Black Friday shopping ... not for me!

My family is a little different from me -- well, part of them are anyway. I do NOT get up well before the crack of dawn to go stand in a line for hours at a store to get early Christmas shopping done! For some reason, I just cannot bring myself to do that. I'll just hit 'overstock.com' at home and have it delivered to my door (free delivery usually)!!

However -- I do have family members who do that! Such as Roxanne and Shonna who left our house at 3:00am ... yes, 3:00am ... to arrive at Toys R Us at 3:20am and waited until the store opened at 5:00am. Roxanne said she and Shonna had great fun -- go girls! I'll stay home and sleep, thank you very much!

Sandi is more like I am -- she and Tim went a little later in the day and actually got some things they wanted that had not been picked over too much.

Teri -- she lives about 1-1/2 hours from us -- told me that she, Marley and Rudy went shopping this year but I forgot to ask how early she got up. With an 18 month old, who knows?!!

My sister is the most predictable of all -- she leaves her house around 4:30am every year. This year, she just had her two oldest girls - Jene, 21, and Shara, 18, going with her. I think it was extra special for her as the girls are both away at college most of the time. More than even the shopping, they have a blast (and probably laugh a lot especially if Shara decides to do one of her 'embarrass Mom' antics, and have their favorite places to eat, like P.F. Chang's.

I stayed at home and let the girls do the shopping. Sandi called me with a couple good deals so I had her grab those for me.

I thought it was so sad that a person was trampled to death at a Walmart, no less. It seems that shopping days like this bring out weird things in people and they forget all about the Christmas season and that it represents "love" not "greed".

I am thankful for a family who wants to give to others rather than think about what the will receive from their list. And I never want to forget the ultimate gift -- a baby in a manger!! What an awesome example of the ultimate gift -- so that we might have life!

Thanksgiving through "other" eyes ...

I 'stole' this note from Sandi as she did such an awesome job of sharing our day yesterday ...

This Thanksgiving truly felt like a "real" thanksgiving! We were definitely thankful and we had spent a great time with family sharing a meal together. But our next door neighbors (originally from India) had no one to spend Thanksgiving with. Tim had run into them at the grocery store and told them they should come over and share Thanksgiving dinner but they were somewhat hesitant to 'intrude". Even though they have only lived next door since August, Mike and Lufah and Janefar have become great friends. Janefar is only a year older than Ty and they spend many afternoons playing together. Just a few days ago, their home was robbed during a daytime burglary and that has shaken them.

I decided to go over and invite them again. I asked if they celebrated Thanksgiving - and they said they were "trying" even though they really didn't understand. They had heard that you should eat turkey and so they were attempting to make one along with traditional Indian dishes. Lufah wanted me to sample some of the things she had made (delicious by the way even though I still can't pronounce them!) and they agreed to come over for a little while. They brought some of their Indian dishes while their turkey proceeded to cook. We had a great afternoon with them and Lufah asked me later, "So this is Thanksgiving - everyone comes together and brings a dish to share?" I told her that was part of it and that it was a day to be thankful for the many blessings in our life. She said that they were beginning to understand now what Thanksgiving meant. She told me to make sure I tell her what to do when things like this come up! ;-) They truly want to assimilate and understand our culture and it was also so cool to understand a little of theirs. They grew up near Calcutta and it was interesting hearing stories of their family. When they left, they insisted that they would have everyone to their house for a big dinner sometime soon.

Mom said it reminded her of what Thanksgiving was all about and I would have to agree. What we would have missed out on if we wouldn't have taken a minute and shared an invitation. We sampled some great Indian food, they shared some traditional American ones and we all shared friendship that spans cultures and even language (at times!).

I am thankful - for my family too - they welcomed them just as they would any of our family or close friends!

SO Happy Thanksgiving - I am grateful for the chance to share what Thanksgiving is really all about!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Doesn't Christmas come AFTER Thanksgiving?

Well, it's supposed to be although in most stores, Christmas stuff is now up before Halloween. Go figure! Our younger generation will be completely confused. Then again, probably not! They won't know any different.

Back to Christmas -- Roxanne decided (well, we all agreed) that we would get the tree done before Thanksgiving so I guess since it is Wednesday, today would be that day. So, Chris and I put the tree up -- I sort of helped. No, we aren't quite as ambitious as going out and chopping down a tree or even buying one already chopped down. Artificial, I know but Chris did have to drag it in from the garage. Does that count as far as dragging a tree to a truck or car or whatever? I can hear all those who will only settle for the good ol' cut down tree thinking we are taking the easy way out. Maybe so -- maybe not. We have to figure out how to put that big 9 foot tree in this bag after Christmas instead of dragging it out to the road for someone to pick up. Putting the tree up meant putting the four pieces together (that makes up a 9 foot tree), making sure we find what plugs into what (we didn't master that completely) and then fluffing all the branches prior to decorating the tree. We did the decorating a little later after had all eaten lunch and were sufficiently in a good enough mood not to get in each other's way and fuss over who was putting what where.

I do one thing quite differently -- we do not have an angel or a star on top of our tree. I do have lots of angel ornaments and some stars but on top of our tree is a crown of thorns. I got it during an Easter season so I can assure you that we handle it with care. Anyone who doesn't usually pays the price of being stuck by one of the thorns! It sits on top of the tree as a reminder that while Christ came as a baby, he also gave his life on a cross for us.

Once we got the tree put together and the crown of thorns on the top, we tried to decide whether to use our typical ribbon on the tree this year and thought we might just do something a little different and leave it more simple. We did cover up the bottom of the tree so it doesn't look quite as artificial! lol!!

Of course -- remember when I said we can never do anything without a silly photo -- sure enough, today was no exception. Roxanne held the camera out and said, "Okay, everyone together ..."

Have camera ... will capture ...

It seems I inherited one thing from my mother (among other things, too) and that is always having a camera handy. However, years ago, that wasn't the best thing to have. I would take lots and lots of pictures and throw the film into a drawer to be developed later. Ha!! Some of those didn't get developed for more years than I'd like to think. I guess when they are developed and they have a yellow tint and looked washed out, it's probably been too long.

So, no one was happier when the digital stuff came down the pike then me. Then again, as I have shared before, I have saved many, many photos onto CD's and forgot to mark the CD's. However, I really like flash drives now! It seems I can store more. But, I doubt I will make it much easier on myself. It just doesn't seem to happen that way.

Back to 'have camera' ... Between Chris and Ava's daddy, Dylan, they kept Ava occupied and somewhat entertained this afternoon. So, here is their story ...

Ava's daddy, Dylan Lantz

Thanksgiving Trivia

A friend of mine forwarded this link to me this morning and I thought I would be so brave and would pass the test with flying colors .... WRONG!!

So ... in case you would like to try it, click or gobble here and if you're brave, share your score! I'll admit, I'm more Thanksgiving challenged than I thought!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words ..

They say a picture is worth a thousand words -- to try to put the past weekend into words would be difficult so thought I would just simply share the photos with a few captions underneath some. From Tyler's 8th birthday party to our trip to Atlanta and catching up with my brother, Tim, and his family as we left there, it was a busy, great weekend. Needless to say, Bob was quite thrilled with his little great-granddaughter, Ava!

So, without further ado .. here are the photos ...

Sandi wasn't too thrilled about this photo but it showed the setup for the party!

Tyler wanted a 'camp out' theme this year!

Tyler with his two new friends -- the girl on the right is a neighbor.

Thanks to a donation from Home Depot, the kids enjoyed craft time!

And there were goodie bags for kids -- age appropriate!!

Check out G.O.R.P.!! "Good Ole Raisins and Peanuts Trail Mix"!!

All the stuff to go in the "G.O.R.P."

Tyler and R.J.

It was pretty cool outside -- at least for us southerners!

And, of course, there was a birthday cake. It was a challenge for Sandi to make a 'tent' from a cake!

Tim, Sandi, Tyler

Cousins and best friends

Remember the 'camp out' theme! Bonfire, hot dogs, S'mores, and all. And it was warm!!

There's just something special about a bonfire!

Cake close up -- camping out!

Now -- on to Atlanta ...

On to David and Amy Balty's where they treated us to dinner!! It was great -- and Ava found a place in their hearts quickly!

And more family ...

Don't you love Kasi's expression at whatever Jonathan said!

Okay, so we will smile this time!

Ava with Aunt Susan!

.. and Jonathan

... and Michael

... and Uncle Tim

The family -- Christopher, Michael, Susan, Tim (with Ava), me, Kasi, Jonathan (Rox took the picture)

Special aunt and uncle!

... and last, but not least, Ava with Christopher and she's awake!

Finally, Roxanne gets in the picture with Tim, Susan and boys.

So, there is at least part of our weekend! All in a little over 48 hours! Wow!

Wheel -- Hawaii -- Hope Chapel

Okay .. so the title makes absolutely no sense, right. Wheel of Fortune is on right now and I noticed that it was filmed in Hawaii and that brought back memories of a couple visits we made to Hawaii.

The first one was in 2000 right during the presidential election. Bob and I had absentee voted (is that how you say it?) and since there is a substantial time difference, we went to dinner thinking that by the time we got back, we would have a president. Well, suffice it to say, even though we didn't return home for a few days, we were still in limbo! And being from the state of Florida did not help things at all. I told friends that when people asked where we were from, we said, "Florida" and then ducked for cover!

We returned to Hawaii five years ago to go on a cruise with my sister, Rachel, and her husband, Allen. Allen was celebrating his fortieth birthday (guess that tells you how old he is!), they were celebrating their 20th anniversary and Bob and I were celebrating our 35th anniversary.

We decided to incorporate visiting churches while we were there. Bob had read "Let Go of the Ring" written by Ralph Moore and was quite fascinated and inspired by the story of "Hope Chapel" in Hawaii. So, we chose to visit two Hope Chapel campuses while we were there -- one on the front end of the trip and one on the back. What an experience that was!! (Click on "Hope Chapel" above to visit their site.)

One of the intriguing things I found was that they roped off the seats -- almost to the front and as each of those rows were filled, they would move the rope back. (Stretchy type of rope.) And people seemed very comfortable with that -- what a great idea! Somehow I think people in our churches might just jump the rope and say, "I'm a back seat person!" No one did it there nor seemed concerned that they might have to sit near the front.

If you get a chance to read Ralph Moore's book, you will be inspired ... as he describes how they plant churches and even how they fund those churches.

How can something so little change our lives so much!

This little "thing" weighs about 9-1/2 pounds so shouldn't affect anything too much, right? But, wow!! Our schedule seems to revolve around "her" -- I should never refer to Ava June as a "thing" and my apologies for doing so. (You would think I would just go back and delete that part. If it were in the "olden" days, I would look for the liquid paper or some sort of erase type of thingy. Remember those strips we would use to erase an error in our typing? Oh, how times have changed!)

Anyway, little Ava has certainly made an impression on all of us. Since Roxanne and Chris live in our home, too, that gives me quick access to our little great-granddaughter. And what fun that has been -- even when she spent most of the night with me when she just couldn't seem to get to sleep and her mommy was exhausted.

Now, along with changing our schedule, it seems our home has become Grand Central Station -- for high schoolers (who are Kasi's schoolmates -- she went back to school today!) This evening, a group from her cheer leading team dropped in including moms! I opened the door not really expecting anyone this evening -- and there was a whole line of people. So much for not really dressing up much today. Oh, well .. I'll hide in my office and write this up while they visit in the living room. Maybe in a little while, I can make a dash for my room and hope nobody notices. Sure ...

Ava's a good little girl already although she's already developing a personality. She started to smile (other than a 'gas' smile) yesterday and I think everyone cheered. You would think we haven't had a baby in our house in years! I'll admit that it feels a little different being "once removed" ... being a 'great' grandmother. However, it's interesting when either Rox or Kasi are unsure how to handle something, they are quick to come to me and ask. Maybe they are just trying to be kind and not wanting me to feel left out.

So .. we'll enjoy this little gal who has brought some change into our lives! Even if it interrupts our schedule and I awake to her sleeping peacefully beside me!

More weather news -- won't bore you with it all!

I received another weather bulletin -- this one longer than the last one. I won't bore you with the details other than to say that the concern is more about weather below freezing and how it affects our crops here -- oranges, strawberries, etc. Anyone been to the Strawberry Festival in Plant City? If not, it's a great place to visit in Florida. Oh, when was I there last? Probably once in the last ten years. It's great -- however, it is a very busy place and I prefer to stay out of the craziness.

By the way, big news! Ava smiled today -- really smiled. Okay, so I'm a great-grandmother and it's only been 18 months since the last baby smiled but each one is special in their own way!!

I was talking to her (no baby talk, just a nice little conversation) and she smiled so big, she almost couldn't contain it!

Tyler loves his cousin, Ava, but expressed some concern today as he sees that Ava has found a place in his mom's and dad's hearts, also. He wondered if Ava would take his place. Needless to say, he was very quickly assured that he has the very special place in his parents' hearts and no one can take that place -- ever! He seemed very content with the answer and told me that he would be Ava's protector -- and I am sure he will be just that. The photo tells that story!

You know you live in Florida when you receive this weather bulletin!!

I receive email weather alerts and this one just arrived a few minutes ago. Having been raised in the good ol' north, I still get amused when I read these and we've lived in Florida for 17+ years!

Here is how it reads:

WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAMPA BAY RUSKIN FL 546 PM EST SUN NOV 16 2008 ..A VERY COLD NIGHT IN STORE FOR ALL OF WEST CENTRAL AND SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WITH AREAS OF FROST POSSIBLE OVER THE NATURE COAST...

STRONG COLD HIGH PRESSURE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD INTO THE REGION TONIGHT. A COLD AND VERY DRY AIR MASS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HIGH WILL ALLOW TEMPERATURES TO FALL OFF QUICKLY AFTER SUNSET. WITH THE HIGH BUILDING IN SURFACE WINDS WILL BEGIN TO DIMINISH AND WITH CLEAR SKIES ALMOST IDEAL RADIATIONAL COOLING WILL TAKE PLACE OVERNIGHT WHICH WILL ALLOW TEMPERATURES TO FALL INTO THE LOWER AND MIDDLE 30S OVER THE NATURE COAST...WITH POCKETS OF NEAR FREEZING...UPPER 30S TO LOWER 40S CENTRAL INTERIOR LOCATIONS...EXCEPT UPPER 40S TO AROUND 50 ALONG THE IMMEDIATE COAST...AND LOWER 40S INTERIOR TO THE UPPER 40S ALONG THE COAST OVER SOUTHWEST FLORIDA BY EARLY MONDAY MORNING.

IN ADDITION TO THE COLD TEMPERATURES ADEQUATE GROUND MOISTURE WILL LIKELY SUPPORT AREAS OF FROST IN THE NORMALLY SHELTER INLAND LOCATIONS OF THE NATURE COAST AFTER MIDNIGHT...WITH SOME PATCHY FROST POSSIBLE OVER EASTERN PASCO COUNTY AS WELL AS NORTHERN SECTIONS OF HILLSBOROUGH AND POLK COUNTIES MAINLY EAST OF THE I-75 CORRIDOR JUST BEFORE SUNRISE.

RESIDENTS PLANNING TO BE OUTDOORS THIS EVENING AND OVERNIGHT SHOULD PREPARE ACCORDINGLY. BRING SEVERAL LAYERS OF CLOTHING...AS THEY WILL INSULATE YOU BETTER THAN A SINGLE COAT OR JACKET. RESIDENTS SHOULD COVER OR MOVE INDOORS ANY COLD SENSITIVE PLANTS THIS EVENING. ALSO...BRING PETS INDOORS.