Where Did I Go?

Hi - again!! Where did I go? Why did I leave my beloved blog empty for months? It seems to be a rather bad habit of mine. Here one day, too busy the next to even keep up with life's duties. Silly, huh? I know. I'm trying to find an answer, and if you have one, I will pay high dollar for it.

'Tis almost Christmas now. Christmas 2006. I can remember Christmas 1966 like it was yesterday. This holiday will be a very different one for all of my family. We are all - let's say, penny-pinched. A better word might be dollar-choked. As in - no moolah whatsoever. Zero. Zilch. Zip. Nada. So, gifts - well, let's just say, they will have to be from the Dollar Store! Or very homemade. Or if we were very savvy shoppers, it could come off the sales rack at Kohls. But, with three male children in the picture, I doubt it.

Bottom line - we're looking for a unique family way to focus on Christmas for what it really is instead of focusing on what we usually do - opening a multitude of gifts. If anyone wants to share ideas, please do!! I know one thing for sure - with a one year old grandson on the scene this year, we'll all delight in watching him!

Hugs to all!

Oh, Son

Many of you know our youngest son, Seth, recently moved back home with us after living out on his own a couple of years. He wants to pursue a serious college education and has learned some very good, mature lessons, so we agreed to have him come home, live upstairs and get his degree. We're still working out the minor kinks, but it's been a good thing.

Last night we went out to eat at Ryan's, my husband's favorite place to stuff himself full of steak and other foods! Joining us was our oldest son, Jess, and his wife, Shannon, and their baby, Jesse Jr. and our "baby", Seth. Steve and I used to take our Friday night out to Ryan's quite often so we were both feeling a little romantic, holding hands as we waited in line, etc. Even though we had a crew with us, we could still sit together and enjoy our friendship.

The time came to sit down at our table. Steve sat on the far left seat (out of three available seats per table side) and I started to slide into the seat next to him, the middle seat. At the same time, Seth (who didn't have a clue what I was doing or that I was even trying to sit down) pulled out the seat next to his Dad - the one I was after! Steve and I locked eyes briefly and grinned. We were both thinking the same thing. It surprised us so much that we didn't know what to do. We've been alone and on our own for two years now! Suddenly, one of our children was crawling in between us - not a bad thing - just the way it had been for 25 years before this! Seth also realized what had happened and was surprised that I wanted to take that seat - but he quickly offered it to me, insisting I take it. I, however, insisted he take it. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it or make him feel bad. He's such a sensitive dude.

Anyway, it was just a very funny moment of realization for us. Realizing our life is, again, different due to a child. They have a way of doing that, don't they? Of thrusting themselves into our lives in various ways at various ages. We deal with it all the best we can, some easier than others. It's called "parenting". It's surprising, funny, uncomfortable, selfless, and confusing! But, we wouldn't give it up for the world. However, if you see Steve and I out in a restaurant in the near future, please don't join us! There will only be two seats at that table.

Smiling, Kath

Spring Colds

Guess what came to me on the first day of spring? You got it - a wonderful, cozy little cold. Ugh. Thank you, Jess - my oldest son, father of my only grandchild. Thanks for sharing that nice cold with your ma. For some reason I thought that after they turned 18, cold-swapping was no longer allowed between parent and child. Ooops - wrong again!! Isn't parenting full of fun surprises?

My hope and prayer is that Little Jess doesn' got a cold. He's too little still and I can't imagine. Yuck. Blow his nose, wipe his nose, and all the fun with a baby-colds! Oh my. Let's pray this one doesn't happen.

Smiles, Kath

Snow and Shoots

A Monday morning - spring is almost here and Kansas City is about to receive a snowstorm. It seems every year in March (in Missouri) we get one snowfall. Personally, I was hoping for the big one. However, looks like I'll have to settle for a skiff. Oh well.

Shoots are popping up everywhere out of the hard ground representing the floral delight that will be at its peak in May. I have a serious problem though and any suggestions will be taken and considered. Chickens. We have two ugly, sneering chickens who refuse to stay penned like their co-workers. These little brats run rampant every day, which in the winter is fine. But not in the spring, summer, nor fall!! They love to ruin flower beds. And ruining them, they are. I want to shoot the ugly ducklings, but Steve is loudly and obnoxiously representing their side in this court of law(lessness). His biggest argument yet - "Kathy is not in any physical condition to be flower gardening anyway." This from the man who in the next heartbeat could easily be overheard saying, "Kathy should garden a couple hours a day - it would help her stay active."
Men. Or should I simply say "chickens".

Have a happy Monday - and shine where you are planted - and don't let the chickens overpower ya'.

Kath

Pokey Blogger

Hi,

I'm a Pokey Blogger. I seem to be able to post monthly here! How pitiful is that? Sorry to all you faithful friends who actually come to read my blog. Must be a very boring place to visit. I promise to kickit up a notch, okay?

I actually have a guest blogger who will be coming soon. Her name - Molly Emmett. How do I know her? Well, she is my main character in my book, South of Grace. She and I have a lot to talk about and we decided that doing it through blogging is the best way to go.

I have recommitted myself to writing. I had put it on the back burner again and left it there. I simply cannot do that, and the Lord was faithful to remind me of that. Thank God. So, now it is first in my life - as far as jobs go!!

I am babysitting for my grandson, Jesse Jr. He's a sweetheart and has stolen my heart forever. It's a huge job - he is onlyl four months old, but my feet can barely keep up with the little guy. He's not a lightweight by any means - he weighs in at about 20 big pounds!! Feels like a big sack of potatoes when you carry him. Soon he will be carrying me around.

I have another blog that I do at Dot Com Women website. It is Positive Parenting and you can find it at www.dcwblogs.com and then click on the Positive Parenting link. I'd love to see you there as well as here!

So - have a good day to all of you.

Kath

New Blogging

Good Morning,

I have been meaning to do this for a long time but have just never made myself go do it. Now, here I am - a blogger. As a writer, I know a blog is a must. And, I am excited about it. So - if you have not signed up to blog yet, go for it. You might be surprised where it takes you!

Smiling, Joyful Kate