Giving Thanks in 2008.

While millions are in time square watching the ball drop, one girl is stuck on her deck.
Let me back up:
I had a fabulous birthday. I can honestly say that. My mom and dad brought over omelets in the morning that we prepared in a Ziploc bag and Christy, Ken, Brecken, Kennedy, Laurie, Danika, Jagger, Kaia and TJ came over too. (the O's were in Florida)
After moms wonderful brownies and three cups of Louisiana coffee, the family left and my mom and I were on our way to purchase a sign for my house from Home & Company with gift certificates and birthday money. I have been eyeing this sign since the summer and knew it would make a great birthday celebration and a good reminder to bring in the new year as it reads, IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS.
Believe me, I needed this reminder shortly after I returned home from a dinner party tonight. I had left the gathering two hours before the end of 2007. On my drive home I was looking forward to soaking in my two man tub, getting in my PJ'S and falling asleep to the countdown of this past year in bed. It was while these thoughts stirring in my head, that I was in awe of the beauty of the freshly fallen snow and the way in which it engulfed the trees. As much as I complain about the winter and loathe being cold, I have to admit tonight was one of those nights that I feel bad for people who have never seen or heard winter. (yes, winter like tonight has a sound of peacefulness)
What better way to "freeze" the moment then to capture some photos...this is where it all began...an opportunity to choose 'thanks' over circumstances that would otherwise be extremely irritating.
I started snapping pictures in the front of my house as the thought occurred to me that it would be quite possible I could get stuck. No problem taking these photos from my snow covered driveway...my confidence grew. I entered the house and proceeded to the back door to let Delsie do her business one last time. I, again, was in awe of God's beauty and wanted a photo of D-dog in the white winter snow. It's at this time that it would be appropriate for me to tell you that the snow is wet and heavy- perfect for snowballs and snowman, not so good for girls in wheelchairs.
D took her spot on the corner of the deck and I put the chair in reverse, I heard the sound of tires spinning. I wasn't going anywhere. With the snow falling and temperatures dropping, Delsie gave up on me and retreated to her bed inside the house. (Did I mention the door to my house was wide open?) After what felt like hours but actually was 15 minutes, I realized this rocking business in high speed was getting me nowhere. I called friends that live nearby who came to my rescue...remember:IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS...

I'm off to take a bath and thank God for family, friends, wheelchairs and snow.
Happy 2008.

Christmas memories.

Approaching the New Year, which happens to be my birthday, produces a range of emotions. I have discovered that these emotions are highly dictated by the weather. (or should I say lack of sunshine.)

I am going through this day with a huge lump in my throat to be popped by some poor soul who innocently asks a question what I interpret as offensive or makes a statement that would be funny any other day but today would result in an outburst of tears. Maybe this is why I am not married. God wants to spare the poor guy of unfounded emotional abuse.

A day like today, I am a prime candidate for an episode of Dr. Phil and would embrace his advice and welcome his direct sarcasm.

Until then, I reflect on the year 2007 and play Josh Groban on high decibels on itunes. Tomorrow is a new day. The sun may come out. 2008 will be greeted with hopes and anticipation of Gods best.

IMAGINE.

Imagine the birth of our savior. A little tiny baby that changes the world.

"Genius. Pure genius."

This is my favorite line in this years production of Imagine Christmas.
(www.imaginechristmas.info) It is daunting, exhilarating, stressful, challenging yet extremely humbling to be a part in producing the single most powerful happening in ones life.

Working with the "worshippers" (20 children) has been my favorite experience so far. They are thrilled to be on stage and so teachable and wanting to please. They "act" out seeing Mary carrying baby Jesus for the first time. How in the world do you direct that?

"Genius. Pure genius."

Because we had no one to take over the role of costume designer this fell under my responsibility along with another director, Kim. I have had no prior education in costuming a show even though I minored in Theatre- one would think.

I have to admit it has been a blast. I am not sure it is because I am not spending my own money or the enjoyment of hunting for a bargain or discovering packages at my door for the past five days or shopping online...I love every minute.

Granted, I have yet to see the final product on stage as Wednesday is our first dress rehearsal but I can only imagine that God is going to be glorified...

that is my humble yet hopeful prayer.

Gramps.

I love these photos. It was the last time I saw my gramps alive. I made him smile and he let me take these photos- which he always held his hand over his face when the camera came out. I can't even count how many photos we have of gramps and his hand...

The end of August Gramps was in a nursing home recovering AGAIN- honestly, I can't remember what prompted Gram to call 9-1-1. Which doesn't take much at all. We are convinced they knew her by name. Between their neighbor and gramps failing health, the numbers of 9-1-1 are faded on her rotary phone.

After many trips to the hospital, nursing homes and his disobedient body, Gramps died on Friday, December 7. He was 91.

Gram and Gramps met when she was 18 and he was 23. They married that year. Gram now is 86 and doesn't know life without him. It is for this reason I am sad. I hurt for her and feel an ounce of her ache as the man she knew as her husband for sixty eight years is no longer on this earth.

I am thrilled for Gramps. He's with Jesus now. I am confident of that and at times jealous of it. He doesn't have to be transferred anymore. He doesn't have the shakes and I am sure he doesn't smell of BO. His voice is strong and I am sure he and Miss Lynn (Grandma Le Blanc) have introduced themselves.

It has been a difficult six years as his body defied him yet his mind grew sharper by the day. With the exception of introducing me to a nurse as his handicapped daughter in law and referring to my hair do on this particular visit as "tou-tou pigtails", (that's what he's laughing about in this photo) Gramps was on top of it all.

We'll take good care of Gram, Gramps. Don't worry about that. If you can just prompt her to move to this side of the state we will surround her with company- there won't be any time for her to get lonely.

Thank you, Gramps for raising your daughter, allowing me to be blessed with an amazing mom. I know you are proud of her. Thanks for being a father my dad never had. I know the two of you never talked about it but I know my dad is forever grateful.

...and Gramps, thanks for loving me and my sisters, your only grandchildren. You left a legacy for us. You gifted us over and over. You blessed us with your prayers.
I took pride in making you laugh, Gramps. Your smile melted my heart.

I will never forget that.
I will never forget you.

...until we meet again.