I just love it!!! We have probably a foot of snow on the ground and it is gorgeous! Our neighbor snowblowed my drive because Steve left for South Carolina today to teach a class. I think I am going to enjoy being here by myself and looking out the window, drinking hot cocoa, and maybe watching a few movies. Living in the midwest or wherever it snows enough to force you to stay in is a good thing. Forced downtime is something I need to remind myself is good because my schedule too often dictates everything I do and I don't take time to reflect. I am taking a walk later and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Come over and join me, fellow bloggers!!!

Global warming...snow, 3inches, in Green Valley, AZ yesterday!!!! Green Valley is south of Tuscon. This is such a rarity...they are freezing! It actually gives me some satisfaction, because when I talk to friends in the winter who live in warmer climates they always brag about "how warm it is there". So I am rubbing it in too. It is snowing here now, but fortunately we didn't get as much as Indianapolis!!!! Rub, rub, rub!

We are trying to plan a year's worth of vacation. I find this decision difficult in January. How does one know in January when they want to get away? And my idea of a vacation is so different than someone else's in my family, it makes it even more difficult to decide. Steve, being the people person that he is plans everything around who we will see, who we will do things with etc. Me, I just want some relaxation. I don't need to see anyone I know to do this.!!! Any ideas how we can accomplish both of these tasks? Now mind you, we have gotten far away, well, what we thought was far away and actually run into people we know in the most unlikely places. So this may be challenge.

Talking about time to think and read and do a little catching up...I went into McDonald's yesterday and found a quiet corner. Usually this works for me...but, a gal who works there was in on her day off. Steve and I have become friends with this gal and so she sat down to talk...of course, she said only for a "few" minutes. Forty-five minutes later...well, what was so amazing I again got to share God's saving grace with her and how he want to be in control of her life, which is very out of control now. Remember, God has plans for us and for me today it wasn't to have this time to myself. But I am trying more diligently to listen and do what He wants me to do. Pray for her...she may come and bring her kids with her to church on Sunday.

See what did I tell you, all you people who read my blog, yeah! right, where are you anyway? Is it because I blog so infrequently? Who am I kidding?!

Steve and I drove to Kokomo, IN yesterday after he spoke at 2 morning worship times to celebrate his Aunt Rosie's 90th birthday. Again, doesn't seem possible...but even my husband finally admitted he is a "senior citizen" by society's definition yesterday in his speaking...and then let everyone know that I am not far behind. Who said he could say that anyway.

Oops, someone is at the door. Finish this later...all my worldwide blog readers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, I FORGOT TO TAG ANYONE...WHO DO I TAG? I DON'T THINK THAT MANY PEOPLE READ MY BLOG...

BUTCH

ANN MARIE

STEVEN

ERIN?

STEVE

GAIL

This tag thing was created by someone who needs to confess, to what, I am not sure. But I'll play along, maybe there are some things people don't actually know about me!

1. I have always had a dream to play the harp.
2. I do not have a belly button...figure that one out!
3. WhenI was a preschooler, I thought the difference between boys and girls was that boys
had belly buttons and girls did not! PS-My sister doesn't have a belly button either.
4. I don't like to face the wall when I am eating in a restaurant.
5. Steve and I spent our honeymoon with 35 other people.
6. When I was in junior high, I sneaked into a drive-in theater under the fence, watched the
movie by the snack bar.

Ok, so I don't blog everyday, brother...but that beats your record!!!

Getting Steve's office in order...past due since he has been worship pastor at LCBC for nearly one and half years. But we are looking for 2 comfortable chairs, an end table and music cd holder that will hold many, many cd's. Way too many...but again, he is a worship pastor. I reframed his family photos, diplomas, which included his doctorate...about time, right?!

It has actually been fun and inspires me to get our office at home painted and in order. We are choosing paint tomorrow, or should I say I am, Steve says he isn't good at that task.

I will post some pictures after we get things in order...that is if I can figure that one out on this blog. Remember, I am "over the hill" as my daughters would say.

All the decorations and garland is sorted and packed away (P.S. Girls come and collect what you want!) and now a new year is upon us. I woke this morning with a sad heart, but one also of rejoicing as a very dear friend of mine is being remembered by those who loved her most. Grace was a dear friend, but most importantly a mentor who exhibited her love for God with no shame to all she touched. A giver of love to everyone who needed it, no matter the circumstances. She in many ways was a saint, putting aside her own desires to help others. She would be the first to say that she was not worthy of praise such as she is receiving today, but her greatest desire would be to praise and give glory to her God, one she so tirelessly was devoted to daily. I know in my heart that Grace is enjoying to the fullest and with lots and lots of laughter her time in heaven. To think, as a nation remembered a president, I believe he and her are both sitting with the saviour now and experiencing God's love with same "pomp and circumstance" that God only deserves. A president and a loving "mountain lady" sharing together in this, whoa! what a thought!!!

Know this Grace if you can "hear" me, I wish I could be there to share in the memories of you, but in my heart and here in the midwest, you are remembered with much love and I can't wait for the day when we can "catch up" and we won't be rushed or think about the time and it will be forever!!!