Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Merry Christmas!!!!!
I want to wish you all
a very blessed
and joyous Christmas!
May all your hopes and dreams
come true this year!
Kevin, Peggie, Keegan, Logan, & Kasey
Pluto and Mickey, too!
I will be doing the family thing for awhile and will
be blogging again very soon!
Monday, December 20, 2004
The Chacone Sisters
As I go through my everyday life I see and hear things that bring back precious memories of events and special people from the past. For example, poinsettas remind me of Carolyn. We worked together in the Personnel Office at High Plains Baptist Hospital many years ago. Carolyn was allergic to poinsettas. At Christmas time she was clutching a Kleenex, blowing her nose.
Name this tune: "Friday night it was late we got down to the gate and I was dreaming of the night would it turn out right". It is "Reminiscing" by the Little River Band. It reminds me of an old boyfriend from college. The reason escapes me, but I always laugh when I hear it and think of him.
When I spy any kind of angel in a store, it is a memorial of my mother-in-law who passed away a few years ago. She collected angels. I dislike the term "in-law". She was my "other" mom.
And when I hear the song "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye - You know this song - " And when I get that feeling, I want sexual healing, make me feel so fine, helps to relieve my mind. Get up get up get up get up, lets make love tonight" it brings me back to a very special guy friend , Dale. Dale had an awesome voice and we sang that song together on the bus traveling to church camp one year. I always loved singing and two-stepping with Dale. One of the best platonic guy friends I have ever had! I have lost track of Dale.
Hearing people speak with a British accent reminds me of one of my best friends, Kim. When we were in highschool, I remember several of us ordering food at McDonalds with British accents and lots of giggles! These are memories that just stick with you forever.
Well, every Christmas when I get my music out I play my Amy Grant Christmas album. One of the songs is "Emmanuel". It takes me back to those precious freshman college days and My Chacone Sisters! Oh, where do I start? I have lost track of some of them but most are great friends that I hope I will have for life!
One December, I remember us all huddled in one of the small cluttered dorm rooms listening to Amy Grant. It must have been final week because we were all very tired, stressed, and simpled out! My memory is a little foggy, but I remember this song playing loudly. We were all playing different instruments, you know, the air guitar, air drums, air sax, piano, and others. Each one had a different part. We belted out the song, it went something like this:
"Emmanuel! Chacon! Emmanuel! Wonderful Counselor, Lord of Life, Lord of All, He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One. Emmanuel, Emmanuel!" We played it continuously until each one of us got our parts right!
I don't remember where we came up with the word "chacone". Maybe it originated from singing this song, and someone casually inserted the word. Maybe it was because two of us knew a guy named Mike Chacone. The reason seems insignificant now.
The Chacone Sisters went through our freshmen year singing silly songs, watching "All My Children" everyday after class, going on adventurous road trips in the blue Chrysler Cordova from hell, playing tricks on each other, chasing boys, making prank phone calls, and absolutely not studying. Most important, we laughed hysterically through it all! Laughing loud was our icon. We even had our own little pledging ceremonies. One of the initiations was dressing up like dorks and walking through Behrens lobby, our freshmen dorm. The memories of that are a little fuzzy, thank goodness!
One thing I will never forget is the valuable friendships that I made that year. The Chacone Sisters faded away many years ago, but I will boldly say the friendships will last forever! And I hope the memory remains the same each Christmas when I pop that disk into the stereo.
Name this tune: "Friday night it was late we got down to the gate and I was dreaming of the night would it turn out right". It is "Reminiscing" by the Little River Band. It reminds me of an old boyfriend from college. The reason escapes me, but I always laugh when I hear it and think of him.
When I spy any kind of angel in a store, it is a memorial of my mother-in-law who passed away a few years ago. She collected angels. I dislike the term "in-law". She was my "other" mom.
And when I hear the song "Sexual Healing" by Marvin Gaye - You know this song - " And when I get that feeling, I want sexual healing, make me feel so fine, helps to relieve my mind. Get up get up get up get up, lets make love tonight" it brings me back to a very special guy friend , Dale. Dale had an awesome voice and we sang that song together on the bus traveling to church camp one year. I always loved singing and two-stepping with Dale. One of the best platonic guy friends I have ever had! I have lost track of Dale.
Hearing people speak with a British accent reminds me of one of my best friends, Kim. When we were in highschool, I remember several of us ordering food at McDonalds with British accents and lots of giggles! These are memories that just stick with you forever.
Well, every Christmas when I get my music out I play my Amy Grant Christmas album. One of the songs is "Emmanuel". It takes me back to those precious freshman college days and My Chacone Sisters! Oh, where do I start? I have lost track of some of them but most are great friends that I hope I will have for life!
One December, I remember us all huddled in one of the small cluttered dorm rooms listening to Amy Grant. It must have been final week because we were all very tired, stressed, and simpled out! My memory is a little foggy, but I remember this song playing loudly. We were all playing different instruments, you know, the air guitar, air drums, air sax, piano, and others. Each one had a different part. We belted out the song, it went something like this:
"Emmanuel! Chacon! Emmanuel! Wonderful Counselor, Lord of Life, Lord of All, He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One. Emmanuel, Emmanuel!" We played it continuously until each one of us got our parts right!
I don't remember where we came up with the word "chacone". Maybe it originated from singing this song, and someone casually inserted the word. Maybe it was because two of us knew a guy named Mike Chacone. The reason seems insignificant now.
The Chacone Sisters went through our freshmen year singing silly songs, watching "All My Children" everyday after class, going on adventurous road trips in the blue Chrysler Cordova from hell, playing tricks on each other, chasing boys, making prank phone calls, and absolutely not studying. Most important, we laughed hysterically through it all! Laughing loud was our icon. We even had our own little pledging ceremonies. One of the initiations was dressing up like dorks and walking through Behrens lobby, our freshmen dorm. The memories of that are a little fuzzy, thank goodness!
One thing I will never forget is the valuable friendships that I made that year. The Chacone Sisters faded away many years ago, but I will boldly say the friendships will last forever! And I hope the memory remains the same each Christmas when I pop that disk into the stereo.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
"Mary, did you know?"
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs.
I have it on my Kenny Rogers Christmas cd...
Here are the words.......
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered will soon deliver you!
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the Face of God.
Oh, Mary did you know...
Oh, Mary did you know...
The blind will seek, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again!
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the presence of the Lamb..
Oh, Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nation?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
The sleeping child your holding is the great I Am!
Mary did you know.....
Oh, if I could only have the faith of Mary......
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Running, running, running...........
I am running a lot these days, running here, running there....... busy,busy, busy! I am leaving right now to literally run with April. It is pretty warm outside, about 45 degrees. I thought it was freezing, so I am relieved.
I decided that it is time to clean my house today. It has been a couple weeks. I am not a good housekeeper. I feel like life is too short to spend precious time dusting and vacuuming. I am just not that kind of girl. But it just has to be done!
Logan is counting down the days until school is out!
Two more days!!!!!!! Unfortunately he is not fond of school, to put it nicely!
I hope everyone has a blessed day!
I am off to run!
I decided that it is time to clean my house today. It has been a couple weeks. I am not a good housekeeper. I feel like life is too short to spend precious time dusting and vacuuming. I am just not that kind of girl. But it just has to be done!
Logan is counting down the days until school is out!
Two more days!!!!!!! Unfortunately he is not fond of school, to put it nicely!
I hope everyone has a blessed day!
I am off to run!
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Pets need presents,too!
There is a pet clinic around the corner from my house. The sign in the front says, "Pets need Christmas presents, too". It made me think about the last time I wrapped a present for Kasey under the tree. Unfortunately it has been a few years, I think? She used to have a stocking, too! Her first Christmas with us, I couldn't even bare to leave her at home while we drove a couple miles to celebrate Christmas! I am embarrassed to say that Kasey has been forgotten around the holidays in the last few years!
Kasey is my first baby! A year after Kevin and I got married I decided we needed a dog. That's the next step, right? She was the cutest puppy I had ever seen. She is still quite a little cutie now in her old age of 98. But, like a human child she went through her terrible two's. I still come across forgotten things that have her tiny little teeth marks all over it! And I remember ALL the times I have had to clean up her cute little accidents! Just like a real child, huh?
Kasey has been apart of our family for 14 years! She acknowledged both babies when they came home from the hospital. The first time, Kasey and I were both really nervous about the baby thing. She allowed the boys to "play" with her when they were little ones. She survived devouring a huge chocolate cookie cake one year, and eating many other no-no's! She always conceded to the fight for a peaceful seat during the endless trips to Amarillo. She has witnessed lot's of fights, lot's of making up, the good times and the bad! She has spent many hours passively guarding our home while we were out and about living our lives!
Last year Kasey was sick as a dog (excuse the pun)! I had never seen her so ill. We spent over a week in and out of the vet trying to nurse her back to health! We also spent an insane amount of money. It was a tough time, but she survived it! We all realized how much we would miss Kasey if she was gone. We had been living our busy lives and taking her for granted. She is just a dog, but a big part of our family!
So, this year the boys and I have decided to get her a bed. She has never had a bed because in the past she liked to sleep on the cold floor or lay on the back of the couch like a cat. Recently we have noticed she insists on laying on a soft, warm, comfy area. For example, she will lay on dirty clothes (imagine a house with two boys not having dirty clothes laying around on the floor, huh?), the boys blankets left lying around, and even clean clothes that accidentally fall on the floor(yes, that happens in my house as well) , and of course everyone's favorite, the one and only chair and a half! So, I finally made her a bed from an old torn stained red , but really soft comforter for her to hang out on. She loves her make-shift bed. But, we think she needs a real bed, don't you? I hope we can find a really big soft one. Do they make dog beds out of feather down. Do they make pillow top mattresses for dogs? And of course it has to match the decor of my living room. Okay, we only have 10 days to figure this one out!
So I searched the web for some dog beds! Whoa! I am so naive! I pictured the classic, ordinary bed like you see in Pet Smart. I never in my wildest dreams imagined such a selection of canine furniture..... Orthopedic, designer, luxury, pillow, leather, wicker, and even a four poster bed with canopy! It will take me weeks to make this decision.
Add your special pet to your list this Christmas! I hope your shopping is easier than mine; a bone, a designer leash, a squeaky toy hotdog, for example. It is a tough life eating, barking, protecting, playing, snuggling with the giant humans, and sleeping all day! They deserve a present, too!
Kasey is my first baby! A year after Kevin and I got married I decided we needed a dog. That's the next step, right? She was the cutest puppy I had ever seen. She is still quite a little cutie now in her old age of 98. But, like a human child she went through her terrible two's. I still come across forgotten things that have her tiny little teeth marks all over it! And I remember ALL the times I have had to clean up her cute little accidents! Just like a real child, huh?
Kasey has been apart of our family for 14 years! She acknowledged both babies when they came home from the hospital. The first time, Kasey and I were both really nervous about the baby thing. She allowed the boys to "play" with her when they were little ones. She survived devouring a huge chocolate cookie cake one year, and eating many other no-no's! She always conceded to the fight for a peaceful seat during the endless trips to Amarillo. She has witnessed lot's of fights, lot's of making up, the good times and the bad! She has spent many hours passively guarding our home while we were out and about living our lives!
Last year Kasey was sick as a dog (excuse the pun)! I had never seen her so ill. We spent over a week in and out of the vet trying to nurse her back to health! We also spent an insane amount of money. It was a tough time, but she survived it! We all realized how much we would miss Kasey if she was gone. We had been living our busy lives and taking her for granted. She is just a dog, but a big part of our family!
So, this year the boys and I have decided to get her a bed. She has never had a bed because in the past she liked to sleep on the cold floor or lay on the back of the couch like a cat. Recently we have noticed she insists on laying on a soft, warm, comfy area. For example, she will lay on dirty clothes (imagine a house with two boys not having dirty clothes laying around on the floor, huh?), the boys blankets left lying around, and even clean clothes that accidentally fall on the floor(yes, that happens in my house as well) , and of course everyone's favorite, the one and only chair and a half! So, I finally made her a bed from an old torn stained red , but really soft comforter for her to hang out on. She loves her make-shift bed. But, we think she needs a real bed, don't you? I hope we can find a really big soft one. Do they make dog beds out of feather down. Do they make pillow top mattresses for dogs? And of course it has to match the decor of my living room. Okay, we only have 10 days to figure this one out!
So I searched the web for some dog beds! Whoa! I am so naive! I pictured the classic, ordinary bed like you see in Pet Smart. I never in my wildest dreams imagined such a selection of canine furniture..... Orthopedic, designer, luxury, pillow, leather, wicker, and even a four poster bed with canopy! It will take me weeks to make this decision.
Add your special pet to your list this Christmas! I hope your shopping is easier than mine; a bone, a designer leash, a squeaky toy hotdog, for example. It is a tough life eating, barking, protecting, playing, snuggling with the giant humans, and sleeping all day! They deserve a present, too!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Christmas is 11 days away!
Life is a little hectic for me right now! Getting ready for that magical day, beginning my half marathon training, and just trying to make the holidays a joyful and enjoyable time with my family takes time and energy! It also takes away from this blog!
I have been wanting to spend some precious time with my camera! Find some great photo opps to share with you! One of my newest passions is photography. I would like to have more time to concentrate on learning more and getting better. I hope to spend some time on that during the Christmas holiday. Hopefully, I will have some to share!
My biggest priority this time of year is just to remember Christ and His precious birth! I really want to focus on Him instead of the hustle and bustle! I hope you all can do that too! It is the only reason we celebrate Christmas, right?
I have been wanting to spend some precious time with my camera! Find some great photo opps to share with you! One of my newest passions is photography. I would like to have more time to concentrate on learning more and getting better. I hope to spend some time on that during the Christmas holiday. Hopefully, I will have some to share!
My biggest priority this time of year is just to remember Christ and His precious birth! I really want to focus on Him instead of the hustle and bustle! I hope you all can do that too! It is the only reason we celebrate Christmas, right?
Friday, December 10, 2004
Bridget Jones
Recently I was able to catch the first Bridget Jones movie on cable. It was a nice surprise coming across it. I especially like that movie because of my absolute favorite actor since Robert Redford - Hugh Grant! There are not many actors that really make me wild! Of course Robert Redford in his younger days, although he is still quite sexy! I also have a thing for Matthew McConaughey. He has a ultra sexy smile. I laughed hysterically in "How to Leave a Guy in 10 Days". But....... Hugh Grant! Ayayayayayay! I love him! I delight in all his movies! I really, really adored "Love Actually"- I laughed and cried. A great movie to rent right now because it is holiday themed. Okay back to Bridget Jones.... you see how carried away I get with Hugh?
I relate with Bridget. I love her character because she is average. I have always felt like I was "the girl next door". I have common looks (people usually ask me if I am somebody's sister), normal weight(size 10), average sports ability(good, but never good enough to make the team), average intelligence (although my parents and brother are all members of Mensa), a little clumsy, and a little dingy at times (okay a lot of the time). Don't misunderstand, I am very happy and confident in myself, especially in the last several years of my life. I feel great inside my skin, and I guess you could say I like being "average". It is a comfortable place to be. So, because of the connection, I appreciate Bridget.
One of the biggest impacts the movie had on me is when Bridget gets her heart broken by Hugh Grant's character, Daniel. I usually judge a movie by the emotional impact it has on me. I enjoy a movie that makes me experience every emotion. I could actually feel the physical pain of heartbreak that Bridget was going through. It placed me back in the times in my life that I have felt a literal painful ache in my chest from breaking up with someone I loved. It is an important part of life. Each time I experienced that ache I became a stronger person and drew closer to God. I dread the day that my boys experience that pain! My prediction -Keegan will have his heart broken and Logan will break hearts. I pray I will never have to experience that personal heartbreak in my life again. I might. And if so, God will hug me like never before!
But of course this movie ends with a happy ending- Bridget gets the guy, Colin Firth. I guess we will find out in the new movie if "they live happily ever after". If you have seen it, don't tell me! I can't wait to see it! I will let you know how I like it, but the odds are very good since Hugh Grant is again in the movie!!!!!
I relate with Bridget. I love her character because she is average. I have always felt like I was "the girl next door". I have common looks (people usually ask me if I am somebody's sister), normal weight(size 10), average sports ability(good, but never good enough to make the team), average intelligence (although my parents and brother are all members of Mensa), a little clumsy, and a little dingy at times (okay a lot of the time). Don't misunderstand, I am very happy and confident in myself, especially in the last several years of my life. I feel great inside my skin, and I guess you could say I like being "average". It is a comfortable place to be. So, because of the connection, I appreciate Bridget.
One of the biggest impacts the movie had on me is when Bridget gets her heart broken by Hugh Grant's character, Daniel. I usually judge a movie by the emotional impact it has on me. I enjoy a movie that makes me experience every emotion. I could actually feel the physical pain of heartbreak that Bridget was going through. It placed me back in the times in my life that I have felt a literal painful ache in my chest from breaking up with someone I loved. It is an important part of life. Each time I experienced that ache I became a stronger person and drew closer to God. I dread the day that my boys experience that pain! My prediction -Keegan will have his heart broken and Logan will break hearts. I pray I will never have to experience that personal heartbreak in my life again. I might. And if so, God will hug me like never before!
But of course this movie ends with a happy ending- Bridget gets the guy, Colin Firth. I guess we will find out in the new movie if "they live happily ever after". If you have seen it, don't tell me! I can't wait to see it! I will let you know how I like it, but the odds are very good since Hugh Grant is again in the movie!!!!!
Thursday, December 09, 2004
I have lots of friends out there....somewhere!?!
In the beginning I wanted to be anonymous. I was a little bashful about "coming out" in the blogging world. I felt a little vulnerable sharing my heart. I have been writing here for a few months and I am feeling more confident every day. About a month ago I emailed several out of town friends and a couple local friends to tell them about my blog. Most of them are probably ignorant about blogging. They probably contributed to "blog" being the top US Dictionary words of the year! I don't know if any of them have come for a visit. I would like them to! I know most normal people don't have time to sit around and play on the computer, but I have enjoyed it! (That means all of you reading this are considered "not normal", including me- lol.) My dad would say that is a compliment. And I know some of you are reading, but not commenting.... come on..... let your opinions be known!
I now am going to email a few more friends to join the fun.
I hope to lure some of my friends to tune in and visit for awhile.
I would love to hear from some of you!!!!!
I now am going to email a few more friends to join the fun.
I hope to lure some of my friends to tune in and visit for awhile.
I would love to hear from some of you!!!!!
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Oh, Barry!
I was perched at my computer this morning checking my e-mail, when what to my wandering ears did I hear- the sweet sound of Barry in my ear. Oh Barry! I jumped to my feet to see if his face did appear - no, just the glorious sound of him singing carols on "The Today Show".
Oh, how I love his music! You laugh, most people do. I get teased for loving him so much. According to Oprah, there are millions out there who feel the same way I do. His voice, his ballads! I learned today that he will be appearing on the Clay Aikens Christmas Show tonight.
Yahoo!! I am not a fan of Clay, but I will tune in to hear Barry sing!
This event reminds me that I have two of his Christmas cds that I need to get out and listen to!
It also motivates me to play music on my blog so I can share his glorious voice with you. Oh, but I am trying to gain readers not lose them!
Do you love Barry?
Oh, how I love his music! You laugh, most people do. I get teased for loving him so much. According to Oprah, there are millions out there who feel the same way I do. His voice, his ballads! I learned today that he will be appearing on the Clay Aikens Christmas Show tonight.
Yahoo!! I am not a fan of Clay, but I will tune in to hear Barry sing!
This event reminds me that I have two of his Christmas cds that I need to get out and listen to!
It also motivates me to play music on my blog so I can share his glorious voice with you. Oh, but I am trying to gain readers not lose them!
Do you love Barry?
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Twenty six point two in 2006!
The commitment has been established! We have shaken hands! April , my friend and running partner, and I made an oath, pinky swear, and definitely a sweat and blood pact that we will be running the half marathon in February of 2005 - which is approximately 2 months away, and the full blown marathon - 26.2 miles - in February of 2006! Yikes! I am scared to death and ecstatic at the same time!!!!!!!!! I never dreamed I would be that excited about running straight for over 2.5 hours! And I know that the words "I will never do that" have come out of my mouth!
Never Say Never!
I hope to keep you all updated on the progress. Today we ran 7 miles! It is exhilarating! I may not say that about 26.2!
Never Say Never!
I hope to keep you all updated on the progress. Today we ran 7 miles! It is exhilarating! I may not say that about 26.2!
Monday, December 06, 2004
I hit the jackpot!
I just returned from Sin City! Viva Las Vegas, where the good times roll! The party till you drop and dice rolling town. It is a one of a kind place. A place to go for gambling, drinking, dancing, eating, enjoying shows, drinking, sightseeing, and more gambling.
And I absolutely hit the jackpot! I am rich, rich, rich!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, you are thinking money, aren't you? I went to fabulous Las Vegas to celebrate my fifteenth wedding anniversary to my incredible, romantic, devoted husband! I didn't actually hit the jackpot in Las Vegas this weekend. I hit the jackpot when I met and married Kevin! Don't misunderstand, I don't consider it luck that I married Kevin. I don't like the word- luck. I don't believe in luck, except maybe when you are gambling because of the odds of where the dice will land. When it comes to the life of a Christian, I believe in blessings from God! And boy, God answered all my prayers and more when he brought Kevin into my life! He is so good to me that sometimes I don't feel like I deserve him.
I find it so absolutely mind-blowing when I look back on my life through high school, then college, then living on my own, to see what God has done. It shouldn't be mind-blowing. If I had trusted Him all along, it wouldn't be surprising, maybe. I guess it's the fact that many years I didn't trust God, and He was and still is abundantly faithful to me!
Kevin and I didn't gambling much. We spent about $20 on the slot machines. We didn't stay out partying all night in the clubs. We get the "Most Boring Couple" in Sin City last weekend. But, we had a blast! I am rich in blessings! I am rich in love! I am rich in life! God has blessed me with a huge treasure!
Kevin, thanks for your inexpressible gift of love and commitment to me over the last fifteen years! The weekend and "the gift" was great, too!
And I absolutely hit the jackpot! I am rich, rich, rich!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, you are thinking money, aren't you? I went to fabulous Las Vegas to celebrate my fifteenth wedding anniversary to my incredible, romantic, devoted husband! I didn't actually hit the jackpot in Las Vegas this weekend. I hit the jackpot when I met and married Kevin! Don't misunderstand, I don't consider it luck that I married Kevin. I don't like the word- luck. I don't believe in luck, except maybe when you are gambling because of the odds of where the dice will land. When it comes to the life of a Christian, I believe in blessings from God! And boy, God answered all my prayers and more when he brought Kevin into my life! He is so good to me that sometimes I don't feel like I deserve him.
I find it so absolutely mind-blowing when I look back on my life through high school, then college, then living on my own, to see what God has done. It shouldn't be mind-blowing. If I had trusted Him all along, it wouldn't be surprising, maybe. I guess it's the fact that many years I didn't trust God, and He was and still is abundantly faithful to me!
Kevin and I didn't gambling much. We spent about $20 on the slot machines. We didn't stay out partying all night in the clubs. We get the "Most Boring Couple" in Sin City last weekend. But, we had a blast! I am rich in blessings! I am rich in love! I am rich in life! God has blessed me with a huge treasure!
Kevin, thanks for your inexpressible gift of love and commitment to me over the last fifteen years! The weekend and "the gift" was great, too!
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