Life Again Changes

Well, my last post mentioned about the new life changes I'd be going through having my mother-in-law move in with us. Sadly, she passed away two days after I wrote that.
I don't think it has truly set in yet. We have had so many relatives die over the last 11 years that I honestly think I've become use to death. Is that a horrible thing to say? It sounds a bit uncaring but it's not meant to. After thinking it over and tossing it around I feel it must be a coping mechanism my brain and heart use so I don't break down totally. We've lost 15 family members in 11 years. That's insane.
I know a lot of them were older and no one lives forever but my brother-in-law was only 60, our cousins were 53 and 57. It's got to stop soon or there will be none of us left (Just a thought).

I'm done discussing it. It's time to decorate for Christmas. I'm going to put little sparkling white lights all throughout the house. It's going to turn our world into a winter wonderland. All bright and new. Yep, it's time to brighten things up.
Ready, set, glow!

Just When You thought It Was Safe...

Here I was just getting use to my son being away at college. I've gotten into a routine of walking the dog, going out regularly for breakfast or lunch with friends, and shopping to my hearts content. This weekend has put an abrupt stop to that. A new chapter in my life has just begun. My mother-in-law has moved in with us. We honestly don't know for how long or how it is going to work out but we're going to give it our best. The biggest problem is that she can't walk by herself. The other main problem, she is on oxygen when her levels get low. So, it's basically like having a large infant with health issue. Today is the first full day she and I will be alone. Please say a prayer for us.

So when does life get easy? Does anybody know?

Just the Start of baking for our Military

Yesterday was the first of many days that I will be baking cookies for our military. It took me awhile to decide exactly what to bake. They can't go stale in a day or two nor can they be too fragile due to they're traveling through the Post Office. So the two I decided on are Oatmeal Raisin Walnut and Star-shaped Butter Cookies with white icing and red and blue sprinkles. I still have to do the icing part but the baking is done.

Who would think that baking cookies could make one feel so good without even eating them.

Cookies for our Military

Hey, if you like to bake cookies I've got the perfect group for you to join, Operation Baking GALS. You just have to send out a box of homemade cookies once a month to one of our brave soldiers. Couldn't be easier, couldn't be for a better cause. Check them out at www.bakinggals.com.

Are Hollywood Moms Losing It

I just saw a of picture Suri Cruise (Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes daughter) wearing high heels. I'm talking 2-inch, sparkling silver high heels. Did I mention she is only 3 years old. Has Katie lost her mind? I don't get it. Usually they are carrying her around like a new born and when they finally let her walk they put her in high heels. I know I'm not the best parent in the world, and heaven knows I've made mistakes, but this is crazy. I pretty sure we won't be seeing them on the cover of Parenting Magazine anytime soon.

Here's the link if you're interested in seeing a picture. Crazy world.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/21/suri-cruise-wears-high-he_n_294241.htmlw a picture of Tom and Katie Cruise's 3 year-old daughter wearing silver high heels.

The Smell Of Christmas Is In The Air

OK, is it just me or is anyone else annoyed that the stores are putting Christmas stuff out and it's only the middle of September? I was in Kohl's today (a dept. store for those of you that don't shop) and they have their entire Christmas department set up, decorated trees and all. This is crazy. I haven't even gotten my Halloween things out yet ( I did see a few of my neighborhoods had their ghosts and such out already, personally, I think it's even a bit early for that, but at least it is the next holiday on the calendar).
Back to Kohl's. As you walk down one isle your eyes take in pumpkins, black cats, turkeys, a pilgrim or two, Santa, assorted nutcrackers, Nativities and reindeer. Does no one else find this an odd combination for the mind to digest? It's no wonder I'm always feeling stressed out. I can't deal with three major holidays at once. I can't handle them one at a time. A law should be passed. No holiday before its time law. When one holiday passes then and only then can you set up for the next one. I don't know about you but I don't want to see any kids pictures taken at the mall where they're sitting between the Easter Bunny and Santa on the same big chair.

Autumn Is On Its Way

I love when the seasons just begin to change, and Autumn is one of my favorites. The day time sky turns a deeper blue filled with big, white, billowy clouds. The mornings start with a chill in the air that burn off by early afternoon and then return again as the sun sets. Sweater weather at its finest. The trees are just beginning to change into their kaleidoscope of colors and the stores are stocking their shelves with pumpkins and Halloween candy. Ah, Autumn. I my favorite apple and pumpkin recipes to the front of my recipe box. All the pink and yellow summer flowers will be replaced with red and orange mums. My shorts will be packed away, being replaced with jeans and khaki's. But sadly it isn't all good. Soon it will be dark by dinner time and the days will be too cold to go outside. Snow shovels will replace the garden trowels. And as the rotted pumpkins are discarded the trees will take on their lifeless forms. The gray skies of Winter will cast their shadows over the land and we'll have to wait until Spring for the world to take on the feeling that all is bright and new again. But I do so enjoy Autumn while it's here; caramel apples, pumpkin pie,Halloween, sweaters, colorful trees, mums, cool days, flannel pajamas.....