God who loves my family~

New Year's Eve Day~ what a miracle today was. I called Gavin's mommy to see if Scottie & I could pick him up for lunch and bring him "home" for the afternoon. We had such a good time. What a sweet little spirit he has~ friendly, easy going, loving..just like his daddy was as a wee one. To think we met him just one week ago, and this is our third visit of his 16 months. God knows. Merci

Our little Hayden needs some prayers..some help from you God..please heal him. He has had a tough time and is sick again, since having his shots last Tuesday. He is up at the "ranch" with his mommy and daddy and 13 other people, including 2 of his little friends. High temps are keeping him down :( Bless our little guy~

And, dinner of lobster tail, asparagus, and popovers with my sweetie~ Chatted about the year. It's been a good one! Many more highlights than low spots. That is a blessing indeed. I am so blessed to have the heart I have, the love I am able to feel for others, and the love I receive from those around me. I am a lucky girl indeed. Merci God for carrying me, directing me, and for always loving me. Merci for your blessings~ xo

God is Good~

Woo-Hoo is right..it's New Year's Eve weekend and I am ready to relax and enjoy every minute of it with my sweetie pie. When we say relax we surely mean it... I'll have to push hard to do something other than hang low :) Although that sounds good too. The tree is down :( and most of Christmas is put away for another year. Can't help but wonder what the new year will bring. Not being much of a resolution maker, this year I feel differently for some reason. Most like because I know that there will be many changes. I welcome them all no matter what they are and will share as they come. I know I will feel much joy and probably as much sadness~ I know I am never alone~

Merci God for allowing me to work hard today and for my little! family to have arrived home safe and sound~ Merci!

God who cares for all of us~

What a complete day I had at work today, and I hope to live up to the above. From a young, heroin addict who lives in Edina with his family, to man who was once a nurse, who lost it all because of alcohol, and not by a long shot the last, but, a married man who was told by his wife and employer, this is it~ no more. I only hope that I can be the change and evoke thought through the empathy and compassion I feel for those I work with. It was good to be back at work.

Scottie and I sat down to a nice dinner, at the kitchen table, surprised him too:)..it was so nice. I'd forgotten. I think next time I will light candles!

And most importantly, Happy 61st Anniversary to Mom & Dad. Dad spoke of eloping to Northwood, Iowa, being married by a justice of the peace whose wife stood up for them. They came right home to attend a party, unbeknowst to anyone what they had just done. Dad said he had been drafted to serve in the Korean War (was medically deferred due to his knee's), Jaff (Mom's Dad) was quite sick with lung cancer, and they wanted to be together..so a secret was kept until early 1951, when they told their families, celebrated, and Mom moved to Hanover, NH to spend the reat of Dad's senior year at Dartmouth~ sounds dreamy to me. Dad wondered how Mom thought he was doing "down here" with all the great-grandchildren. One of those bittersweet moments, as Dad is amazing, and Mom would be too! He feels she should be the one to be here~ and I said God knows what he's doing~ he surely does~

Merci God for caring for all of us~

God who cares for all of us~

Last meeting at my house for the four of us~ It's been a very special 6 weeks as we hatched a new group, group name, and mission statement. Almost makes me want to stay here, safe and sound, uninfluenced~ Merci God for your direction and the help of my sponsor, Karen. How we love that woman and wish her well..truly.

God who knows what I need~

Super quiet day with my sweetie~ well for 1/2 the day.. :) Exchanged a couple items, he still thinks I am a size small in tiny little "Juicy Couture" jammies :) Guess I'm lucky! Lunch at Nordstrom's and home. Football for him and a nap for me, my body is trying to ward off a cold. I so enjoy our tree and always hesitate taking it down. It feels cozy and warms me.

Merci God for the many blessings you continue to bestow upon me abundantly~

God who knows what I need~

What a wonderful day at home. I am tired...took a nap, read, had the Peller family over for our yearly Christmas celebration. The three girls are so precious and growing up :) They loved our gifts. Lazy days are really nice. It was 52 degree's today...crazy for December 26!

Merci God for everything~

Christmas Day 2011

Happy Birthday Jesus...you gave your life for me so that I may have eternal life. Merci~

A really nice Christmas day..stockings and love letters with Scottie, a great brunch, and dinner at the O'Hagan's with Marcia, Gary, & Davey, Dad, Peter & Mary. A small group but a lively one, laughter and good food. A good time by all. Missed our kids today, of course! Skyped with the Duncan's as soon as we got home!

How lucky we are~ we are just so lucky for this day, for health & love~ Merci!

God who loves each of us~

Tis the night before Christmas... A really nice day at home today. Elyse and the kids came over for lunch~ church late this afternoon, luminaria on the way home..so pretty, and enjoyed for so many years, even with the kids. Shrimp fondue with just the two of us~ nice, quiet, a wee bit different, but special. Off to do the stockings, finish my card to Scottie, and a long slumber.

Merci God for loving all of us and giving me direction each step of the way~ xo

God who cares for all of us~

Santa must be checking his list..to make sure it's just right~ What a magical time for little ones..Jesus birth and Santa coming~ It all seems so perfect and simple~ Many calls came into work today for beds, from our peeps that don't want to be alone with themselves on Christmas. They would rather sleep in a room with many beds, and eat with others...maybe I would to, if I were them. I wish I could bring them back to that magic time, before their lives became this...

This Christmas brings many blessing for me~ one's that make me feel a little cautious and a bit afraid. Merci God for knowing what I need and for caring for me and all of us~

God who I love~

Last minute everything~ Online, do you believe that? And last minute Christmas Eve plans~which is wonderful~ Work was good today~sill feeling like change is needed. Merci God for all you do for me~and those I love and care about!

God who makes special days~

Had the girl's over for our party today. French vanilla coffee, treats to envy any party, and tons of laughter. Just what I needed today~ And, best of all it snowed while they were here. Merci God for making special days and memories. Off to do Christmas cards with Wood~ another giant blessing!

And, Dad home safe and sound from Oklahoma and Chips 60th birthday celebration~

God is Good~

Worked my tail off today getting the house ready for the big night..Santa is coming to town~ Many little things to do but all is calm. Dinner and ornament (hint above) shopping with Susie tonight. Nordstroms serves a wonderful salmon with roasted veggies dish. Delightful day and evening. A quick stop at the grocery store on the way home for a few goodies for the "Wednesday girls" party here tomorrow. The air is crisp, the sky is clear, and Minnesota remains snowless. Merci God for you many, many gifts. xo

God who cares for those I love~

We all have to dream ~ so different and so alike. I keep mine close so as to let you know when the time is right. Is it? Merci God for this day~

God who knows what I need~

That's me~ called in sick and took a day to recoup. Felt good to lay low. Tomorrow is a new day~
Merci God for this one, xo

God who loves my children~

It finally happened. We saw our son, Ryan, whom we had not seen since August of 2009. We couldn't find him~ This was of his choosing and we do know why, sort of~ not really, but I'm sure it goes a long back to 1991, and I now think I understand how my son feels...one day hoping he finds words to share it. And again, I will wait for his time. I (we) had waited ... a crushing period of time to see my child's face~ We also met Ryan's son, Gavin Thomas Johnson. He was born in August 2010 and we had not known he was coming into the world. What a blessing to have them home. Gavin's mom, Elyse contacted me, and this all happened within 24 hours~ I have a million emotions and a million and one questions, but for now, I know that everyone is healthy, and we were all together, and that is enough. Merci God for watching over those I love. Merci for walking with me~

God who cares for all of us~

So much twirling around in my mind. A wonderful reunion last night and I am pinching myself~ Where will we go from here. I have to put my faith in something way bigger than I to wait for that direction. I got 2 photo's from Elyse today~ so I know it's true! It is true, pinch, it is true!! So much to think about and yet, so little to think about. Love will sustain us~ Scottie & I are happy~and open. Merci God for loving each of us~

God of my understanding~

I know not why things happen as they do~ I must trust in the process that is not mine. I must trust in God's love and God's timing~ I know many people pray for us all~

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
JEREMIAH 29:11

Merci God for today. Home, Work, Dad, Rita, Home~ and most of all for God's love and protection~

God who carries me~

No picture to explain today. I worked on this & that all day..house, tree, gifts, shopped, repeat.
The highlight was a birthday celebration for Cat's 56th birthday! Dad, Cat, and I..at Byerly's. Low key and nice. I will take her to see "A Secret Garden" at Stages Theatre in March!

Christmas is now the focus ~ so I can relax and enjoy it all~

The Colorado Duncan family is working hard to heal Hayden's latest cold and need for oxygen again. Pray for whole health for our little grand. He is in good hands!

Merci for this day, God. xo

God who cares for all of us~

We had our 5th meeting at my house today~ How exciting and lovely this change is..for all of us. Only 4 of us but we are healing, and planning for a new place to meet, a new time, a new us1 We will be healthy and remain strong. What a lot we have learned. Dentist this am, a quick couple of errands, and after the meeting, dinner, and wrapped a few gifts. Sitting in the porch, YES, the porch..as winter has not graced us with it's presence yet! Yea! It makes driving to work quite nice. Merci simply for today. I owe it all to you, God. xo

God who cares for others

Project Homeless Connect~December 12, 2011. Merci God for directing me to serve others. I had an amazing day and put many services in place for a wonderful man named Reginald, a tooth pulled, haircut, birth certificate, lunch together, and housing, and a couple, Johnny & Bobbi who secured work information, health insurance, eyeglasses & lunch~ Thank you Hennepin County for your efforts in ending homelessness by 2016~ we are on our way. Merci for every blessing I have in my life~

God who I love~

What a wonderful Sunday~ Tea, paper, breakfast with my sweetie, a few errands and home to many dozen cookies on the counter. Another year of Scottie's famous frosted sugar cookies! They are beautiful and everyone is, as always excited about them! The tree is trimmed and the house is nearly decorated. A very slimmed down version for us, as we aren't entertaining large groups and we just got it de-childproofed after little Hayden and his parents went home after Thanksgiving. It was a ton of work~ Tis a very good thinking to be simple indeed! Merci God for being ever present in my life. me, xo

Project Homeless Connect tomorrow and I am so looking forward to it!

God who knows me~

Nothing better than a day that comes together like this one did. The tree went up and some decor came down from it resting place. I think about beautifying tomorrow! I got my car lights replaced, dropped off my "favorite" lamp to have it rewired, got gas and a cup of coffee, stopped at 2 estate sales..spent a grand total of $12.00! and then out for dinner at Crave at MOA with my sweetie, and finished my shopping, almost, and listened to a concert of full brass instruments and a vocalist, while we splurged on our yearly Candy Cane Blizzard~ what a sweet moment, sitting as we do on a bench in the American Girl Doll store :) All in all a wonderful day. I am surely blessed~ Merci to my God who knows me SO well... and I am now off to bed to read as long as I can keep my eyes open!

God of my understanding~

Tis the end of a very busy week. Many wonderful memories and a few to set aside. Work is done for a week and I'll focus on wrapping up Christmas so that I can relax and enjoy with those I love. Merci God for your love of me, my sweetie, children, grands, and each family member. Many thanks for watching me as I trod through each moment of my life, helping me to be the best I can be~

God who knows what I need long before I do~

Had the girls over today from 12:30-5:00!!!!!!! What a loving, fun time we had. Even got the meeting in :) Never left home...baby it's cold outside! Boxes packed and shipped today, Yea! Scottie is a very good Santa! Dinner with my sweetie, bedtime. xo

Merci God for knowing me and letting me know for myself~

God who cares for all of us~

I just really had a rough day today. Dad had two doctor appointments and he was all out mean. Each doctor noticed it, contrary, opposed every thought of everyone, and was critical and accusatory. I left him at noon and haven't recovered at all~ I had so much to do today..with Christmas cheer and I felt very sad. Dad even said Dr. S was upset his creatinine wasn't higher so he wouldn't be here, when in fact it's lower and feels he's getting better. His kidney's won't get better :( the lower test result means that he isn't eating enough protein and has muscle wasting~ So in the course of 3 hours I was pretty much beat to a pulp..not literally of course, just in thought, word, and deed. As I was making follow-up appointments, he stormed back into the office and said, "what are you doing?, can we go now, what is taking so long...." It was embarrassing~ I don't know what it's like to walk in dad's shoes, I'm not 83 and living alone, I'm not mad at the world, the government, president's, insurance companies, doctors, and on it goes. It was a bad day for Dad and when he called to say good-night as he has done for nearly 2 solid years, he had no idea that there was any problems today at all. I feel sad for him quite often, yet love him as I always have. He told me to work my program~ ok dad. I love you, Pooh

Merci God for letting me go on today~ Rest now!

God who is so good to me and those I love and those I care for~

What a delightful evening watching this concert on PBS! I so enjoyed seeing them in concert with my sweetie several years ago~ Gifts are being wrapped, lists made, lists completed, cards ordered. I'm feeling the spirit of of the season slowly moving in~ so enjoyed listening to Christmas music on my way to work~ I usually drive and ponder~ Work is a continuous challenge..looking for ways to help, referrals that make sense to the listener, and caring so much for giving optimism and hope~ And then I must let it go~ The outcome will never be mine to determine. God knows and watches over, but even God isn't big enough for this disease. Merci for your love God, for me, those I love, and those I care for~ peace.

God who cares for me~

I rocked this weekend...sort of :) I've got the Denver box just about ready to go, and the gifts are wrapped for the Oklahoma kids~ The others are in some order, and I feel accomplished but took many little breaks. I've been home since I came home from work on Friday evening..and I love that thought! Everyone I need is right here :) Off to work tomorrow, so I must leave the house...busy week ahead. Merci God for a snowy, quiet, productive weekend. I needed just that~ xo, me

Merci God~

Snow is softly falling~ what a nice quiet, lazy Saturday~ I got a good start on Christmas fun! Looking forward to a nice dinner with my sweetie and a good movie~ Merci God for knowing just what I needed today~

God bless each of us~

Such a day of despair for those I care for~ Tears were flowing today...a good sign. Change can happen when one is feeling the pain. God, please help that happen, and include D & R. Merci to you for your many gifts, and for enlightening me and keeping me healthy enough to do what I do. I am growing strong once again in broken places~ Bless each of us that has a decision to make today.

A quiet night at home. Grilled cheese and soup..nummy. Started making order of our home as Christmas is coming~ It feels good to begin to put things in order~

Merci, Merci, Merci!

God of my understanding~

Back to work after one day short of two weeks off...phew....nice to be with those I care for, and tough at the same time. Our 39 year old, left and returned in the same day. He is dying..quickly. I accessed all resources I could..we'll see what comes next for him.

Dinner and "It's a Wonderful Life" play with Scottie. FUN! LUCKY! HAPPY HOLIDAY's! Still in with-drawl from the kids returning to Denver :( Gosh I miss them!

I am grateful for many, many blessings. Merci God for standing strong beside me, which gives me strength~

God who cares for those I love~

Ten days has passed so quickly~ The kids flew home to Denver today..good-bye Katie & Ryan and baby Hayden. We loved having you here and will miss you so much. Gosh, weren't we lucky to have these days together. Great Papa came to say good-bye and I'm sure he shed a tear as I did at the airport and Scottie did when he left for work early this morning. We are lucky indeed. Hayden is on the mend~ thank you God.

Merci God for the blessings you let me see~ I am one very lucky girl~

God who cares for all of us~

A very special email from my Daddy tonight! Upon hearing that Hayden was discharged from Children's Hospital today and is heading home with his mommy and daddy to Denver tomorrow~
BLESSED AM I. Merci God for caring for little Hayden and all of us~ Grammie :)
-----Original Message-----
From: David Leslie
To: cynthiaj952
Sent: Mon, Nov 28, 2011 4:18 pm
Subject: Fw: DailyThought 11.29.11

THIS ABOUT SAYS IT ALL!! XO, DAD.
From: DailyThought
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 8:48 PM
To: DailyThought Subscriber
Subject: DailyThought 11.29.11


AA Thought for the Day
(courtesy AAOnline.net)
November 29, 2011
Prayer
Lord, make me a channel of thy peace --
that where there is hatred, I may bring love --
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness --
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony --
that where there is error, I may bring truth --
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith --
that where there is despair, I may bring hope --
that where there are shadows, I may bring light --
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted --
to understand, than to be understood -- to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen.
St. Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 99

Thought to Ponder . . .
Life is fragile, handle with prayer.


AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A S A P = Always Say A Prayer.

God who cares for those I love~

Little Hayden is still in Children's Hospital~ a little bit better this afternoon, with a ways to go. His Mommy & Daddy are by his side~and holding up really well. It must be so hard to be away from "home" with a wee one so sick. Prayers for a speedy turnabout, discharge from the hospital, and a few good days with us, Grammie & Poppie, before heading home. I learn more about myself and others each day~ Merci God for your love of Hayden, his Mommy & Daddy!

God who loves Baby Hayden

Our little grandson Hayden was dedicated today by Father Henry Doyle~at St.Mary's Hall Chapel in Faribault. It was a special service with a reading from Luke called "Song of Mary". How special of him to include Mom in the service. Katie, Ryan, & Hayden, along with Grammie (that's me :) and Poppie (Scottie :) and Great Papa were present. Hayden looked angelic in his while suit that I was lucky enough to get him as a gift. We had a nice brunch afterward at Jensen's. Our little guy had been at Urgent Care last night and was found to have croup. He seemed well, but took a turn this afternoon..and as I write he is at Children's Hospital after being sent there by Urgent Care. The kids must be very tired, as they were up most of the night. Kates is pregnant, remember? and due in March~ she needs lots of rest. We have had a wonderful week, very busy, and will cherish every moment.

Merci God for caring for each of us. Bless Father Doyle as he continues to wrap his arms around our family..he is very special to me~ I am grateful for those I love and are here, and for those I've had, and are not here~

God who I love~

The "Nook" for lunch..home of the famous "juicy lucy" and my SIL~Ryan say it is the best. Katie like them all, 5-8 Club and Matt's. I had a salad and Scottie a chicken sandwich~ And, little Hayden :( was very happy and eating up a storm when he threw up! Off we went, home, and later a trip to Urgent Care with Mom and Dad..croup :( He is a strong little guy. I bathed him, gave him is bottle (my very favorite moment) and tucked him in~ Mom and Dad met friends for dinner! Great leftovers for Scottie and I.

Another day come and gone .. special days are these. Warm both inside and out. Merci, Merci God for special days~

God who cares for those I love~

What a beautiful day this has been~ Wonderful turkey by Scottie, all else by Katie & I. In all, there was Katie, Ryan & little Hayden, Dad, Cat, Peter and Mary, Scottie and I. The Reynolds kid's and their spouse stopped by for a bit. A beautiful balmy 56 degree day~ How blessed were we! We of course remembered all those who were not with us~ Mom, Boo, and our Ry, and those far away. My days cannot be quite the same, ever, until he returns~ That is my wish, that he returns when he is ready~

Merci God for the blessings in my life. To live and laugh and to be fully whole~ I am one lucky girl..to be so loved.

God who knows what I need~

Having my daughter home with her daddy and I is just like drinking sweet tea on a summer day while a warm wind blows. Merci God for loving me so much!

God who cares for all of us~

Katie, Hayden, & I had brunch this morning for girls, babies, and an auntie! Good food, monkey bread, and an egg & pork stratta, and an art project like the one above, made it a very special morning. I now have Hayden's little hand print to treasure forever. What a luck Mom and Grammie I am. Merci God for knowing me so well~

KK and I sure love entertaining together! We've gotten LOTS of practice here and in Colorado~how lucky :) From planning to place cards to decor, and cooking..it's always more fun with two..especially when it's my daughter!

God who loves me~

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men....
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
  but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
  and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in..
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
  when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
  and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
  a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
  can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
  to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what
makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
  and everything to give..

Merci God for giving me my friend Laurel~ She understands where I've been and how hard it is for me to cope with where I'm going, day by day, without my son, Ryan.

Merci God for giving me my beautiful daughter Katie.  I've never loved her more than I do today, and what's so wonderful is that she know it~  I am more blessed than I ever expected to me.

I give this writing to my daughter, just as it was a gift to me from my Laurel~                    Merci

God who loves my family~

We picked up Katie and her little Hayden at the airport tonight. What a wonderful feeling to have them home for the "holidays", back in our home again. It took about 2 minutes to connect with Hayden..driving home, I made up a little song and sang, "MinneSNOWta, MinneSNOWta here we are, here we are... Welcome little Hayden, Welcome little Hayden to our home." He giggled and giggled for miles..such a sweet little connection~ Sure lets me know how much I miss my Kate, and our baby grand. But for now they are home with Poppie and Grammie and we are lucky, indeed. Ryan will join his little family on Wednesday..in time for turkey day :)

Scottie was raking this morning and shoveling this afternoon~ quite a change in weather. I must got buy a little sled and take Hayden for a walk~ Merci God for the blessings in my life~ I am so grateful for each of them. I am willing to be patient for those things I want, knowing you know when~

God who loves me~

Gosh, another day of pink color! Not only has this been my one and only favorite color since I was a child, it continues to cheer me~ I find it totally relaxing and comforting. A good day at work~ until...oops I won't go in to the mom social worker and the "marketing director" that were all over my assessment..only to have the desire to have a young man with 3 young girls and a wife, be "home" for Christmas~ crazy thing about addiction...Christmas must wait~ at all costs.

Our little girl and her little boy arrive tomorrow night for Thanksgiving week.. what a thrill. Everyone is so excited and we will have much celebration! I'm lucky as celebration comes easily for me, must be all that gratitude I have.. Merci God for all I am and all I have~ I am truly lucky...and tired, off to read and rest my weary bones. Merci..I get butterflies when I think about tomorrow, xo

God of my understanding~

Suck a wonderful, pink message for me~

Merci God for today~ A great day at work..not that there wasn't sadness..and people I care for that are getting sicker and I feel helpless, but then it's not up to me to make choices that only they can make..and if they want, they can. I good online training that I suggested~yea! Dinner with my sweetie and a nice night at home~ Two days and my baby girl and our little grand with be here! Merci from the bottom of my heart!

God who helps me~

Gosh oh Gumbo~ I can barely keep my head upright and it's closing in on midnight. I shopped all day..it takes me a long time to shop for others..it must be very special indeed~ And then, I have the task of finding a christening gown for my little grand~ Hayden. Well, this project should have begun a long time ago, better yet, I should have treated myself to a sewing machine and I would have it done :) And as well, I must have some books and toys for him to play with, that would be nice for a tiny, active one year old... oh my~ maybe we'll have to go out for Thanksgiving (kidding) or order in (kidding again, I think). What a wonderful day, warm, sunny, and a gift...literally! It will come together~it always does, besides I have the help of my wee one, Kates~ if we aren't skyping the day away, or talking, or texting~ geez. It would be nice to live in the same city~ maybe one day. Merci God for walking, running and coming along with me today. It was a nice surprise to accomplish more than I planned! me

God who knows me~

How lucky can a mom be. I spent the day packing away every little thing that might entice my little grand baby. I don't want any little thing to come between his visit with his mom and dad, and our fun! We skyped a couple times, sent many emails, readying for Christmas, and it was the best of days. Home and close to those I love. Thanksgiving visits are very special indeed and I cannot wait to get my little girl, her son, and a few days later, her wonderful husband, home. Merci God for giving me a very special day~

God who knows what I need~

What a relaxing day~ Drank tea and read the paper like forever..really! Showered and got dressed at 2:30pm, just before my Daddy came over for dinner. Lots of football for my sweetie~ Rest for me, and Laughs when my dad came. He has many stories, and is always looking up! Merci God for how you have blessed me~ I am the luckiest girl on earth.

Roasting Vegtables~ Tip of the Day!

tip of the day~
To roast vegetables, toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees F in a shallow pan for 25-30 minutes.
See more ways to prepare vegetables.
from BHG

God who I love~

The end to a gorgeous sunshiny day~ Can it be so, that the high today was 64 degree's? We are all holding our breaths, soaking in the sun, letting it warm us, knowing it will change soon. Canterberry Fall Festival was fun, such creative people represented. A nothing day as far a work or accomplishment and it feels more important that if I would have worked hard..accomplishing "things". Merci God for your presence in my life. Nice dinner on the grill with my sweetie and watched "Water for Elephants," it was good, I liked the book better~ and Scottie watched football, which is very important :) Sweet Dreams~ my daddy is coming over for dinner tomorrow! xo

God who loves me~

The week has finally ended its grip on me and I am so glad to be home~ A busy week with change all around~ Some will make them stick and some won't. I wonder about me~ A brand new meeting started, a "no" to dinner out tonight because I wanted to be home, and I wanted others to get together because I know they can, without me, without my presence and can hold it together~ I am pleased I stuck to what I wanted to do...even with much pressure to reconsider!, I didn't~ YEAH! I am all tucked in my home with lots to do this weekend, but for tonight it's my sweetie & me...locked in and warm. Merci God for loving me~

God who loves me~

Busy day at work, skype with our Colorado kids, dinner, home, and "words with friends". I love scrabble~ off to rest, watching medical shows. Hoped to make a bracelet..maybe tomorrow. Merci for your love God~ I am blessed~

God who knows what I need~

Merci God for the women in my life~ We had our first official "new" AA meeting at my house today. It is beyond me that an AA meeting that I had attended for 15 years became intolerable. It did and there's no reason to look back and recount the why's. It just was, for many of us. With a feeling of great loss I knew I could not return to that meeting. I needed something healthy~ It began today with four of us, it was loving and refreshing. We have much work to do; pick a name, format our desires, and most importantly, follow the AA way as Bill and Bob would want us to do, with respect for "the program" and for each other, providing trust and safety to all who join us in the months to come. For now we need to heal and it began today.. I skipped for the first time in a long stretch of Wednesdays. Merci God for knowing just what and who I need.

God who knows what I need~

Merci God for a soothing weekend...thank you honey for an always safe, calm, and loving home~ With all going on.. now Barb, we should just run and play~
:)

God who carries me~

I wonder if I have melancholy. I copied a friend that just used this word, so I took it for now, for wondering. I've been home all day, peaceful, and wondering if I couldn't just stay here forever, from now on. I am overwhelmed with the craziness at work, concerned really that what I hear and what I see hasn't just worn me out, because I am. I feel I need lots of space and lots of time with me~ and my sweetie. I feel I need to leave work, do something else but I feel mad about it. When a system is so toxic I think it should be changed...no one has to be kept, decisions can be made..and why not? Not my decision, but it is my impact~ The people I serve, deserve me and the others that do so much. That's it for today, just some thoughts and maybe the beginning of change.

Skyped with the Duncan's...pure and simple joy! Merci God for loving us as you do~

God who carries me~

My days at work are becoming harder and harder for me~ "A basket full of Misfits" is what our staff was called by one of my favorite nurses yesterday and it carried in to today~ I could never allow myself to think of me that way...just because I do the work I do because of my own experience. I see me as a hero of sorts to others struggling with addiction as I once did. A role model..one day at a time...and in the world to help, to share that health and happiness are possible with our "simple program". I am ever so grateful..and love my journey, no matter what it brings. It is good to be~ Merci God, for being who you are to me and to my family~ Peace

God who carries me~

Merci for coming into my life the second I came into yours.

Happy Birthday to my little godson~Nollie. What a special dinner we shared~ i love you, Cici

God~

Breast Cancer thoughts~

Be So, Do So...
Be the person we were put on this earth to Be,
& Do as we were meant to Do.
We could all use a little reminder of keeping it
positive & authentic in this thing we call life.
Our mission is to get the word out, share the love,
& Believe that peace is possible.
The best in each of us, enriches all of us.
Be So. Do So.

Merci for today~ Dad, breakfast, walk around the lake, home, dinner with Kimberly~fun, and home~ it is all a blessing, that I know~

God who makes special days~

A very Happy Halloween to all~ What a day it has been. Skyping with our tiniest pumpkin Hayden and his Mommy & Daddy at the start of the day and at the end. Horseback riding for the first time in 40 years, with one exception of taking 10 steps on a horse in Wyoming when the kids were very small. A beautiful sun shiny day~ confidence, freedom, and joy! My teachers, Judy & Art have a beautiful farm and put Susie and I at ease and hooray, it was pure bliss. I had not one pinch of nerves. My horses name was Magic, and he was~ The smile never left my face. Dinner and Scottie's amazingly creative pumpkin, as well as little trick or treaters brought this day to a perfect end.