Happy New Year.

 Tonight I opted to celebrate rather than stay home and be sad. Mr Macho and I dined out. We attended a local dance at the Community Center. Old folks. Country music. Get the picture? But. We were welcomed. And we danced. And. We left early. So we could get home and drink some bubbles and send a wishing lantern into the night sky in memory of Dad. 

We watched it fly into the night. We watched until it burned out - many miles into oblivion. 

Happy New Year. 

On Eagle's Wings

Christmas glow.

May I say it has been a blessed and rewarding week of Christmas? Why, yes I may. And. I am saying just that. Mr. Macho and I drove down to Mom's on Christmas Eve. After attending vigil Mass we honored my brother's invitation to join his family for seafood gumbo. And it was good. The company. And the gumbo. I wish I had taken some snaps of the gumbo. Much discussion of gumbo was had with multiple siblings throughout the course of the week. Like the Belgian waffles, we all do our own variations of the gumbo. Most of us like our own gumbo the best. Having said that, I do enjoy the other gumbos. 

Anyway. Christmas morning dawned and the three of us - Mom, Mr. Macho, and I - awoke leisurely and enjoyed a breakfast of waffles, sausage balls, scrambled eggs, coffee and fruit. We had a few gifts to open and we so enjoyed watching Mom open her's. 

Sister from Virginia arranged for 10 shampoo and blow dries with Mom's barber. Very neat gift! 

Another sister sent a package with, at least, 12 wrapped presents. Mom opened one every day while we were there and planned to keep opening one a day until all were opened. It was fun. 

The Christmas lasagna was good. We had stopped at the grocery store on the way out of town to pick up the fresh ingredients. I love the way the salads looked - so Christmas-y!! It was yummy. Later in the afternoon we had coffee and almond coffee cake. 

The ruby slippers were one of the things we gave Mom. And she loved them! She showed them to every one that came over. She said she couldn't stop looking at her feet because they were so sparkly. The light will follow her wherever she goes!

It was so very good to be at the heart of my family during Christmas time. I loved being with Mom and seeing these two sisters and my brothers. It was a joy. 

Thursday Mr. Macho and I took a long walk on the street where I grew up. We walked the old properties and I captured this lovely beach sky. The weather was just right. No need for  jacket. And mostly sunny. 

Thursday night we enjoyed more gumbo and Dr. Brother's house. Friday we ate at a local fish place that wasn't anything to brag about. Don't think we will repeat that one. But Mr. Macho enjoyed some barbecue ribs that night. I don't want to think about food for a while. I am tired of eating. 

It started raining during the night last night. At Mom's house the rain made it sound like someone was hammering. It was so loud. After breakfast we loaded up and headed north. It was hard and sad to drive away with my little Mom waving from her garage until we were out of sight.  It was nasty rain all the way home. I wish we lived closer.

Totally worth it. The trip. Planning and transporting the meal. Changing tradition. Stretching Mr. Macho beyond his comfort. Sleeping on the uncomfortable mattress. All the little aggravations. It was all worth it. More than once Mom told me that we had made her Christmas. That was the pay off. That is the joy. 

Joy to the world. The Lord has come. Let every heart prepare him room. 

Merry Christmas. Love you, Mom. 

Not a creature was stirring...

'Twas the week before Christmas

And the Reeves had all met,

And, as typically southern,

The weather got wet.

The games that they played!

Oh how they did laugh!

And all the little girls had a 

Scrubbley-bubbley bath!

The gifts got exchanged.

The food they all ate.

Then they play in the yard

Until it was late.

Too soon it was over 

And time to depart

Then kisses and hugs

Were given straight from their hearts. 

We thought of the family

And talked about y'all

And send you glad tidings to

The tall and the small.

So from all of our clan

to kin and to friend-

Merry Christmas to all

and may your team win! 

***

Twas a grand time had by all that gathered here this past weekend. We opened the door and let Christmas in early. Chinese pictionary, big breakfast, laughter, bubble baths, hide and seek...We will critique at a later date to see what we shall repeat and what we shall eliminate for next year. The house was full. The food was plentiful. And the noise! Oh the noise, noise, noise, noise! I enjoyed every minute.

The weather was warm and humid. We took advantage of it and snapped photos outside and played until it got dark. 

The Alabama clan. 

The In Town Gang and a creeper in the background. 

Whatamustache! Out of Town Gang. 

Silly snap complete with photo bombing creeper. Do you see a trend? Poor Super Carrot had the same reaction to Santa. 

*****

Once again the house is too quiet. 

Silent night. Holy night. I am making room for the peace. 

The two of us will spend Christmas with my Mom this year. 

Merry Christmas to all. 

I just can't resist. This is one of my favorite Christmas Eve quotes...

BACKWARD, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,
Make me a child again just for to-night! -Elizabeth Akers Allen

I am Walter Mitty.

At least this week I have been. My fantasy isn't very grand, though. I have been secretly dreaming that Mr. Macho had already bought my Christmas present. Today I even dreamed that he was making that compost bin I have been wanting and printing off the internet. Until. He asked. While sitting comfortably on the back porch. "I'm going to do my Christmas shopping tomorrow. What do you want? Or have you already bought your own Christmas present?" It is the last possible day he can shop. And here is my dilemma, I end up looking like the bad guy and feeling guilty. He backs me into this emotional corner and I am expected to come out all sweet and rosy. I reacted with a laugh. And a, "So you've waited until the 11th hour?" - Smart ass remark. Then he got all quiet and moody and said he just asked and didn't want a lecture.

I do over analyze these emotional stand offs.

I wonder. Next year if I hand him a very long list of unique gift suggestions when he asks, what would he do? That perks me up a little just thinking about it. Yep. I am feeling very Walter Mitty today.

I have spent my afternoon trying to regain that good holiday buzz that I had going up until the porch confrontation. I am almost back.

But. I do need a little Christmas. Right this very minute.

Glad tidings of great joy.

Tuesday I finished all the shopping. Running errands? Done. I will have to do one more grocery run before we head to Mom's next week. Other than that. I am ready for Christmas!!
Mr. Macho and I have made a tradition of taking his Dad and the friend-girl out to dinner during the holidays. So last night was it. We exchanged gifts at his Dad's house and headed up north to a neighboring town to a little-known restaurant called Lackey's. We have eaten there before, but only once or twice. On the way there is a flat stretch of land that afforded us the most spectacular view of the rising full orange moon that I have ever seen. It was fronted by the black silhouette of trees. It was a feast for my eyes. I could not stop looking at it.
When we arrived at the restaurant and walked into the place the very nice hostess asked if we were there for the party. I realized they were only open for a private party, and asked just that. She said yes, they only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights - but other nights for private parties. I said oh my, we are so sorry. She said let me ask if we can serve y'all and went back into the kitchen. When she came out she said they would and showed us to an empty dining room with a huge screen teevee, 'cause it was that kind of restaurant. Catfish place. You know. The sweet hostess actually waited on us. We all ordered fried fish, with me opting for the flounder and not the catfish. And it was all good. Hot fried fish, hush puppies, baked potato (or french fries), and cole slaw. When we finished and were paying out the owner/cook came out and visited with us and was most friendly and gracious. I told him how much we appreciated them serving us - as they weren't really open. He said, as any good business man would, "if you come through my door, I'm gonna feed you!" It was a delightful evening all around.
Today I had my beauty appointment where I got all spiffed up for Christmas. The afternoon has been spent making goodies for the weekend. Bunko with some of my girlies tonight with our usual white elephant dirty Santa. That means we bring gently used items to exchange. It is always a hoot. Tomorrow and Friday will be more of the same. Cooking a little. Cleaning a little. Spreading cheer.
We need a little Christmas. Right this very minute.

The parade came marching...

We made it to our town's little Christmas parade last night. Warmed by the chili that our church youth group served, we braved the cold to catch a glimpse of those famous horses. 

And we were not disappointed! It was exciting as they approached.

This man was one of the crew. He was giving treats to the horses. He was not a small man. So you can see how much taller the horses are than the man. They are truly magnificent animals. I am sorry I didn't get a photo of the Dalmatian on the wagon. He was a very handsome, too. 

Bonus bling on the way home. This house. Wow is all I can say. 

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas. 

Round one.

We win. This round. Lauren's MRI yesterday indicated there is no tumor. A great big sigh and a heartfelt thank you for prayers offered on her/our behalf. There are further tests on the schedule. I am hoping for a simple, curable explanation. Please God.

We enjoyed a sleepover from the Super Carrot. She went with us to Sweet Pea's Christmas program where the staff got it right. In 30 minutes we were out of there. It was precious. Sweet Pea was a natural on the stage. She knew every word and every gesture for her songs. 

Merritt was full of song during this visit. She sang "Hacky birthday to Jesus!", "Jesus loves me this I know", and "Jingle Bells". Over. And over. 

 

And. She loved playing the "peeno". And singing. 

How can you not want to just eat up little feet in Christmas socks?! Right? 

Poor Merritt threw up twice on the way home yesterday. She was fine after that. I am thinking car sick. Not stomach bug. (She may get that from her Nanny. I am the queen of car sick.) 

Today dawned rainy. Less rain and more just dreary as the day progresses. After a good workout at the gym Mr. Macho and I have just piddled around the house. I met up with some neighbors for a drive way pow-wow before lunch and presented them with their Christmas "happies" from us. I introduced the gifts as, "not home-made, and not expensive." They loved the cheap goodies I had bagged for them. And I shared my Christmas oranges with them. I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered the large box. But I have oranges coming out the wazoo. 

I have much to do next week. But for now I am relaxed. We are going to support our church youth tonight and eat their chili. Then we are going to enjoy our little town's Christmas parade. It will feature the Budweiser Clydesdales!! I am truly excited about seeing them. 

Peace on earth. Goodwill toward men. 

Shhh...

(Said in a whisper.) Merritt is coming over this afternoon. And. We get to go watch Sweet Pea's preschool Christmas production this evening. I can hardly wait. Oh this will be fun.

I could use a few chestnuts roasting by an open fire.

Wow. It was so cold feeling this morning. The frost was so heavy it looked like snow. I didn't eat breakfast nor drink my hot cup of coffee because of the blood test. Routine. It has been a few years. And so. I fasted after midnight for the test. I thought I would treat myself to a breakfast afterwards but ended up in the Subway inside the Walmart. Mistake. Mediocre sandwich and not-so-good coffee. I kept my coat and scarf on whilst I perused the aisles. Cause I was still chilled. I found lots of little odds and ends that are going to help round out my gift giving. Plus the usual milk and butter that I needed. I finally felt warm when I got back into my car and found it was cozy and sun-heated.

Back home. Groceries are half put away. Home coffee reheated and consumed. Phone call with Daughter. We are making the arrangements. I will pick up the Super Carrot tomorrow after nap time. She will spend the night with us. This will allow Daughter and Son-in-Law to rise early and get Lauren to Birmingham for her MRI. I know I haven't written about this subject until now. I haven't wanted to put it in writing. I haven't been able to do that.  Here is the deal. Last week the eye doctor saw something pushing Lauren's optic nerve into her eyeball. They want to look further. Limbo. This is where we have been living for the last week. And. We will be there for a few more days. Until we get results.

Couple this with my Father's spirit being present in every sweet Christmas song on the radio and you can start to guess that my emotions are riding in plain sight. I hear my dad in every Bing Crosby-like crooned carol on the radio. I am hit with what I call the "Butterfly Kisses" affect = I can't decide whether to change channels or just enjoy a good cry. Even the not-so-sad songs conjure Dad in the car with me. I think I heard "I'll be home for Christmas" three times in one trip to town.

Do we ever stop wanting to go home for Christmas?

I'll be home for Christmas - Michael Buble'

Just another Monday.

The birthday has come and gone. There was no cake. There were no candles. But. There was fried chicken. And a clean kitchen. And wonderful and varied renditions of "Happy Birthday to you!" There was time spent with friends. And family. And it was good.

The weekend rain has intruded upon my Monday and rendered it a stay home day. And so. I declare this "Christmas Waffle Making Day"! My Mom's old family recipe for Belgian Waffles will be dusted off and lightly adhered to. It has been handed down from generation to generation. The recipe, written in my mother's hand, actually belongs to Daughter. However, she has not claimed custody, yet. So I make the waffles. It is a happy arrangement.

My room that usually looks like a yarn bomb went off now has the appearance of a gift wrap bomb explosion. Slowly presents are morphing from here to underneath our tree. Today the house will start to smell like Christmas with all the nutmeg and cinnamon that goes into the waffles. I think I need to play some good happy tunes while the baking is going on. That will set a good mood.

I wish you could see Daughter's photo of her children on Santa's lap. It is classic. With The Super Carrot in full blown "bloody murder" face. It. Is. Hysterical!

Peace on earth. Be sweet.

Heinz 57.

Yes. I am now 57 years old. So? This year my birthday was mostly happy. (It was tempered by some disturbing news about Lauren. That discussion is for a later day. It is a medical issue.)
Wednesday I went shopping with my girlie friends. They bought me lunch and we shopped until we were all worn out. It was a good day.

Thursday, yesterday, was my birthday. The day was good. I received many birthday cards. I talked to my Mom the day before and she wished me a happy birthday and I told her I was glad I was born and thanks for having me, Mom. She told me she was glad I was born. She said I love you. I said I love you.
I had cards/phone calls/Skype calls/and texts from all my siblings. Even my friend, Ruby, who is out of town for 3 months, arranged for her daughter-in-law to drop a present by my house.  Being the seventh child of nine, often lost among the throng, it feels good to be remembered. Knowing that I love the birth stories, Marsha asked about my very own birth story. Some of our childhood stories come from an older sibling's memories. I just don't have any information about my birth story. Maybe that is one of the reasons I feel so strongly about telling and retelling the events that surrounded the birth of each of my children. Each birth was different and had it's own unique twist. And I remember. Each. One.

Anyway. I did what I wanted...got a little Christmas shopping done and some Christmas cards written and mailed. One of my sisters-in-law dropped by for a nice visit. She brought me a very lovely scarf. Her presence made my day feel happier. I got a colorful arrangement of flowers from Out-of-Town Son and Sweet Alyssa. In the evening Mr. Macho and I enjoyed a bottle of Spumante and then went out to the fancy restaurant in town and enjoyed a lovely meal.  Super Carrot got teased and couldn't quite sing her signature "Hacky Birthday to You!" on facetime. That is okay. She sang it to me a few days ago. It counts.

Sister Paulette is taking me to lunch today. The celebration continues. I plan more Christmas shopping today. Must get this done. Must get this done. Eeeek.

This is me not panicking. Be sweet.

And so it begins.

December. With all of its happy-sad mish-mosh of the emotional roller coaster. Two sisters have already wished me a happy birthday week. Okay! Off to a better start than last year. A combination of things kept my birthday from being very happy last year. My Dad was dying. Enough said. This year I am trying to make my own weather. Own my karma. I already have plans in the works to spend Wednesday with my girlie friends. Carpe diem!

We did get most of the Christmas decorations put out yesterday. The front door and mailbox are about all that is left. I will wait until tomorrow to finish that up. I hope to get some shopping done this week. It might be next week before I finish. Than I will have to start planning in earnest what to eat at our family gathering and what to plan to eat when we go home to Mom's. But not today. Today we fed the masses. Spaghetti. And it was good. Yes. The workers can eat if there is anything left. And there was food left. It is a rainy kind of day and our numbers were down. But hungry people still came to us.

It is my favorite month of good deeds, again. I am enjoying doing some things. No. I will not tell. Only that it feels good. And I don't need anyone to know that I did it. Gives it even more of a zing. I encourage you to do something small but meaningful for somebody. And don't tell.

Peace on earth. Good will toward men. Be sweet.