room, which led to setting up the lamps and tables, which required another table to be moved.  Then to make it all fit, the computer had to be moved into another spot with hopes of connecting it to the television eventually-which I plan to move tomorrow.  So, I currently have two rooms done, the dining room and the front living room-well almost the front living room with the exception of the televison and the piano being moved.  So tonight, with an aching back, I'm ensconced on the sofa, reading a book and enjoying the new view and a clean room.  Just in case you are wondering what inspired this cleaning, moving frenzy-a simple question from my dear friends if I had ever finished that room and had I gotten settled over the past year.  I had to answer that I hadn't while I admired their lovely, comfortable home and an interesting bit of technology that connects the tv and computer.  The inspiration struck me that I should have this done by now and I really have no excuse for not feeling at home in my house so I got busy.  I'm so looking forward to tomorrow and having the family room cleaned up a bit and making it comfortable for our family.  This could get interesting.

Day 28-Morning Mass

Thanksgiving morning-we're up and the two youngest agree to attend mass with me.  While we still have the usual squabbling and searching for the lost shoes, we manage to get there on time.  

The boys both want to serve so I help them get their cassocks on and belted then stay with them while they wait for Fr. to arrive.

Just before mass time, Fr. Santiago shows up with Deacon Jim and Mr. Moon.  No other altar servers in sight so the boys step up and offer their help.  They are too small to carry the candles safely so they follow along and are given jobs to do.  The help with the water and wine, carry up the offering basket, do patens and all goes well.  This was a great way to start our Thanksgiving morning and I'm so thankful for the boys being willing to serve.

These photos are of three of the stations of the cross inside the church.  They are so beautiful.  Also, a new window has been added-Our Lady of Guadalupe.  It is stunning but I don't have a photo of it quite yet.

Day 27-Coach

Since I am home alone quite a bit these days, I find the silence a bit overwhelming at times.  As I go about my usual chores of dishes, laundry, making beds and sweeping floors, I often bring in James' sweet German Shepherd, Coach.  This dog has to be the best German Shepherd ever.  He has all the wonderful traits of a shepherd, loyal and protective while always being ready to play ball and/or follow me around the house.  Gary spent some time training him in obedience so he sits, stays and lays down on command.  Usually I find he will simply follow me around then settle down nearby if I don't move around too much.  However, he never misses an opportunity to see what I'm doing and more importantly hoping for a small snack along the way.   Today, I am thankful for our pets especially this sweet, silly dog.

Day 26-Ham, Pork, and a full freezer

A few weeks ago Gary went hunting for wild pig.  It seems some people with property are having trouble with the local wild pig population destroying their gardens and coming in too close to homes.  Although Gary did not get a pig that day, some of his co-workers and friends were able to get a few so they offered some of the meat to Gary for a great price.  Of course, he took them up on it and the meat was delivered to our house this a.m.  Now, the freezer is stocked up for a while and Gary is one happy man.

Day 25-Healthy Kids and Volunteers

Tuesday, the kiddos ran in the school jog-a-thon.   The idea is for the kids to get sponsor to donate money per lap then the kids run as many laps as they can within the time limit.  Thomas had 30 minutes to run and ran 7 laps or 2+ miles.  Andrew had 45 minutes to run and ran 12 laps or 3 miles.  I was pretty pleased with their results as they both put forth some good effort in their runs with very little walking.  They were very excited about running in the event and couldn't wait for it.  We were scheduled to run the Friday before but the rain caused us to delay for a few days.  All in all, it turned out very well and the kids had a great time.

Day 24-New Life

Our good friends have recently become foster parents and are fostering a 6 week old baby girl.  I was very interested to learn a bit more about foster care as it is something I have very little experience with and was curious to know more.  The sweet baby girl they are currently fostering was only three days old when they picked up her from the hospital.  For whatever reasons, her birth parents are not currently able to take care of her and she may be adopted eventually.  I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to hold, feed and just enjoy being around a sweet little baby for a while.  It brings back memories of my own babies.  It seems like my own children have grown up so very quickly and their babyhood seems almost like a blur as life is always so tiring and busy when you are the parent of someone who needs feeding day and night.  I'm so glad I had the chance to enjoy the little one even briefly as babies are so sweet and innocent.  I hope this little one's finds a wonderful home and is blessed with two parents who are able to take care of her well.

Day 23-Good Friends

After the wedding, we traveled again to another friends house to spend the night and the next day with them.  It is always a pleasure to be welcomed into their home.  I immediately am comfortable and so at ease.  Even though too much time passes between our visits with each other, the pleasure of visiting with them and enjoying their company is something I always treasure.  It's amazing to me how much our lives can have diverged with children leaving home, and family members spread all over the country.  I'm always so glad to be able to catch up on all the news, see photos and hear all the updates from the various children in their various homes.  Also amazing how many different states the children have all gone to in order to make their own lives.  Time spent with good friends is solid gold and worth every bit of cost and effort that it requires.  I must do it more often.

Day 22-Safe Travel and a 38 year wedding!

I traveled with three of the children to the coast this week-end in anticipation of a wedding.  I am so very thankful to have a GPS on my phone.  I really don't know what people like me, who do not have a good sense of direction, did without a GPS available to them while they are driving in unfamiliar parts of the state.  The state has also been doing quite a bit of road construction on the local highways and byways-widening the roads and paving them so they are nice and smooth.  We made it to the coast very safely and in plenty of time to attend the wedding.  My aunt and uncle have been married for thirty-eight years in a civil marriage.  It has long been a dream of theirs to be married in the church but since they had each been married previously, that wasn't possible without the dissolution of their first marriages.  After working on getting that resolved for years and years, they were finally able to celebrate their wedding on Saturday surrounded by lots of family and a few friends as well.  I'm so happy for them and wish them another thirty-eight years.  Congratulations Aunt Sherry and Uncle Jim.

Day 21-Rain

Great smelling, sweet, fresh cleansing rain.  As I look out the window, the raindrops drip from the roof.  All the world is washed clean under a stormy gray sky.  Although many are cursing the rain as they drive on wet, slippery roads to their various jobs, appointments and other items of life, I'm home today enjoying the view wrapped in warm blanket and getting ready for a nice bowl of hot soup.  Our valley desperately needs the rain and I'm hoping there will be some adjoining snow pack in the nearby mountains.  Thankful for the rain.

Day 20-Good Friends and New Life

When you live a remote little town in the middle of California's central valley, your friends that you've known for years are mostly in another city, another state or perhaps even another country.   It makes the quick get togethers for the afternoon a bit challenging to say the least so I'm always delighted when I speak with friends on the phone, interact through facebook, or more rarely get a note in the mail.  The other day I was talking with our sweet friend when she broke the news that she is pregnant for the second time.  I'm so delighted for her and yet feel a bit bittersweet as she lives in a completely different state so I know the visits will be few and far between.  However, today I spoke with another friend on the phone as we made plans to get together soon, and I'm looking forward to an overnight stay with another friend this week-end as well as some family plans.  While you love your family, your friends, the ones near and dear to your heart, are carefully chosen, and missed so very much that getting to see them and spend time with them seems like a gift, planned or unexpected, it's a gift that I'm very thankful for and very much anticipating.

Day 19-Little Miracles

So your day is progressing along and you are hoping that things will go well but you take the time to say a prayer, to make your request, to give thanks, to beg forgiveness or perhaps just to rejoice.  The next thing you know, your request is answered, a burden is lifted, a stranger passes on a kindness.  Is it a coincidence?  I don't think so.  Little miracles happen all around us all the time.  Take the time to notice, to say your prayer, to cherish the little moments that happen in your day, to give thanks-each and every day not just at holiday time.  Today I'm thankful for little miracles.

Day 18-Children's Storybooks

The other day while playing on Pinterest I came across this post by The Careless Catholic http://www.thecarelesscatholic.com/2011/11/books-advent-christmasand-beyond.html

I was so inspired by her book selection that I immediately checked our family bookshelves and decided we didn't have enough Christmas books to last through Advent with a daily read so I hit the library.  I really hit the library hard and came back with a huge stack of Christmas reading.  Now, some parents are organized and wrap the books in pretty purple and pink and even gold paper to indicate the parts of Advent.  They even number the books with the date or sequential order.  I'm forgoing all that and spending time reading.  Lots and lots of reading.  At first, the 8 year old dismissed the books as too easy and not worth reading.  He insisted neither he or his younger brother would be interested.  However, as I pull out a book and begin reading they immediately drop their toys and gather around.  Luckily, Daddy stepped up and pulled out "The Cajun Night Before Christmas" and read to them using his best cajun accent and they were enraptured by it.  Definitely a tradition that we have to build on and keep going.  I love books, especially children's books and this was a perfect fit for our family.  Now to re-check the shelves and see what I'll need to update for the coming year.  I love this idea and think it would be fun to do at Easter as well.  Maybe I'll even wrap a few books by then.

Day 17-Bloggers and Cookies

With the crazy amount of information that is available at your fingertips with the internet, I love reading some of my favorite blogs and occasionally being inspired to create my own masterpieces.  For a long time, I've been following the blog of Bridget at http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/  She makes some beautiful, incredible cookies so I thought I'd give it a try.  I don't come anywhere close to her abilites but it was certainly fun to try.  The cookies impressed my children with the whole process of making them from the cookie baking to the frosting decoration.  My husband was impressed with the taste so it's all good.  I'm pleased with the way they turned out and now truly appreciate the time and effort she goes into to make her beautiful creations.  So stop by and have a cookie.  They are delicious!

Day 16-Saturdays

A wonderful day off of school, out of the routine.  Nice and relaxing chance to sleep in a bit snuggled under the down comforter while the kiddos watched a movie.  Time for a real cooked breakfast instead of a grab and go breakfast.  My husband taking my littlest one out to the golf course for a few hours.  Time for the boys to play, run, chase, argue, rake leaves, discover toys, make Christmas wish lists, read books and just hang out together.  I am so thankful for the gift of another Saturday to just be home.

Day 15-My husband coming home!

Today it's simple.  My husband has come home after being out of town all week.  I'm so glad to have him back home.  Nice dinner together with the kids and catching up on everything from the week.

Day 14-Teachers

I wish I could say I was the author of the following letter but I'm not.  If I could find out who was, I'd love to give them credit but alas, I have no idea.  So to whomever wrote this beautiful letter, thank you for all you do.

Dear Teacher,

At the risk of dating myself, I have made a shocking discovery that I thought I would share with you. When I was a child in school, we didn’t have Facebook, or the internet, or even computers. As I considered the list of things that didn’t exist when I was a child, I was quite shocked at the length of it. There was no such thing as smartphones, GPS, flat irons, or texting.

Or “intruder drills”.

Just as life is different for students now, I realize that your role as a teacher has dramatically changed over the past thirty-ish years.

You should know that we, the parents of your students, don’t take the responsibility you face lightly.

After the last intruder drill at my son’s school, the children were talking about all of the “what if’s” that could happen in their music class. Their music teacher, a gentle, caring, soft-spoken man listened to each concern and took time to logically address each one. My son, who normally has nightmares after the intruder drill day, raised his hand and asked his music teacher what would happen if someone had a chainsaw and forced their way into the class.

“I would die protecting you”.

This teacher’s soft but strong answer made tears roll down my cheeks. Why? Because I have no doubt that this gentle, humble soul — who would choose Mozart over violence any day — would certainly keep that promise. I know that this teacher, who wants to bring joy to children and to teach them the joy of music, must go to work each day knowing that he may have to give his life for someone else’s child.

It breaks my heart to know that children have to worry about an intruder breaking into their classroom. It crushes me to know that you teachers, who just want to instill a love of learning into our children, are sent every day into a war zone.

We are not only asking you to teach our children now. We are asking you to protect them — and even to potentially give your own life to save the life of our children.

My children.

We pay you less than you deserve, ask you to work more hours than you expect, and thank you less than we thank the lady at the McDonald’s drive thru when she hands us hot coffee. As if that wasn’t enough, we expect you to fearlessly stand in front of an armed gunman to save our children.

Teachers, we owe you an apology.

As I think back over my life, some of the people who had the greatest impact on my life were teachers. Those, like my high school math teacher, who cheered me on and challenged me to push myself. Now, as a small-town graduate of a class of only 80 people, I work — and compete daily — with others from the most prestigious schools in the country. Why? Because Mr. Brown believed in me.

I think of my high school English teacher who looked me in the eye and said I had a “gift” in writing. She believed in me long before I believed in myself. Now, so many years later, I find my voice to once again pour my heart out through writing. Why? Because Ms. Greene believed in me.

So for you, dear teachers, I stand and applaud you today. I vow to you that I will support you in every way I can this year and every year to follow. I will, first and foremost, pray for you daily — for strength, safety, wisdom, and a healthy dose of patience. I will support you in the decisions you make. I will encourage my children to obey your rules, respect you, and to give their best.

I don’t take lightly the responsibility you face each day, sweet teacher, and I want you to know we are in this together.

You are making a difference.

When you feel like giving up, please don’t.

When you wonder if all the work is even worth it, please know that it is always worth it!

When you want to scream and possibly duct tape the kids to their chairs…. well, call me. That might actually be a good idea, and I will help you.

Seriously, we — the parents of your students — thank you.

We treasure you. We support you. We trust you with our children’s lives.

We will join hands and challenge this generation of children together… and be your biggest supporter.

Thank you for your love of learning and for inspiring so many to follow your footsteps.

“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Adams

Please share this with a teacher you love and appreciate. Let them know they are making a difference and are appreciated!

Day 13-My Mom

Sometimes life is just simply hard no matter what you do or how you handle things.  Then when you least expect it, someone comes in and lends a hand and gives you just the moral boost you needed.  Today was that day and the someone was my mother.  Not only did she arrive at the door with fresh, hot pizza, she stayed for the day and cleaned my main bathroom from top to bottom.  She even went to the store and bought the little fiddly parts to fix my wiggly toilet seat.  What a great mom I have.  So today, I'm especially thankful for my kind, loving, thoughtful mother.  Thanks, Mom!

Day 12-Yarn and Knitting

As the weather cools down, I'm once again drawn to the textures, colors and soothing rhythm of beautiful, soft yarns and knitting.  With a few lessons over the past year, my skill is slowly and steadily improving although I've quite a ways to go before I consider myself really skilled.  Meanwhile, the lovely, soft skeins of yarn are calling my name enticing me to pick them up and cast on yet another project on my needles.

Each piece adds something to my skills and I love the soothing rhythm of knitting. 

Day 11-Veteran's Day

So of course, today is the day to show appreciation for all of our veteran's.  So a huge thank you to all those who serve, who have served and most of all, for those who gave their lives serving our country.  These men and women who enter the military serve do get paid but their lives are not easy.  Some do it for the glory, some do it for the money, some do it for the lack of anything else they are qualified to do, but regardless, it's a difficult job, one that requires great sacrifice and I thank them for doing it.

Day 10-Mom and Dad

Thank you to my parents, James and Jeannie Peel, who have demonstrated love for each other for nearly 60 years of marriage.  That, in itself, is a rare event these days. Not only do they love each other but they love each and every one of the children, grandchildren and now the great grandchildren.  I'm so very thankful to have them as my parents.

Day 9-Family

Over the last few days, I've been delving back into my genealogy files and finding a treasure trove of photos, papers and other memorabilia from days gone by.  I'm renewing my interest in getting everything online and organized with photos linked to family members and also have high hopes of having everything where other family members can access it at will.  It's a nearly overwhelming chore when I look at the mountains of info I have stored but if I don't do it, who will.   I certainly don't want all those years of information lost to posterity.  As I look through the photos though, I'm nearly overwhelmed with the loss of family members who I've known personally over the years who are no longer on this earth to answer my questions, to have a nice phone chat or just to give a big hug.  I'm also intrigued with more details on who these people were that contributed to my being on this earth.  How did they live?  What were their interests?  I'm busily gathering the bits and pieces of information that I have and also wondering what my descendants will say about the life I've lived.  Will any of it matter?  Meanwhile, I give thanks to those who have gone before and helped bring me to this place in life.

Day 8-James

My very large baby boy appeared in the world weighing 11 lbs., 3 oz.  Even Dr. Harris said "that is one hell of a big baby"!  He was such a sweet, cuddly little boy and has matured into such a handsome young man.  At age 17, he is in his second year of college and is doing well with his studies.  He works part time while in school and also is very active with our church and his gym.  His witty ways keep me guessing and I truly appreciate the young man he is becoming.  I love you, James.

Day 7-Morgan

My beautiful, 18-year-old daughter, Morgan.  It was Morgan who first taught me how to be a mom.  Her stubborn, headstrong, little girl ways caused me a lot of heartache while giving me my greatest joy when she was a small girl.  Not much has changed as my pretty blonde baby grew up to be a self assured, headstrong beautiful young woman.  She called on the phone today wanting to keep in touch with the family and planning a visit for an early Thanksgiving.  I miss her so much and yet I'm so pleased with all her hard work and latest endeavors.  At the ripe age of 18,  she has completed her AA from Porterville College and is attending Cal State University Long Beach in her junior year.  She works part to full time as well and is supporting herself through college.   I often wonder what has happened to the years but I remember the days being so very long.  It seems as though she grew up before I realized it and has become an admirable young woman.  I'm looking forward to seeing her soon.

Day 6-Little Boys

Today and yesterday I have been cleaning out my little boys bedroom.  Thousands of LEGO later among the broken bits of crayons and pencils and Playmobil and cars and trucks and papers and books and more bits of this and that than you can probably imagine, (unless you are the mother of several boys) I am rejoicing in finding their notes, their creativity, their all out joy in life.   Yes, the messes make me crazy but I am so thankful to have one more chance at raising little ones.  So very, very  thankful that God gifted me with two more little bundles of energy later in my life when I so thought I might never have any more children.  God gifted me not once more in answer to my prayers but twice with two fabulous little boys who brighten my day, reward me with their smiles and a occasional back rub.  They keep me on my toes and focused on the many, many discoveries a couple of little boys can make as they find their way to adulthood.  Their never ending fascination with all the wonders of a little boy-the ice cream truck passing by the house, running for lap after lap in hopes of running a 5K race one day, making every stick into a gun or sword and chasing imaginary dragons and bad guys all over the yard, riding bicycles without training wheels, competing every day for every little bit of attention, every reward and every possibility of winning, putting on costumes and pretending to be saints or heroes or whatever cartoon character strikes their fancy that day.  Seeing the world through their eyes brings me more joy than I could possibly have imagined.  I'm so thankful for the gift of little boys.

Day 5-Our Home

As I woke up this a.m., snuggled under a down comforter, the house was cold and I didn't want to get out of bed.  I finally made my way to the shower and got dressed and began the day.  Andrew and Thomas got up, got dressed, had breakfast.  James woke without being called and got himself ready to go.  After I dropped everyone off at their respective schools, I'm home again and just reveling in the peace and quiet here this a.m.   Although our house is older and needs some fixing up, I'm so glad to be here.  This is where home is for now and I'm content with it.  I spent some time cleaning in the kitchen yesterday then cooking hamburgers for our family and another family that recently had twins.  I thoroughly enjoy just being home.  One day the kids will be grown and on their own.  I'm hoping there won't be as much cleaning up but for now I cherish the time I have left with my little family in our home.  Doing the laundry and dishes, cleaning up is all part of raising a family.  I'm so thankful to have a home to do it in.

Day 4-Our Catholic School

For the second year, two of my children are enrolled at our local Catholic elementary school.  I cannot say enough good things about the children being there.  Since we embarked on this journey just a year ago, I have seen my children grow and develop in so many ways.  Andrew started second grade barely reading then after completing a year of school, he read the entire set of seven Harry Potter books over the summer.  It's been terrific to watch the children learn rapidly, make friends and actively participate in so many different events throughout the school year.  This past month, we had picture day, pumpkin carving contest, a trip to the pumpkin patch, Fun Night, book sale, a trip to the symphony, parent/teacher conferences as well as regular school days.  It's been a wild and crazy ride so far but the kids are thriving.  Yay for Catholic Schools.

Day 3=My faith and church

I love being Catholic and I love my local church-Holy Cross Church in Porterville, CA  These photo depict some of the Stations of the Cross in Russian iconography style.  They are beautiful in the photos but absolutely stunning in real life.  They are also very large pieces of art so these photos barely do them justice.  However, I don't believe the artwork makes the church but rather the people do, the art work just adds to the glory of God.  Thankfully, we are blessed with a fantastic church community that is very welcoming and friendly.  It has been a staple of our lives here.  Morgan sang in the choir for years.  James, Andrew and Thomas all serve as altar servers.  James has served since he was about 7, Andrew started about a year ago and Thomas has been serving for about a month.  Our faith and our church has enriched our lives in many ways.

Day 2-My children-Morgan, James, Andrew and Thomas

Life would definitely not be the same without all of you.  I cannot believe how quickly the years have flown by and how much you've grown.  The days have often been very long throughout the years, but oh those years, where did they go?  Morgan-who first made me a mom and were such a sweet, beautiful girl.  You've grown up into such a wonderful young woman that I am so very proud of with all your accomplishments.  James-my huge baby boy.  You are growing and maturing each and every day.  I love the young man you are becoming.  Andrew-My second chance and a long awaited baby.  Your quick mind and inquisitiveness open new worlds for me.  Thomas-my sweet baby daredevil.  No mountain will be too high and no wall too steep for you to climb.  Each of you bring joy to my world even on the days when I'm too tired and grumpy to notice.  I cherish each and every one of you.

Day 1-Gary Todd Miller

Thankful for a loving husband that works crazy, ridiculous hours to support our family.  He is always concerned about his job and often takes on difficult tasks in order to provide for his family.  He teaches my boys how to shoot guns, play ball, and grow up to be men.  He takes extra time with the teen as he grows up in a young man.  I love you, Gary.