The Best Mom Ever

I like to think of myself as the best mom ever. I'm not saying that I am the best mom ever. I just like to think of myself as one. I have moments when it feels like I am. I have discovered that being the best mom really doesn't require that much work. I know you must be thinking I’m crazy because there is a lot about being a mom that is hard work. Yes, I couldn't agree more. But what I am talking about is that it's easy to make your kids think you are the best mom ever! Just ask Katy when I let her eat popcorn in the living room or give her Dr. Pepper instead of milk or juice. I’m especially wonderful when we pick McDonalds as our dining place for the evening or let her pick out her favorite character panties instead of the more economical plain packages. You see I am the best mom ever, at least for the moment.

Grandchildren

I feel truly blessed to be a grandparent. It is a wonderful experience. It’s so fun to rediscover our fascinating world through our grandchildren’s innocent, inquiring eyes. It helps me remember how exciting even the littlest things can be. Nothing compares to the sweetness of their hugs and kisses. When I watch them play my heart feels as if it will melt. It is so wonderful to look at their faces and see my own children in them. Being a grandparent has enriched my life. I hope I will touch my grandchildren’s life half as much as their love has touched mine. I thank the Lord every day for giving me the honor of being a grandparent.

Christmas

Is it just me or did Christmas come and go? Christmas has always been my favorite holiday the trees, the lights, the gift of giving, and most importantly family. I remember how I could hardly wait for Christmas day when I was little. When I grew up I realized it was even more fun when you had children. I don’t know who is the most excited me or the kids! And now I have grandchildren to share the excitement of Christmas with. Everyone was here including Memaw Kimble this year! Within minutes, the wild frenzy of unwrapping was over. Three grandchildren and 10 year old Katy sat partially hidden in a mound of torn paper, boxes and packing material looking at their loot. Santa was generous this year regardless of past behaviors or sometimes being on the infamous Naughty List. We all received more than our share of presents and we had more food than you can imagine! In the past few days I have ate more than my share. I'm getting so fat that I can barely snap my jeans. Hang on a second, I've got to go get another piece of candy...Ok, I'm back. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, Why Christmas is special to you depends on the customs and traditions that were handed down in your family from generation to generation. Those who keep their traditions alive renew the Joy that is associated with the birth of Christ each year.

A Beautiful Thought

I've been thinking about Poppa a lot lately. I want to share this poem that someone sent to Memaw. It isn't meant to make anyone cry, although I still haven't stopped crying about it. But the images it brings up are so beautiful to me. It really put Christmas into perspective.

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below.With tiny lights, like heaven's stars,reflecting in the snow.The sight is so spectacular! Please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear. But sounds of music can't compare with Christmas Choir up here. I have no words to tell you,the joy their voices bring,for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones,You know I hold you dear,And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus this year. I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all "Love is the gift", more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do. For I can't count the blessings or love He has for you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Merry Christmas Poppa

Christmas at Memaw and Poppa Hicks's

We had a fun time at Memaw and Poppa Hicks's. We had so much good food to eat. We exchanged gifts and played Dirty Santa. It was good to see everyone . We had a good time visiting and playing games. We took some family pictures and enjoyed looking at some old pictures. Memaw bought Brooklynn and Katy dolls. They are so cute! She bought Peyton and Hayden Thomas the train phones. Which were a big hit! My sister, Linda bought the girls crowns! Brooklynn wore hers the entire evening.

Christmas at Memaw Kimble's

We had Christmas at Memaw Kimble’s Saturday. Memaw ordered smoked ribs and brisket with bar-bq. She made home made crescents and we had all the fixins with desert and homemade candies. Memaw is such a good cook and she always makes more than we can possibly eat! We had a good time exchanging gifts playing games and visiting. Everything was perfect except for the fact that our dear sweet poppa wasn’t there this year. We miss him so much. Poppa is in heaven this year spending Christmas with Jesus.

Having Fun!

Today I got a haircut, had my eyebrows waxed, got a pedicure and a manicure. Katy also got her haircut and a manicure. We had fun getting pampered. I talked to my daughter and she said Peyton had unwrapped three christmas presents. I guess he got tired of waiting! She wasnt very happy with him. I am looking forward to spending the Holiday with our families. I bought a new board game to play while we are together. My grandson Hayden just talked to me on the phone. He is getting to be such a big boy!

To Ashley's House we go

Last night we went to Kingfisher to see my daughter, Ashley and her family. Clint’s mom, Rita went with us. Ashley and Peyton gave us a tour of their house and we enjoyed Christmas cookies and candy with hot chocolate. My son in law, Chris was in charge of the Christmas program at their church. We had a wonderful dinner and then enjoyed the program. Chris sang two songs, he did a beautiful job! Peyton wanted to go up front to see his Daddy. Clint kept him occupied by drawing pictures and shapes for Peyton to identify. He really knows his shapes! After church we looked at the beautiful Christmas lights at the park. We had a good time.

Little Star's

Tonight was the Christmas program at school. The auditorium was packed! Katy looked very pretty and so did my granddaughter Brooklynn. They were adorable. I also had some nieces and a nephew in the program, Maci, Annie and Denton. They all did a great job! After the program we went to Alfredo’s to eat. I think everyone had the same idea. There were four other families from Hydro there too, including Keith (Clint’s brother) and his family. Tomorrow night we are going to Kingfisher to a banquet and Christmas program at my daughter’s church. I am looking forward to seeing her and Chris and Peyton. Peyton called me tonight to tell me he pee pee’d in the potty! He was very proud and so was I.

One hundred years from now,

it will not matter what kind of car I drove

or what kind of clothes I wore.

All that will matter is that I made a difference

in the life of a child.

Forrest Witcraff

Spoiled Teenager versus Little Orphan Girl

Katy is really influenced by what she watches on Television. She pretends to be the person she is watching. I noticed her acting like a teenager and talking about her boy friend and she would talk her on fake cell phone as if she were carrying on a real conversation. A lot of people think Hanna Montana is a great role model for young girls. I agree she is far better than Britney Spears and many others. However I still have a low opinion of the show. In my opinion, the character of Hannah is a spoiled brat. Kind of reminds me of Suite life's London Tipton. These shows teach our already spoiled children that they can con their parents, make out with guys, kiss up to people, lie and get anything they want. Hanna’s best friend freaks out with the slightest unfashionable thing. What kind of message does that send to young girls? I decided to block the channels that have these types of shows on them. I find it odd that the channel that most of these shows are on is the Disney channel. Katy and I have been watching shows from the American girl series and shows that come on the Hallmark channel. We watched a show that had an orphan train and it was about a young woman that adopted one of the girls that no one else would take. Katy came into the living room with one of her old fashioned dress up dresses and a little note safety pinned to the dress. She had a little bag with some books in it. She was mimicking what she saw on the TV show! I don’t necessarily want her to act like an orphan but at least she’s not acting like a spoiled teenager and saying Hey Girl, Love your outfit.

It could be worse

I gave the dog a bath washed the cover on her bed and washed her blanket. I had the living room clean and vacuumed. The dog was barely dry when Katy decided she should take her out to tinkle. A bit later Katy and Foxy (the dog) came rushing into the house. Foxy’s feet and legs were muddy and the hair on her chin was wet and nasty looking. I smelled dog poop and realized they had both stepped in some doggy poo! Katy had on her new pink gloves and it looked as if she had been digging in the ice, mud and poo. I had Katy get in the tub put her shoes and gloves in the washer, gave the dog another bath and started cleaning little dirty spots on the carpet. When I got down on my knees I smelled the dreaded smell and my stomach was acting funny I started gagging and ran outside to get some fresh air. I was able to compose myself and finish getting things cleaned up but not with out several gags and holding my breath! Needless to say I wasn’t in a very good mood. I checked on Katy and helped her shampoo her hair. I sat down at the computer to wait on Katy and stay close by so she didn’t flood the bathroom or let Foxy get in the tub with her. The first thing I saw was a beautiful Christmas story that my daughter Ashley had emailed me. It was so touching and the woman that the story was about had far more troubles than I ever dreamed of having. I suddenly felt very ashamed for being so angry and feeling sorry for myself. I closed my eyes and ask for forgiveness. Let’s all remember that we all have a lot to be thankful for. Life is too short to get so bent out of shape over the little things.

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.
For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you The gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you.
--- Unknown

Relaxing at home

There was no school again today because of the ice storm. It was nice to be home with Katy and Clint. Clint made us breakfast. We had bacon, eggs and toast. Later in the day we made a big pot of homemade chicken and dumplings. They were yummy! We went to town about 4:00 to get Katy’s dog Foxy. We had taken her to the vet to get spade and to get a rabies shot. She was very happy to see us. Katy broke her glasses over the weekend. They called today and said her new frames were in. I guess we will be going to Watonga tomorrow to pick up her new frames.

Katy and Foxy fell asleep on the couch.

Making Memories

We finally put the Christmas tree up. Katy had so much fun helping decorate the tree. She said, "Mom isn't this so much fun!" She wanted to know about every ornament. Whose was it and when did they get it. Looking at the ornamnets we've collected over the years brought back memories of Chris, Randy and Ashley when they were Katy's age and they were helping decorate the tree.

Child of My Heart

Child of My Heart
Not flesh of my flesh,
not bone of my bone,
yet still very much my own.
Never forget
for one single minute
that you grew not under my heart,
but in it....

~Fleur Conkling Heyliger

Ice Storm

It is so cold. I am so afraid we will lose power! If the power goes we have no heat, water or lights. I can’t help but remember the ice storm of 2002 when we were without power for 21 days. I don’t want to do that again! We put buckets under the icicles brought them in and when they melted we used the water to flush the toilets. We drank bottled water and cooked on the grill. We gathered in one room shut the door and burned candles and we also had a couple of hurricane lamps. We spent the day playing cards and board games. We couldn’t burn the candles and lamps while we slept so we covered up with lots of quilts and blankets. When we realized we were going to be without power for a while we bought a generator but we still couldn’t run everything and we couldn’t run it all the time but it was nice to be able to use the microwave and get a quick shower. I pray that the ice doesn’t accumulate on the power lines! I do have several cases of bottled water, batteries, and candles on hand just in case.

Buying for less

My daughter Ashley and I went to Oklahoma City today. We picked up the pictures we had made for Christmas of Katy, Brooklynn, Peyton and Hayden. I had some things to exchange at Gymboree. I had ordered some things online and some of it didn’t fit.
We went to Target and we found some bargains. We bought Kraft cream cheese for 25 cents, free Kraft string cheese, Archer Farms snack mix for 24 cents, free Polly Pockets and free Clorox anywhere spray. My total before coupons was 72.54 after coupons it was 13.99. I had a few things that I didn’t have a coupon for but it was on sale. We went to Walmart and bought pancakes and sausage and biscuits and sausage and only paid tax after coupons. We had a great time and didn’t spend much money! My kind of trip!

You Can't Buy Christmas

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so?”“It came without ribbons! It came without tags!“It came without packages, boxes or bags!”And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!”
From How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

We can all learn a great lesson from this wonderful Christmas story. Christmas can be special without going overboard in your spending.

Talk about Jesus, when I ask Katy what Christmas is about I don't want the answer to be "Santa Claus". I think Santa Claus has his place, and we like him at our house, but I want her to know there's more to Christmas.

Take a driving tour of the town’s holiday lights and decorations.

Play board games.

Pop popcorn and drink hot chocolate while you watch Christmas shows.

Visit a grandparent or other family members

Bake cookies as a family. Give them as gifts to neighbors or other family members.

When your children are adults, what they remember most will not likely be the expensive presents you bought but the fun, activities they shared with their family.

Learning to read

Tuesdays are when I take Katy to her tutor for reading. We meet her tutor at 8:30 at the Weatherford Library. She is so good with Katy! I am so excited about the improvement I have seen in Katy these last few weeks. No she still isn’t reading but she has learned a lot of new words. Learning to read is such an exciting time. Clint, Katy and I went to the other farm to get Clint’s deer hut and feeder. We took Katy’s dog and the two of them had so much fun running around and playing. There is an old barn and Katy went exploring. She wants to go to the barn every time we go to the farm. She never tires of it.

Chicken & Dumplings

This is a recipe that Clint's Mamaw made. She would make a huge batch and then take them to Johnie Mac and Rita's and everyone would come and eat them. They are very good! Better than Cracker Barrell's.

Chicken:
Bring chicken and 2 chicken cubes to a boil.
Add 1 or more tsp. of salt.
Then simmer for about 30 minutes with lid on.
Take chicken out and let broth simmer for a while.

Dumplings:
Mix in mixer
1 ½ pints of water
2 tsp. of salt
6 cups flour

Sprinkle 1 cup flour on counter.
Pour dough on it, add flour (poss. 2 ½ cups) and work into dough.

Roll the dough out pretty thin and cut into about 1" x 1 1/2" pieces

Place dumplings in broth.
Add 2 tbsp. of butter
Add broth and milk (poss. 1 cup) as needed.
Simmer for 20 minutes with lid on.
Stir occasionally

I am Thankful

When God called me to become a foster parent never could I have imagined the need or the extent of what God was calling me to. God called me to give back to the children as he gives me everything that I need. As a Christian Foster parent I have been blessed beyond measure as I have watched God work in the lives of these children, whether it was for a short or long period. I will forever be grateful My Heavenly Father called me to this service. I thank God every day for each child that he has brought into our lives and I pray for the strength and courage to do his will. If not for God calling me into this ministry I would never had known my precious daughter.

Make a difference in the life of a child

I realize not everyone is able to become a foster family, but there are many things you can do to help foster children in your community. Because children enter foster care in emergency situations, they often have very few personal possessions and what little they do have is often carried around in trash bags. Many foster children have special needs, such as counseling, speech therapy, or tutoring. Foster care can be a hectic and expensive endeavor, and many foster parents often find themselves scrambling to keep up. Every community can help accept responsibility for these children. Here are some ideas of things you and your friends, church or service organization can do to give foster children in your community the support they need and deserve.
Duffel Bags filled with toothbrush/toothpaste, comb/hairbrush, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, socks/undergarments, new standard size pillows, etc. for children entering foster care so they can move from home-to-home with dignity. (You can donate just a duffel bag or an item to fill the bag.) (Fill a Bag with Hope)
Donate your Prom dresses and accessories to foster girls or other girls within the community who might not have the opportunity to attend this memorable event because of the expense. (Dresses of Hope)
Provide a job and give a chance to learn and grow. Many youth in the foster care system have a difficult time finding work due to the stigma of being a "foster kid". You could help by reaching out to these young people providing them with their first work experience.
If you own or run a business, offer discounts or free services to foster children. (Or help solicit such donations from businesses in your area.)
Volunteer to help tutor a foster child or any child who may need these services, especially in reading.
Offer to give a foster child or any child who cannot afford it free lessons in music, dance or art.
Donate money or goods for special occasions such as holidays, birthdays, or graduation.
Become a Mentor for a young person. Research shows that children and youth with mentors earn higher grades and improve their relationships with friends and families.
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are trained citizens appointed by judges to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children.
Helping a child and family provides endless rewards!
The bottom line comes down to HOPE for foster children. The way we treat them could make all the difference in their lives.

Odds and Ends

Today I did a lot of little stuff. I washed my sheets and comforter. Cleaned my room which included putting a ton of Christmas gifts in to gift boxes and labeling them to wrap later. Clint put all his hunting stuff away which also helped the bedroom look a little better. Clint and I picked Katy up from school and took a Christmas arrangement to Poppa's (Johnie Mac, Clint's Dad) grave. It has been about a year since Poppa had his stroke. We miss him so much!
Clint is making turnip soup for supper. It is really good. I am waiting on the curtains to finish washing so I can hang them up. Its amazing how much dust can accumulate on them! Clint is making deer jerky and I am finishing up the bedroom. Katy is taking a bath as soon as she is in her pj's we will read. Thats all for now.

Deer Hunt

Clint shot a deer. We took him to the weigh station and checked him in. He weighed 172 pounds! This was the last day of deer season. We can wash up all the hunting clothes and put them away.

We ate at Arby's then came by Randy and Ashley's to show them the deer. Brooklynn was running around in her princess costume and Hayden greeted me at the door wearing only his pull up. Ashley was folding clothes. It was so cute when she told the kids to come and put their laundry away. Brooklynn handled it like a pro and Hayden carried his ever so gently into his room and then tossed it into the floor as far as he could throw it! He was very proud of his accomplishment.

Katy cleans her room

I told Katy that she had to clean her room today. The room was a disaster! She wasnt happy about it but she reluctantly set out to complete the boring task. She turned on some music and it seemed to help get her going. I try to see to it that her room is cleaned by Sunday so we can start the week out with a clean room and everything in order. She did a great job! She even cleaned off the top of her dresser. She packed her back pack and hung it on the door. Ready to go! Katy has had a good day today. No outburst. This I am thankful for!