MAH JONG!

Today I got to play Mah Jong with Sherri, and friends, Joy & Ceil. I LOVE this game. Sometimes it's a little hectic with all the little kiddo's running around---but it's worth it to play the game. You have to THINK in this game, and I love the feel and sound of the tiles clicking, and the companionship. It's just great!! You use about 150 tiles, and it's fun learning all the suits, and all the different hands you can make with the tiles. Yep, I love it.



Just getting over a cold & Dean's coming down with one. With is weaker immune system, we will see how it goes. We are supposed to go to game night up here on the Ridge w/our friends. Poker for him and Mexican Train for me. I love that game too (but not as much Mah Jong).



Next week, if Dean's well enough we will be taking the 2 computer desks, 3 bookcases, and small untility table---all with slide out panels, drawers, and adjustable shelves to Gulfport to my brother's house. Dean and son James made these units. They did a great job!



Does anybody else think this weather is unusually cool for this time of year?? Personally I love it. But isn't it weird?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

to all you mother's out there!! Esp. Sherri, Lyanne, Joy, Ann & Trish.... I hope you had a great one.

I did. I didn't do anything (work) at all today. Dean cleaned the kitchen, and cooked supper. Sherri got me stamping stuff and a book THE LAST LECTURE-----loved it!!! John sent me candles and cards, and Jamie took me to a movie "MADE OF HONOR", & bought steaks and cooked them for us (really fantastic!!!) and all 3 kids called me again today on Mother's Day. Really perfect.

Being a mom is all I ever wanted to be. I never really wanted a career. I did love being a secretary, but my kids always came first and have ALWAYS came first above everything and everybody. I thank God for my children. And my grandchildren, and all you wonderful mom's out there doing such a great job!!

THE REST OF THE STORY.......

I have noticed on by daughter's blog (comments) that some of her friends have "suggested" that she tell her brother to move out. I thought I'd point out that it was a "family-decision" that he live there while his wife goes through basic & tech school. This does put a huge burden on Sherri, and I for one feel guilty about it. I have suggested they move here after schools out even though I only have one extra bedroom. Sherri said NO, and has a whole wing as you know, with separate bathroom, bedroom and big schoolroom where they are all now staying. So I try and take as many kids (hers and his) whenever I can. Yesterday I had six. I expect they will ALL be here a lot this summer as we have 3 pools up here on the Ridge, and they all love it!

The reason this decision was made after we ALL discussed it----was because: 1) Dean just started a new furniture-making business BLACK BEAR CABIN FURNITURE & needed help. We can't pay James, other than gas, as we are living on one S.S. check. So James could be working and making money otherwise. 2) Dean has NEVER spent any extended amount of time with James (our youngest) since he left home at age 18 and we have only occasionally lived near him for short amounts of time. 3) Since Dean has been diagnosed with the CLL type of leukemia, we know that his lifespan can be cut short at any time. 4) Both James & Dean felt the need to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend these months together working on projects with Dean's new business, and getting to know each other as adults.

We knew it would be hardest on Sherri with the extra kids. And of course extra people staying in her house. Thank God for that extra wing. I wish we could help financially, but we can't. James is now getting a paycheck from the military and contributes food and money to the family. We all try to help Sherri as much as we can. And as she pointed out, there have been some unexpected blessings for each person in different ways. The kids are darling and we all love each and every one. James has been a blessing to each of us in different ways (he & Sherri are best-buds) & does little things around the house, and does a lot of "running around" for her. For Dean it has been just the best blessing in the world. I think he and James will treasure this time together for the rest of their lives.

After this, James will be in "military life" living at bases---who knows where? He may never have this time with his sister, mom, and dad ever again. We feel very blessed by having him here, and will be sad when he leaves. (I dread this for Dean).

So now you know the rest of the story.

I JUST FINISHED READING

the book (true story) about the Geisha & it was fascinating. Did you know it can cost as much as $100,000 for a kimono? Did you know that studying to be a "geiko" (what they call themselves) can start as early as 5 years old, and is considered a serious art form (like ballet) in their culture? Very very interesting. I borrowed the book from Sherri who borrowed it from Leah if anyone wants to read it.

Right now I am reading "THE POWER OF NOW" by Eckhart Tolle. Sherri thinks he is a "nut" and he may be. Some things I'm reading about his past lead me to believe that could be true. However, since this is the book of the moment----I'm interested in finding out what the fuss is about. Acturally his next book is the one being talked about on Oprah (this one came first---I may read both) . Some of the stuff in this book are things I already know about----like living-in-the-moment. I learned a long time ago that yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is an illusion. We really REALLY only have this moment right here now as we live it. Mr. Tolle has some techniques on how to achieve this "power" (as he calls it) of living in the moment----it's much like meditation, to simplify it. Anyway it is interestesting, and I'm counting on the fact that I'm intelligent enough to separate the gobbledy-gook from the truth as I see it. I've read many many similar books and usually learn something from each one of them---but I must admit I also hear a lot of similar things being said in different ways. I'm always up for spiritual enlightment and yes, I do still keep my faith in GOD. So, if I learn anything "earth-shattering" I'll let you know!

THE PLAY WAS GREAT!!!!!

The play was great, and so were all the kids. There is always so much stress before the actual presentation and it always turns out great. There was LOTS of choreography, and I thought they all did an amazing job. Caleb did get a little bored sitting on stage for that long but he did know all his parts all the hand gestures really well. I thought Noah's acting and dancing was so great----he confided in me that he REALLY likes acting. And the girls were great. They sing and dance really well----but of course have been doing it their whole lives. No, I'm not prejudiced. Really. Chandlor was fantatic as usual. She is one multi-talented little girl! I wish I had EVERYTHING they do on tape. I hope Sherri gets me a CD of this performance. I missed Joy's kids being in it this year though. Why weren't they there??? Anyway. It was great!!!!

PLAY-TIME

Well, my company is gone-----whew! My dad is a difficult man, and the visit went surprisingly well. He was only slightly critical of things, and really behaved himself. Mostly. My step-mom is so sweet, and that helps a lot. We played a lot of cards and I really REALLY enjoyed that. I wish my dear daughter and her husband would learn how to play SPITZER. It's a somewhat complicated card game that I love, and since my dad probably won't be traveling here anymore, we have no one to play this game with. (My dad and Sally will be flying to Florida bi-annually instead of driving b/c my dad is turning 78 in May).

Thanks Sherri for giving Sally & I the afternoon of card-making. It was really fun. And now we are looking so forward to the play this weekend with all 4 kids in it. I can't wait to see it.

I've decided to accept the blessing of any & all who read my blog and honor me with a comment, and not worry about those who don't (comment). Thanks everyone for the great advice. I really don't want to open it to the public, and/or count the hits etc. This is enough.

I'm reading this fantastic book about the life of a Geisha-----a true story; not a novel as I believe "Memoirs of a Geisha" was. It's so interesting, I can hardly put it down. I need to get busy on our book-talk book also, as we have a meeting coming up in May. Can y'all believe how fast this year is going already???

Next, I'm going to read the book Sherri is reading called (I think) "The Red Tent." I'll let you know.

But now I have to go to bed. It's after 1 a.m. already----goodness-gracious!

Hello everyone. I haven't been posting b/c I read everybody else's blogs and they all seem so FAB! Mine sounds dreary (to me). Plus, like my friend Ann, I like to get comments, and not many people seem to do that. Or maybe I'm delusional in thinking that more than 3 people read this thing. Probably so. Today Sherri & I had to run an errand in Fayetteville and we didn't have ANY kids!! They were in play-practice, and it was amazing to have all adult conversations for a few hours. Plus we got to spend "quality-time" w/each other. A fun day. And Sherri got us a treat @ Bath & Body and that's always FUN!

I'm almost done reading the current Amy Tan book, and then I'm going to read a book I got from Leah K. about the life of a Geisha---a true story. Then I'll have to read my book for our book-talk group at the library. Just looking forward to reading good books is such a glorious thing for me.

I'm getting ready to have my dad & step-mom for a few days starting on Sunday. My dad just isn't the easyies person to have around. He's very critical and judgmental. Please everyone, say a prayer for me. thanks.... I've been having trouble sleeping lately. Comes with the O.L.D., I suppose. But it doesn't matter, cause I always enjoy reading or whatever, unless I have to get up with the children (grand-children when they are here). Good Night....