Happy New Year!

Well, my fellow I mean sister yayas, a new year that we are together. May the Lord come back this year and take us all away. It's been a blessing to have all of you as close friends. I love you and can't wait till our next visit with each other.. Love Tina

How was your Christmas?

How was everyone's Christmas?! Ours was just the five of us, and it was cozy and perfectly wonderful. We really missed having Kev's mom here, but it couldn't be helped. My quiet times have been sweet, I'm in the kitchen cooking or baking much of the time, and these precious days contain many moments of both sweet and sour. I wrote more about it on my blog, so I don't want to be redundant here.

I think of you all every day and hope your Christmas season is warm and wonderful, sweet and sane, long and lovely. I love you! XO

Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus!

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end.*

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.**

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.***

Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus!

...~*~...~*~...~*~...~*~...~*~...~*~...~*~...~*~...

*Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)
**Luke 2:7
***Revelation 21:5-7

2008 Christmas Tea

I just realized this is the first time we've celebrated Christmas and had a blog where we could document our tea! How fun is that?! Wish I'd gotten a picture of all the presents together 'cause they looked so pretty and decorative, but alas...

[Spoiler warning: Rosie, if you haven't opened your presents yet and don't want to know what they are, stop reading here.]

Thank you first to our beautiful hostess for the grand setting. If we paid for presentation, you would be quite independently wealthy. Wish I would've grabbed some of that ham wreath for the drive home--eeyum! Canada is so far, you know... I love my angel food cake pan. It's Kev's favorite cake, and now I have a pan for it. I'll make that delicious cake recipe for Christmas. You know how to do the whole package!

Thank you, G, for the giant bottle of Mexican Valium! I have slept SO well these past two nights! But seriously, thank you for this. I never buy the real stuff because it's too expensive, so this is truly a treat. And just in time for the kids to make snow ice cream! Leave it to our princess of fun and games! That you plucked your own rooster and brought homemade chicken noodle soup--funny, visual, and delicious!

Thank you, Chérie, for the fun of picking out our own personalized bracelets! It was like a game where everyone won! How like our Abba to delight and delight us. Cool that you got them a long time ago, and they're so personal for us right now. Could you guys put in the comments what yours said? I only remember G's. (Like G, I wanted to open Rosie's too, to know what it said!) Your artichoke dip is a homerun. I couldn't stop eating it--eeyum!

Thank You, our magnificient Abba, today for the gift of Us. You pour and touch and embrace us intimately and personally through the broken bread and poured out wine of our lives into one another. We revel in the perfectly imperfect love of familar friendship and kindred hearts. We celebrate the birth of our Emmanuel and offer our gratitude for Your ever-being with us. XO

Needs to learn to follow directions

So I learned something about myself today. I went back and read the last post. It says arrive around 10:30 or 11. Very open. I did not read past the 10:30. If I had, a) I would have not been surprised to be the first to arrive at 10:45, and b) I would have not worried so much about Cyndi because a) she was not THAT late, and b) our hostess was rather nebulous on the arrival time.

All of this does make me recall that in Kindergarten when the only grades you got were S (Satisfactory) and U (Unsatisfactory), I got a bunch of U's. One was for "Practices Self-Control". I remember this vividly and I am scarred. But surely, there must have been one for "Pays Attention" or "Follows Directions".

See, Tina, I have been a failure for a long time and I am not getting any better. Come sit in the corner with me. We can visit.

I love you, my YaYa's!!

It's a Go

Ok ladies, our time together will be sweet as usual, but we can't just eat sweets, but saying sweet things is always delectable. Our menu can be an annual thing, like what your family loves or what you love at this time of year, or maybe even what you've always wanted to try on others who are willing to say sweet things regardless of what you do, (that's my category). So, go for it, ok. Don't worry, it will work out great, and we will love the treat in every way.
In addition, bring whatever you want to make this a great memory for all. It's a TEA PARTY, or T Party, help me on this one Cyndi. See you around 10:30 or 11. TeeNuh

Oh Christmas Joy

Would you all like to come to my home next Friday, December 12 for our annual Christmas fellowship, frolic and fun time? I also think it would be great to either have a cookie exchange or make cookies together, or some activity like that. We would of course do lunch as we are used to doing... Hmm, I wonder what we should eat, and who should bring what, but not to worry, it will all work itself out in the right time, so let me say this:

You're cordially-(with much admiration, passion and resolve) invited,
to lift your spirits with your YAYA sisters,
at the home of Tina aka:Thinks Out Loud
on Friday, December 12
10:30 to ?

Please rsvp me.
Hope to see you soon

Oh yes, all gifts can be or should be or I would like to have: consumables, unless of course it is a Harold Bell Wright book.

Jacob's Wedding

Say Ya Ya's Athena and Jacob asked if we wanted to help do the food for their wedding. It is on April 26 th. She liked what Tina did at her daughter's wedding and asked if it was possible to do it again. What do you all think? Same menu. About 150 people. Please give me your thoughts. Thanks.

Thank you

Time is flying by. My desire is for all of you dear friends to know how much I deeply love you and appreciate you. You have blest me with love and acceptance, passionate friendships, and treasures for me in on earth and in heaven. Thank you for all the gifts. Each gift came from your heart with much thought for me. The cards were "catty" and others sentimental. The talk...Woah the talk. The open vulnerablity by all on the subject- date. My love all of you so very much and am looking forward to spending time with you during the holidays. With Love to all of you. Glenice
PS Who gets the hot seat next. I will be thinking of some questions. Rosie you better be here. Just kidding.

Priest Lake 2008

Our Glenice Day

It was lovely, wasn't it..... even when it was open season on topics big and--well, bigger. Tina leaned over to me at one point and whispered, "Here it is. We're talking about it. We wondered if this day would ever come, and here it is."

Some gems from that day:

• I don't have relatives worth visiting in the Philippines because they eat seeing eye dogs.
• Rosie doesn't care if Cheryl has a fork.
• Write down the sandwich orders, or have us make them our own selves, or just keep asking again and again.
  
• Glenice will answer anything with candor and as much honesty as possible.
• A middle finger holds extremely strong symbolism.
• Glenice is the keeper of the tangible history of the Ya-Yas. Oh, and here's the dues jar too. Happy birthday.

XO, ~c.

Happy Birthday, Glenice!

Happy Birthday to our princess of fun and games!

We love you dearly! XO


I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.”
~1 Cor. 1:4-5

And I Quote

This has our name written all over it!

"Brian Eno wants you to get some friends together and start singing.

Why?

Here's how he put it in a recent issue of Resurgence magazine: "I believe singing is the key to a long life, a good figure, a stable temperament, greater intelligence, new friends, increased self-confidence, heightened sexual attractiveness and a sense of humour. There! That got your attention."

Brian Eno is a 60-year-old electronic musician, and record producer. If you're familiar with the music of Paul Simon, David Byrne, U2, or Coldplay, then you've probably heard some of his work.

A few years ago, Eno and some friends started getting together to sing a capella. Some had musical experience and some didn't, but excellence wasn't the goal. In fact, there was no goal. They just got together on a regular basis and found they really enjoyed it.

Getting started is easy. After you get some friends lined up, you need just three things: drinks, snacks, and printouts of lyrics to a few songs.

Then once you're underway, Eno promises physiological benefits (deep and open breathing you wouldn't normally do), as well as psychological benefits. He writes: "Singing leaves you with a sense of levity and contentedness."

There are also "civilizational" benefits: "When you sing with a group of people you learn how to subsume yourself to the group consciousness – because a capella singing is all about the immersion of the self into the community. That's one of the great feelings: to stop being me for a little while, and to become us. That way lies empathy; the great virtue."

And while you're singing, you might also want to get out the pup tent and your dancing shoes. In his article, Eno cites a 30-year Scandinavian study that attempted to reveal which activities were most common among people who lived long, happy lives. Three activities stood out: singing, dancing, and camping."

I Need My YaYa's

Today I spent some time looking through those verses that contain that phrase “Whoever loses his life for me”. My NIV note says that Jesus is quoted as saying this 7 times in the Gospels and no other saying of His is given such emphasis.

This is one of those verses that would make it into the letter from Jesus to me. He has been bringing it up for years. And years.

Today this one from Matthew 16:25 in the Amplified hit me between the eyes:

“Whoever is bent on saving his [temporal] life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life] and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting].”

Then while reading some commentaries I happened upon this: “Rejoice in your afflictions and glory in them.” I could not find a verse that says exactly that but 2 Cor 12:9-10 where Paul says he is proud to boast of all his weaknesses; the one about the thorn in the flesh and when I am weak He is strong, sure has the gist of it.

I was very convicted. Comfort and security are what I hold onto tenaciously and I hear Him telling me that this is keeping me from receiving the “life” He has for me.

Every morning I wake up in pain. I am never free of pain. Sometimes it is blissfully mild, other times it is wicked. I hate it. I want it gone. I’ve cried out more than three times. I refuse to accept what He says. (Leave it all quietly to God, my soul, my rescue comes from Him alone.)

I’ll try anything to get rid of it. I am a fool. I am indeed “bent on” protecting my “comfort and security.”

Today He said, “Rejoice in your afflictions and glory in them.” This is not the “In the midst of all things give thanks” genre, but the “For all things” kind. He seriously means I am to rejoice when I wake in pain. I am so bummed. Cuz ya know what that makes me think? If I do that, He’ll send more! It’s like giving up the fight. Resignation. That makes me think of Hinds Feet – Acceptance with Joy. Crud.

At any rate, I write to ask for prayer. I cannot do this. I know that He is 100% willing to do it for me. I need faith. I need grace. I need strength.

Matthew Henry again on the Matt 16 verse: Self-denial and patient suffering are hard lessons which will never be learned if we consult with flesh and blood, let us therefore consult with our Lord Jesus.

Pray for me please.

Qs

Miss Tina,

1. How are your Friday nights going? How are you liking it, what do you think of the whole thing, and what are your thoughts on this endeavor?
2. How are you faring these days so soon after Rhonda's passing?
3. Did you find the pumpkin muffin recipe Mae asked about?
   

Miss Glenice,

1. How are things in your world of late? (Things that are printable, hehe!)
2. Did you get a prize for your carved pumpkin at Moe's? Did you already know my friend, Betsy?
3. Any ideas for what you'd like to do this month for your birthday?
   

Miss Cheryl,

1. How is your neck?
2. How is Leslie's foot?

Love you guys! XO

A Text Message from Abba to Mae

Mae asked me to pass along today's (10/23) "text message" from God to her. (Received via snail mail to me! - Cheryl)

Psalm 147.14 "He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat."

Mae - In my borders (my 'confinement' at this time of my life) God makes me peaceful about it, and content. He feeds me with His Word and good books and devotionals. He gives me friends and family. He shelters me in a warm, happy home, with ample food and water, and a telephone and mail, etc. He enables me to serve my dear husband. He supplies a Home Group church.

I live in a free country, with every comfort - not in slavery or misery. I can watch Christian TV, and listen to hymns,etc., and teaching tapes. I can look out windows and enjoy sunshine.

My Father, my Savior, my dear Companion, the Holy Spirt - and angels - Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

Hebrews 3:1

Amen and Amen! Thank You, Lord God!

In Just a Few Years

Well, now, isn't this interesting? At the top of our blog we have the five of us in our youth and beauty as a rearview. (Remember when we decided who was who?) Now you see that we still have the SAME colors on, (some things never change) but we moved around a bit.

The best part is that our arms are still linked. May God grant that we skip all the way to eternity together, knee replacements or not!!

I love you, my YaYa's!!

Princess Cheryl

Mae Day

What a beautiful day for this to happen. What great gobs of gifts He poured out on us, His girls! There was more than a month's worth of talking out we could've done, but what we were given must have been perfect, eh? Thank you so much for making this happen. Getting Mae here and back, the wonderful birthday gifts, the great food, and us just sitting together sharing a meal and our hearts and God's word--we are the stuff of great old books. I love us. I'm so grateful. mmWAH. XO

Post Scripts:

• We missed you, Rosie!
• Thank you for the walk, Glenice--it was splendid!
• Is anyone actually going to write that letter?
  

Old Entry, New Comment!

Hey G. Got that comment you wrote on Friday. You are hurting.., We need to talk at Cyndi's. Maybe we'll get insight from Mae.

What's Happening?

Are there any details going around for this Tuesday's rendezvous? I need to make arrangements. Thanks, Tina

Something New

Here's something new.
I start as a waitress at the new Italian restaurant at the Sundance golf course on Friday night. The owner is a friend. This is their first business as husband and wife. He is a seasoned (haha) chef. I like being with her. She was at my 50th. Her name is Victoria: dark hair, helped in the kitchen. I like the accessibility of getting into "work" with a friend. Seemed easy enough. I like the type of work-food, serving, hospitality- no different than what I already do, except the cash register and the credit card machine. Yikes!! I will only work on Friday nights at this time. The intent is to help them while they get established and to exercise my brain to remember things, like juggling orders.
So stop over. It's very good. Prices are typical. 4.50 to 20.00.
It will be fun...T

Be Encouraged

Just thinking of all of you. Read the latest blog. Ha Ha, Cheryl.

I am listening to Chuck Smith tapes down stairs while ironing the tablecloths for an upcoming wedding. The vibrant fall colors of greens, yellows and rusts outside my window are gorgeous. The contrast of blues and greens with the lake and lillipads and sky just send me to an adventurous place, certainly not here in the basement of my house.

I am going out tonight to hear Ken speak about the book of Exodus. We are going to talk again about Moses. This Moses thought he was the deliverer but realized his fellow Hebrews didn't think so. His mom emphasized the need for a deliverer and trained him up that he could be the one. With a desire to do, he got puffed up and started the work on his own. I love how these people are so real and just like us. They weren't 12 feet tall with halos over their heads. They didn't have any more intelligence than us. Moses was raised up for a work that God needed done-to deliver His own.

Have you ever wondered what God has raised you up for? Do you understand why he put you in the family he put you in? Did we have a pregnancy like Rebeccah did with Jacob and Esau?

Moses was told to go to the Pharoah,and he asked, who am I? Who are we that we should be the ones in our family to be an instrument that God could do His work? Today I'm looking for that answer, pouring over my life as a researcher writing a book -in my mind currently Cynee- about His story of my life.

Thought I'd tell you about it, to encourage you this day.

Love, Tina

Mae on Tuesday

Hi everyone! I can be there on Tuesday October 21st. Is there anything I can bring? I probably will drive myself. Thanks for making this happen for us to meet again. I am so excited.
Everything is going well. Becca has an interview today, Jacob is healing well from strep throat, James is almost finished with drivers ed and I almost have the yard winter proof. Love you all!

G

Daily Bread

I loved our time together and since I was coming off a fast, I have to say the food was amazing What good cooks we are! I was fed well and not too full, just right. But man does not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Talking with you all was the best food ever. As we sat in the house, walked along the road, we were blessed. Thanks for all of that. Love you, Tina

Mae Date in October

Received a reply from Mae about meeting at my house on Tuesday, October 21. She wrote, "Yes, yes, yes! Thank you for the invitation to your home... but you are going to MT the weekend of the 18th--won't you be tired? Oh, of course--I forgot you are young! Ha."

Thank you, Cheryl, for your willingness to make this happen. She seems so pleased with so little, and I appreciate her sincere prayers for all of us, "my girls".

Thought I'd share some things from her notebook that I liked:

• Being perplexed, I say, "Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, darkness is Light."
• I am afraid to touch things that involve so much--my trembling hand may shake, my skill-less hands may break; Thine can make no mistake!
• Hunt for the precious life in others.
• Respond instead of react.
• As long as the noisy restlessness of the mind goes on, the gentle holy desires of the new nature are quenched.
• Since self-control is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we know where to go!
• Bring Life to whatever situations you face. Deut. 30:19-20 Choose life!
• Look at temptations as an intrusion of an enemy power against the life of Christ in you. Ps. 69:9
• Ps. 101:2 Make daily duties steps heavenward.
• Prov. 12:25 Anxiety causes depression.

I like how she signs her letters, "My always love." Isn't she dear?!

I sure hope we can all be there. What do you think? I'd like her to meet Rosie again. =) XO

Our Abba Loves Us!

Oh Cheryl, my heart leaps for joy when I hear/see how God loves his children so much. I too have been blessed by our time spent away. The conversation of our past so engrained in my flesh refreshed my view of Dean. Our relationship has had its share of troubles this past couple of years. Our discussion allowed me to view Dean as a child and all of the crap that happened to him. I then evaluated how that has molded him: to how he thinks, how he reacts when corrected, denied his wants, how he guards himself (to wall off his offenders-me) and so much more. My heart broke for him and for me. I have approached him and he was wide open for discussion which was an answer to prayer... Thank you all... Again our Abba desires to take care of His own. We are on a road of forgiveness beginning with each others parents for all the ickies they crippled us with. I pray from there we will forgive each other.

I was blessed by the willingness of all of you to get together at whatever cost...-the cost of camping. Wow! The value of our relationship is beyond self comfort and into self-sacrifice. Whereever you go I will go!! I love you all!

G

free book

Just wanted to let you know that if you fill out a little survey about your reading preferences at this KMBI website, you can get a free book. The titles to choose from are:

Sex, Sushi, and Salvation
The Marriage Prayer
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon
Good Intentions
Lord, Change My Attitude
Lies Young Women Believe
Daily Seeds From Women Who Walk in Faith
Radical Womanhood
A Tip a Day With Ellie Kay (personal finances)
The Five Love Languages

Just scroll down a wee bit and click on the Moody Book Club link. You might not be interested in any of the titles, but just in case anyone is.....
XO, ~c.

Answered prayer

I want to thank you, my YaYa's for praying for me. Cyndi - I have had two glorious nights of sleep since we returned. I am ever so grateful and also humbled that I did not ask for prayer. Did not even think of it. Heathen dog. To all of you - the difficult person did not show for the 3+ hours of meetings on Wednesday night. That was a blessing in that we had so much to accomplish and would have been there longer and in more painful fashion. The issue still must be addressed, but that was apparently not God's timing. I had peace going in and relief coming out. Still covet your prayers. Chewing on this verse from Moffatt version: Romans 15: 1-2

"We who are strong (though I hardly feel so) ought to bear the burdens that the weak make for themselves and us. We are not to please ourselves, each of us must please his neighbor, doing him good by building up his faith."

Thank you, my YaYa's. I love you.

Cheryl

cabin

Pente yeah!!! Oh this will be so much fun! As for cooking arrangements the cabin has microwave, stove with oven, refrig, running water,and inside plumbing.For entertainment there is a tv with lots of snow, vcr player, and maybe a music player like an cd player.
Ideas for food: If we are up there by lunch on the twenty third and leave before dinner on the twenty fourth then that means we need to plan for two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast...with lots of snacks in between. s mores maybe? I will bring the s'mores stuff.
Lunches: sandwiches, chips, veggies?
Dinner: a cassarole already made up so all we have to do is bake it? rolls,dessert
Breakfast: huckleberry pancakes, bacon, eggs, coffee, hot cocoa,fresh fruit.

We could stop off at Safeway in Newport and purchase it all together or each pick something they would like to bring and then finish off at the store for the extras.
Glenice can do the whole breakfast except coffee (icky, icky, icky).

waiting to hear from ya all.
G

food

Hey, guys! I wanted to see if anyone has thought of what we might want to do for food for our overnighter. Do we want to go out for any meals? Cereal for breakfast? Snacks for dinner? Bring sandwich stuff? I don't know how remote this is. Glenice, if you're reading this, did you have something in mind?

This makes me think of our cabin retreat and the ridiculous amount of food we brought! Looked like enough for ALL of our combined families. We could've lived off of it until right about now..... =)

Can't wait for Tuesday!
XO, ~c.

Back From Heaven & Hell

Hello My Friends,

Last weekend Steve and I hiked up to Stevens Lake in Idaho. Neither one of us had ever been there. WOW!! What a grueling hike that was, 4 miles straight up. Well, maybe I''m exaggerating a little bit, but the whole time it was an ascend and there were times when I was standing straight up and my nose was not more that an arm's length from the mountain. Seriously, I was ready to quit not 50 yards from the top and go back down, not knowing we were only 50 yards. If it hadn't been for Steve carrying a 60 lb. pack I would've quit. This was my first time with my new pack-pack, 20 lbs. I wish we were getting another massage soon. Once we got there the view was spectacular, almost like being at Glacier National Park, there was even an ice cap. The lake was so pristine, clear and cold, and the quiet was amazingly beautiful. We were planning on coming back on Sunday, but easily decided to stay another night. Our first night it rained I got no sleep, the second night the wind blew so fiercely I got no sleep. I was ready to leave as beautiful as it was and take my chances with the descend. It took up 2 1/2 hours up and 1:15 down. All in all I'm glad I did it, and would probably do it again.

Steve is planning another hike this coming weekend. I'm kinda looking forward to see where we will go next.

Around the house, I've been painting, splitting wood, cleaning out the wood shed, getting ready for fall. I really love my house, but not in the winter. Im so not looking forward to winter this year, I had so many problems with the wood stove and pipes freezing, and just plain being cold all the time, that Im thinking of going south, just in the thinking stage for now. Well Ladies, I need to get my day started. Love you till the cows come home and can't wait till the 23rd.
r

cabin

Hi all,

I called my parents yesterday and they said yes to us using their cabin on September 23 and the day of Sept.24. They said they will be coming up on the 24th sometime. I said we will bring our own sleeping stuff and eating stuff so to not make work for them. If the frost has not come the huckleberries will still be on. There are lots of places to walk or drive. To heat the cabin we have to burn a wood stove. They have a vcr if we wanted a movie. As for sleeping arrangements there are 2 beds up stairs, a hide a bed downstairs and their bed. I can bring an air mattress. We can line them all up on the floor to if anyone else preferred a air mattress. I think this will be an adventure. What do you all think? Are you in?

G

Spa Day

Thanks to Glenice & Cheryl for all your legwork....... XO

Highlands Day Spa

where it all happens...

Oh, YEAH..... that's what I'm talkin' about..........

we are GOING to learn reflexology,
even if we have to practice on each other

the first 3 massagees

don't we look relaxed..................

lunch at The White House


Rosie, you never take a bad picture----ever.

You guys, I had so much fun just being with you. To get my first-ever massage along with you all was so great. Then to have a totally garlic lunch afterward was too good! I am really looking forward to Priest Lake. We are just THE BEST. I wish the candids I took would've turned out. I didn't think you'd want them posted, but I am keeping them for me. They are treasures all.

mmWAH.
XO, LL

Mae's response

I asked Mae what her thoughts are on Glenice's questions about pampering. I was going to include the text of the verses, but thought it'd take up too much room. This is what she wrote:

You asked my thoughts about pleasing self--some verses come to mind: Prov 8:30-31

• John 15:11
• Deut 7:7-8
• Phil 4:4
• Col 3:16-17
• 1 Thes 5:16
• Ps 45:7, 15, etc.

The will of God is for us to be wholesome. We have a body and a soul, as well as a spirit. Each needs sustaining. Self is not evil. Flesh is whatever is not aligned with Jesus' character. Whatever we can do without maligning the purity of Christ, that pleases us, is good.

Enjoy yourself! God enjoys you! Lighten up! Don't take yourself so seriously. Laugh! Smile! Sing! Praise! Thank! God will see to your growth as you rest in Him & the Word. Be yourself--relax. Ps 81, 84.

Just thought you'd be interested in what she wrote. What do you think?

Cheryl, do you think we might get together soon after Tina gets home? I don't remember when that is... We'll be out of town next Tuesday, our 'usual' day. Think about it, y'all, k? XO

Questions. So many questions.

This is one of those subjects that definitely calls for live discussion! Pamper definition included words "extreme" and "excessive". What a can of worms. I can imagine that Rosie asked this because she doesn't see where you pamper yourself (and according to what standard?) and judging by your post, you don't much. So the question is, "Should you?" Like I said, a can of worms.

Take the verse, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Or any of a number that allude to the fact that He has given us much to enjoy. He does mean for us to enjoy and does not call us to asceticism. The question that forms in my mind is "When does pamper cross the line to self- indulgence, and is self-indulgence always wrong?" Can of worms.

But He is the worm-master. If this has stirred up your heart so much, it is certainly something He wants to relieve you of and perhaps educate you about. So I return to my old standby, "Lord, what do You have to say to me about this?"

But it would certainly be a great question to throw out there IF we ever get together, but I would want to limit the discussion to 20 or 30 minutes. We have so much to talk about!!

To answer your questions about my health - it's an ugly mess because of my reaction to it. The acupuncture has not done a thing yet, though he assures me it will. I have been 4 times, have 8 visits on the referral and will do them and then re-evaluate. He told me not to expect anything until at least 4 or 5 so we are at D-day this week.

My attitude has been MUST FIND RELIEF- CAN"T LIVE LIKE THIS. Pain has steadily increased and is accompanied by much stiffness. I don't want to accept a new normal. I find it difficult to do all the active things I like while in pain. I want to eat ibuprofen or anything that will take the edge off. I do take lots of natural anti-inflammatories and they DO help, but I want more. I want relief. This attitude has set me at odds with God. Basically, I am saying, "You are not enough, Your grace is not sufficient."

Yesterday I played tennis with Rick. Have been doing so with Molly but she is at camp. By the end of one set (45 to 70 minutes, depending) all the compression and jarring has me in extreme pain. I cannot go on, though they would like to keep playing. That is discouraging, but leaves me with a choice: give it up or play through as much as I can without doing damage. In fact, I have made the choice to pursue activities that increase the pain, and the real choice is will I get mad about it or accept it?

Rick and I watched a movie that turned out to be French with subtitles (see Rick rolling eyes at me when we realized this) that convicted me. The main character was a man our age who had a stroke and was completely paralyzed and had no speech. They even had to sew one eye shut and so his visage was rather grotesque. He had a compassionate and devoted therapist that devised a system whereby she said the alphabet and he blinked when she came to the right letter so he could spell out words. Rather exhausting process. And I am complaining about pain. Fairly minor pain, when compared to what is out there.

So I am in the process of acceptance. I hope to work through to acceptance with joy. I am angry and sad and questioning and rebelling and falling down and into His grace. I am loving that quote from The Shack - "There is more grace than you can imagine."

Not sleeping worth a ding dang. Trying to cut back on the ibuprofen and valerian. Enjoying my yard and my walking and working out. Enjoying my kids and husband some, but LOTS of stress going around those arenas these days and would love to run away. Got a new car. Same as my old one but white and with 100,000 LESS miles. I'll take you for a ride. It's cush. My folks are coming for family dinner this week. I went over for a night last week. My sis is in major crisis, so much so that I wonder how far she is from going over the edge. Praying about going to help. Missing my time walking with Tina, but have accepted that and adjusted. Hardly ever skip it, though I was very worried that I would. Got a new haircut. Short wedge. I love it. My neighbor says it takes 10 years off my age. Kelsey says it makes me look not a day over 70. Sweet. Going to become power of attorney for CooCum. Take her to all her doc appts. and she wants me to take over her finances from Earl. Bad blood there. Rick is grateful.

Tina, get yourself home soon, we need a massage!!

I miss you guys. I am so glad for this blog. See you soon??

Cheryl

on pampering and denial

Wow, Glenice, good questions...

Q. What do you do to pamper yourself? [pam-per: to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive indulgence, kindness, or care]
This evokes thoughts of bubble baths, lovely music, a great book, and lots of time. That happens about once/year though. I take time for 'snatches' of pampering, like giving myself a pedicure or having coffee with a friend.

To deny for the sake of denial is asceticism and just another form of legalism. I don't know that you 'need' to come up with some way that you pamper yourself, unless you want to start doing it. God doesn't say we deserve anything but death, isn't that right? But as His children we can indulge in the delights that He delights to provide. We give Him glory as we joy in His provision and kindness. Deny yourself your right to your self, to say when or what or where or how or who, to let Him guide and prompt whatever you do.

The older I get, the simpler it is to delight me. To drink in the faces of my kids, while they're here with me, that's been a tremendous kindness & pleasure I allow myself. If you need a time of refreshment & rejuvenation, take yourself aside and replenish. Are you wanting to know what that looks like for you personally? what it is that would be an indulgence for your spirit? You're the hardest working person, always trying to keep on top of everything that needs to be done and tended to... Do you relax very often? Do you want to? Does your mind get rest enough to feel strong and clear?

This would be a very interesting thing to talk about all together. Don't know if that'll ever happen, but I can imagine the others would be more help than this. I don't have any other answers than my own experience. I'm sorry for the confusion and unclear status of what pampering and denying entail for you. I guess I just don't think about it much. I just do... or don't do...

Love you, my friend.
Thank you for your great gift last Sunday. Such a treasure.

Cheryl, are you up to an update on you? I didn't know you'd started acupuncture. What do you think of that? Any further word on Tina? I talked with her last week, and she is totally, completely immersed in this new & very different world. Absolutely caught up into it. Very interesting. XO

August is almost here

Well this summer flown by! I love James being home. Although he seems to have a slight attitude about being better than... something. I do believe it has something to do with growing up and separation but I don't like it. We will go camping August 1-2 up at Priest Lake. Huckleberries are being picked down low already. I enjoy picking them. Probably something different and of course the scenery is beautiful.
My garden is doing well. Chickens are not yet laying. Work still needs to be done around the house/yard. I would like to paint the living room this summer.

Rosie asked me a question and I really do not have an answer. So I will ask you to help with the answer. Here is the question: What do you do to pamper yourself? I have thought about it and cannot come up with any one thing. Dean says, "You have a cell phone. That is a luxury." I don't agree. I have a cup of tea to warm up with in the mornings. I am blogging sometimes. I talk on the phone. I enjoy visiting my friends. I do think I ought to come up with something or should I? What does God say? Does He say I deserve to be pampered? You deserve a break today? I don't think so. But I do know He desires me to take care of self. I don't know what that means. This whole topic of not denying self is confusing me. What is it I am to deny myself of... worldly pleasures? Flesh pleasures? anything that puts the focus on self? I do believe there is a balance but where is it? I am an athlete trained to discipline. I am a mother trained to deny self time. I am a girl raised in a "poor" environment trained to deny luxury of any kind. But have those trainings now perverted my truth about what God wants for me? Certainly not to spoil but to be willing to take His blessings and enjoy them? Don't know yet but maybe soon I will. Or maybe it will be another question disappearing into the abyss of confusion.

Please write me comments. I hope to read this blog with in a week.

Until then have a great day in the Lord!

Glenice

PS - Cheryl Wow acupuncture. I pray it works for you. I am sad to know you are in so much pain and just being uncomfortable with it. I am glad your trip went well. Let me know how you are doing. I will continue praying for you.

summer o8

Happy birthday tina, (happy face)
I hope to see you tonight. I am cleaning carpets, washing sheets, and watching LynnDee. I might need time out tonight.
Thank you Cyndi for the nice pictures.
Good luck all of you basketball players and parents. Have a hot one!!!
Tina...thank you for the wonderful time on Tuesday. The food was great...the company great!!
Love you all.
Glenice

Happy Birthday, Tina Marie! †

XOXO

Tina's Birthday at Mae's

on Nat and 2 parties

So sorry Nat is sick. Yucky when kids don't feel well. Smoothing hair back and being there for them doesn't feel like enough sometimes. Hope she's better soon & that no one else gets it. Does this mean we're on for the 24th? I might not be able to come if I'm doing VBS. I'm going to see if they need helpers. If I'm not truly needed, I'm not going.

The 32-yr anniversary party was GRAND! That the jerseys sported that number and all the guests in attendance were people who dearly care for you--good stuff. Your kids DO know how to throw a party! Thanked Annied for the invite--she is something else!

Glenice & Rosie, are you still unable to post anything? Glenice, did you get your gmail address to work?

Thank you SO MUCH for coming to Ryan's party (or for wanting to)! That meant a lot, and we all really appreciated it. Wish we would've taken a picture with all of us in it, but I have these:





Love you guys!
XO, ~c.

Are we on?

I've heard from all of you except Rosie. Mae is available after 1 pm and she said to drop in anytime. I would like all of us to be with her, at least a few minutes. Don't know the other plans yet. I'll think of them today.

Cyndi--- bring Jylie here to be with the kids. That would be great. Can Ryan show up, too? That would be even better, at least for Bryan, hehe.

Keep checking this site for further instructions in the adventures of the YAYAs

My Birthday

It's my birthday again in a few days. I haven't planned on anything big and someone asked me, why not? I guess I just don't want it about me again. I want more space between last year when it was a biggy until the next one. Yet, I am warming up to the idea of a party. Party? Did you say PARTY?

Well, one party I for sure want to schedule is the one on the 17th. That date has been on Cheryl's calendar so we need to use it. I was thinking of going to Mae's, and I haven't contacted her yet, so it's not final. I don't know what exactly after that, but I'm still thinking about it. Just spending time with all of you will be great. I really want a YaYa sequel and do that again...

Please contact me so we can arrange our meeting time and place. Oh yeah, do you know this is acutally an invite to my birthday party with the yayas. Yeah.

Post Pardon-Me Blues

Today, I wrote down all the feelings I am experiencing regarding the numerous interactions I have had with others in the past few days. The intent was to help me indentify this feeling of being in the "funk" I am currrently in. The obvious explanantion is due to the after-effects of coming off the high of Halley's wedding. The easiest way to describe it is similar to the depression like feelings after having a baby, called baby blues.

Checking on the web for the correct term, this statement popped out. "Two out of three mothers undergo the "baby blues," a feeling of let down after the emotional experience of childbirth. (postpartum.net/)."

Somehow, Halley's wedding has put me in this same type of feeling, and when you think of it, it has been like childbirth, mine anyway. Her birth was my first successful homebirth. We prepared for months, and prayed continually to do it at home- since the first attempt with Becki resulted in a transport to the hospital. Halley again, has put me in a position of a first although she is second born. This was my first wedding where I was very active partnering with her in the birth of her new life; separate from me, both utilizing our uniqueness and cooperation because of our closeness, but again, cutting the cord. This reminds me what my mom said in her poem:

My days with you are over,
I have to live this fact.
The LORD told me "Let go of them,
It's time to take them back.

He placed you in my body,
My part a mother's role,
Allowed to labor for your birth
But He gave you a soul.

You were never mine to own,
Just borrowed for a time,
Branches stemming from the tree,
attached to Chrst, the vine.

So the excitement is over of probably the most significant earthly event between birth and death for my girl. My part a mother's role is done -or at least changed as we now say- to alleviate feelings of being displaced. I will be turning the page momentarily but before I go-pardon me- as I breathe in the memories of Halley's life and breathe out the quick love affair between me and my second born and release her to another.

I am grateful to look forward to new chapters that Halley and Koby write but a bit timid due to the fact I am not orchestrating any of it. I never like suspense but I do trust that their Father is watching over them. And I am ready to power up to release another, this time Chels.

So if I appear to be a little out of sorts, now you know why and so do I. It's apprapro to hear her dancing song at the moment, "I need to practice my dancin, so please daddy please, all too soon the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone."

Shoot

So much for typing a post for the last 30 minutes. I'ts gone. Will try another time. Darn. In essence I said, party time is what is happening with me. Hope to see you at more that I am planning-like a birthday bash, not big, just a get-together, ok. Is there a yaya sequel?

It's Party City

yes, busy...

Yes, chérie, it has been busyness... Nothing terribly unusual going on, but a full to-do list. Since there hasn't been anything really in terms of activities or news, I didn't have anything to contribute. And when I feel like blogging, I do it on mine, and you already read that, so I figure you're in the know. Sooo, you sound like me--I'm always very interested in hearing from you guys because you all do lots of activities and have new news! I'm going to Clinks today with Betsy & Kymm for Betsy's birthday. Subbed yesterday and been grading senior papers the last two weeks. Planted tomatoes & a few flowers. None of that is really very interesting...

Glenice, you must surely have a plateful with new "family" to care for in addition to your already full days. We do thank you sooo much for taking the time to blog. We consider it truly a lovely gift. And Rosie, you might not know how to decide what to write about, but that's okay. We hope you'll write when you do...

Praying for Tina & Chelsea, hoping all's well halfway around the world.

Cheryl, thank you for your own update, and for wanting us, for asking for us. I feel really loved knowing you have eyes on us. I know this is a small offering, but I hope it's a step up from nothing at all. I love you guys. XO

YaYa's! Where Are You??

No posts! No comments for over a week! Hurrifically busy? Bummer.

I am fortunate enough to be having car trouble with 2 of our 3 cars, so that leaves me mostly grounded. Which works since I am trying to get all the pots planted cuz I bought bunches from the girls basketball team and they are getting leggy. I even took the hedge trimmer to the flats a week ago in an effort to mass trim them! Kinda look chewed up now, but very much alive.

For Mother's Day, from the kids I got $ to use to hire someone to do my spring cleaning. (I am such a bad housewife - I detest cleaning.) Now that I have the cash in my hot little hands, I am thinking up other uses for it. Molly & Annie also volunteered to help me do the pots, so we are going to try to knock that out this Sunday. On Monday I fly to Portland and then drive to the ocean for 3 days with Pam, so must get the tunias in the dirt!

Rick also bought me a gold bracelet. Since he started this jewelry thing I am really into bling.

I visited Mae last week and really whined & cried at her about my neck. Of course, she bathed me in the Word and prayer and I left feeling oh, so much better. We must try a field trip there. It's hard to share each other when we get so little YaYa time, but it is very much worth it, even if we don't sense the full value at the time. Do you realize how much she prays for you? All the more after we have visited.

How does your Wednesday, May 28th look? It was a date Tina suggested before leaving for Russia. It would be a time at her house doing last minute wedding stuff and would be a blessing to her, I'm sure.

Hope to be seeing you on the blog soon. I check every day & go away sad.

Cheryl

Checking Out

My dear sweet sister yayas

I'm leaving on a jet plane
And I do plan on being back again.
We leave Spokane at 8
Then at the Denver airport we wait.

That night around 6 we go
Traveling in the dark always seems slow.
Maybe I'll be able to sleep
Unless of course there is someone to meet.

I'll miss you but I know I'm loved
Prayed for to our Father above.
I carry you in my heart
Cause' we've been yayas from the start.

Love, Tina

Checkin' in

I sure do love this blog. If I don't see you or talk to you, I'm still not out of touch. Thanks Glenice and Cyndi! And of course I see Tina almost daily, so if Glenice keeps bits in about Rosie, my circle rotates.

Very bad neck injection experience. Won't be going back. Only option left is acupuncture and have mixed reports about that. We shall see.

Made a trip to Wenatchee for baseball and got to see my brother for ten minutes. He looks great. Boys played two games and won them both, coming from behind. Kyle hit a home run!! Only his second ever (in a game). That broke it open and we scored 9 runs in one inning. Very much fun.

My yard is shaping up. Goodness, I love doing that.

I have us on the calendar for Tuesday the 20th but I am running away from home with Pam, so can we reschedule?

Tina's here. Gotta walk. Later.

Cheryl

what up...

Glenice! SO great to know what you’re up to and how you’re doing. Hearing about the team dinner, the Studabakers, Jacob—wonderful! I didn’t know she had only one tooth in front... must be weird to bite. I’ll be looking forward to seeing if you have a different opinion of her while Jim’s gone! Funny you!

The password on your gmail account is probably the same one for your Juno account? I looked away when you entered it when I set up the account, so I don’t know what it is. Have you tried that one? If you don’t remember your password, you can click on the blue link below the signin box that says “I cannot access my account.” It’ll take you to the password recovery page where you can click on links that’ll send your password in an email to your Juno account, where you can retrieve it there. If it’s all too complicated, let me know, and we’ll figure out another way. There’s always a way!

No, Brett doesn’t get to come home for Ryan’s graduation. He’s leaving for China on the 21^st for six weeks and will be home July 5 for four weeks—WOOT! Anything y’all want in China…?

I love soccer game days--you blog! I really love that. Thank you so much for that.

The kids & I got back at 5 a.m. yesterday from the “Acquire the Fire” weekend in Tacoma with the youth group. We gave reports en masse of our weekend to the church, and then we came home and packed up all the stuff this 10 yr old boy had at our house for the little-over-a-week that he was with us. He’s on to a home that will keep him permanently now, which is a beautiful answer to prayer.

Went to visit Jamara last weekend, and that was a hoot. As beautiful & forthcoming as ever. She continues to have a positive, optimistic, upward facing attitude, even inside the pain, discomfort, and unpredictability of this condition. She amazes me, to the glory of God. †

Off to do laundry, one of my favorite jobs. Love you guys! Soli Deo Gloria!

is it really spring?

Well here I am again waiting for the soccer game to start. So I'll catch ya up on the scoop. We had the team dinner last night and we had about 20 people: players and parents (Rosie and Jamara too (happy face). I had a great time and I know James did too because he pulled me aside twice and gave me a hug and said thank you! Sometimes we can't please our kids so when we do it goes all the way to the bone. The happy bone. No the coach did not show up. Not even a call. But we did end up inviting the varsity too because this weekend is so busy with the prom and livestock show that the available numbers were limited. Great bunch of kids!

The studabakers are doing well. The have adjusted amazingly well. I think Jim is happy to be free from all of the burden. I'll take her shopping with me. Or anything I do which does not require much of her. Monday we'll get her hair permed. Then she will look pretty. If only we can get her to go to the dentist so she can have more than one tooth in the front. She is doing well also. Jim took her to town for awhile and when they went to their home she wanted to know whom the house belonged to. WOW. I was shocked because she lived there since 1946. She likes to pick flowers and play with stuffed animals. Cute. Next week Jim will be leaving for California for 10 -14 days. By then I should have another opinion of her.

James has moved up to the Varsity for the playoffs. Don't really know if they'll play him but at least they will let him bench sit. He is ready of soccer to be over. I am not. I wished I could coach. But I do believe my plate is full right now.

Cyndi: I can't remember my pass word to the account you set up for me on gmail. I guess if ya don't use it ya lose it. It's gone.

So Tina are you ready for Russia? Is Russia ready for you?

Cheryl: Have you found out any thing from the tests?

Rosie: Thanks for coming over for the party and bringing Jamara. Some day I will bring Dot over and we'll do some yard work. She loves picking up pine needles and cones.

The other day Jacob's car died. He is now in the store for a car. Does anyone know of a car for sale? My grandma sold her car one month too early. This is a learning experience for him. Right now he is borrowing our van. He needs to find a car by the end of May.

Cyndi: Does Brett get to come home for Ryan's graduation? I hope so.

This computer said I better sign off. Love you. Till the next soccer game. TTFN

Glenice

a quick hi

I am getting ready for James' last soccer game. We play Chewelah--double itch. He wanted a team dinner so it will be held at my house Friday May 2 after practice. Yes for all you wondering I did invite their coach...the jerk. You know it is the " Christian" thing to do. It did me well. Kind of like healing to my emotions. Now you all know that I won't mind if he has other obligations. How is Cheryl? I am aware that for now you are the mature one. But honestly girly I am not far behind you. I feel like I am tired all of the time. I think it might be stress. I will chill out soon for soccer will be over and I will get use to taking care of my two live ins. They are good to have. I have to have all meals prepared. Where before I was getting slack on it. But I am gaining weight too. I hope to start exercising when it stops snowing.... when I feel like it... when Rosie holds me accountable. That's it, accountability. Well I have to go. I love you all. Hope to write soon.
Glenice

Sending Tina to Russia

I have a plan.

This coming Tuesday, the 29th, I had a thought to have a fashion show. I have many very nice (FREE) articles of clothing to pass on to Tina, and I thought you all should be present for the trying on ceremony. She is looking to have nice dress clothes to wear in Russia and I have some to pass on. (For I have matured in my body and they will never fit me again, but her they will.)

How about you? Maybe you would rather bring food so she can mature like some of us?

My house when SHE is available.

Watch for updates.

~C (Cheryl, The Obviously Matured One)

Lovely Ladies' Lunch (what's lovelier--the ladies or the lunch...?)

It was a perfectly lovely lunch, ladies, and I thank you! Tina, your efforts are so caring and thoughtful. The table was pretty & inviting. Glenice, your ‘tater salad was wonderful! I’m praying for you as take on this ultra-compassionate and life-affecting role. Rosie, I’m SO glad you were there! I loved when you took me by the hand into the kitchen—that was so sisterly. I felt like little girls… And Cheryl, I’m glad to have been the one to spend that time with you. And thanks again for your AAA contribution. (I tagged that dang truck key with a masking tape label for all to see, so no more “next time.”)

“Blessed are they who have a gift of making friends, for it is one of God’s best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one’s self, and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another.” ~Thomas Hughes

Blue Bird Sightings!

Little Moments of Spring! 

Even with all the snow alately  I can still see & smell spring. My little grape hyacinths are everywhere I look around the property. The little violets that have laid dormant all winter long have once again greeted the world and brought with them the most precious sweet smell, you can't help but think of good things when the fragrance reaches your nose. I sat on the deck yesterday morning feeling the warmth of the sun on my face. One by one my kitties came over to greet me with purrs and meows and we all laid on the deck basking in the few rays of sun before the clouds came and stole it away from us. 

I will be more than glad to join the yayas for lunch at Cheryl's, is there something I can bring? Thanks for the phone call Tina, I really really do appreciate it. We will talk more tomorrow and do more catching up. Hope I find everyone doing well.

rxo

_^.,.^_

Lunch by Tina on the 22nd?

Tina has an idea and I am the messenger. Cyndi is my designated driver for a procedure on Tuesday morn that requires anesthesia. Tina wondered if she would be bringing me straight home (we might want to go shopping?) and I supposed so as I will not probably be fully functioning.

Tina then wondered if Cyndi could stay and visit and Tina could come bring lunch. I suggested calling it a Ya Ya make up day on this week's missed one and have everyone come & Tina said she'd feed us.

How's about it? Wanna come to Cheryl's at noonish on Tuesday & have lunch & visit?

Happy Spring!

Happy Spring, Ya-Yas!

Is our next date the 15th?

Is our next date the 15th?

Glenice, did you have fun at the lodge? I would’ve come, but Jylle called early to pick her up... Thank you so much for thinking of me! When’s the wedding where you’re teaching the fox trot?

Cheryl, although we don't want anything to happen to your kids, you're right that we're glad to be in on the caucus--and glad for our record!

Tina, are you knee deep (heart deep) into the Russia trip right now? I added a link to The Good News here on our page, but I can take it off if you're not ready for a link yet.

Rosie, I hope you're doing well. How's your snow there? (eeyuck) Any bulbs peeking out yet? How many cats do you have? Do you still have Dita? What plans do you have coming up?

This Last Week:

• Kev tiled the office & wash room, still needs to grout.
• He leaves for Salt Lake City on Wed for 3 days (math convention).
• Got Jylle an outfit for 8^th grade promotion & she made a li'l video of our time together.
• Ryan is depressed by a total lack of scholarship awards after all his hard work.
• I’m learning more about Love and how little of the true stuff I let out. I fight melancholy and wonder what’s wrong with me. Why don't I just live RIGHT...
• My friend, Sandy, is in the midst of chemo and still is a directional arrow to His heart. I’m grateful for that kind of hope!

Okay, guys, this blog thing is pretty much working out, eh? I’m so very interested in your lives and your thoughts. I’m awfully grateful for the time and effort you take. Gotta feed the horses & walk the dogs now. Love you gobs!!! XO

We are 100% on YaYa diagnoses!

Thought you'd all like to know that the YaYa Consortium of Medical Diagnoses of the Stillar Children is currently batting a thousand. Luke finally saw a doctor. Took him a week (and this news is a week old.) Never did get the whole free clinic thing to work for him. (Missed an appointment by 4 minutes and they said, "Sorry!") But he saw a doc friend of a friend and we were correct. There was a mild infection way inside, but nothing threatening as there was no pain or inflammation. So for the cut rate of $100 he got the diagnosis, another $10 for an antibiotic & a thousand bucks worth of peace of mind.

This whole experience combined with some other of my children calling mom for this and that has caused me to have some serious wonderment over how I have raised my kids. I would have to call my mom for verification, but I don't think I ever called for advice once I left home (except maybe for a few recipes). I realize now that I expected my kids would do the same. And I see also that's how I hoped it would turn out!

When I brought Kelsey home from the hospital and realized that I was now in charge of clipping 100 toenails and fingernails (without snipping any flesh), it was an overwhelming thought. The whole responsibility thing has been daunting for SO MANY YEARS. I've been consciously working on not letting other people's stuff become MY stuff, but I really thought that these "opportunities for growth" would diminish as the kids left and my job description shrunk. I'm thinkin' I screwed up.

As I am pondering how best to adjust to this knowledge, I am struck with the fact that our God has already made the adjustments!! (Thank you Lord that You are ever speaking to us!)

1 - The last two times I have been with my YaYa's I got a potentially stressful call that they could shoulder with me, and

2 - They were not stressed and were happy to do it, and

3 - We are 2 for 2!

I love you my YaYa's!!

Cheryl