Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Christmas Past!
I lost something precious the week before Christmas. Before official confirmation and before the grand Christmas day announcement, once again, my tired body failed and happy news that would have thrilled, soon became sad news that no one needed to hear at such a happy time. So, I kept quiet. Only a few, closer than close people knew my sad secret and that made it and my holiday somehow more bearable. So, no new baby this year, it would have been a shock and surprise anyway...a good one, but just not meant to be. I have known this fact for many years now, I am not a child-bearer. I am blessed to be a mother though, through the miracle of adoption, and for me that is enough. I am completely comfortable with this path, even when hope springs up at me and makes me question what I truly want and the path of the "what if's" in life.
So, for everyone who struggled through every last word of my emotional breakdown on my blog last week...thanks for reading. I appreciate it, and all the kind comments you sent me. You didn't know what I was going through and yet, you took the time to encourage me and it meant the world to me.
NOW - on to happier thoughts. WE WENT TO DISNEY WORLD!!!
Yes, we, the crazy parents of an even crazier four year old traveled to Florida to visit family and spent an extra day of our trip at the "happiest place on earth!" Actually, that is a funny slogan, cause for the most part, all I saw were grumpy parents, tired and hot children and occasionally some grandparent sitting back and watching it all with a sly, satisfied grin. Like maybe they were thinking their children were getting paid back for something!!
Hannah had a good time, although she was not a fan of meeting the characters, with the exception of Cinderella, and she had a little (HAHAHA) trouble understanding the whole "waiting in line" concept... but the Holiday Spectacular Parade was a HIT and seeing her face as she waved to Cinderella in the parade was worth every bit of money we shelled out.
We traveled home all night, slept today and my husband went to work tonight - it has been a whirlwind couple of days. I am just grateful to be home, even if home is cluttered with Christmas decorations that need to come down and toys in every room. My kitchen needs a deep cleaning and there is laundry piled high, but it feels so good to be here, I am not complaining a bit! I will get some pictures up tomorrow...hopefully!
I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and that the holidays were all you wanted them to be. For those of you like me, who felt a little something lacking this year, there is always the hope of next year... only three hundred sixty more days to go!!
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly
Welcome Back - Vacation is OVER
I will be back to blogging at some time today. Here's hoping you and yours are doing well.
Check back...SOON!
Beverly
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy, Happy Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
But Tonight!
But tonight!
Today I was so tired, but tonight I was reminded that my struggles are nothing when compared to others who are fighting much bigger battles than I.
This morning, I was not in the Christmas spirit, but tonight, I was reminded that although I grumble and balked at decorating this year, my friend has reveled in all the tasks with the knowledge that this might be the last Christmas she will be able to decorate, or even celebrate.
All day I have been frustrated with my child's behaviour, but tonight, I was reminded that although this is a tough phase in life, I will mostly likely be privileged to see her grow to adulthood and there is one dear to me, who doesn't know if she will get to raise her children at all.
Today I have mumbled and groaned about household chores, cooking, laundry, cleaning up and picking up after a husband and a four year old, but tonight, I was reminded that while these are not always pleasant tasks, I do have the physical ability to do each one, and should never take for granted the simple things in life, my friend is slowly losing her ability to do even the simplest task such as holding a book or puttting on a neckalce.
Today I have been sad, angry and feeling utterly helpless, but tonight, I was reminded that like Mary when she was told of Jesus' coming birth and like my friend, who is struggling to understand why God has chosen a path for her that doesn't really make sense, God is with us, each of us, on the race we have been given to run. He alone with help us run the race with perseverance, He is with us, no matter what the circumstances, and He alone will be there to welcome us across the finish line when the race is done.
I have felt all too human today, but tonight, I am going to rest in the knowledge that God is indeed in control and He will carry us all through every circumstance of life. It has been a really bad day, but tonight, it is better.
Living Happily In The Moment!
Beverly
Monday, December 15, 2008
Boomama's Christmas House Tour - 2008!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Number 11, Coming and Going And Still No Work From Me!
I fear that the chance of me getting all that needs to be accomplished by the 25th is pretty much zero.
Oh well! Merry Christmas everyone...hope you are gonna have a fantastic Christmas...and I hope you get more accomplished in the coming 11 days than I do!!
Merry,Merry!
Beverly
Saturday, December 13, 2008
It's Kinda Like Dejavue, Bloggy Style!
As I was watching television last night, after all my household had long gone to dreamland, I fell asleep on the couch. The Christmas trees was the only light in the house and I awoke around 2AM to a silent house, and glistening tree. It reminded me of this post I wrote last year, so in the absence of anything new to say today, and all the other things going on, I am re-running the post. Hope you enjoy it the second time around just as much as you did the first time. It has really become one of the most popular on this here blog over this past year! Merry, Merry!
Sleeping Neath The Tree (originally posted December 9, 2007)
Okay, here is a fact that I can't really believe I am admitting to, much less broadcasting to the tens of people who find this blog somewhat entertaining... but here goes. At Christmas time, I sometimes leave the Christmas tree lights on all night, and sleep, on the floor, beneath the tree.
Sounds weird doesn't it? Well, I guess it is, and I guess I am too for that matter. But it is true. I even have a special blanket that I like to use - it is old and worn, but it makes a great cushion on the floor. Now, of course, I don't do this every night - just on the nights when the DH (that's short for Dear Hubby!!) is working and the DD (and that would be Dear Daughter - starting to sense a pattern here - how about you?) is fast asleep. I have been doing this for years. In Christmases past, it was me and my sweet DDJ (and for those of you who are not asleep from the boredom yet, that is Dear Dog Jake) who used to snuggle down for a long winter's nap under the tree. Some years, we were privileged to be sleeping under a real tree, dodging falling needles and reveling in the sappy, sweet smell of Christmas and all it's glory. Since we have lived in this house, the tree has always been artificial (but a beauty!) and although it is not quite as "smelly" and "sappy", it still is a favorite place. Now that DDJ has gone onto Doggie Heaven, and until my DD is old enough to play along with me, I guess it is just going to be me, sleeping 'neath the tree for awhile longer.
The idea of sleeping 'neath the tree came from a long time ago. No, not my childhood, long ago, but oh, let's just say a good twenty years back. Before the DH and the DD, there was another somebody -- he is commonly known on this blog as Maskboy, now STOP - don't go thinking this is an old boyfriend blog entry -- it ain't - just keep reading!
Anyhoo, as my mother always says, once upon a time, near Christmas, this "person" came to my house, and at sometime, during the course of the evening, I guess he was tired, cause he fell asleep beneath our tree. Now, most folks would find this rude, but as he was soon to be (or so I thought) a member of the family, my parents and I thought it endearing. So, ever the documenter of my life and times, my mother snapped a photo of the sleeping one beneath the tree.
Over time that picture became one of my favorites of him. Even now, oh so many years later, and a lifetime between that time and this, I still think it is a favorite, not just of him, but a favorite picture of all that are in my photo album. It doesn't even show his face, in fact, it could be anyone under that tree. What I think I like about it so much is the child-like quality the picture portrays. Who hasn't been a child, so excited about Christmas that you want to climb under the tree and wait for Santa. Can't you just picture a small child doing that, and then falling asleep with the hope and wonderment of what is to come on his little mind?
That is the feeling I am after, on those nights, when alone, I make a pallet on my floor, fluff my pillow, and settle in under my tree. The feeling that many years ago, as a young wife, longing to be a mother, and feeling alone at the holidays, I tried to find. That feeling, that even now, I still long to find. To see the wonder of Christmas, not through these jaded adult eyes, but through the eyes of a child, to sit in awe as the The Christmas Story is read from Luke, or sit in a darkened church, lit by candles and sing quiet carols on Christmas Eve and to wait with wonder on Christmas morning, walk in and see what goodies are laid out for me.
Christmas is a special time of year for me as I know it is for everyone. There is so much wrapped up in this month of December. I dated my husband for the first time in a December long ago and accepted his ring a year later on another cold December day. I have spent far too many Christmases saddened because of loss but I am so blessed that now I have spent three wonderful Christmases with my sweet daughter. I am so excited to spend another one this year and to experience Christmas and all it's wonders through her eyes once again. How sweet to hear her sing "Away in the Manger" or "Fa la la, Tis the Season to be Jolly", as only a three year old can. What fun to act out the Christmas story with her playing the director, and acting out Mary, the Angel and Baby Jesus - and I am just lucky to be a sheep! Such fun, such fun, ya'll, there are no words to express it!
I wholeheartedly recommend that you take some time this year, maybe not a whole night, like crazy ole me, but maybe just a few moments, 'neath the tree. Take the time to ponder the child-like moments of Christmases past, the one that is here now and the ones yet to come. See them from 'neath the tree - it is a whole new perspective. Somehow, beneath a tree, decorated with all the glitz and glam, the real meaning of the season comes into focus. At least for me it does.
Merry, Merry!
Beverly
Friday, December 12, 2008
Pulling Out of the Slump!
I had to literally put the plate in the cabinet so I could be certain there would be some to share with my hubby when he got home! They are wonderful...I may just be in the Christmas spirit after all...or at least in a Snickers coma!!
The Best Gift of All
My child spent the morning basking in the glow of my parents, her grandparents. She is spoiled beyond measure, I am officially giving up.
As I was attempting to do a little shopping this afternoon, I ran into a friend and her mom, out trying to do the same thing...all of us trying to shop, trying to get in the Christmas spirit and none of us having any luck. What is it about this year... I just can't get to the place in my head where I am blissful and peaceful and fa, la, la, la, la, la-ing.
My tree is up and decorated, the front door shines with holiday cheer, we have colorful decorations in the kitchen, a poinsetta adorns the dining room table and heck, I even broke down yesterday and bought a snowman and two spiral trees to put in the front yard and light the night for all who pass by. I wouldn't have done that except that my daughter has informed us that our front yard decorations are sorely lacking and she is deeply disappointed and embarrassed by our lack of Christmas decorating ability.
All of that, even watching the traditional Christmas movies are not helping to get me in the mood. Maybe I am just getting old. I feel like I am craving the simple things of life, not just here at Christmas, but in all areas of my life. I am old enough now to realize that material things are not important, it is the time spent with others, family, friends and loved ones that enrich a life.
I thoroughly enjoy spending an hour or two with someone dear to me, over opening a gift. I like sitting and talking, laying on the couch and watching a movie, baking cookies with my child or making crafts as a family more than all the items on sale in any given store. Time is precious, once we use it up, it is gone forever. I want to spend more time with the ones I love this next year. I want to soak up the laughter and fun and invest myself even more in the lives of others around me.
My Christmas wish for you, my dear reader, is that you come along with me for the ride. Let's concentrate on doing and being, rather than shopping and gifting. After all, the greatest gift we can give one another is ourselves, just as Christ gave himself to us on that Christmas long ago.
Living Happily inThe Moment!
Beverly
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Christmas Questionnaire
I need to write a post today, I truly want to write a post today... but unfortunately there is not one in me. I will therefore resort to a blogger trick, and post a questionnaire on Christmas Traditions.
1.Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? I always had a fake tree growing up, then as a young married couple we started buying a real one every year -- oh the joy, the smell, the NEEDLES!! When we built our house nine years ago, we decided to forgo the fresh and just buy a nice fake one... I love my fake tree, it is big and beautiful and looks great, year after year.
2. Favorite Ornament- I have many-- I started a snowman ornament collection many years ago and I absolutely adore all of them, but my favorite it one that I got the first Christmas after Hannah was born. It is a Mommy Snowman(woman) holding a baby... it means the world to me, so long I waited to be a mommy and that ornament is a fulfillment of a wish made long ago.
3. Favorite Christmas Song- I like The Christmas Song, no matter who sings it, but the song that will reduce me to a blubbering idiot, EVERY TIME I hear it, Strange Way To Save The World, by 4Him. ( That is the song you are hearing right now, if you have your speaker turned up!!)
4. Favorite Tradition-I love riding around with my parents looking at Christmas lights in all the neighborhoods. We have done it all my life, and as of last year, we still do it every year even though I am grown, married and have a child of my own. I also look forward to making a gingerbread house with my mom every year. We began this tradition so many years ago, I can't even remember, and now we do it with my daughter. It is always fun or funny -- depending on how the icing reacts to the weather -- it is a challenge every year!!
5. Favorite Gift Ever Received- Well, I wrote earlier about my cow stool from my husband, but one of my favorite gifts has been this here laptop, that I got last year from my parents. It has become my constant companion, I do love it so.
6. Favorite Christmas Meal- I love the traditional Christmas, and this year I would really like it because we didn't really get a Thanksgiving meal...but I also like to do something fun like spaghetti too.
7. Favorite Christmas Cookie - Sugar cookies with white frosting and sprinkles!!
8. Favorite Place to be - at my home, with all my family.
9. Favorite Memory- There are just too many to mention, but seeing my daughter's face the first year she really "got it" as she walked into the living room on Christmas morning was pretty great.
10. Favorite Christmas Movie - Hands down, The Christmas Story. I can watch it over and over and as luck would have it, it plays twenty four hours on Christmas Eve and Day, so my craving is completely satisfied every year.
There you have it -- a sad excuse for a post, but a post nonetheless. Would love to hear your answers as well, comment or link back to your URL.
Living Happily In The Moment!
Beverly
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Well, It's Wednesday!
Otherwise, it was just another ordinary Wednesday.... and yes, I am feeling better about the big questions of life...thanks for praying with me and for me.
Hope you all had a great Wednesday, I am keeping this short today, but I promise to be back with a "real" post tomorrow.
Living Happily In The Moment!
Beverly
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Maybe Wednesday I Will Feel Better
I checked my bloglines, and found this update from Beth Moore on her blog. Seems she is going through the same questions as I am today...and she wrote it better than I ever could. So, please take a minute, click the link and read it. Well worth the time. Well worth it.
Living Happily In The Moment!
Beverly
Monday, December 8, 2008
Seventeen Years and a Lifetime Ago
Our life together has not been the easy road these two people thought they were seeing as they gazed into the camera... life has seen fit to deal us both some blows along the way. There are days that we fight just to stay together, fight to keep the seams sewed up and the knot tied. We are human and have learned that marriage is hard, worth every bit of the struggle, but it is hard.

Beverly
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Be Glad!
It wasn't really a bad weekend, not the greatest one either, but I am perfectly happy to see it go and a new week come.
Friday night I was given some news about a friend that really just colored the weekend for me... Saturday I spent at Walmart, with all the other people who forgot that the Saturday three weeks before Christmas is NOT a good time to be at Walmart! Top it with a four year old and good heavens, let's just say I was relieved to be home.
Saturday night I met my friend Molly for dinner at Mac Grill. Loads of fun catching up with her and bless her, I think I talked the entire time about my life...I don't think she got a word in edgewise...hoping to make up for that if we get a chance to scoot away to the mountains again next year!
Sunday morning brought fresh tears as our Sunday School class and church family tried to settle to the news of Amy... it was so good to see her and hug her and tell her I loved her. Somehow, she seems to be stronger than all the rest of us...I know where her strength is coming from and that gives me such hope.
Sunday afternoon I waged a battle of my own with my four year old terrorist... some days I regret encouraging her to talk! (Just Joking -- I know the grandparents will get on me for that statement!) But really, some days I just want to break out the duct tape. (again, just a joke -- if you ever see me out in public with a roll of duct tape and my child, I am honestly just trying to put the hem back in her dress... honestly!!) Seriously though, we are in the throes of a four year old battle of wills. I am tired, her daddy is tired, I think she is gaining on us!! I am praying that the threat of that man in the red suit skipping our house this year will work -- at least for the next three weeks, so we can rest up for the fight ahead!
And now, it is Sunday night, the weekend is over. The work week is beginning in a few short hours and all I can do is be glad! Be glad for an opportunity to work in this time of economic stress, be glad for great c0-workers, be glad for some awesome friends who help me get through the day with an email or a phone call or a hug. Be glad for family, for my child and that I am able to enjoy all the dynamics of parenthood, yes, even the unlovely parts, and be glad for the life I have been given. I am blessed, beyond measure and I know it. I am working hard on not taking it for granted. I have love and happiness in all areas of my world, I can do nothing but be glad.
Wishing you a happy week!
Living Happily In the Moment!
Beverly
Just to Make You Smile!

Happy Sunday!
Living Happily In the Moment!
Beverly
Saturday, December 6, 2008
For Amy...
I was all set to write a fun post about Christmas and all the fun I am actually starting to have as we get more and more in the Christmas spirit around this house, all set, until Friday evening.
I was sent an email from my friend Amy. She is in Boston, MA for an appointment with a specialist to try and discover why she has had weakness in her arms and hands and why no one can figure out just what the diagnosis should be. I honestly have never literally "hit my knees" upon hearing news, but I did tonight. I was totally unprepared to read the words that I read, I am just her friend, I cannot imagine what she, her husband, parents, brothers and all others who are close to her are dealing with tonight. Her diagnosis is ALS, or most commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. She is 33 and the mother of two boys under 4 years old. I am just floored.
She and I have served together for the past year on our church's Women's Fellowship Committee, we have been in a small group together, we have children the same age so we have done our share of nursery duty together. She is one of the strongest women I know, and even more so through this trial, leading up to this point, she has been a godly example to follow. She knows who she is, where she is and where she is ultimately going...I stand in awe of her peace and confidence in our Lord, even in the midst of this struggle and news today. I am proud to call her my friend.
I am not writing this blog to just state the facts of my friend and her situation. I am begging all of you who read these words to please take a minute and lift her and her family up in prayer. Amy believes, as do I, that God can heal her. He may choose to, He may choose to slow the progression of this horrid disease, or He may not. No matter what, we know He is in control and has only the best in store for her. Please pray most specifically for His will to be done and for His strength to overshadow her.
The verse above jumped into my head when I had a minute to regain myself after reading the news. I have experience with ALS, my grandfather suffered with it and I remember the toll it took on him. I remember seeing the strong man that I knew, become weak and frail and needing help for even the simplest of tasks. For my friend Amy, I pray she will cling to the fact that though ALS may threaten to make her weak, Christ will make her strong. Amy is a Clemson Tiger, like no one else I know... I know that she will fight this disease and diagnosis with the tenacity of a tiger as well. So, for my friend Amy, GO TIGERS!! This orange post is just for you!
I am broken hearted for my friend. I am praying for her and thankful for all of you who I know will be praying for her as well.
Living Happily in the Moment!
Beverly
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Gift I Never Saw Coming!
As we were driving home, my husband and I started talking about Christmas gifts and shopping for each other and how vastly different our giving styles are from each other. He is the more practical of the two of us, he asks what I want, I tell him, and if it is not too over priced or outlandish, he usually gets in, wraps it and places it under the tree. I, on the other hand, never like to really ask what he (or anyone else for that matter) want. I prefer to shop for someone, based on what I think they might want or enjoy, according to how I know them or know something about them. I like the surprise element of gift giving, the joy of watching someone open a present when they have NO idea what it holds and even better I like knowing that they know how much I care about them, investing in the gift selection time as well as the purchase of the item. As you can imagine, this difference between us has caused some disappointment for me on gift giving days of any sort. I guess I am now in the stage of life where surprises just don't happen, but I would really like one or two every now and again. I guess the child within me is still alive and well.
All the talk of creative gift giving caused me to think back to the most memorable gift my husband gave me... it was Christmas, 1992.
When we first married, I had a cow collection -- don't ask, it was the early nineties, most everyone had some sort of farm animal collection for their kitchen, kinda like how everyone decorated in country blue and mauve in the eighties and burgundy, green and navy in the early nineties, don't judge!! Anyway...
I had cows in the kitchen. It was our first Christmas, money was tight, we were young and in love. I had no idea what, if anything I would get for Christmas that year, truthfully, I guess it didn't really matter, I was just happy to be a wife and in my own home.
So, Christmas morning arrived and I walked into the living room and saw this...
I don't even remember what I gave him that year, I just know that it could have never measured up to the gift he gave me. Not only did I have a really COOL stool for the kitchen, it was personal, a complete surprise and told me that he had taken the time and effort to really get to know me. To this day, sixteen years later, it is my favorite Christmas present he has ever given me.
I am grateful to receive anything at all, especially when so many in the world have so little. My thrills at Christmas now come from seeing my child's face light up and I know I am blessed with the greatest gifts a woman could ask for a home, a family and the love of those that I love.
But a few surprise items in the stocking wouldn't hurt this year... HINT, HINT, HINT!! ;-)
Living Happily In the Moment!
Beverly
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Our Family Tradition
In December of 1990, my first date with my husband occurred. It ended up being dinner alone and then we met up with a group of friends and journeyed about sixty miles up the highway to a little town called Crawfordville, Georgia. There is not much to the town, but a family who owned some acreage had begun a Christmas tradition of filling the woods with lots of lighted displays, vignettes of homemade scenes, a huge marshmallow fire, hot chocolate and just a complete evening of fun. The following year after we were married, we made the trek to Crawfordville a Christmas tradition.



Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Twas the 2nd Day of December...And All Through My House
I would love to say these things will be taken care of tomorrow, but let's be realistic, I am shooting for Friday, the weekend anyway, definitely by the weekend!
There was a bright, although slightly annoying spot to my day. My husband rented a steam cleaner and shampooed our carpets. It was annoying simply for the fact that along with all the Christmas decoration boxes all over the house, the furniture in virtually every room has been moved and sent to corners and the foyer and such.
I don't sing his praises often, although there are plenty of reasons to nor do I mention him here very often, but today I am going to shout from the rooftops how good he has been this week. He finally has some days off work and he has been sprucing up our house and helping to decorate and even entertained the girl for hours on end. This of course, will just make me miss him more when he goes back to work this weekend, but it has been great to have him home and to have his help this week.
AND MY CARPETS LOOK AWESOME! He has put Mr. Stanley Steemer out of business, in my house at least!
I will be participating in Boomama's Christmas Tour this year, so soon and very soon you will get a glimpse of all our hard work these past two days. I love Christmas, even if it is aggravating and exhausting, the finished product is worth it, don't you think?
Living Happily In The Moment!
Beverly
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Lights of Christmas...Oh the Joy!
And then forty-five minutes later...

Hope you have enjoyed this live bloggin' session of our Christmas Tree Decorating Evening... Joy was had by all - thank you!
Living Happily In The Moment!
Beverly