HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wow, what a year 2005 has been ! It seemed to be the year Mother Nature showed us She was very upset ! Storm after storm moved through the earth . Yet , one more Hurricane is lurkung in the sea . Yes, hurricane season was "over" Dec, 1 .

This was also the year we saw gas prices jump through the roof . This seemed to make people go crazy , here in Jacksonville. They would do anything for the "Gold" fluid. From stealing from stations , other cars , letting thier cars run out of gas and leaving them , to killing one another.

Yes, this was a trying year . Let us hope 2006 is better . Keep our eyes up and say a little prayer . HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY GOD SPEED !

HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

My husband , sister in-law , my son , and I all went to Disney World the day after Christmas . Talk about the wrong time of year to go ! There were so many people there , it made Christmas Eve at Wal-mart look peaceful.

I was shocked to see they way they rip you off! You have to pay 9 dollars for parking ,then $56 ( Florida residents) or $63 ( for non- residents ) . When you finally get to the park you want to go into , you are very hungry . So, you go to get something to eat . We chose hotdogs , thinking this would be the cheapest , it was $30 for freaking hotdogs!!!

It was very pretty ,all decorated for the Holidays. The Christmas parade was going on when we got in. Very nice . And the Cinderella Crowning was cool . But not many rides , and when you finally found them , 45 min. To 2 hour waits ! Not many characters either.

All I could hear was the sound of money . And thinking "Can you Imagine all the money coming in this place every day?!"

I say next time , we will put the money into a resort there and then go to downtown Disney . It is free to get in there and they have all the stores the parks do . Just no rides or characters.

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS

Can you believe it , tomorrow is Christmas Eve ? I have all the gifts wrapped and stockings stuffed ! Hope to make good memories for my son. Christmas holds many fond memories for me . But the best times were at my Grandma's house in Pagosa Springs , Co . She was the greatest Grandma around !!!

My Dad would always load up the car , Mom and me . Off we would go on the two hour drive. I would get so excited the closer we would get . It seemed to take FOREVER to get there . Oh but it was worth the wait !!

Finally we would arrive , lights all through the town and snow everywhere! It looked like a Christmas Village you would buy in the store . Grandma and Grandpa would be at the door with many hugs . Her house would be decorated like Macy's department store. Red and silver . Outside would be lights and Christmas characters build by Grandpa and Dad . ( They say Grandma always put more out front , so the handicap man across the street , would have something to look at ) She loved everyone and always put them first.

After we would get there , my Aunt and Uncle would come over . Sometimes we would have a special visit from my Uncle from California. I loved when everyone from the family could be there. We then would eat , visit and sing. Finally , we would open up gifts . The house never seemed to rest . People from all over town would stop by to say Merry Christmas . Grandma had a gift for all .

I miss those times and Grandma and Grandpa. It makes me sad to know my son will never meet them. But I can try to make Christmas like they did and tell him how wonderful they were. Hope you make your Christmas special for your loved ones too. :) Have a very Merry Christmas.

WHAT NEXT?

Now I have seen it all ! Cyber Santa. Yes, if you are to busy to take the kids to see Santa , or if the lines are to busy..... Now you can just logg on and talk to Santa on-line. He has a web cam and you can see him and talk to him. How cool is this. Of course I would be watchful . You never know what sick o's may be posing as Santa and just be out there to be a perve. I think I will just make the time to go to the mall and deal with the long line. This way you are with your kid and "Santa" does not get personal info. Unfortunately , it is not a nice world these days.

5 MORE DAYS!!!!!!

Can you believe it , just 5 more days till Christmas!!! It does not seem possible. The year has just flown by. I still have a few more gifts to buy. Yes, I know going to the mall or any store now , is suicidal! But , I had to wait for pay day seems to be enough money or time .

I still get like a kid . I love Christmas so much! I get all excited and jumpy! Can not wait for the gifts! Or Santa! HO, Ho, HO

Is your shopping done?

GOOD NEWS

My husband had his test Wed. Thank God, all is well !! Nothing major wrong , just has a pain in the butt ( no it is not me .LOL) and can be treated with otc meds.

What a way to spend an anniversary Poor guy . He did great , except for the IV part. But that is okay. I am also afraid of IVs.

ARE WE THERE YET?

So many things to do before Christmas is here. One more night of our Christmas program at church ( tonight). This one has been very easy and fun. We have the choir sitting around in a livingroom setting , singing carols and sharing Christmas Memories . It reminds me of something the gathers would do .

Last week we had a party almost every night. Lots of good food ! The choir one was the best. I have never seen so many nice gifts for a party gift game. Gift cards , angels , BC sets , stuff from Bath and Body works . Wow!! One more party to go . Wew.

In between all that , our anniversary falls in. However , my husband has to go have a colon test on that day. I am glad he is finally having it , so no I am not upset about that. We went out Sat night to celebrate . Ate at Carrabaras and went to see Narina . Great movie!

Yes, you could say this has been a very busy Holiday season . And the best is yet to come...... CHRISTMAS ... It is my very favorite time .

IT IS THE HOLLY JOLLY SEASON

Tis the season to be jolly . But all seem to be falling in the Grinch mood. Fighting over money .... Fa La La La La La La La La.

All are rushing , rushing , to see who gets the last parking at the mall. Sceaming and cursing ... Fa La la la la la la la la la

Here it goes the Boss a griping ... (Did you get that work done yet . No Party for you ) La La La La La La La La La

run run for the candy ham ... fa la la la la la la la la la

Get the presents , hurry , wrap them stash them....... La la la la la la la la

now take a deep breath in .. La la la la la la la la

Only 17 days till the Season ... will be over , over , over...... Fa la la la la , la la la la

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. TRY NOT TO GET TO STRESSED OUT . :)

YES , VIRGINA , IT IS STILL CALLED CHRISTMAS

I can not believe that people are trying to put a stop to Christmas being called Christmas . What is wrong with them ! Christmas is the celebration of Jesus birth . Not Santa giving to greedy people! If we stop calling it Christmas , that is like taking the chocolate out of chocolate chip cookies. You still get some what of the taste but not the true thing. That little chill you get when Dec. Comes around would go away. People would become more hateful and the "glow" of Christmas would be gone . Why , would this happen , you may ask . Well, I believe it is the love of God that brings that "magic " feeling of the season . For it was his love that gave us His Son. If we take Christ out of Mas what do we have ...... Mas ( or one big Mess ) It would be the beginning of doing away with our Freedom of Choose , Speech , and religion . Is that what we want ? If so .... Move to a different country!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

NATURAL CURE ALL

I have decided to try a old " new" thing. Drink apple cider vinegar with honey , two to three times a day with meals. Why ? Well , they say it will help to lose weight . Not only that but it will help with many other problems . Such as ; heartburn, sorethoart, ulcers , bloodpressure , and many things . You can read about it on line . It is all on many sites . Just go to Google and type in apple cider vinegar . We will how it works . I will let you all know .

RED, YELLOW, BLACK, AND WHITE

My husband and I have been watching the series "INTO THE WEST". It is a great series with a lot of history. However, it makes me so very mad how much hatred there was toward the natives . They are a people that love the land and all they wanted was food , and not to have the land destroyed . But since they spoke a different language , lived diffrerent , and had a diffrent skin color ; the white soldiers hated them . This makes me very mad !!

It seems to be a hate that continues today . Why? We all bleed the same and breath the same . Had it not been for the native Americans we would not even be here . They showed us how to cook and live in America . ( remember the pilgrims ) . Had it not been for them I would not be alive. My Great- Grandma is a native American. And I am sure many others Great - Grandparents are also . We need to live by the song " Jesus Loves The Little Children " Remember ; Red, yellow, Black , and white , We are all precious in His site !

LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

My family and I went to Harrisburg, PA for Thanksgiving . A very beautiful place . Trees of many colors and Victorian style homes . Makes you feel like you are a part of one of those little Chistmas villages.

The day after I did not go do the crazy shopping thing . Instead, we went to Hershey ,PA . I felt like I was in Heaven ! I am a Chocolate freak!!! Being surrounded by it was wonderful !! The only thing missing was the oomph Lumpas! Check out the web site herseypa.com

It is a great place to visit , with lots to do ! The lights downtown are great too. Heresy kisses all the way down . Very cute ! If you ever have a chance to go , you should ! Best place next to Disney to go !!!

COLD, WHAT COLD ?

Last night brought very cold temps here in Florida . I guess this is what froze people's brains. There was a line of people outside of Target last night. Why ,you may ask . Well, they were waiting to be the first to buy the XBOX360. Okay, so it does some cool things . But to wait out in freezing wind over night ( one couple had an infant out in the wind ) is a little crazy !!!!!

I can only imagine how insane Christmas shopping is going to be in the electronic departments. Is it really worth all the fighting ? It seems to be the "fun" thing for inventor's to do . Every year they come up with something to make us humans go nuts. And then next year this will be an "old and boring "item. Are they putting something in are minds to make us not think straight ? Weather , children , and money seem to mean nothing. They have to have it! And now before their buddy does, so they can be so cool! Please, have a little common sense people!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR ?

Here it is Thanksgiving time again . Time to reflect back and Thank God for things he has blessed as with . I am Thankful for my family and the land I live in. Also , that Hurricane season is almost over !

This has been a very tragic year for many . My heart goes out to those. I have seen many affected from all the storms and many other things. You may not feel you have anything to be Thankful for. But look up and be Thankful you still have breath in your body ( even if you don't feel like taking that breath ). God is not finished with you yet . You still have a purpose !

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!:)

PRISSY KITTY

Yesterday I started getting the house ready for the Holidays. Fun, fun . I completed my room first. this included the closest , the drawers, everything !!!

My cat is very happy , she now has a place to hide in the closest . Little did I know that is not all she likes about it . My husband came home for lunch , walked into the hallway ,and was laughing so hard . " Honey , I think you need to see this ", he said to me. Great , I thought our new puppy had left some sort of present . I walked into the hall and could not believe my eyes. My cat was all warped up in my red lingerie !!! I about fell over with laughter ! Thank God we did not have anyone over ! I guess she just wanted to look sexy for our male cat . lol

A MUST READ

I have found myself additiced to THE CHRONCLES OF NARINA . It is awesome stories . I wanted to read thme since the movie is coming out. These stories have really got a hold on me . I can not seem to put the books down .

When I was younger , I had no desire to read them . I thought they were just another stupid book about magic. Boy, was I wrong ! Yes, they are like a fairy tale ,yet so much like real life between the lines. You begin to see the Bible in the stories . Starting out with Adam and Eve through the book of Revalations . C.S. Lewis was an aewsome writter. If you want a good book to read , read these ! I promise you won't be disappointed!

I can not wait for the movie . It comes out Dec 9. You can see trailers of it at www.narnia.com

A HUGE THANK YOU AND A HUG !!!

I would like to take a moment to thank all of our veterans for their commentment to us and our country. It is because of you we are still a FREE country . It is because of you , we can sleep at night with peace. It is because of you , we can still see our flag flying. It is because of you America still STANDS. God Bless you !!!(((hugs))))) ! And again , THANK YOU !!!!

BEST LITTLE BQ IN TOWN....................YUM YUM

Today my husband and I went to eat lunch at Sticky Fingers . It was by far the best BQ I have had here in Jacksonville . This place Rocks! They bring you four FREE ribs to try with the kind of sauce you want on it .(There are six to choose from )After this , they take your order with the sauce you like. It is out of this world ! The meat just falls off the bone .

Jacksonville is known for it's BQ . So, we have tried just about all ;from Sony's to Toby's, But none can compair to this. If you are ever in town , you have got to sink your teeth into this. You will love it ! Oh, don't for get the wipies !:)

IS IT TO MUCH TO ASK?

My husband , my son ,and I went out for dinner at a nice family restrant the other night. Our son ( 19 months old) needed his diper changed. So, I took him to the famliy restroom. The door was locked with people inside making moaning noises. I don't really care to know what they where doing, but they should have been else where ! Not being able to get in there , I went into the women's restroom. And NO CHANGING TABLE in there !!!!! I was fit to be tied !

This has not been the only place a changing table is no where to found . Or if there is one , it is in a space so small , there is no way in Hadies you can change your child. Is it to much for a store to have a changing station ,that you can use and not just to look at.

Sometimes you can not just run to your car to change your child. And if you do people seem to get all bend out of place. They seem to forget that we all have to go every now and then.

So, what are we to do? Throw the baby on the floor in the store or restrant and change them ? That would not be a good idea . So , is it to much to ask for a changing station ?

HOW COMMITTED ARE YOU?

A couple of weeks ago we did a play at our church . Had a great turn out! A guy by the name of Al played a small roll in it , with only nine words. However , he was great at it , and very committed. You see, Al had Crohn's Disease and was not feeling very well. But he had made a commitment to be a part.

The play was a three nighter. On the last night , Al was really not feeling well and was having chest pains. He thought it was from his meds ( that was one of the side affects ). The director told him he should go home and get some rest. But Al was a fighter and said "No, I have to do this ". He was dragging but did his part anyway.

After the play , his mother took him to the hospital, where he pasted out and went into a coma. Al had came down with Pneumonia and did not know it. He was put into ICU . I am sad to say that Al pasted on Nov. 1,2005. He was 24 years old.

How committed are you? Do you keep your word when you have made a commitment to do something. If it a great task or a small one . This young man has truely challanged me to try and keep my commitments . How about you?

55 DAYS

Can you believe,there are just 55 days till Christmas ! Time to start getting shopping done . Last minute is always a pain ! Get the house clean for decrocating . This can bring overwhelming feelings or gitty ones. As for me ... both .

I love Christmas ; all the trimmings, the food , buying presents for loved ones , the smell and the feel in the air. This year will be great fun . It will be my son's second one , and one he may have some memories of. So. I am going to try to make it wonderful for him.

However , this time of year is a very crazy time too. My husband is a music minister and this is the busiest time for him ; so I don't get to see much of him. That is the part I really hate . He is busy getting the choir program together. That could be a sit-com of it's own . However, it always comes out great at the end.

Oh, yes.... the next two months will be very busy. Thanksgiving, our aniversery, the Christmas program , Christmas , and my husbands birthday. Wow!!! Let us hope I make it through!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Halloween holds great childhood memories. My Dad and I always had a great time fixing up the house for this time of year. We would carve pumpkins ( the old school way ), make sound traks to play for trick or treaters, buy the best candy to give out ( of coarse this was for Dad to have the left overs), and dress up . I loved it !

The one thing that I will never forget, My first haunted house . The JC 's would always put on the best one . And very scary I might add . I was seven years old and really wanted to go. I thought I was a very brave little girl. So, my Dad took me. It was a very cold and windy Oct. night . This added to the whole effect. I remember the line being very long and no other small children in it. Dad asked if I was sure about going in. Oh yes, I had to !

Finally, we were at the door. I grabed his hand a little tighter , gulped and walked into the most scary place I had ever been !!! I can remember ugly creasures jumping out at us , crazy people mad because we were in "their" house, and monsters everywhere ! I think I even peed my pants!! But I made it all the way through . Brave little girl !!! But you know , I still will not go in one of those things to this day!

I loved Halloween ! make it a time of family fun . It does not have to be an evil holiday. Have a Great Time ! Peace :)

CRY BABIES!!!!

Today our news headline read " Be very afraid". The article is about our NFL team may be moving. Why? Well , you see , they are a cry baby team. The reason I say this , is because every time they do not get there way, they say they are going to move. SO WHAT!!!!! If this is they way they feel , I now know why the city rolls eyes and are not big fans.

The reason this week , for the big threat. They do not want the city to place ads on the billboards. They want the ads ,they want . This sounds like kids fighting!!!

Come on guys act your age. As for now I choose to stand behind the other Fl. team!!!!!!

FREAKING OUT

This storm coming is making people go nuts! The cats are running through the house , the baby crying one min. and laughing the next . Not wanting to take a nap ! AWWW. And my husbands boss is wanting everything in the office re cleaned.

The cleaning guys just completed the cleaning , but he is running around saying ," it is not clean enough. It should take you at least 2 to 3 hours just to vacuum!" The carpet is very clean, so I don't know why he is freaking out! It has to be the storm or the full moon!

We still don't know where this crazy hurricane is going to hit! All we can do is wait , and pray we will have enough time to get out if needed. This is very strange ! You see, we usually know at least 3 to 4 days in advance. This one is a watch and wait . I really don't like that. But it is no need to freak out. Just be prepared ! We will know soon .

CAT.5

Well, they say Wilma is now a cat . 5. This is bigger then Katrina was ! And it is heading for Florida . I am getting prepared to leave if we must . There is alot more to getting ready for a hurricane then some would think. I am getting all the VIP paperwork together , doing laundry, taking inventory of household things , and getting all of our pictures I would like to take .

This is just the start of preparing. I also need to go buy water , batteries , diapers , and non-parisable food . This in case we can stay . We could be without power for a while.

You may say " stay are you crazy?" Well, you see ,we are in the northeastern part of Florida. And it is said to hit southern and mid Florida. So , we may not have to leave. Then agian , if it stays a cat. 5 .... Yes ,we will be out of here! If it stays that strong , it will be HUGE !

Here is the scary thought. If it stays a Cat. 5 , people will need places to go. However, most big centers are still holding Katrina People. So, were will the people all go ? We just need to pray the storm dies down . America has sufforded enough ! However, I guess it is true of what my Grandma used to say " What does not kill us , will make us stronger ".

I will try to keep you fellow readers up dated as the storm continues .

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Here we go again! Another hurricane ! I am sooooo ready for this season to be over and done with . It looks like this one may come our way . I pray that it does not . I wish it would stay in the water and not hit land . I think we have had more then our share of storms this year.

My heart is still breaking about Katrina. You see, we lived in Moss Point Mississippi last year. I have many friends that were affected from that monster. I continue to pray for all there. I watch and cry. That could have been us!

As the week-end is coming upon on us, we shall see were Wilma decides to make her mark. So , off to the store I go, to buy water and supplies. Sigh...... " This To Shall Pass".

WHAT TO DO.......

Today I was reading my e-mail. I came across a note from classmates , reguarding a high school reuion. People were talking of our 20 year coming up . I thought it was a little early . After all we still have two years.

Will I go or not ? I really don't know . My husband says I should . However , the airline tickets could be costly. I would really like to. But I have a little bitter feelings. You see , I was not invited to our 10 th . I have no clue why not . I was living in my home town at the time. Was not a disliked person . I got along with everyone . I was just a quite blond girl , loving life and a guy named Greg. So why no invite ?!

I guess I will have to see what happens between now and then. Maybe I will get an invitation this time. Or maybe just crash the darn thing. It would be fun to see how much people have changed. God knows I have , but I think for the better. I am very happy with my life. would not change a thing ! :) Look out Farmington, nm I may come back and see you . Like it or not !!!!!

THE SMELLS OF FALL It's that time of year again , Fall. It is my favorite time. However, I miss many things . You see, I grew up in a small town in New Mexico. And now live in Florida. Fall time is very diffrent here. We have lots of rain and waiting of hurricane season to end ( Nov. 30 ). Smell of Peanuts and no trees changing color. I love it here , but do miss the smell of roasting chilies, smell of fire places , and the golden trees. I guess I will have to buy a can of chilies and throw them in the oven, pretending to be the smell of the "real" thing. As for the trees, I will have to download wallpaper. Sigh.... Oh the cost of living in paridise! :) Happy Fall time everyone.

Just some friendly girl advice. I will never forget what one of my old friends had told to her. You see , she worked for a man that was thinking of leaving his wife , and he made it very clear he was interested in her. She turned him down , but asked him why the interest in her. His answer. "Because you always look nice. You always fix your hair, are dressed nice , have make-up on , and smell good too. My wife does not care how she looks anymore . This makes me feel she is not happy with me." So, I have always taken this to heart. If you want to keep your man happy , take some time for yourself. Take a shower daily, brush your hair , fix your face , put on "real" clothes and a little perfume now and then . You will feel better about yourself and your husband with be happy too! After all you represent him too. ( you do share his name, right?) Go on give it a try. What have you got to loose? :)

STEP UP TO THE PLATE Why is it so hard to get people to volenteer this days. I am the nursey director at our church . And you would not believe the teeth I have to pull to get helpers back there. They are only asked to work ONE TIME a month. If the ones sceduled to work can not make it, I cover or they have to find someone else to work for them. You would not believe some of the excusses. I feel like I am back in grade school.They may as well say the following: The dog ate my car keys and I can't make it. Is it really Sunday? I really like the way pastor is dressed today ,so I am going in service. Your out of cookies! No way , I need my sugar! They need to realize it really is not that hard of a job. Besides ,most of them have kids back there. All they need to do is show the kids some love and give them Gold Fish. Come on People! step on up to the plate!!!

My 18 month old son has an addition to Cheez-it crackers! I try to get him to snack on other things.But he has to have his cheez-its. He knows what it is,points at it ,and says Mine, Mine. It really is pretty cute. Last night after our trip to Wal-mart to buy more , he took the box and fell asleep with it in hand. Look out George Hamilton. Lucas ( my son) may be coming at you ,telling you to "Get Your Box" I guess his addition could be worse. So ,I will continue to give him the crackers and let him stuff away!