Hmmm...

Not being one for posting heavy thoughts, I find something I like and I post it. So, here is a story that I put in the bulletin this Sunday that I thought was something I needed to think about.

The House of 1000 Mirrors (Japanese folktale)

Long ago in a small, far away village, there was a place known as the House of 1000 Mirrors. A small, happy little dog learned of this place and decided to visit. When he arrived, he bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway of the house. He looked through the dorrway with his ears lifted high and his tail wagging as fast as it could. To his great surprise, he found himself staring at 1000 other happy little dogs with their tails wagging just as fast as his. He smiled his greatest smile, and was answered with 1000 great smiles just as warm and friendly. As he left the house, he thought to himself, "this is a wonderful place. I will come back and visit often." In this same village, another little dog, who was not quite as happy as the first one, decided to visit the house. He slowly climbed the stairs and hung his head low as he looked into the door. When he saw the 1000 unfriendly looking dogs staring back at him, he growled at them and was horrified to see 1000 little dogs growling back at him. As he left, he thought to himself, "that is a horrible place, and I will never go back there again."

All the faces in the world are mirrors. What kind of reflections do you see in the faces of people you meet?

As told by Chris P Cash

23 years

Today celebrates 23 years of Joe and I being married. I won't say that it has been happy happy happy, but, he has taken care of me and the kids and we have grown accustomed to each other. I don't think I can imagine my life without him in it and honestly I don't want to. I am not an easy person to live with and he has tolerated me this long. So, here's to another 23 years together....forget what statistics say.....I love you Joe.

Phewww it's over

We had a wonderful turnout for Joe's retirement party. It was great to see so many people take time out of their busy holiday schedule's to share with us. Food was great, but the fellowship was better. Now that it is over, I can sit back and rest. I slept like a baby Saturday night. I didn't have to worry about getting anything baked, did I get enough food...and on and on. Was wonderful. So far it has been a few days since I have even cleaned house. I am past the trips, past the ceremony, past the move and past the party...now I can relax. Thank heavens for small things. Now on to enjoying life.

We had quite a discussion on Sunday evening at church about what Christmas is all about. While I celebrate the usual Christmas hoopla, I find each year that it is different for me than it used to be. I have come to the conclusion that as parents when our children are small that we love the holidays. At least Joe and I did. Now, it is different. I love Christmas but for reasons other than the excitement in their eyes and all that. I love Christmas for the feeling of family. I did not share any stories the other night but the one that comes to mind for me is when my father took my brothers and went to Tionesta while we were at midnight mass Christmas eve. That was the worst Christmas ever. Every year I think on that and every year I vow to make sure that we make Christmas about enjoying our families and those we have around us. Justin won't be home this year for Christmas. I am saddened that he can't come home but, I know he will be spending the holiday with his Uncle and Lisa. He will be loved and taken care of. Go home with a full belly and still feel a sense of "family." I will miss him but he lives in my heart and I know he knows that.

In all that rambling, I don't think that I wrote what is on my heart but, only a small inkling. I pray that my life is a reflection of the love of God in all I do and say. After all, if He can love me and all my short comings, then the least I can do is try my best to be positive in all I do and say.

Retirement?

Alas, I come hanging my head as I realize that this retirement is not all its cracked up to be. I seem to be the only one having a hard time adjusting. I can't get it through my head that it is no longer just the way I like things to be done. Why does that seem to be so hard to get through this thick skull? I have found that I no longer feel a place that is completely mine and have no control. Instead of dealing with it though I have become mean. I don't want to be but nonetheless, there it is I am mean. So, logically, that means that I have to change it...I am trying but can't seem to get out of the funk. Maybe because my cold is weighing me down that I am so low? Not sure. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful that Joe is home. Thus far my car has been in the shop twice since he got home and I abhor taking it myself. This way he can do that stuff. The manly things. Keep praying for me that I will get over my bullheadedness and adjust. I will never understand why it takes me so long to adjust to change. I always thought I liked change. Change is good for a person...or so I say...pray for me.

Home at last

God has truly blessed us! Joe is back home with us safe and sound. I am so thankful for us to be two again. Thank you Lord! Our trip to Germany was wonderful. Was so nice for all of us to be together as one big family. I am so thankful that each person took the time to share with us this visit and feel that all went well and everyone went home happy! Still trying to fight off all the time changes but I don't have to do the route until Thursday so that makes me happy. First night home both Joe and I were up at 1 am. Not fun! We both took a couple cat naps during the day but slept through the night. (I know for me the cold medicine that I took helped LOL). Anyway, I will write more soon and hopefully get a picture or two on here soon. If Jaci will help me????? Shopping this afternoon for Christmas with Jaci.