Saturday, December 31, 2011

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

Friday, December 30, 2011

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!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

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~

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

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.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

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~

Monday, December 26, 2011

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~

Sunday, December 25, 2011

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!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

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

Friday, December 23, 2011

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~

Thursday, December 22, 2011

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!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

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~

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

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~

Sunday, December 18, 2011

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

Saturday, December 17, 2011

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~

Thursday, December 15, 2011

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~

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

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~

Sunday, December 11, 2011

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!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

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!

Friday, December 9, 2011

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~

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

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~

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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!

Monday, December 5, 2011

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.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

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

Saturday, December 3, 2011

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~

Friday, December 2, 2011

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!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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~