Fun With Friends

On December 26th we met Francesca Green and her family at Famous Dave's for a "family reunion". I can't even think how long it's been since all of our kids have been together. We had so much fun. Plus, it's the first time Francesca and I have been together as Mamaw & Grammy!

The entire Koons family

"Look at the camera, baby!"

Janel, Jessica, Adam, Dan

The whole bunch

Auntie Tiffany

Green and Koons families

Charlie & JD

The Two Grandmas

Ashley, Zach, Gabe, Katie

Back to Normal?

Well, the last of my kids leave today. It was great having them all here together. I tried to enjoy every moment, since who knows how long it will be before it happens again. Now Dan & I will get back to normal. I didn't realize how quiet our home is now with just us and the animals. I loved the hubbub of having everyone around, but I will admit I'm looking forward to a little less chaos.

The end of the year always makes me (more) reflective. I find myself thinking about the next year, my hopes, dreams, wishes, and goals. If you think those are all the same, you're mistaken. There is a big difference between hopes and goals, dreams and wishes. I usually only make a list of my goals and wishes, but this year I'm going to list all four. Somehow, putting them down on paper makes me take a harder look at them. It helps me to decide if they're worth pursuing or not. I guess now that I have the blog, I have a big accountability group to keep me on track this year!

So, today as I put away the last of the holiday items, I'll be thinking of the fun I had with all of my kids, NOT thinking of how long will it be til I see them again, and contemplating the future and all the joys, challenges, and opportunities that await me.

Quiet Time

One of the things I traditionally do during the week between Christmas and New Year's is to think about what kind of Quiet Time I want to have in the new year.

For many years, I've read my Bible at random. Choosing several books of the Bible I want to read that year and reading at least a chapter a day. I would switch translations every other year or so. I always read the Book of Job, the Psalms, the Proverbs, and Galatians each year.

For Christmas 2006, Dan & Zach gave me a Chronological Bible. I'd been wanting one for a while, and the one they bought is broken up into daily readings. Reading that Bible has revolutionized the way I read the Bible. It places the stories and events of the Bible in the order they occurred. The coolest thing about the Old Testament is reading the Psalms during the time frame they were written. The coolest thing about the New Testament is reading the Book of Acts interspersed with the letters written during those events.

After reading it for one year, I was thinking that I would switch, but felt compelled to read it again. At the end of the second year, I was again going to switch, but decided a third year would really jell the sequence of Bible events in my mind. Here I am, the end of the third year... I've been thinking for a couple of months that I would switch to the NIV/Message version (another Bible that I HIGHLY recommend), but, as the days of 2009 wind down I'm thinking that a fourth year with the Chronological Bible will be my choice.

My daughter-in-law, Janel, is reading the Chronological Bible this year, and it's been fun to discuss how it affects our view of the Bible. So, if you're looking for a way to change up your quiet time, my strong recommendation is the Chronological Bible in daily reading form. I know Dan & Zach bought mine at Walmart, and it's a paperback, so I know you don't have to spend a fortune to get one. If you do, I'd love to know what you think of it...

It's the Most Awkward Time of the Year...

The week between Christmas and New Year's is awkward in my opinion. Oh, there's plenty to do: take down the tree, put away all of the gifts, store the gift wrap, eat all the left over goodies, but, I always feel kind of at loose ends.

I've finally settled on a plan for these in-between days. I update the birthdays in my new calendars, start a list of x-stitch projects for the next year, and, the newest task, make a list of 20 Wishes.

I read a book "Twenty Wishes" by Debbie Macomber a few years ago. She writes women's fiction and I really enjoy her books. The point of the book is to write down 20 wishes, not goals, not deadlines, but things you wish you could do. Then you go about accomplishing them. I've started my list for 2010 with take a knitting class, learn Photo Shop, attend a Spring Training Baseball game, and attend a Diamondbacks game. As you fulfill each wish you cross it off your list. Some people take pictures of themselves fulfilling the wish and scrapbook it. I don't know if I'll do that or not.

Changing the subject... Jessica and Adam left to go back to Ohio today. It was very hard to see her go. The good news is that I'll see her again in about six weeks. She's flying out for the VNSA Book Sale here in February. More about that event in the weeks ahead.

JD & Janel will leave on Wed. morning. Here's a few more Christmas pics...

Talking on the phone to Grammy!

Reaching for the next gift...

Duke's all dolled up for Christmas

What a Day!

The above picture is our Christmas with Zach & Ashley.

Since they were spending Christmas Eve and Day with her family, they opened their gifts from us on the 23rd.

Wow! What a Christmas!
We had so much fun with the kids and grandkid here.
Above is a photo of Dan & I posing in front of the tree before the gifts were opened.

Jess & Adam

Our tree

JD & Janel

Jessica cross-stitched this gift for me.

Dan and his tower of books!

Our first Christmas as grandparents!

Ready to ride...

Gabe & Katie

Holiday Fun

Our granddaughter stayed with us the past couple of days and we showed her the tree & train that runs under it. Some of Katie's co-workers gave her Christmas gifts and Katie tried to get her to open them with little success.

Then, last night we had our Annual Christmas Party with our friends the Sunderland's. We had a great time and played a fun game called, "Imagineiff".

Gabe, Ashley, Zach, Katie, Rachel, Daniel, Sue

Proud Uncle Zach with his niece

Zach, Rachel, Jesse, Daniel

My Kids

I am so excited! My kids start arriving today for Christmas. Jessica & Adam get in today, JD & Janel get in tomorrow. Tomorrow night we're hosting our annual Christmas Party with our friends, the Sunderlands. We've done this now for about 7 years. It started out as a caroling party, but then all the kids got too "cool" to go caroling. Now, it's a food and game night party.

On Christmas Eve, most of us will go to my brother's house. Then on Christmas Day, we'll open gifts, have a great lunch, and settle in to watch the Chargers play football.

I'm sure you'll get sick of seeing photos of my family over the next few days, but I just had to post some today to get started.

Jessica & Shadow

JD at the Zoo in South Carolina

Katie & Kyler

Me & Zach

When Does Winter Begin For You?

This morning on the Weather Channel, they were asking this question, "When Does Winter Begin For You?". The choices were: November 1, December 1, December 21. They were reading email responses, mainly from people in the Northeast or Upper Midwest.

Dan & I got to talking about when winter begins for us. Since we live in Arizona, it varies from year to year. Some years, we don't have winter. But generally, Fall begins the last week of November and lasts through the third week of December (IF we have Fall at all, most years we don't). We did have Fall this year, it started about two weeks ago when the trees actually changed colors after two cold nights. Winter generally begins the third week of December and lasts through the third week of January. Then Spring begins.

We are so spoiled here, and we know it. I was whining the other day when we were running errands at 9:00 am. I had on a 3/4 length sleeve shirt, jeans, flip flops, and a sweater. I was "freezing cold". I was complaining about the fact that I might have to put on socks and shoes. After whining a few seconds about the 50 degree temps, I laughed about how spoiled we are. Even when it's the height of summer, we're still spoiled. We rarely have to have a Plan B for an outdoor event. We celebrate a cloudy day, and run outside to stand in a ten minute rain storm because it's such a novelty. We thrill at Monsoon Season, when almost every day offers the chance of a thunderstorm, but rarely delivers. On the other hand, we don't notice the number of days since the last rain until it reaches around 90 days.

I love it here. I enjoy watching the snow storms on the TV, but if I never feel snow again, it won't matter to me. Which leads me to my current complaint. It might only reach 63 on Christmas Day here, and I'm worried because we don't have a fireplace in this house. What will we do to stay warm?!

The Right Perspective

I'm proud to be a "Flybaby". That's what the readers of Marla Cilley aka Flylady are called. Her website changed my life about five years ago. She has practical, doable advice for keeping your home clean and organized. Today I got an email titled "Perfectionism and Perspective". It was right on and I thought I'd share a few of the tidbits here. I don't know about you, but it's very easy for me to lose my perspective! I've been guilty of some of the examples listed below, but, each year I try to not aim for perfection.

• If you are going to stay up too late at night, not getting enough sleep just so you can re-arrange the dried holly berries and leaves for your centerpiece - you might have lost perspective
• If you are spending time and money that you can't afford on the cutest cookies ever - you might have lost perspective
• If you are not letting your children participate in the decorating for the holidays because they don't do it "right" - you might have lost perspective
• If you are yelling at your kids because you have lost your patience for the very last time over spilled sprinkles for the cookies - you might have lost perspective
• If you have gone behind your family and have re-done the Holiday decorations because they weren't what YOU wanted them to be - you might have lost perspective
• If you have spent a hundred dollars on Holiday magazines that will show you the perfect table setting, recipes, and gifts for this year -you might have lost perspective
• If you are rolling your eyes and sighing at your husband because he just won't help you do anything (because you haven't actually told him what you need) - you might have lost perspective

Makes you think, doesn't it?!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

This year we decided to give my parents a different sort of Christmas gift. We put together a 12 Days of Christmas basket for them. It was a lot of fun for me, and I hope they enjoy receiving it as much as I did making it.

I wrote a 'clue' for each day in a loose rendition of the song. I rolled it up and tied it to the top of the basket. I then wrapped each gift and hung a tag on it with the appropriate day to open. The gifts I used were: a poinsettia, a calendar, a book, a Christmas CD, a candle, notecards, homemade candy, a jigsaw puzzle, a restaurant gift card, Christmas tea & coffee, and two different nativities (my mom collects them).

The poem contained clues of celebration for each day. They were: the reason for the season (first & last day), the taste, scents, & sound of the season, the festiveness of the holiday, time together, reaching out to others, inspiration, the gift of time, relaxation, and fun.

I've wanted to do this for years, and now that I've done it, I'm writing down ideas for doing it again for someone. My best friend did it for me a couple of years in a row, and I absolutely loved it. So, you'd better watch out, you never know... you might be the recipient of the Twelve Days of Christmas next year!

Drive-Thru Nativity

The Lutheran church here in town had a drive-thru nativity this weekend. I love stuff like that, so we went. It was very well organized; I asked one of the 'centurions' how long they've been doing it and he said for five years.

There were four stations, and three cars were allowed at each station. We moved in a circle around the church parking lot with our lights off and our windows down. Centurions with flashlights directed the traffic, it was very orderly.

The first station was the shepherds getting the news from the angels. The costumes were simple, the sheep were made of wood with fur glued on, and the fire was a fan with an orange light blowing the 'flames', but it was moving in its simplicity.

The second station was the wise men. The third station was the manger scene. The only incongruous part of it was that Mary & Joseph were in their seventies. Still, it was a terrific effort. The fourth station was a choir with volunteers handing out candy canes with the story of the candy cane on one side and the Christmas Eve service times on the other side. The whole thing took about 20 minutes, but it was good. When we pulled out, the line to get in stretched down Bell Road with police directing the traffic.

I guess the point of this story is that we don't have to have first-class, high tech, glitzy props to tell the story of Jesus' birth. We just have to be genuine in the telling. Compared to the glamour of the First Assembly of God's Christmas story with flying angels, real animals, and bejeweled costumes, this was a joke. But, when it comes to the effort and believability of the actors, the friendliness of the centurions and other volunteers, it was a magnificent effort.

Seeds can be planted in this simple manner. Don't be afraid to share with others because you don't have a theology degree, you have something even better: a true, simple faith.

Our 'Grandson'

We have been blessed the past (almost) 11 years with a surrogate grandson, Kyler. When he was born, his mom, Marti, and I were co-workers as well as friends. He started coming to our house for babysitting when he was an infant. All of our kids have babysat him at one time or another. But, the relationship goes far beyond babysitting.

Kyler quickly became adopted into our family due to the generosity of his parents. They would let him spend the night at our house, go with us on errands, to look at Christmas lights, to watch the kids' activities, to bake and decorate cookies, and of course, to eat Animal Pancakes at our house for breakfast.

As he grows, we get to attend his events: Kindergarten graduation, school programs, sports, church programs, and now, band concerts. It has been such a joy to watch him mature. He is a nice kid, smart, and athletic. I may be biased, but in my humble opinion, Kyler has it all! One of my proudest moments was to watch his baptism this past summer.

Now that we've added our granddaughter to the mix, I enjoy watching him interact with her. As he's nearing the end of his elementary years, I'm looking forward to Jr. High and High School. I can't wait to see what activities he joins, and how he chooses to use his talents and abilities.

Thank you, Marti and Adam, for sharing your terrific son with us!

Then & Now

One month old...

Two months old...

Three months old...

Four months old...

Six months old!

I didn't post the five month photo because I posted it earlier. How come she looks better and better and I just look older and older?! Can you tell I enjoy being a grammy?

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

Today is my sister-in-law's birthday. She is married to my brother, Mark. Kelly is two years younger than me, so if you know my age you can calculate hers!



I've known Kelly for many years. When my brother was in the Air Force, before they got married, Kelly & I used to sit in my apartment in Overland Park, KS, sip Jack Daniels Green Label, and share confidences. She is the protector of some of my secrets and I of hers.

She is the only "sister" I've ever known. We are very different from each other, but we mesh where it counts. She loves my brother, character flaws and all, and has not tried to make him over into something he is not. She has also stayed true to who she is.

She has been there for me over the years through good and bad. She is my friend.

Happy Birthday, Kelly... I love you!

Convicted

I've been a Christian since I was eight years old. I've done many, many, many hours of quiet time. Sometimes, when I read passages there's a little voice in the back of my head that whispers, "do you know how many times you've read this?!" Other times, there's this incredulous voice in the back of my head that says, "do you know how many times you've read this, why didn't you get it until today?!" This is one of those days. As I read this passage, I kept thinking, "oh, this would be a good verse for my daily verse, no, this one's even better." I couldn't decide, so I'm including the whole passage. I really needed this today. I hope it will speak to you, too.

Romans 12:6-21
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Tiger Woods and the Party Crashers

Sounds like the name of a 50's rock band, doesn't it? No, it's the names of the top stories on cable news every day this week.

I don't know about you, but I can't help but feel that the majority of Americans are like me... we don't care! Now, I will admit I care some about the party crashers. And I would care more, if I didn't think some white house officials weren't in on it. The security of the White House should be paramount. Not only is it the President's residence, it's a bastion of our democracy. But, I digress...

It seems to me that we should be spending more time and attention on things that really matter. And I don't mean just the bad things like unemployment, the failing dollar, the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan; no, I mean good things like people helping people, advances in medical research, examples of generosity of spirit.

I think the entire month of December should be good news month. I know we can't ignore the reality of the times we live in, but why can't the first three stories of a newscast be uplifting and encouraging? Just for one month! I know those stories are out there, in fact they abound. But, they're not sensational enough to merit air time in the minds of the media executives.

Can you imagine what December would be like if that were to happen? I think we'd see more smiles on faces and less stress. I think we'd see less beatdowns in the stores and more courtesy. I bet we'd see more coins in the bell-ringers' buckets. Just for one month.

We have little influence on the media, but we have great influence on our family and friends. Maybe we should resolve that for the month of December, we're only going to recount uplifting, encouraging, optimistic stories. Think what a difference it would make in our little world... maybe it would spill over into the bigger world. It's worth a try!

My Task List

Even though my email is a Cox address, I receive it through MSOutlook on my computer. I love Outlook because I use the task list, notes, and calendar applications regularly. One of my favorites is the task list. I keep track of daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. I'm thrilled because I noticed this week that my task list has shrunk significantly.

Beginning the first week in June, I add the task of "buy & wrap Christmas gift" to every Friday, ending with the Friday before Thanksgiving. I also add the tasks of working on Christmas cards, writing Christmas letter, mailing Christmas cards, decorating interior of house, decorating exterior of house, planning Christmas party, and mailing gifts. These entries make my task list appear daunting from June through November. As of Monday, all of those tasks have been completed! My task list is back to normal.

For me, this is bittersweet. I'm glad, because I completed my holiday checklist for another year. I'm sad, because the preparation and anticipation is drawing to an end. I realized several years ago that for me the joy is in the anticipation. I love buying and wrapping the gifts, thinking about fun things we can do, the people we will see, etc. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the actual holiday, but, I enjoy most the "doing" that comes before.

Now that my task list is complete for Christmas, I can sit back and appreciate the lights, the music, the scents, the time with family and friends. And I will. But, in the corner of my mind, I'll be missing the prep work. Ah well, June is only six months off! At the top of the post I said I was thrilled that my task list has shrunk, maybe satisfied would be a better word.

Santa Claus Came to Town

We were planning on taking our granddaughter to the mall to see Santa this year, but, oh my gosh, do you know how much it costs?! We were researching alternatives when we found out that he would be at our local Super Walmart on Sunday. Katie met us there and here is the result of photos taken with our camera. We also got three FREE photos taken by the Elf.

"Oooh, that's soft!"

"Why do I have to let go?"

"Hi Gramps!!"

"Mmmm, those look yummy!"

"Hi Mama, you want me to look at what?"

"Oh, smile for the camera!"