Good Bye 2007-Hello 2008

We laughed, we cried.

We prayed, we praised.

We fought, we made up.

We learned to take life one day at a time.

We learned not to sweat the small stuff.

We learned that we can be content in whatever circumstance.

We learned what it means to be a husband and wife.

We praised God.

We wrestled with God.

We praised God more for revealing Himself to us.

We have been able to use our God given talents for good.

we blogged.

we commented.

We drove.

We have waited.

we have waited.

we have waited.

But so many lessons have been learned this year, and for that we are thankful.

Thank you God for blessing 2007 and feeling us with hope for 2008.

Good Bye 2007-you've been quite a year.

Hello 2008, we look forward with what each new day will bring.

Christmas Day: Guitar Hero

Guitar Hero kept us entertained for hours Christmas Night.

Click on the picture to see Jeff's hairdo. that is a blog within itself. An inside joke between my family that turned out to be very comical. Who knew we would be spending most of the day at the hospital? I will tell you another time, but for know enjoy my rocker husband.



And now here's Hayley. The only one that got a perfect score her first time on stage. Aunt Sue Sue got booed off three times. I guess I will stick to singing.



And a bonus picture that makes me laugh every time.

Christmas Day 2007:Turkey Baking 101

It was my job to buy the Turkey this year. I told Mom and Sister, "Don't worry, I can handle it!"

I thought I was very smart buying a YOUNG turkey breast. Turns out the breast was not boneless and that is what we were shooting for. Boneless Breast are easier to cook.

Took the Turkey over early, left in the refridgeator at Sister's house.

How smart are we for getting it over early?

11:00 am the next day, we are all enjoying a bit of Christmas Cheer with the kids.

"Missy, is the Turkey in the oven?"

"NO."

Whoops better start that.

the blasted breast is frozen! FROZEN!

"What do we do?!? The turkey is frozen!" I say.

Missy says, "Don't worry we will eat later."

Good thinking sister, good thinking.

Missy goes and puts two inches of water in the roasting pan. I am thinking how smart of you, we can thaw it out while it is cooking. I really, honestly was quite proud of her for coming up with that.

Mom turns sees water in the pan, "NO! Take the water out of that pan!!!"

"Why?" we both ask.

Mom says "You don't put water in the pan while cooking."

Missy, "Are you sure we can't do it?"



Mom says, "Yes, see right here it says, "Do not put water in the pan!"

Folks it said it in big black letters, like this

DO NOT PUT WATER IN PAN.


Missy and I decided it was better if we both put the turkey in the oven because those breasts were heavy. The turkey actually turned out very well. We were very proud of our efforts.


Those two YOUNG turkey breasts were good eating.

Sorry, Missy I still think you had a great idea for cooking the turkey in water.

Thank God Mom was there to stop us or who knows how the turkey would have turned out this year.

Oh and funny side note. When we got called about Granny being in the hospital the first thing out of either my mom's or sisters mouth was, "God knew we were going to need more time to fix the turkey, He took care of us."

Perspective. That is what we had that day, we had perspective.

Granny said the reason she was in the hospital is because she was trying to get out of making the Chocolate Pie. She's a rascal that's for sure.

Christmas Eve 2007: Part Two

 

Christmas Eve I spent with my Dad and Step Mom at Gunnar and Missy's house.

They came to our church Christmas Eve service and we fixed soup and cornbread.

The kids were so funny playing with thier new toys from Grandpa.

Melissa won Katelyn's heart when she bought Katy a pack of lip gloss and a gift certificate to build a bear. In one of the pictures Katelyn is showing Melissa one of her build a bear dolls.

Elijiah loved his car track and Faith loved the Karoke machine she got.

She sang to us way into the night while simutaneously checking Santa's status.

channel 5 was saying something totally opposite of what the Santa tracking website was showing. You would think that the news would get the correct location before they started reporting something completley different.

Don't they know that kids these days are website savy and so much more smarter than we ever were!

Christmas 2007: Christmas Eve Part 1

My grandfather and I, I just love this man!



The younger generation of cousins, I am going to frame this picture and add them to my prayer bar. Prayer Bar=the ledge in my kitchen where I put all my kids pictures so that I pray without ceasing. I have a feeling they may need all the help they can get. :) Don't we all!



The Patriarch and Matriarch of this crazy bunch.

Granny's home she will be resting most of the day so if you would like to call her please call her later in the evening or in the morning. The poor girl is tired!

The Full Story

The Christmas Day started off as usual, Missy, my mom and I were cooking while we waited for all of our family to arrive.

Aunt Karen called and said that Granny was in the hospital she had a mild stroke.

We dropped everything and went to the hospital.

Dr. Sam and my mom went ahead of all of us because Sam wanted to make sure the doctors were doing all they could for Granny. He even viewed all the MRI and Cat Scan results before the doctors did. Praise God for Sam and his doctor abilities. You are a blessing, Sam.

I was beside myself for a little bit.

Jeff pulled me down close to him on the couch and said, "Relax, don't walk ahead of God and start freaking out on us."

Needless to say, I sucked it up pretty fast.

We all arrived at the hospital and Sam said, "Do not worry. I looked at the results and she looks very, very good."

I felt more at peace when I saw her in a few minutes. She really looked good.

Bonner (my grandfather) was her hero that day. As soon as she said she was feeling numb he gave her three baby asprins. If you don't know, Asprin is a blood thinner and is what doctors perscribe to older patients to prevent strokes. I gave him a big hug and told him how much I loved him after the nurse said, "Sir you did a very good thing."

She has spent today and will spend tomorrow getting tests run. They think she should be home by Friday.

My sweet Granny called me this afternoon to "chat" from her hospital bed and kept telling me that she is doing very well and the doctors are very nice. It felt like she was on some kind of retreat.

I will be at the hospital tomorrow with her.

She is at HEB room 515.

Family email me @ susangwen78atyahoo.com and I will send you the phone number to the hospital and all of our numbers too.

She is doing very well though.

And we praise God for His protection over her.

Prayer

Granny B had a mild stroke Christmas morning.

She is in the hospital now getting tests run and should be there for the next couple of days.

Considering all that could have happened, she is doing very well.

I will keep you all posted as I know more but wanted to let the cousins know so we can all start praying.

God Bless you All!
Susan

Congratulations Matt & Meredith!

Look who married Matt and Meredith...my brother!
My Favorite Men in my Life.
Jeff says this is our Christmas Card photo for next year. Let's hope we have another little addition to add to the mix by then. :)

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

P.S I was the photographer for the wedding, I will post more pictures once the bride and groom get a chance to see them first.

No More Drama

The last few days have been spent learning the latest in hip hop music. My warehouse guys have enjoyed watching me try to keep up with the lingo. They kept calling me a cracker to which I replied "I don't smoke crack!" Actually I totally made the last part up, they never called me a cracker to my face. But I am sure that is what they were thinking or saying when I wasn't around and my reply would have been the same if they had the guts to say it to my face.

Hey, I admit I have lost my groove over the last few years. I guess you already know this since my favorite television station is Turner Classic Movies.

I swear I have a point-don't turn away now.

I have a new favorite song. If you watched CLASH OF THE CHOIRS tonight than you already may have heard it. And since I am the fool that can't remember my u-tube pass word, go here to see the original singer's version. It's called "NO MORE DRAMA!" I think it is fitting for the start of the holiday season. In fact this is my new theme song. Especially the line that says, "No more pain. No more drama in my life!"

The pain and drama comes from putting together millions of chairs. (That is an exaggeration-it was more like 99,999 not a 100,000. Jodi, did I write a milion right?)

Warning for Granny and her gang: You won't like the song so don't go there. Why don't you go here instead? Chances are that will be more your style!

Alright, wedding central starts tomorrow so I will be laying low this weekend.

If I don't see you in blogland before this weekend then have yourself a Merry little Christmas.

P.S the first song is not a new song to the hip hop world, just new to me. Don't laugh at me. It's not really my thang!

The Empty Stocking

The other night I sat and watched The Bishops Wife. I own it and can watch it over and over if I choose. It just is a sweet little flick. Not afraid to say the name Jesus either. Sadly, you don't often find that in today's holiday flicks.

Here is the quote that I spent a good while, pausing-rewinding and writing down for you all.

The Empty Stocking (That is what the scene is called on the DVD)

"Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear there was a child's cry.

A blazing star hung over the stable.

And wise men came with birthday gifts.

We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries, we celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, the sound of bells and with gifts-especially gifts.

You give me a book and I will give you a tie.

Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe.

Oh we forget nobody-adult or child, all the stockings are filled all that is except one.

We have even forgotten to hang it up, a stocking for the child born in a manager. It's his birthday we are celebrating! Don't let us forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for the most.

And then each put in his share; loving kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth."

It's a sweet quote isn't it?

You Go Girl!

My mom sent me this tidbit of information this week:

According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, while both male and
female reindeers grow antlers in the summer each year, male reindeer drop
their antlers at the beginning of winter, usually late November to
mid-December. Female reindeers retain their antlers till after they give
birth in the spring.


Therefore, according to EVERY historical rendition
depicting Santa 's reindeer, EVERY single one of them, from Rudolph to
Blitzen, had to be a girl.


We should've known... ONLY women would be
able to drag a jolly ole fat man in a red velvet suit all around the world in one
night and not get lost.

Another Bedtime Story

The other night, I was sound asleep. I went to bed late and had to get up early. After putting together so many pieces of furniture I was tired, dog tired. Jeff was home because it was in the middle of the weekend and he doesn't work weekends. Jeff went to bed at 9 pm and since he only needs 6 hours or less of sleep, he woke up at 4:00 am wide awake.

For a few minutes, he stirred around the bed quietly. Then all of sudden, he starts singing. Yes, yes that's right, he was started to sing at 4 in the morning.

I was trying hard not to laugh because this would only encourage him to keep singing...in the middle of the night...while I was still trying to get sleep.

He sang, "We'll be shadows in the moonlight, Darlin I'll meet you at midnight
Hand and hand we'll go, Dancin' through the Milky Way."

A few minutes go by, I am desperately trying to ignore him and go back to sleep.

"Jeff, please. I am trying to sleep."

"But baby, don't you want to wake up with me and sing Anne Murray songs too?"

Inside I was dying laughing. Out loud I said, "Jeff you better take your Anne Murray songs and move to the couch because I am trying to sleep!"

later that morning, I was getting ready for work and I heard him singing again.

And he says, "Don't you just love Anne Murray?"

No actually I do not. And the truth is neither does he.

I swear he does this stuff just so I will write it on the blog.

i'm alive-promise!

i had many emails and phone calls from people the last few days checking to see if I was still alive. i am, it's just that i am alive and kicking outside of my office.

i am happy to report that the store opening is almost under way. at least my portion is complete. i would be happy to tell you all where to go so you can see this fabulous, new store but jeff told me to not mention it on the blog. blog world creeps him out and he wants to keep me safe. family and friends, just call or shoot me an email and i will tell you where to go to see the pretty, new location and pretty, new furniture that yours truly put together. Please do not sit in the dining chairs though, I can not guarantee that they will all not fall down like Goldilocks. I was in charge of all those stickin, no good, pain in the rear end chairs.

tomorrow, i am back in the office so i will come back tomorrow with a few funny tales that i have been jotting down in my handy, dandy notebook to tell you.

i will leave you with one quick story now, let's call it a bedtime story since it is 10:30 at night when I am typing this.

You know you are busy when...

you send out two encouragment cards to two different people and then you swap the cards and send them to the wrong person.

thankfully, these two know each other and were able to swap them out.

and one, thought i needed a good laugh, so she called and told me what i did. it's all good, it was funny and gave me a good story to tell.

merry christmas!

Book Review: Bidding for Love

Ladies, if you like sweet romantic books that leave you feeling sweet and well ,as my friend Meredith would say, feeling lovey, then you need to read this book. It is a good one.

Katie Fforde is England's best seller but just starting to bring her books to America. This was the first book I read by her and I loved every minute of it. The book is actually been renamed "Bidding for Love" and not "Flora's Lot."

I have come to love English writers because they are very witty and know how to tell a great story. A sweet story at that.

Here is her website for you to enjoy.

Christmas Shoes

Today I spent the day tying up some loose ends. You see the last few days before Christmas I will be working non-stop building furniture and decorating a new home store. I look forward to these times but not the weekend before brother in laws wedding and Christmas. I mean come on, like I don't already have enough on my plate with those other two things.



So I made a mad dash today all over town doing things that were scheduled for this Saturday but had to be rescheduled due to the opening of the home store. Hair recolored (I am now a light brown instead of blond), buying accessories for the wedding outfit, grocery shopping for Christmas dinners, (yes I said dinners as in plural) last minute gift exchange cards for co-workers, birthday cards, pretty panty hose with a black velvet line down the back and shoes; a pretty pair of shoes.



You know what I realized I hated today? The people that ring the bells outside and those kiosks in the middle of the mall where the salespeople are always trying to get you to buy stuff like lotions or other useless crap. I know shame on me for saying the people that ring the bells. It must be because all such people are smoking as they wag the bell back and forth saying "Happy Holidays!" I want to yell "Say Merry Christmas and throw out your cig!" But let's go back to the kiosk people-kay? I was walking a very fast mall walkers pace and I thought I had the I am on a mission look plastered to my face so they wouldn't jump in the aisle and try to hold me up. But they did and it almost made my Christmas spirit waver a bit. I just smiled, pushed his hand out of the way and kept going on my merry little way. Yet, the next time I made the rounds by his kiosk he did the same thing to me. Again, I pushed his hand aside and kept walking. Not really much beyond that it just annoyed me and I felt I needed to share my woes with you all.



You care don't you? No. Alright then moving on...



Want to see my Christmas shoes? they are flat and super cute!

And my attempt at an artistic photo. Camera needed charged and a new photographer before it will look artistic or visible for that matter.
And me, in my skirt, pretty panty hose with the velvet stripe that goes up the back and my Christmas shoes.

Two things you need to know before I close:

1) In this picture, I am wearing a bleached stained Camp Deer Run T-shirt that will never be thrown away because it is sacred.

2) I bought the panty hose at Fredrick's of Hollywood. I promise I didn't by anything else but that store is lots of fun and I guarantee you if I didn't have groceries in my car I would have stayed and browsed a bit.

What?!?!

I am married, I can dress like that if I want to.

Sometimes You Just Need to Praise Him

I was reading in my prayer journal today, you know the place that I pour my deepest desires before the Lord.

I was blessed to see how God has blessed me this year. How God has blessed both Jeff and I this year. And how He has answered almost all of my prayers this year. All but two. Two out of 300 isn't bad if you ask me.

You see, it's easy to get wrapped up in the stuff that isn't happening and to lose my focus on all that IS happening.

And I am thankful that I have not ran ahead of God's plan for my life.

I am thankful that there is a bigger picture beyond what I see in the here and now.

I am thankful that when we stop pushing God to move us ahead that He provides us with a sweet, sweet serenity while we wait for His timing.

God is good.

so very, very good.

May I also suggest that if you are not keeping a journal of your own, that you go out today and pick you up a journal to write your deepest desires before the Lord? You will be blessed by taking the time to reflect.

Seriously, sometimes we need that little reminder that God is answering our prayers even if we have to wait a very, very, very long time for them to be answered.

Blessed.

Happy Birthday E!

Here is the story of Elijiah's 2nd birthday party in his own words.

"It's my party and I will bang my head on the ground if I want to."

"You can not bribe me with chocolate cake. I will not smile for you. I will not have a good time."

"Ohh fire. Blowing the candles out is fun, but I won't smile just so they still think I am not enjoying myself."

"Ohh this cake isn't bad either. But then again no smiles because I have to pretend I am not having any fun on my 2nd birthday."

"Maybe if I shove it in real tight they won't see my trying not to smile. This cake is really, really yummy!"

"Oh who am I trying to kid? I am having a great time!!!"

"Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday To Me!"

"Yeah!!!! It's my party and I will scream for no reason if I want to."

"Sue Sue! Check out my hands and dirty face!"

"What? I didn't do anything?"

Now on to presents.

"Grandpa told me to open up this bag. Hmm, I wonder what is in there?"

"Wow, this looks like it could be fun to play with."

"It's a car!"

"Now if you will excuse me I am going to play for a minute."

"Lynnie told me to open up another one. Oh wow there are basketballs on the paper! So cool!"

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Airplane!"

"Wee!"

"Sue Sue is that what I think it is? A big bah-baw-go-go! Let me see if I can throw this big ball in the air. One, Two, Three!"

"Hmm it looks like it is going to take lots of muscle for me to get it up there."

" I think I will try a chair this time."

"Daddy why don't we use the stairs to lift it up the bah-baw-go-go in the air?

"I hope you don't drop it on Meme!"

"Look! I have a small ball too that I can try fitting in there!"

"Umph! Two points!"

"Look what I can do with the big bah-baw!"

"Wee! This is fun!"

"Whoops too far!"

"I can balance on my ball too!"

"Head stand anyone"

That's all the pictures Sue Sue has of my big day. She forgot to charge the camera. Silly Sue Sue.