Happy New Year

The Five Best Reasons 2008 was so much fun:

Gracie, Ayden, Jackson, Spencer, & Coen

It's the New Year and time for resolutions and goal setting for some - but not for me.  Unlike Uncle Ed, Kathryn, and probably several others of you - I've never been very good at stating what I hope to accomplish within the next year.  I follow the Calvin & Hobbes philosophy - "I find my life a lot easier the lower I keep everyone's expectations."

But I don't mind looking back to see what I have or haven't accomplished.  For the last several years I've made it my goal to read through the Bible and have been successful each year in that endeavor.  I've never set a goal of how many books to read (but I do keep track - 34 in 2008) but I was determined to read Uncle Tom's Cabin which has been sitting on my shelf for a number of years.  Not only did I get it read but I truly enjoyed it.

We didn't  travel much  (partly because Steve hates 'road trips' and I hate flying) but we did make it to Disney World.

I tried to give up blogging but actually not only kept my blog updated a couple times a month but also joined Facebook.

I'm still walking  a few times a week but not as often as I should.  We're not even going to talk about the weight I continue to fail to shed.

I did learn a little Spanish and Sudoko but I still haven't figured out a lot of things on my Mac.

I only had one new grandchild (Jackson) this year - but I didn't really expect the kids to keep up the '3 a year' goal.  :)  But I have been blessed with time with all the grandkids and also with many of my friends.

In all, 2008 has been a good journey.  There have been many peaks and of course there have been valleys - but God is good and I'm thankful for every day I'm blessed with.  I pray the new year will bring us mostly blessings and any sorrows will make us stronger and draw us nearer to God.

Marching Forward

It is 10:50 AM on December 26 and you'd never know it had been Christmas here - except for some leftovers.  Of course, I still have to clean and put back all the un-Christmas stuff - but at least the tree and all the decorations are put away for another year.  We had a great Christmas and all the kids were able to be here - even though a couple of them were slightly under the weather.  I know some of you think I'm a Scrooge but I find it too depressing to have a Christmas tree without presents underneath anymore.  Time to start thinking about the New Year.  Happy Holidays to all!

Merry Christmas to All

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  

the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

Burton Hillis

I don't know why my kids call their children 'hams'  - I think they come by it naturally.  I may not have gotten many great photos but we had a lot of laughs.  I hope all who read this has a very Merry Christmas and

 makes a lot of happy memories again this year.

Use this picture to remember what a White Christmas  might look like.

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling, how could it be so?  It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.  It came without packages, boxes or bags.  And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.  Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.  What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store.  What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."

                            Dr. Seuss

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

                            Charles Dickens

"May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through."

                           Author Unknown

"God bless us everyone."

                         Charles Dickens' Tiny Tim

"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."

                          Clement C. Moore

They Call the Wind Mariah - and other random thoughts

Before I even got out of bed this morning I made myself promise to get on the treadmill today - my back and leg pain have been keeping me from it but I know I really needed to walk.  However, as I sat sipping my coffee and watching out the window - the wind kept calling my name.  I love walking out in the wind as long as it's not a sharp cold wind, so I wrapped up and enjoyed a lovely walk  - I really didn't even want to come back in.  Now I feel so much better - like some of the cobwebs have blown out of my head.

Just finished reading "The Hour I First Believed".   I can't decide what I really think of it.  It could easily have been about 4 novels because he covers so many subjects but it was basically about the effect Columbine had on it's surviving victims.

Last night we went to the Rep with Ed & Nancy and enjoyed a short (75 minutes) but very lively play - "It's A Wonderful Life".  It's a one man act and we weren't sure what to expect but it was delightful and we all gave it a thumbs up.  The actor throws in a lot of 'common sense' notes about the original play - like "why would a bank official come to check the books on Christmas Eve?"  I think it's showing until the 28th so if you have time you should go see it.

The play made me think about other Christmas movies that we all watch over and over again.  I still love watching the old "Christmas Carol" but I like the newer Scrooged too.  (I love it when the spirit of Christmas Present hits Bill Murray with a toaster).  I know my kids like Christmas Vacation, Elf, and The Christmas Story - but I can't stand watching the part where the kid gets his tongue stuck to the pole - ouch!

Actually some of my favorite not really Christmas movies are "While You Were Sleeping" and "Sleepless in Seattle".   Maybe you can remind me of some movies I need to watch this week - what movies are a must for you to watch during the Christmas holidays?  It's less than a week away - hope everyone is almost ready  - I need to get cleaning up around here - Merry Christmas!!!

Santa Claus visits - then and now

Christmas is a season that always brings memories of many sorts.  I am very lucky that all my memories have been happy ones - or at least not awful. 

Christmas flickers:  

-The song "Silver Bells" always transports me to Cherokee street where mama would take us on the bus to do our 'shopping' and the street always seemed so magical and 'Christmasy' with bells and holiday greetings type chatter.

-Talking to Jen about all the illnesses their family is going through right now reminded me of a Christmas when I was awful sick (maybe measles?) and I laid on the couch and stared at the Christmas lights and ornaments for hours at a time (did we not have a tv back then??)

-My grandkids visiting Santa - my own visit when I was old enough to remember.  Mama took us downtown to the Famous-Barr to visit Santa and we got to check out all the store windows that were always a main attraction with all the animations.

Because Steve is the 'Piano Man' for Breakfast with Santa we get to join in with the fun.  Gracie wasn't able to come but be sure to check out Becky's blog for her Santa picture - and I'm sure Jen with have better photos on hers as well.  

Spencer and Coen seemed quite comfortable on Jolly St. Nick's lap.

Jackson was spared all the trauma - his daddy is jolly enough.

(Who does he remind you of Jimmy??)

Ayden did not want to get near Santa -

 she much preferred sitting with her cousins and watching Popo do his stuff.

Now for some memories - 

Jen, Becky, & Stevie when they were old enough to like Santa.

Stevie wouldn't sit on his lap but Mrs. Claus could hold him.

This was a riot - Jenny is trying to hang on to Stevie while I'm trying to keep Becky from bolting -  the little ones were not too fond of Santa at this point.

Before siblings - Jenny posing just perfectly.

I guess she takes after her cousin Terri Ann

(Uncle Ed tells me that this picture which is marked "Ann" on my copy so I thought was me is actually his daughter - and he probably knows best since I wouldn't remember either way.)

Well, my shopping is all done and just a few presents left to wrap - I'm ready to just enjoy the holiday now.  Merry Christmas everyone - hope your holidays are great!!

Early Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday - even when I was a kid.  It's always been the time for cousins, aunts, uncles, etc to all get together and just visit and eat.  About 20 years ago I've hosted Thanksgivings with close to 50 people a few times but it was usually more like 25 - 30.  A few years ago it just got to be too much - the family just kept growing and growing and my old body just couldn't keep up that pace.  So the last few years it's been our kids' families and Steve's mom.  I was at a loss when I found out all the kids had other things going this year.  Karl's family is coming in for the holiday for the first time in 8 years so Jen is getting her first big Thanksgiving dinner together.   Stevie & Jessie are spending the holiday with her family.  Becky & Nate were willing to come to dinner at both families but that seemed kinda silly to make them do that - especially since Al & Angie so graciously invited us and GG to join them for the day.  But I still couldn't just not have Thanksgiving with my kids so we did it today.  Hope I didn't spoil the real deal for them but I'm thankful for my beautiful family and their willingness to let me get my Thanksgiving fix.  And as has always been our tradition - since today was Thanksgiving here - tomorrow the Christmas tree goes up - Happy Holidays everyone!!

Happy Birthday Gracie

Today is Gracie's birthday and she had a great party last night.  She was so cute in her little pink tutu.  We had Dewey's pizza & salad and then Kelly R. had made her cakes and they were delicious and so adorable.  I think she got enough presents to last her until Christmas at least - the toy vacuum that Grandma & Grandpa Kelley got her was the hit with her and all the cousins - I think they should just make real ones and let the kids really clean.   We all had a great time and I hope you have another fun day today on your real birthday.  Happy Birthday Gracie - love you always!!

Book, Election, Illness, & Autumn

I'm sure a number of you were watching election results last night but I chose to curl up and finish a good book I was reading,  Ken Follett's World Without End.  It's a good historical fiction but not for the faint of heart.  In fact I think I caught my cold from it - there was a large section about a plague that starts with sneezing and that was when my 'sneezing' day hit - of course, mine only turned into a nasty cold that I'm still fighting but it doesn't look like I'm going to die from the plague.

The book also had a lot of politics in it - it was back in the 1300's in England - those poor people really had a lot to deal with - not only kings and lords but priests and priors.  

I am so VERY glad that this election is finally over - my phone has not rung once in the last hour!  I was never a strong opponent for either candidate, I just voted for what I considered to be the lesser evil.  I know we are all in God's hands and if Obama was His choice or not - He'll make something good come from it.  What I'm really hoping is that all the silly squabbling will stop -there have been elections where Steve and I simply went to cancel out each other's vote - but we didn't argue about it.  With a little maturity you realize that you can't make everybody see it your way so just accept the fact to agree to disagree but don't let it mess with your relationships.  We can overcome anything if we just let our love for each other come first.  I'm stealing a quote from Suzanne on FB who stole it from someone else's blog:

"No matter what happens on election day our task remains the same, to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly."  

As for me, I'm ready to put the election behind me and just move on.  I always take fall pictures which is really kinda silly because you just can't really capture the beauty that God has created with these colors.  It's a 'you have to be there' kinda thing.  I think I will get dressed and go take a nice walk - the leaves are falling fast and furious now and wet and colder weather is headed our way - have to get in all this autumn joy while I can.  Hope you all have a great day!

Sorting Through Pictures

When I was a little girl, my mom had a single shoebox of pictures that I use to love to go through and look at.  I have 7 boxes of pictures that I chose not to put in my albums.  They just didn't take many pictures back then.  The earliest one I have of my mom was when she graduated high school and I only have one of my dad as a child before his graduation picture.  There are a few of my McCoy grandparents that are pretty good but I'd love to have a good photo of my Cloud grandparents.  There really are not very many of me as child either - lots of Nancy and Jimmy though :)

I can remember taking pictures of my own kids and just hoping I got a half way decent shot because I only had a few more frames left and I might need those shots for something else that might happen that day.

Today we have digital and I love it because you don't have to worry about using up too much film for a single shot - you can take 20 of the same moment and still have plenty left on your little card - whatever it's called.

But that also means when my kids give me over 500 pictures to choose from for my own albums - I end up with lots of pictures.  In 2007 when we had 3 grandkids born  - I have four albums for the one year.  Before digital I could have 2 years of pictures in one album.  But I still love the digital - even if I can't fit them all in my albums - I have boxes!  There are some pictures that just highlight a certain personality that I want to keep even if I don't put them in my album.

For example:

What we like to call Spencer's 'Chandler' smile

Coen's innocent look 

The Gracie Stare - she can outstare anyone.

Ayden's 'I'm not sure I like this' expression

And I have no idea what expressions we'll be getting from Jackson in the future

 - but he even sleeps cute.

Remember all those old war movies and stories where they had a single photo of their family or 'true love' - I don't know but I'm guessing that the new technology allows our heroes to carry several family pictures on little key ring size albums.  I guess it's kinda like the difference between getting a letter and a dozen emails today - I still miss letters but that's a whole different story.

5 Things

I have been tagged.

10 Years ago I was:

1.-Missing Jen away at Mizzou but knew she was having fun.

2.- Missing Becky away at DLU and very sad because I knew she was terribly homesick.

3.- Keeping track of Stevie and going to his basketball games. (this is the right season isn't it, Stevie?)

4.- Just recently went to Edward & Karen's wedding.

5.- Working as church secretary.

5 things on today's 'to do' list:

1.- Do my physical therapy exercises and take a walk.

2.- Run errands to Walgreens, Schnucks, bookstore,  Target.

3.- Catch up on my bible reading and my 2 & 3 year old bible lessons.

4.- Clean off my desk!

5.- The usual laundry and kitchen duties.

5 snacks I enjoy:

1.- coffee & biscotti

2,- ice cream

3.- anything cheesy

4.- chocolate cookies and milk

5.- chips and dip

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:

1.-3 -  Give some to my kids for house payments or bills

4.- give to church and charities

5. - save for my old folks home so I don't have to go to the one Nate picked out for me.

5 places I have lived:

1.- South St. Louis with parents

2.- OCC - Oklahoma

3.- South county with Steve & Jen

4.- present home with Steve & kids - and now just Steve again

5.- TBA in about 40 years

5 jobs I have had:

1.- bus girl/cashier at Miss Hullings

2.- check out at Bettendorf's/Schnucks

3.- payroll, cost acct., and acct.s rec. at Alumax foils

4.- part time work with a temp service and at Rotolite

5.- secretary at McKnight

OK - now I tag Sherri and Lindsey because they desperately need to change their blogs!

When I was in 8th grade I had one of my favorite all time teachers who was also a close friend of my mom's from church- Mrs. Flowers.  She always made us reach beyond what we thought we could do.  One of the things we had to do since it was an election year was to give a speech to support a candidate we chose.  On graduation day she gave us all little diplomas with her predictions of what we would become in life.  Mine said (I still have it): "Ann McCoy is the first woman mayor of St. Louis.  She became interested in politics while making speeches at Oak Hill during the 1964 Presidential Campaign."

And then when I decided to take Paralegal courses, the only avenue was to major in Political Science.

I find this all very amusing because in truth I have a very strong dislike for politics!

Basically it's the constant bickering and mud slinging I hate so much. I've always avoided confrontations and debates.  I was tired of the commercials after the first week they began and I've quit answering the phone or the doorbell unless I'm sure of who it is.  But of course I cannot truly escape the election.  It's discussed within the family, who all have different ideas and reasons as to who should be president.  I hear it whenever we're with friends or neighbors - it even got more discussion at my book club last night than the book we were suppose to discuss!!

Now before you start lecturing me about how I should be informed and appreciate my freedoms - let me make it clear that I find all this campaigning very annoying but fully realize how necessary it is.  And I am deeply appreciative of my freedoms - I thank God everyday for allowing me to live in the USA.  I admit I kinda wish God would just give us a president like when He had David anointed but that's not the way it works these days.  I will vote on election day but I am waiting until most of you are done 'campaigning' and the dust has settled before I make my choice.

The bible says that we are to obey and show respect to our rulers as long as their laws don't contradict God's laws.  I can do that.  Even if I don't believe in their policies that might support abortion, gay rights, give us lousy medical choices, ruin our economy, keep us in the war or pull us out too soon - whatever - I can be a law abiding citizen and still retain my own personal beliefs and remain faithful to God.  God's people have been doing that from the start.

So, I look forward to the day this is all settled and for four more years we just move on.  I just hope most everyone can 'just move on'.  (I hear that there are some who still fight the Civil War.)   Here is a quote from a book I liked (Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate) that I hope can be taken to heart.

"What we cannot change, we must endure without bitterness.  Sometimes we must try to view the actions of those around us with forgiveness.  We must realize that they are going on the only road they can see.  Sometimes we cannot raise our chins and see eye to eye, so we must bow our heads and have faith in one another."

Memory of a Doctor

Last night as I was leaving my bible class I saw Dr. J taking one of his young patients aside for a quick check on something - I know he's good about that and my daughters love that he is the pediatrician for their kids.  Our family doctor is great about that also.  Dr. C has checked on me a number of times and I often see him taking others aside for a quick 'office' visit.  It is nice having Christian doctors who feel more like family than doctor.

But for some reason I had a back flash of the doctor of my youth - Dr. S.

I really only remember 3 incidents about Dr. S but it's enough to be extra thankful for people like Dr. C and Dr. J.

The first thing I remember about him was when I was about 5 years old.  I played with the 2 boys down the block and one night Davey tried to jump over the fire hydrant and was badly hurt.  Now why I thought I could jump over the fire hydrant after watching Davey get hurt is beyond me.  I was never considered the brains in the family.   So, I tried the same trick the next night and split my head open.  I remember 3 things (aren't you proud of me Uncle Ed - three points within my three points!!)

1- I remember my brother Joe scooping me up and placing me on the kitchen table - which I just couldn't believe I was laying on the kitchen table bleeding all over.

2- I remember my mom crying - and I guess it must have been the first time I had seen her cry.  After all, she was always telling me that if I didn't hush my crying she would give me something to cry about.   I was a very sensitive and emotional child but I knew she never hesitated when she started swinging that hairbrush.

3- And I'm not sure if I really remember this or just the retelling of this - but Dr. S yelling at mama for bringing me to City Hospital.

The second Dr. S incident was an office visit.  Again - I'm not sure if I really witnessed this or just remember the story.  But mama was taking either Jimmy or I for a doctor visit and we were the next ones to be called into his office.  The door opened and this kid came out screaming and holding his face - and his mother was furious!  When we walked into the office Dr. S said "the kid kicked me so I slapped him" and he seemed to think that slapping a young child was quite all right.  Today he would be sued if not worse.

The third incident was one I remember quite well.  I was in high school and had a plantar's wart on my foot.  He began by telling me that he would burn it out and of course this sounds scary to me.  So I ask if it will hurt and he fumed a little and said I wouldn't feel a thing.  I was doubtful but I let him do it and it really wasn't too bad.  After I had this open wound he told me he was going to pour alcohol over it.  Worried about the pain, I pulled back my foot and he lost it.  Went ballistic!  He ripped off a bandage on his hand and poured the bottle of alcohol over it and yelled, "see it doesn't hurt - I didn't even wince!!!"  I actually doubt if he would have winced no matter how much it might hurt.   I couldn't wait to get out of there and I'm pretty sure that was the last time I went to him.

Shortly after that we heard he had a major stroke and our records were passed on to another doctor who was a bit of a quack but at least he didn't scare me.  REALLY makes me appreciate Dr. C and glad the kids have Dr. J!!

NOT My Favorite Book

I just finished reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.  I wish I had known that Oprah was going to make this book her book club choice and then I wouldn't have bothered to have read it.  As a rule, any book Oprah suggests I refuse to read.   She seems to go for the depressing 'what was the point in reading this' book.  

I admit there have been a few exceptions when I had read a book and liked it and THEN found out she had it on her list.  Sad to say, I was already two-thirds through this book before she announced it as her latest book choice - and another rule I have is once I've started a book I will finish the book no matter how bad it is.  Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against Oprah.  Truthfully, I really don't know much about her but my daughter tells me she's very generous and basically has a good heart - she just happens to enjoy books that I don't.

What's the problem with the book?  If  you have a deep desire to know the details about dog training, what a dog might be thinking, or the history of this particular dog farm - (all of which has almost nothing to do with the story line) and you like really dumb endings where the dog is the only winner - then please enjoy.

There is actually a good story line about a mute 'dog whisperer' boy, his family, and his relationship with the dogs.  It has some paranormal and some mystery but you could easily cut out about 250 of the 560 pages and not miss a thing.  I hope I haven't ruined the book for anyone - I know there are some who will really enjoy the book - like Oprah - but I prefer to get my book suggestions from friends like Cathy, Kathryn, Nancy and Kris - who haven't steered me wrong yet.

New Grandson

9#( actually 8# 15 & 9/10 ounces)        21 inches 

everyone is doing well

Memory Flickers 1 & 2

I'm not sure that 'memory flickers' is a good description but it's a mix of deja vu and 'reminds me of'.   Deja vu is like when you think you've been someplace before and 'reminds me of' is like whenever I smell Old Spice - it reminds me of daddy.  

Every once in a while there may be a scent - but more often it is a sound coupled with the atmosphere being exactly right - the right time of day and the same type of weather.  I'm usually alone with my thoughts when they occur.

Even though I'm calling these #1 & #2 - I've actually been having them for as long as I can remember. Anyway -

For example, Memory Flicker #1 was last week.  I was taking a walk around 10 am and it was a brisk but very sunny morning.  There were a number of tree trimmers in the neighborhood - and wham! I was in kindergarten standing in the sunshine at the big picture window listening to the tree trimmers.

Memory Flicker #2 - I was driving with the radio off on a drizzly late afternoon when I was suddenly aware of the noise the tires of the cars made on the wet pavement - and my memory zapped me back to a rainy afternoon when my little brother and I were in the back seat of my parents car on our way to Gravois Bootery to get new shoes.

Maybe I'm just crazy - but do you guys have these little 'memory flicker moments'?

They kinda amuse me (yes, I'm easily amused) and they give me a warm feeling.  Don't be surprised if I decide to share my 'memory flickers' with you.  Do you think I should patent that name?  Anybody else want to share their memory flickers?

Wandering Thoughts

I should be getting ready for bed right now but my mind is on some kind of stroll through a maze of thoughts.  In no particular order:

 - tomorrow Spencer starts back to preschool and I hope he loves it again like last year.

 - wondering how Jessie is feeling and how soon grandbaby #5 will arrive?

 - Jen & Karl celebrate their 8th anniversary tomorrow - how is this possible?

 - I'm really tired of watching politics on television - but I still don't know who I'll vote for - I just wish the election was all over.

 - PS I Love You was really a great movie - now I want to go to Ireland and learn Celtic

 - I hope Gracie is feeling better

 - glad Gustav wasn't as bad as Katrina and Im REALLY thankful none of my children wanted to be storm chasers (did you see those guys of tv??)

 - Why is it that I can't seem to ever get this house clean?

 - I need 5 'take-homes' for David & Goliath in October - that's harder than it sounds

 - let's say summer is over and have some wonderful cool, crisp weather and lovely falling leaves 

But the thought that I like to fall asleep with is:

 - I have the most amazing children who are so good to me and have made great choices for a mate - and then to top it all off they have given me the most precious and entertaining grandchildren ever possible.

 Good night friends - sweet dreams

School Days

Cleveland High School

I was watching a commercial the other day about school clothes and I couldn't help but wander back into my memory when I would get all excited about new school clothes.  Of course, way back then, it was a totally different world.  

Girls always wore skirts or dresses (no more than an inch above the knee) and boys had to wear shirts with a collar and it had to be tucked in their slacks - no jeans or t-shirts for anyone ever!  I don't remember anyone ever wearing sneakers except in gym class.  And the girls gym uniform was a blue one piece bloomer thing where we had to sew our names across the back.

Other things have changed as well.   I don't remember having to buy any school supplies until maybe high school.  And maybe it was because I grew up in south city and not the county but grade school was from kg - 8th grade and almost everyone went home for lunch.  I remember I was really disappointed when I realized my own kids would have to eat lunch at school.  Of course it makes sense, but lunch time was a little tradition all in itself.

But do they still say the Pledge of Allegiance in school?  I remember one of my favorite songs from school was "Fairest Lord Jesus" - I'm almost certain you won't hear that very often anymore.  One thing that is really sad is the leniency in behavior now.  Curse words or even ugly talk were not tolerated anymore than a fist fight was.  

Of course, kids are much smarter these days and they are given a  lot more opportunities.  I guess you have to sacrifice some and choose the lesser evils.  

One good thing - at least the little girls don't have to worry about the little boys lifting their skirts to see their underwear!

Sunday is Stevie's birthday!

The 4 cousins celebrating Daddy/Uncle Stevie's birthday!

The birthday boy is always smiling

My kids are all growing up too fast - can't believe my baby is going to be 27 tomorrow.  He is already a terrific husband and daddy - just like I always knew he would be.  And he's still the thoughtful and loving son with big hugs and his beautiful smile.  Have a great birthday Stevie - love you always!!