Grandma's Gotta Blog

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

.................................................Who Let You In?

2009-10-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Cinderella and Her Step-sisters by Alex

A Poem that my cousin sent to me in an email! My first pastor--Stuermer used to say, "You are probably going to be surprised who you see when you get to Heaven." I think I will be less surprised than him, actually. God's GRACE is real!

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.
But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.
There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.
Herb, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.
I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.
'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said, 'they're all in shock..
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!!

Remember...Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more
than standing in your garage makes you a car ..

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!!!
Log-in Name & Password?

....................Happy 5th Anniversary to Mamalouise & PDaddy

2009-09-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, Long time no BLOG! I just wanted to wish my sweet daughter and son-in-law another Happy Anniversary---number 5!!!! You just keep getting better and better! We all know how hard life can be, but you guys make it look easy! This was a video I did for you last year so it is a rewind! Love you both so much...

.....................August 3, 2003 to August 3, 2009

2009-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Six years ago today, my sweet friend and I became husband and wife. It was one of the best days of my life! Actually, because we had flown to Las Vegas and all of our kids were there too, it was one of the best several days of my life. It really was a memorable celebration. And not just our kids showed up! We had 22 family members there. It still brings a joyful tear to my eye when I remember how I felt when the chapel doors opened, I on Michael's arm, looking into that quaint 'Little White Chapel' with all those loving faces looking back at us! Although the plans for this event came together rather quickly, I do not think anyone, including Frank and I felt like it was hectic. I remember having fun and enjoying every minute. Was everything perfect? I do not think so...but it did not seem to matter! We relaxed and let each moment unfold. I thank God everyday that I have a husband who really believes and lives by, "Do not sweat the small stuff!" Has everything been, "Happily Ever After", picture perfect, since that day we both took our vows? Absolutely NOT! And, guess what, we wouldn't have it any other way! As Christians, we believe God when He says in His word that "We all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God." That means that we are not perfect and that the world around us will guarantee only one thing and that is CHANGE! I am so happy that I am married to this wonderful, caring, fallible HUMAN BEING and he chooses to love imperfect me with all my faults, blemishes and flaws! He even tells me how smart, beautiful and wonderful I am almost everyday! He is obviously blinded by my beauty! Oops, I let that slip. The truth is, Love is Blind. Not to say, you should blindly fall in love, but that love covers a multitude of sin! Is that mixing my metaphors? I heard a speaker once say that a married couple fills in the gaps of each other. He said if there is a crack or a faulty part, the love of the mate should actually be a "filler" that augments, fills in the gap or spaces. I think that is what God means when He says that the two shall become one. Two people, not perfect, but two people who are equally enhancing a relationship: "fashioned of the clay which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears". At our wedding, we had certain Bible verses that we wanted read. Frank wanted to give those to the Minister before our ceremony, but there was not time. Guess what? The minister quoted the VERY VERSES we had wanted! We also asked CMommy (she was just C then --before she became a mommy!) to read a passage from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet that I am placing here for you all to read. And I put some memories together to one of our favorite songs. (This is taking longer than expected, so it will be here someday!

"You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow."

______________Good Guide and Skin Deep

2009-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Frank and I watch Bill Moyers Journal on PBS (KOCE HD, ch. 409 here in Ventura County, CA!) Awhile back he had a program about how we can make a difference by the choices we make when we shop! This first site I am listing is so cool because it not only tells you if the product is good for you, but if it is good for the environment--therefore, how its production impacts our world! It has categories like food (things like levels of baby food based upon their age and weight), personal care (things like baby care, hair care, and makeup, household chemicals(air fresheners and detergents), and toys(baby and young children, sports equipment, and learning toys). It makes companies more accountable not just for the quality of their products, but for the quality of the way they do business! I know we are all not going to make a grocery list and then go to this website to check the entire list, but if we just would go to this site occasionally and look up ONE THING we buy regularly, it can make a real impact upon companies and the choices they make to produce that product. I know it is a small step, but if everyone does it, we can make a difference! I always love the example of Lady Bird Johnson, first lady from 1963 to 1969. She started a campaign called "Beautify America". It was mostly a grassroots effort to clean up our communities. But it worked! All of the sudden, people were out in groups picking up trash along the streets and highways. She also lead an effort and was instumental in Congress passing an act to stop huge billboards from blocking our view of nature! Again, there was a real impact: many signs were taken down and many, many new signs were denied access to our Interstate and Highway roadsides. Don't ever become overwhelmed with the information explosion, but embrace your little piece of it. http://www.goodguide.com/ MamaL &PDaddy's friend has a similar blog too: http://green-lemonade.com/

The other website they talked about that day was http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ . It has safety guides to cosmetics and a link to things like the 2009 guide to sunscreen www.ewg.org/whichsunscreensarebest/2009report . Again I know we are all "bargain shoppers" but sometimes we are willing to spend a little more if we know for sure the product we are buying is worth the extra pennies or dollars!

On a personal note, I have purchased 5 of the cloth bags (3 from Albertson's Grocery store and 2 from Walmart, and none from Trader Joes, although I look at them everytime I shop there and think they look so cool with their surfboards and wine bottles on them! --but I am too cheap! lol I mean, I got the 3 from Albertson's for free because I bought the Disney movie Wall-E for $19.95 and they gave me 3 bags--what a deal, right? and I got the 2 from Wally world because they were on sale for $.50! But the Trader Joe's are $1.99 and up, so I am holding out!) Now the true confession is that I remember to take these bags out of the trunk of my car about 1/2 the time I enter a store! Half the plastic bags or paper ones, is 1/2 as much, right? Oh well, I do use the plastic bags to clean up doggie poop when I walk Pete and kitty poop when I clean Shadows litter. (But that is a whole other environmental issue, in my opinion! I mean, what are we thinking? I know no ones want the little deposits or big deposits stinking up our living areas but by picking it up, we are placing in containers that are tough for nature to break down, whereas the poop would break down very quickly and actually fertilize the area! If you care to read my further ideas on this subject and away to turn it around and actually create a new energy source, then read my http://grandmasgottablog.blogspot.com/2008/11/not-drill-baby-but-scoop-baby-scoop.html . )

..................GRANBECKS' CALIFORNIA CHICKEN AND RICE

2009-07-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

OKAY, so I failed my music challenge! But, hey, so did you all! I asked for songs, but I think that would have required for you to have visited and read my blog! It's okay, I do not hold grudges...I mean, just because I went to all the trouble...oh, wait, that sounds grudging! Really, I am over it and moving on to...FOOD!

I just read a funny mystery entitled, Carrot Cake Murder. The author is Joanne Fluke and her main character, Hannah owns and operates her own cookie store where people stop in for a cup of coffee and a cookie! Of course, the mysteries come in, when Hannah finds a dead body! (I've read three of her books now and there have been 3 dead bodies!! All in the little town of Lake Eden, Minnesota! Hmmmm...very mysterious that Hannah always finds those dead bodies, isn't it?) Anyway, they are funny and light--if you can get over the dead body parts--not body parts--but the part of the book that deals with a dead body--oh, well, you get the idea, right? Good summer reads to put on your Kindle I, II, or III, or to do it the old fashioned way and buy the book!

Frank's kids just got him a Kindle 2 for his birthday last February and I read it the time! In other words, thanks girls, I love Frank's gift!

Throughout Fluke's books, she puts the recipes for her cookies or any other things that she is cooking. In the Carrot Cake Murder she was helping the Beeseman family with many casseroles for their family reunion out at Eden Lake's cabins. The one that caught my eye and I decided to try last night was called Clara and Marguarite's Mexican Hotdish. I changed it up a little (I get that habit from my mom who could always feed her 7 kids or any army of kids and grandkids that showed up hungry with whatever she had in her fridge and cabinets at the time!). I figured that because it is summer, we should use the slow cooker because it creates less heat in the house. Also, it makes it easy to walk away and do other summer stuff while it is cooking!

The one thing I could not resist, and I am glad I didn't, were the Fritos and cheese melted over the top! I did have to heat my oven, but only for a few minutes to brown the top, verses a couple of hours, which is what the original recipe called for. I love our slow cooker, because the crock is removable and I put it in the oven--I did not even stir the chicken mixture. I just put the stuff on top and baked it for about 10 minutes. Frank even went to the store and bought a bag of Frito Chips and a bag (8 ounces)of Mexican shredded 4-cheese blend. The Fritos were delicious this way, but I do think the tortilla chips and any shredded cheese would be good! I divided the bag of cheese in half and put the first half in the mixture to slow cook and the second half over the top with the chips.

Here is the recipe with my notes added. If you have questions or comments, just put them at the bottom here on my blog comments or on my Facebook page! Bon Apetite!

NOTE: DO NOT DRAIN YOUR CANNED ITEMS! YOU NEED THE LIQUID FOR THE RICE!
1 pound fully cooked chicken, cut or shredded into bite size pieces
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
or if you can find it,1 (10.5 oz.) Enchilada sauce with 1 (14.5 oz.) diced tom.
1 (14.5 oz.) can of chicken broth
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
1 medium onion
1 cup of shredded cheese (the mexican 4 cheese blend is excellent!)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper ---you can use all green or all red if that is what
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper ------you have on hand!
1 cup salsa ---or add a (10.5 oz.) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies and
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies ----skip the salsa and can of green chilies
1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning (if you use the enchilada sauce, it may have enough seasoning...just depends on how spicy your family likes their food!)

4 tablespoons of butter Cut into 8 pieces and placed over the top of mixture
NOTE: DO NOT DRAIN YOUR CANNED ITEMS! YOU NEED THE LIQUID FOR THE RICE! If I sound like I am repeating myself, I am! I used this much liquid and my dish was very thick, but perfect, in my opinion. Frank really loved this too and I think he was sceptical at first.

DIRECTIONS
In a slow cooker, combine all ingredients; stir to blend. Put pieces of butter on top so it can drip down into the mixture as it cooks. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high 2-3 hours until rice is tender. You DO NOT have to stir this while it is cooking--just leave it alone! So it is great if you have a busy day!

What really makes this scrumptious is putting it into a baking dish (or using your crock if it will remove from your slow cooker) and sprinkling about 2 cups of Frito or Tortilla Chips on top with the other half of your package of shredded cheese. Place in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned slightly.

Frank made some of his cornbread with a couple tablespoons of chopped jalapenos and sweet corn thrown in. This worked out perfect, because the oven was already on for my dish!

What's in that glass??

Hannah's other recipes in this book were: Viking Cookies, Salmon Cakes, Dill Sauce, Edna's Easy Celery Sauce, Hannah's Special Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Raison Drops, Cocoa Fudge Cake, Chocolate Frosting, Neverfail Fudge Frosting, Funeral Hotdish, Sally's Sunny Vegetable Salad, Red Velvet Cookies, Rocky Road Bar Cookies (S'mores), Party Cookies, Lemon Fluff Jell-O, Wanmansita Casserole, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Scandinavian Almond Cake, Black Forest Brownies.

I guess if you are dieting, it is not a good idea to read one of these novels! But if you are just "letting it all hang out" for summer, then it is an enjoyable light read for the sitting out at the pool or lounging under your shade tree with a large iced tea--Long Island or not! Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Love in Any Language

2009-06-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Okay, we went to church, we sang, we prayed, we listened, we shared the wine and the bread....ahhh...refreshed!
Okay, we went to TGIFriday's after church, we prayed, we talked, we drank wine, we ate salads and marinated steaks....ahhh...refreshed!
And feeling contented, I decided to share something "old school" with you. I used to attend the Gaither's Praise Gathering every fall in Indianapolis and actually get to watch all these folks up close and in person, well, me and 10,000 other witnesses!! But it was amazing how accessable all the people were to us. I have spoken to almost all of them through those years, yes, even Sandi Patti!
I hope you listen and enjoy and that it will refresh you this Sunday evening.

________________Did the Music stop?

2009-06-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

I know this is weird, but I am in a place where I cannot bring forth the song I want to share. I have started this about 5 different times today and I am still struggling. I am listening to a tribute to Michael Jackson on YouTube and even it is not inspiring me. T-Ma, our daughter in law said the his music "eclipsed his life". Accepting the art as something we felt.

It is a strange feeling that I am having...but real and I am going to try again tomorrow.

_________________Michael Jackson, 1959-2009

2009-06-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

I know there are mixed emotions out there about the loss of Michael Jackson yesterday, but I did think it was ironic that I had started these posts about music on the very day we lost such an iconic music figure. His life was controversial and I think sad for the most part. It always amazes me how screwed up money and more importantly, fame can make a person. I do not think we will ever know the whole truth of his life, but I guess the same can be said about any life. But Michael Jackson did contribute so much to so many aspecs of music and dance in my lifetime so this is a "tribute to the music and dance". As for the man, I will let God be the final judge. My prayers do go out to his family, because I know the pain of losing a brother. This is an old tune, because when I first saw the Jackson 5, I was amazed at the talent, especially of the little brother, Michael.

By the way, I was born in 1953, so I was probably about 12 years old when I first saw these guys perform. I think this was about 1972, so I was about 19 years old when this was on Soul Train!

..................................For a Dream

2009-06-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

I picture us together, framed in golden leaf

On the mantle with the others-One big, happy family

But that snapshot can't be found, I don't trust my memory,

But it's alright, alright for a dream.

I imagine that we're all gathered, this time not dressed in black

All laughing and smiling, Not stabbing in the back,

But it's too good to be true, And too bad I still recall the screams,

But it's alright, it's alright for a dream.

I keep half the picture mostly in my mind,

Mama dressed in white ripped where she held your hand

Showing no signs of age just slightly frayed along the seam,

But it's alright, it's alright for a dream.

It's alright all that I can claim; It's alright and it will have to do

It's alright better than the pain; It's alright better than the truth

It's alright Alright for a dream; It's alright better than fate & the grand scheme

It's alright ; It's alright

For Christmas and for New Year I wish and I resolve

But I'm disappointed by myself, Jesus, and Santa Claus

I want to believe se's been saved and he's been redeemed

And it's alright it's alright

For a dream

Okay! I know this song is a downer, but when I first heard Tracy Chapman sing it (singer and composer), it did remind me of my family somewhat. In fact, in my mind, I asked, 'Why didn't I write that?' It's because we live in a world where pictures, videos and all kinds of messages bombard us and tell us what is the "perfect family". But with reality TV, it has not taken long to dispell what the media and Hollywood images tried to put forth for many years.

As I said in my last blog, I love music. It takes us to places in our minds where we once were or where we think we should have been or where we someday will be or where we never want to go?

Last month, MamaLouise did 30 blogs to complete 100 in a year!! Kudos to her! I am going to attempt to place 20 songs in 20 days here on my blog. If you read it and it inspires you or reminds you of a favorite tune or you just want me to share your tune with my readers, then send me the name and artist or writer of the song and I will try to post your one of those 20 days!

>>>>>>>>it touches my soul and moves me to tears....

2009-06-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

It is music. Always has, always will!

Papa Frank & I first lived just outside Nashville, TN and it was heavenly. We had this amazing deck that overlooked the Cumberland River. And we had music. Everywhere you looked and everywhere you went, there was a spiritual connection between the beauty around us and the sound of music being made somewhere close by.

Music is important. And I know that it is for everyone. It is why we sing lullabyes to our babies. It is why babies can dance before they can walk. No one has to teach us. It fills our fibers and spills out. I know there is the adage that "white men can't dance". But, you know what, it does not matter if they can or not, because they do! They may not have the same rhythm as their black brothers, but there is that feeling that moves everyone when we hear that song.

One of things Papa F and I discovered a show called Crossroads when we were in Nashville. It takes two different genres of artists and allows them to perform their songs together and there is this blending. Anyway, we have found this amazing station on HD tv channels here in southern CA and they have concert after concert with amazing song videos in between but they also have CROSSROADS!!!! Right this very minute I am watching Tricia Yearwood and Babyface performing. How wonderful!

Now MamaLouise will laugh when she sees that I have finally done a blog entry again, because U just called her and explained that Papa F & I had just finished a dinner out together! Okay, we found this amazing little Italian restaurant run by a little Italian guy who has just moved here from, you guessed it, ITALY! Well, he suggested that we have a 'house cabernet' with our dinner... and who are we to argue? It was the kind of wine that burns the back of your throat and then a warmth envelopes you, then a slight warm breeze is gently blowing.

One glass of this magical potion and I probably should not have driven home, but I did. (And I did pray before I left the parking lot that God was watching over my every move!) Put down the top, perfect CA evening, pop in my Tracy Chapman's newest CD. I wanted to take a roadtrip!! But I drove home (about 5 minute drive). When I got home and turned on the big screen, there was Tricia and Babyface. Just about as good as having a front row seat in a small club, huh?

I know this is not a cataclysmic moment. But it is one of those blessed tiny moments where it just hits you: this life is so short and music should fill as many moments as possible!

Now, I will address my daughter. Mamalouise, you have been blessed with a gift: your voice! I hope and pray that someday soon, you will find an outlet that will allow you to use your talent. I know I am THE MOM. But you have a special ability and I only want you to never doubt it. I know it takes an exeptional energy and vulnerability to put yourself out there. Just be courageous.

....................................................to my belles-filles

2009-05-09T19:34:00.000-07:00

My belles-filles! I like that! Happy Mother's Day, Belles-Filles! I just completed a Mother's Day Blog below where I talked about my biological children, grandchild and my own dear, sweet mom. But I did not even mention some of the most important and special people in my life since the day I married my sweetheart, Papa-F! This is in away an apology to his children/grandchildren and to the memory of their their beautiful mother, Jackie. From all that I have heard and all the positive qualities I see in her children's lives, she seemed to be a great wife and MOTHER! They were married for 25 years before cancer took her from their lives. I know to some extent, from losing my own mother how hard this had to have been, however, both of Jackie's children were alot younger when she died. I know too that they loved her and that she was and always will be their mom.

Our families had not even met until we got married, August 3, 2003. They all lived in different areas of the country, so we decided to get married in Las Vegas. We were happy when all of the kids and many of our relatives could attend our ceremony there. There were actually 22 people at our wedding at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas!

That was the beginning of our new "blended family". When the pictures were taken, I tried to explain relationships to the photographer and she said, "You can no longer say 'my children' or 'his children', as of today, they are 'our children'." And it hit me, she was correct! We had discussed how our children would deal with our marriage, but we had pretty much agreed that because they were adults or old enough to make their own decisions, they would be okay with our union. But I also knew that my children have their dad and that our marriage would never interfere or change that. Nor would our union change what Papa F's children had with their mom!

But there is a new relationship that forms. And as with any human relationship, the real tide that binds is time spent with the other person. And with our seperate geographical locations, it is not really something that any of us deal with on a regular basis!

Here is what I am trying to say: I feel so blessed! Papa-F's son is a very loving and caring person and he is married to a lovely young lady. He has a terrific 9 year old son who we have not seen much, but who seems to be a great boy. His daughter is a wonderful woman who has a beautiful 3 year old daughter with her loving spouse. All of them have made me feel very accepted and cared for whenever we are together or talk on the phone. My husband has said the same thing about my kids.

But I do not like labeling these folks "stepchildren" or "stepgrandchildren". I do not like the expressions? So, I have adopted the term "Belles-Filles" on this Mother's Day! Now if I could just find something that works better than "blended family". We are not blended. We are still who we are! But we do respect and care about each other. I have grown to love my belles-filles. They really are special and precious to me.
I also failed to mention our other belles-filles who is married to my daughter. He too is a great guy and I love him.

We are all going to get together and celebrate this Christmas and I can't wait! I look forward to us all getting to know each other better and making memories that we can share and enjoy for many years to come!

So, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to ALL of YOU!

............................................Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day, Everyone! TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS--The beginning of motherhood for me! What a great journey began November 11, 2008. She was/is so perfect, so beautiful and full of her own dynamic, sparkling personality.

TWENTY-FOUR YEARS--Another beginning! A great adventure began December 18, 1984. He was/is so perfect, so handsome and full of his own dynamic, charming personality.

You wonder after having your first born, "How can I possibly love any other baby/child as much as I love this one?" But that is the powerful, magical thing about parental LOVE! It is like God's agape love. It is limitless and inclusive. At least for me. That was truly my experience.

These two individuals were as different as night and day, from their sex, to their physical appearance, to their personalities from day one.

Time did fly. How long ago was it that I was holding my babies? It really seems I should be going to coach a softball game for Michelle this spring at Lincoln Park or watching Michael and his dad practicing baseball at the Legion. Was that just yesterday that I watched Michelle perform with the RedCoats or warch Michael play his guitar on the tool box on the back of his dad's truck in our driveway? Or did we go to the Elk's pool and spend our entire day sunning, swimming, picnicing, and visiting with friends?

Fast-forward: September 13, 2007. Another brand new soul, brand new person, brand new personality...minutes old...there in my arms. How could this be? There was my baby glowing as she watched me forming those first seconds of love bonding with her new baby/person! So many emotions passed between the connection of my eyes to his ageless vision. In those eyes I saw her and him. (I am not going to elaborate on her or him because it was a multitude of them.)

SO, I SAY, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY,! Celebrate life on this day and everyday in that energetic, embracing vital way that only you can. Hold your baby for precious moments to build lasting memories that will sustain you when you sit on a day a long way down life's road. And remember, as the song says, "Slow down, 'cause you're going to miss this!"

I cannot let Mom's Day pass without mentioning my mom! I miss you everyday, Mom. You are the example I try to live by and set for my kids.Love You Forever
by Robert Munsch
A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy baby you'll be.
The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!"
But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy baby you'll be.
The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words. Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo!
But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy baby you'll be.
The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo!
But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy baby you'll be.
That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town. But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town. If all the lights in her son's house were out, she opened his bedroom window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy baby you'll be.
Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, "You'd better come see me because I'm very old and sick." So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song. She sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always...
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick. The son went to his mother. He picked her up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And he sang this song:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy Mommy you'll be.
When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs. Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang:
I'll love you forever,I'll like you for always,As long as I'm livingmy baby you'll be.
(This was sent to me but originally taken from book by Robert Munsch.I recommend his books. See: http://www.robertmunsch.com )

2009-02-20T08:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just have to:
shovel after the parade.

I heard this recently and exploded into laughter. It was in reference to Suleman who just had octuplets, which is not a laughing matter, but the expression caught me as very funny! It made me think about what you have to do sometimes...

accept the losses Phrank reflecting

celebrate victories Brother John,b-ball champs, '59

throw the dinner down the disposal

eat humble pie

crawl out from under the bar stool

tread water for awhile

head for deeper water VP, Channel Islands, CA
sweep up the broken glass
get out vacuumJD vacuuming
join in the pillow fight
take 2 aspirin and call the doctor
get up outta bed
remember the way we were PDad & MLou, Wedding 9/4/4
imagine how we can be
see the possibilities JD with twins at Butler University

walk before I run
swing for the fences VP
dust off my pants as I head back to the dugout
punt
take the charge
shut my mouth JD with the girls
say the hard thing
forget to omit
ask forgiveness for the things I have not done that I should have done

ask forgiveness for the things I did do that I should not have done

forgive someone even though they do not deserve it

forgive myself even though I do not deserve it
avoid the puddles after a rainstorm

Turtle playing in a fountain in L.A.

splash in the puddles after a rainstorm

share your umbrella

shovel the snow away from my door
put on my gear and trudge through the mess JD in the snow '09
use my last ounce
let go
hold onTurtle, hanging in there!
use a thicker picker upper
spray some febreeze
share a rideTurtle at Santa Monica Pier
add some a garlic
what's your sometimes you just got to?

Spring Cleaning?

2009-02-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

My latest inspiration is now appearing in front of me on TV with the Ellen Show. She was saying that since 1952 her mama has moved 31 times. That is a lot but 57 years is awhile too. Anyway, she was amazed at the things her mama has kept and allowed the movers to move into her newest home this past week. Ellen brought the items to the show and as the first of them was a 3 hole punch just like the one I have on the shelf in my office, I felt defensive enough to start this blog! (By the way, Ellen's mom told her how much junk she had gotten rid of for this move, so with all the moves and downsizing every time, Ellen thought her mama probably had a couple of boxes to unpack so she went to help her.) Unwrapping layers of paper that the movers had used.

1.three hole puncher ( I have 1 or 2 of these! My justification is that I was a school teacher! But I remember before I taught, I was envious of 3-hole punch owners!)

2.single hole puncher (I am sure if I looked, there is at least 1 in the office, 1 in the kitchen junk drawer, 1 in the garage and perhaps 1 in the bedroom--don't ask!)

3. Abs of Steel on VHS and Hip Hop Abs on DVD(still unopened) for mamas 6-pack (I do not have these particular works, but I have my share of VHS and DVD's. I mean, who doesn't love to keep some old eight-tracks or cassette tapes around? I had more than one of Richard Simmon's 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' on VHS that I loved! Whatever happened to those?

4. hand exerciser (Need I say more?---Oh but I do have some of these: I keep them under my bed & occasionally when I vacuum I knock one out and then I stub my toe on it in the middle of the night.)

5. plastic harmonica (This is not mine, it is Frank's!)

6. 2nd plastic harmonica (And he has 2 Duncan Yo-Yo's in that same drawer!)

7. old rusty steel harmonica (As Ellen said, "Stumbling along the railroad tracks one day, taking a drag from the 40 I had in a brown paper bag, I came upon a real harmonica!)

8. metal flour sifter from 1953--mama does not cook (I used to have one, but I lost it, so now I cannot sift my flour.)

9. metal biscuit cutters from '53 also (These were too fancy. I never owned my very own biscuit cutters, however I did have a Tupperware hamburger- shaper that made perfectly round and flat hamburger patties that I could pre-make and freeze!)

10. metal colander that looks old and dented (I have nothing to say about this other than I did get an image of myself as a child with one of these on my head as a helmet?--flashback or hallucination?)

11. 5 pretzels in a bag (Ellen stopped by her Mama's house to pick these up but Mama had eaten them! You never want to waste perfectly good pretzels!)

This really made me laugh to see all these great items that Mama had moved with her over the 57 years and 31 moves. Sometimes she packed and moved herself and other times she had movers packing and moving her. As you can see by my comments on each item, these are probably essential paraphernalia for many people such as myself.

It did amaze me to see how much wrapping paper the movers use the first time I got to use professionals to move and what they will wrap and pack! If it is in the house and not tied down, they will grab it and pack it! So, I have learned to specify if a piece of trim board needs to be left and put back on a kitchen cabinet or that the broiling pan stays with the oven, the drawers stay in the refrigerator, the unused portion still on the roll of toilet paper can stay on the roller (not to mention the bowl cleaner brush and plunger wrapped in 5 sheets of white movers wrapping paper, the flower pot with just dirt in it does not need to be wrapped in 7 layers of paper and then packed into a box labeled "miscellaneous", old buckets and old rugs and rags that were to be used when doing a final house cleaning at the old house do not need to be wrapped and packed either, nor does the whole kitchen cabinet that contains throw away plastic containers or plastic grocery bags you had saved need to be wrapped in layers of paper and placed into a box with your kitchen things...I didn't understand the mover's theory: the more boxes, the more money, the more paper around small items, the fewer things go into each box.

Now as far as defense for KEEPING those items such as old plastic margarine containers and their mismatched lids, plastic grocery bags, all my old shoe boxes, other empty boxes, clothes that neither my husband nor I have worn in at least 5 years, shoes & boots we never wear, coats and jackets that are never worn, blankets and bed clothes for twin &/or full size beds when we have NEVER had one of either in the 5 years we have been married, old telephones (both home & cell) we have not used in years, enough cable from cable TV to wire a complete Indian village, enough speaker wire and telephone wire to take care of that same village,(although in reality the villagers are probably all using wireless phone cells!--like the story of an expedition in India where a group were taking a day trip through the jungle on elephants. When the lead elephant stopped and refused to go, everyone in the party panicked and asked their guides what could they do, "Nothing," he replied, "When the elephant stops and refuses to go, then there is nothing you can do." Then he promptly reached inside his turban, pulled out a cell phone and called for a truck to come get them!)

You may ask what would possess people to hoard such things. There are many reasons. Like my collection of little ceramic lighthouses that my son in law PDaddy asked about when he was packing & helping us move. I explained, "PDaddy, those are nicknack's. And I am just a nicknack- kind of person!" I will not tell him that because we live in a smaller home here in CA the lighthouses are still packed in that box in our attic. And when my daughter MaLouise asks, "Mom, why do you keep this stuff? I cannot respond with, "To pass on as a family heirloom to you, MaLouise." because she obviously does not want it! I mean there may be several treasures packed in that attic that she could take to Antiques Road Show one day and hear them say, "That item is worth...1.2???" You can thank me later, MaLouise!

Some of Me--Honest Scrap Award

2009-01-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

Grandma's Gotta Blog after all is about being Grandma or GranBecks as I am sometimes called. So, here are my 10 things about me. It is tough to put just 10 things down. I am reading all of the others like M-Louise's, Amy's, Talia's,& Aimee's and I think, yeah, me too or hmmm, interesting, but not me. But I thought just putting my comments about other's 10 things would not be fair! So, here is my attempt:
JD M--Louise, PDaddy & JD 2008
1.I have to admit that as of 7:15 a.m., September 13, 2007, my life changed in ways I never expected! I met JD, my first biological grandchild. I was officially at that moment, "The Grandma, GranBecks, Granny, or whatever the first term that comes from his precious mouth". He now talks to me on skype or the phone and says, "Hi,Geeeeeeememmemememmmmmeeeee". Okay, it is like the cute Hallmark Christmas card ad on TV where Grandma and Grandpa are sitting on the couch and she opens one of those recorded message cards and we hear, "Ma-r-ee Kis-ma!" from a sweet little baby voice and she says teary eyed to Grandpa, "He said, 'Merry Christmas' and Grandpa, who is too smart to argue, just gives her one of those, "Are you sure??" stares. M-Lou does not ever admit to hearing JD's greeting to me, but...

C-Mommy, T-Ma, & Turtle --Turtle

2.Two years before I was blessed with JD, PapaF's daughter C-Mommy had my first grand-daughter. PapaF and I went to see her when she was just 17 days old. I was really expecting more of that miraculous feeling because I love babies so much. But when I met little Turtle, there were many things that made it tougher to feel that bond. Turtle is so special to me though and seeing the bond that PapaF has with her makes me teary-eyed many times. The main thing being the "step-grandma" is different but it has been a very neat part of my life and I am thankful that Turtle and C-Mommy and T-Ma are so amazingingly sharing. Turtle is precious and my heart does melt when she says, "I love you, GranBecks!" which she just did again tonight on the phone. And I love you, too, sweet Turtle!

Will with Dad Phrank & Papa
3.Now here is the real stretch for a Super Grandma wanna be... Grandson Will, who I have never even gotten to meet! PapaF's son Phrank's son who was born 4 years before PapaF and I were married. His mommy who we shall name..hmmmm...C-Dragon would not allow Will to come to our wedding, even though Phrank has always worked at being a great dad. Anyway, if that were the only time there were opportunities for him to be with our family, I might understand, but in the 5 years PapaF and I have been together, there have been many times C-Dragon has not allowed Will to be with us.

Phrank & R

His dad did get remarried this past summer and although I was not there, Will and PapaF did get to meet each other again! We send him fun things throughout the year and write him notes, and hopefully he will be able to come snow skiing next Christmas in Lake Tahoe!

M-Louise & VP in 2000 --Thanksgiving 2008 ------VP ----------M-Louise & PDaddy
4.The best job I ever had was being a mom. (Although, as you can tell, I am rather consumed at this time in my life, with being a Grandma.) I have two wonderful children, MLouise and VP. I know I was not the "best mom" but it was my "best time". I had wanted children ever since I could remember and I did not rush into the experience! I was 27 years old when MLou was born and 31 when I had VP. So, I was ready--well, as ready as anyone can be for such an awesome life changing event! Looking back there may have been things I would have wanted to do differently, but then I think, "My two kids are terrifically talented, caring, responsible adults!" Which makes me think, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Papa & I in New Mexico 2008
5.Wow, shall I say these are in no paticular order? Would you believe me, if I did? Being a wife to my loving husband, PapaF is what I get to be everyday. We share our faith and ideas and dreams. We are best friends who enjoy being together and we choose love for each other everyday.

Shadow on the Fridge with his bottle of Kahlua! ---Pete on his new bed
And because they did not fit into my "10 things" and they really, really should, PapaF's and my Dog Pete and Cat Shadow. As PapaF says, "They are our mental health."

Hebrews 13:5
6.Being a Christian is a very important part of my life. It really is the center of my being. I am thankful each morning for all that He provides for me and my family. He has seen me through some incredibly difficult struggles, but the amazing thing about Jesus Christ, is that He is with me always. I know sometimes I am a slow learner, but He is patient. Isn't that wild! I am still learning and able to grow--hopefully, not a pant-size, but maturity is always a good thing! Thank You, Lord!

7."Take a chance, life goes by in a glance, you might lose your pants, so let's dance!" That was one of Ellen's New Years Resolution and I liked it! I think no. 7 is about choosing joy! It's part of Christianity--being joyful. And it is a choice. Just like choosing to love someone everyday, I choose to be joyful no matter the circumstances. You have all heard the expression, "Oh, I am okay, UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES." Well, I heard someone say that when God hears that His response is, "What are you doing UNDER THERE?" So, stay on top of it.

8.Friends are family and sometimes family are friends, but not always. I have some great friends who are always there. Even though miles seperate us, I know they pray and think of me daily, as I do them. I really try to feel the same way about all of my family members. It is the old adage, "You cannot choose your family." The toughest part of friend's or family's is accepting them for who they are and not judging them. Wow, that's easy to say! But, evidentally, it is not so easy to do. I guess when we feel connected to someone, we put expectations on them. All I can say is, DON"T EXPECT ANYTHING! GET OVER IT if they do not meet your standards! And always refer back to no. 7.

Poetry
9.I have been receiving a message from "out there" that poetry should be a part of my life this year. I have never been real impressed with my poetry writing, but I am willing to try. One of the most poignant messages I received was watching Bill Moyers last Friday night. His guest was John Lithgow and he quoted and read poetry throughout the show. I am counting in my head the number of "moments" I have felt the pull of poetry--5 times since going to Albuquerque until yesterday at church. Not 100's of times but very real and moving moments that have spoken pretty clearly.
What shall I do?

"One looks to the past to discover the future..."
10.This one may sound trivial, but I love media! Music, Television, TIVOs, Movies, DVDs, Videos, Computers, IPods, Cell Phones, and BLOGS! It is so much a part of my life. Being born in 1953, I can remember the first TV my dad brought home. It's one of the few areas that has continued to improve and make life better in my opinion. I always thought everything would get bigger and better--things like airline travel, which, by the way, has gotten much worse. But, media, has really improved. And I like it.

Okay, finally accomplished! Now I get to nominate some other bloggers for the auspicious reward of HONEST SCRAP AWARD!!!!

Christmas in Albuquerque

2008-12-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

The kitties in Albuquerque thought Papa was a wonderful visitor. Our Grand-daughter Turtle was pretty under the weather but luckily was better so she could share opening her presents on Christmas Day. And GranBeck insisted on a picture of C-Mommy and Papa together. T-Ma helped Turtle with some of her package opening and figuring out how things worked. Papa captured GranBeck's Christmas Fleece and GranBeck returned the favor by capturing of Papa's Christmas socks! C-Mommy missed most of this round of opening presents (Yes, there were several shifts!), because she was cooking an amazing Fretada (egg casserole in an iron skillet that had amazing veges in it! That with turkey sausage links and homemade lemon bread & bagels---mmmmm...) As usual the gifts & toys took

second place to some of the boxes! We loved spending time with family this Christmas. As our little Turtle told C-Mommy, "My favorite present was having Papa and GranBecks visiting for Christmas!"

And Papa & GranBecks totally agree, Turlte!

Do You Know the Way to...

2008-12-25T21:17:00.000-08:00

Oh MY! We are stuck in ABQ! We got to the airport on time this evening only to find out that Las Vegas, which was our connecting city, was basically shut down due to strong winds. They had delayed our flight and therefore, we would not make it to our connection for Burbank even if we could make it to Las Vegas later! So, we are in the Sleep Inn near the airport and watching bad TV shows and sleeping on so-so beds. (We have been staying in the Hyatt Place Suites which was amazing--42" flat screen with high definition, wireless Internet in the room, living room with L-shaped couch and ottoman, king size orthopedic super duper mattress, beautiful comp breakfast with Starbucks coffee for free every morning---and I got a terrific deal on Orbitz for an unbelievably low price!) We are paying $8 less for this room tonight and there is a huge difference. OKAY, We are SPOILED! But we do feel blessed that SWA helped us find this room and changed our flight to 8:45 AM and also changed the connecting city to Phoenix, AZ which is much better because Vegas has been getting crazzzzzy weather this year, including snow on the strip! Hopefully, we will be arriving in Burbank tomorrow morning and heading home to our babies, Pete & Shadow. I called Judi the Pet Lady and asked her to walk Pete tomorrow morning. I have never heard her voice so harried. She explained that several of her clients have called and are delayed because of weather! Also, her good friend had asked her to be on call in a couple of weeks for a grandbaby that was to arrive, and, you guessed it, the baby decided to come early. So, she has more jobs than she can handle right now. She is taking care of Pete though & we REALLY appreciate her! My husband & I hope you all had a blessed Christmas. We truly enjoyed being here in ABQ with loved ones. There are only a few more days left in 2008, so make the most of them.

Christmas- Today's the Day! Begin in ABQ with Santa...

2008-12-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

...then home to CA and Pete the dog & Shadow the cat.
We have had a nice visit with Grand-daughter Turtle, but Christmas has really taken a tole on our little tike! She is exhausted from all the visiting and activities going on. It is heart breaking to know that even our little children get caught up in the business and are not able to just enjoy this season. So, a special prayer for all the children. Lord, help them see all that You want them to see & help them to seek and find the truth. Bless us, O Lord, with peace in our world, but also peace in our hearts.
Luke 15:7(Click to read)

Christmas Day Prayer:

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Christmas Eve?-Let's pray!

2008-12-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

These 2 young people were Mary & Joseph in Bethlehem. (See previous blog about Belen.) The baby is 3 months old and spent 4 hours at the church to portray the Baby Jesus! I never heard her crying, although we did leave and take a break for awhile.

Acts 10:35(Click to read)

Wednesday's Prayer:

Jesus, above all else, I want You to know...

2 Days Left! Pray with me...in ABQ still!

2008-12-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

I am posting this blog tonight because it is 7:14 PM Albuquerque time so for many of you, it is after 10 PM. I wonder if it is snowing in IL & IN where my M & M kids are tonight? Or even in Stillwater, OK where Frank's son Frank lives with his wife & Grandson Will? It is currently snowing in Santa Fe just north of here and they are expecting it here anytime now! I am pretty excited about it actually. It has been pretty cold here getting down to around 30 degrees F each night. We will have our hotel comp breakfast in the morning and then head to see 3 year old Alex! Fun times coloring and maybe a Despereaux movie even--perhaps a walk through some special Christmas lights...we adults could do our 1000 piece puzzle too--or not! lol It is getting so close--may all of you feel the excitement of this wonderful holiday time!
Hebrew 2:14-15(Click verse to read)

Tuesday's Prayer:

Lord, my heart yearns for...

3 Days to Christmas! Say a Prayer...In Albuquerque

2008-12-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

Cousins Susan & Don drove Frank & I to Albuquerque this morning. We spent the day with some of our kids, Cynthia, Tracey & Grand-daughter Alex who just turned 3 years old! We had a wonderful New Mexican Green Chile Lunch and a little restaurant near their home. It was fun because we picked Alex up at her preschool classroom. She was very happily surprised to see GranBecks and Papa. We just left them for the evening and are now relaxing in our Hotel.
John 8:36(click on verse to read)

Monday's Prayer:

Jesus, I am asking you to help my friend...

4 Days Until Christmas Prayer! - In Belen, NM

2008-12-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks, We just arrived in Albuquerque. We have been in Belen, NM visiting my cousin Susan and her husband Don for the last 2 nights. Sunday is when this should have been posted but I could not get connected to their wireless network for some reason, so it is late! We went to Susan & Don's church at 1 PM Sunday to do a "Bethlehem Walk". They were portraying Pricilla and Arthos who were "tent makers" in Bethlehem. We had to sign into Caesar's census and then we entered their Bethlehem.

We had a wonderful time during the walk and visiting with cousins! So, here is yesterday's Prayer:
Romans 8:33(click verse to read)

Sunday's Prayer:

Lord, Help me to remember that...

5 Days to Christmas Prayer!-We're leavin' on a jet plane...

2008-12-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

goin' to Albuquerque...

Ephesians 1:4(Click on verse to read)

Saturday's Prayer:

God, I thank you today for...

Christmas Prayer 19-Free at Last...

2008-12-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

Free at Last! Thank, Lord, we are Free at Last!!
I John 4:18(click on verse to read)

Friday's Prayer:

Please, Lord, help me reconcile with...

Christmas Prayer 18--Happy Birthday, VP!

2008-12-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

In honor of my son's birthday, I want to pass along this Birthday Cake idea to you. It was given to us at our Sunday School class. In his book, The Purpose of Christmas, Rick Warren suggests holding a birthday party for Jesus. Someone in the class then gave all of a copy of this Happy Birthday, Jesus, Cake
Chocolate cake: represents our sin (Romans 3:23)
White Frosting: represents Christ's purity; Christ cleansing us from our sins(Romans 5:8-9)
12 Red Candles: Jesus is our Savior all 12 months of the year (John 10:10)
Red is for His Blood shed for us.
Star: Wise men followed the star & came to worship (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Angel: represents the bearer of glad tidings (Luke 2:9-14)
Evergreens: Christ is our Savior forever (John 14:1-3)

2 Corinthians 5:20(click to read verse) Thursday's Prayer:
Lord, I will never forget...

Christmas Prayers

2008-12-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Romans 6:23(click to read verse)

Wednesday's Prayer:

Lord, where I really need your touch is...

PRAYER JOURNAL 16 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Romans 7: 17-25 (click verse to read)
Tuesday's Prayer:
Father, I choose to give you...

PRAYER JOURNAL15 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

I John 1: 8-10 (Click on verse to read)
Monday's prayer:
Jesus, Thank you for saving me from...

PRAYER JOURNAL 14 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

Romans 3:23 (click to read verse)
Sunday's Prayer:
Today, Lord, I just want to tell you...

PRAYER JOURNAL 13 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-12T21:56:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 2:10 (click on verse to read)
Saturday's Prayer:
Lord, help me overcome...

PRAYER JOURNAL 12 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-11T22:14:00.000-08:00

John 3:17 (click on verse to read)
Today's Prayer:
Father, the purpose of my life is to...

PRAYER JOURNAL 11 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

I John 4:18 (click on the verse to read)
Prayer Today:
Jesus, I will always remember...

PRAYER JOURNAL 10 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

I Corinthians 11:24 (click on verse to read)
Today's Prayer:
God, Please give me the heart to...

We Interrupt these Prayers with a New Blogspot!

2008-12-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks! My kids have decided to change the name of their blogspot to Rhyme & Reason . I just wanted to let everyone know. They are not gone, they are just incognito! (which is a good thing on today's worldwideweb)

Daily Prayer Journal 9

2008-12-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is late but GranBecks had a mammogram today and did some shopping!
Mark 10:51 (click on verse to read)
Prayer Journal 9:
Lord, My life has meaning because...

Days 7 & 8 Prayer Journal

2008-12-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

This seems backwards, but I missed Sunday, so to make this consistent, I am doing Monday and then Sunday!
Matthew 1:23 (click on the verse to read it)
Journal Day 8:
Teach me, Lord...

Hebrews 13:5 (click here to read)
Journal Day 7:
Forgive me, Lord, for...

Day 6 Prayer Journal

2008-12-06T12:36:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 3:19 (Click to read verse)
Father, I pray for...

DAY 5 PRAYER - FRIDAY-TO-FIRE-YOU-UP

2008-12-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

James 1:18 (click on verse to read it)
May I suggest that under "Comments" you would complete the prayer sentence? I gave an example on Day 2. I think it would be fun and inspiring to all of us to share our thoughts during this season. I know you are all busy so if you do not have time, I still want you to read my posts! But if you have time...post a sentence! It may be the encouragement someone else needs at that very moment!
Prayer 5:
Lord, help my family to see...

PRAYER JOURNAL 4 for CHRISTMAS

2008-12-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

Oops...I almost missed today! Sorry about that!
I Timothy 6:17(click on the verse to read)
Day 4 Prayer:
Lord, help me celebrate...

December 3, 2008 Prayer Journal

2008-12-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

John 3:16 (if you want to read this verse, click the link!)
Day 3 Prayer:
Father, Help me see...

December 2, 2008 Prayer Journal Day 2

2008-12-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Romans 8:35-39 (if you would like to read this verse about how God's love is always there for you, click the link!) http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:35-39&version=31
Today's prayer starts:
Lord, I am so grateful...

Monday, December 1, 2008

2008-12-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

December 1
Luke 2:8-14 (New International Version)
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Day 1 Prayer:
Dear God, this Christmas I hope...

The Purpose of Christmas

2008-12-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Merry Advent, Everyone! What is ADVENT? It is the time of year Christians wait and prepare for Jesus' coming. We wait for Christmas. We prepare. Frank and I did Rick Warren's new book The Purpose of Christmas as a part of our preparation this year. For the last 3 Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hourwe read Warren's suggestion that we fill this waiting season with "buying gifts, sending greeting cards, decorating our homes, putting up lights, cooking, attending parties, and cleaning up afterward, leaving little time to enjoy the meaning of Christmas." With all the "Hurry, Worry, & Scurry!" we sometimes forget the angel's opening statement to the shepherds of Bethlehem. God had wonderful news for us that would cause us all to rejoice, celebrate, and throw a party: "I bring you good news of great joy that will for all the people Luke 2:10
I enjoyed this book so much that I thought it might be fun to do an "ADVENT BLOG" with all of you. So, everyday I am going to type a verse and the beginning of each day's Prayer Journal from The Purpose of Christmas Study Guide. It is a busy season so I thought it was neat that he broke it down so simply. The daily Bible verse was my idea, but I am using verses Warren refers to or quotes in the book. Merry Christmas, Everyone! And God Bless us, everyone!

Not Drill, Baby, but Scoop, Baby, Scoop!

2008-11-14T11:41:00.001-08:00

This video is an interview with T. Boone Pickens. He is talking about our Energy Crisis! When I listen to him I am so encouraged. The most encouraging part of this conversation, in my opinion, is that Obama's administration has been talking to him about his ideas! America is looking for leadership. What a concept to believe we will reduce our dependence on oil from the Mideast. But Obama and T. Boone are saying that in 10 years we will eliminate that dependence! That is exciting!!

Grandparents of America, unite! We are the leadership. Let us use all of our resources and ingenuity to insure this happens.

Papa Frank with Alex & Granbecks and below with Frank, Jr. & William

Okay, how can we do this? Papa Frank (my husband) was once called "the Gas Man"! (And, no Paul, not because he had gas! lol) He worked back in the '80's on finding more energy efficient ways to utilize our natural gas. Since that time, he has worked for several different companies as a Design Engineer for combustion gas: Coleman gas lamps and cooktops, Frigidaire for gas stoves, State Industries for hot water heaters, and currently Pentair Pools & Spas designing gas pool heaters. He has some pretty great ideas about utilizing energy saving designs for every product he designs. We have some fun discussions about how we could improve the use of natural resources. (I know, pretty geeky!) For example he has a design for using animal waste (possibly along with other garbage and organic waste) and converting it into gas (well, maybe enough for a grill or patio light). Papa Frank calls this an anaerobic digester http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_digestion So, I have been bugging him to design a system to use the dog poop everyone picks up this day and age! When we lived in an apartment they provided us with little plastic "poop" bags for our dog Pete's poop (pretty much assuring that it will be preserved for centuries!) and special recepticals to place the bags into.

Besides picking up dog poop, we also clean out our cat Shadow's litter box--just another energy source! Currently all this pooper-scoopered power pebbles are being placed mostly in hard to recycle plastic bags and sent off to landfills with all the other trash. Papa Frank tells me that it takes alot of money to create a prototype. So... if any of you are interested in helping develop the Pooper-Scooper Waste Converter, send money, not poop!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

2008-11-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Michelle. Twenty-eight years ago, November 11, 1980, I got awakened at 5 A.M. I was not really having strong contractions, but I somehow knew you were coming very soon! I had taught school that fall and Dr. Warren told me to arrange for a sub in my 6th grade classroom at North Ridge Middle School about 3 weeks before that day. So, I had been ready for awhile! I kept telling you in my belly, that we could be taking great fall walks and enjoying each other's company...but you were not ready, until YOU were ready! Anyway, on that day I got up and went potty, called Grandma, of course, and she came over to the house. She said maybe we should go to the hospital, but I told her I wanted to shower first. So, I did my full routine in those days: showered, shaved my legs after all the Dr. & nurses were going to see my legs!), blow dried my hair, used my hot rollers to get that Farah Fawcett hairdo, and then woke up your dad! He grumbled sleepily and said, "You can't have the baby today! It is my day off!" It was Veteran's Day. I explained to him that I was having contractions, that mom was there, and I had talked to the Dr. and to Aunt Christi who was my Lamaze coach and that everyone thouhgt I should head to the hospital. It was about 9 A.M. by the time he rolled out of bed and threw on his jeans. I told him to shower but he said that we would not be staying at the hospital so he could shower when WE got back home. He drove me to Lake View Memorial Hospital, now USMC, Logan St. and my mom followed us. They admitted me and took me to a "birthing room" upstairs. I was planning to have you in the birthing room instead of the delivery room. It was the "cool, calm, & relaxing" way to have a baby according to the Lamaze teachers. Mom stayed with me and your dad said he needed a shower so he was going home but would be back. Uncle John brought Aunt Christi to the hospital so she could coach me with my breathing. I was just walking around the room and talking to everyone. The nurse came in and checked me from time to time. Then about 11 A.M. she "prepped me" to have a baby! My water had not broken, but I was dialating and she assured me that a baby was on its way. Dr. Warren showed up about 12:15 P.M. and checked me. She said, "Why don't we go into the delivery room instead of in here?" She explained that all the equipment was already there and it would be easier. By this time, I had started having pretty hard labor pains and there was an overflow of births that day! I kept hearing newborn babies crying. I kept telling people it was my turn to have my baby, so let's get on with it! We went to the delivery room and still no daddy! We had called home but there was no answer. Of course, by that time, I was not planning on waiting for anyone! And it was not your dad's plan ever to join us in the delivery room, so it was okay. Once in the room, Dr. Warren broke my water and was ready for me to push with my next contraction. Within a few minutes, there you were! They laid you on my stomach while they finished up. And you looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes. It was love at first site. You were gorgeous! You weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and were 21 inches long. They took you away from me, much to my dismay and gave you a bath. They used were using what looked like a scrub brush to me! And you were screaming! I said, "Are you hurting her?" And they said they need to get you all cleaned up. They swaddled you and handed you back to me. Aunt Christi had been wonderful in helping me and she and I were teary eyed by this point. As they wheeled us out there was your Grandma! She thought you were beautiful. Then they informed me that they were so crowded, they did not have a bed for me right then! Good ole Danville Hospitals! They took you to the nursery so Dr. Warren could check you over good and they could draw blood, etc. But before I let them take you, I said, "How will you know she is mine? There are too many babies in there!" They showed me how your baby bracelet number matched mine on my wrist, so I was convinced. Pretty shortly they found a room for me and your dad showed up. He said he had stopped at the nursery and they had shown you the baby, "You done good!" (That was actually a cute thing to say, because it was a little saying from a popular TV show at the time.) Then he immediately wanted to know your name. I asked him where he had been and he said, "Well, I had to shower and then I called Andy and Mary and they took me to lunch. Andy is wanting the name right now for the insurance!" I handed him a list with names like Natasha, Paige, Lauren, Haley...and one other that I honestly cannot remember. He looked at the list and said, "You realize this child has to live with this name for the rest of her life? These names are horrible! I told him that I liked them and that he should choose one, but he was not happy with any of them. Grandma called about then because she had gone home by then and suggested, "Why not, Michelle? You have always liked the name Michelle." So, I said that to your dad and he said, "Okay, Michelle Louise." When I asked where he got Louise, he said. "Louise goes with Michelle." I was pretty weak, tired, hungry and totally in love by that point and so there it was, Michelle Louise. You were so precious. Perfect in everyway! I loved everything about you. And I still do!

BOO!

2008-10-29T18:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, EVERYBODY! Here is a little video I put together to wish you all a fun-filled Halloween. Michelle is having all Jacob's friends over on Thursday for a Costume Party, so I cannot wait to see all of the little trick or treaters!

There's Hope

2008-10-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

I was watching this video of Colin Powell today(see below) and found it pretty moving. When I was young, we used to say that America is a "melting pot". We meant that people come to this country and immediately tried to assimilate into the culture. I think if we study each of the groups of people who have come into America, the Germans, the Irish, any of the Europeans...that they tried to hold onto their culture as long as they could. They did not melt into the pot! Now the expression that is used in textbooks and classrooms in describing the United States is usually something like a "Tossed Salad". Immigrants, by choice and by coersion moved into the same neighborhoods, worshipped at the same churches and spoke the same language. They sought the comfort of the familiar! When I have been outside this country, I am comforted by hearing another American voice in the crowd. It is human nature. But, the immigrants who build lives for themselves here all think of themselves as Americans! Grandparents try to hold onto the traditions and cultural norms of their past. That too is normal and human nature. The children are excited to learn and experience their world. They look forward to making a difference in their lives and the lives of the future generations. They came and still come to America to make better lives for themselves. They are different ingredients mixed in our "Tossed Salad" of humanity. I guess it is also our human nature that does not accept or understand "new people". Why do they come here? They are taking American jobs away from us! We don't need anymore people in this country! Why don't they at least try to fit in? With the economy so poor, how can our government still allow immigrants to come in and give them citizenship? It is complex, but as Christians I think our attitude should be to recognize them all as children of God. God loves them. He has told us that the greatest commandment is to "Love our neighbor as we love ourselves." That is the hard part. Sometimes it is hard enough just to love ourselves, let alone someone who is seems so different from us. Multiculturalism has been criticized for undermining the current culture and in some ways it may do that. Then you see hear about this young man and so many throughout our history who are very proud of their family's heritage, but love America to the death. So, again it is a complex issue that does need to be examined and checked constantly. But I do think in all ways we must seek the truth and conduct our own lives in ways that show love and compassion toward one another. I have seen that this current political race can show the true colors of hate and prejudice even within families. Let's step up and be bigger than the issues. Let's work together and solve the problems at hand. I am intelligent enough to know that we are not all going to agree on all issues, but let us never shut down the conversation or the debate. Instead let us envelope ourselves in it and cherish the rights we have to agree to disagree. Last Sunday our Pastor spoke about Matthew 22:15-22. The Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus asking Him if it were wrong to pay taxes to Caesar, but He had them bring a coin and asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription? Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." It made me think, we should be able to share and discuss politics(Caesar's), but let us always remember that when we address each other personally to do it in love(God). Because when this race is over, our hope will be in how we can all work together. Candidates will come and go, but family is forever (even though we don't get to choose them!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3QWB1iAYcs

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Olympics 2012, 2016, or 2020

2008-08-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

"What If It All Goes Right?" Hopefully one of the videos you see to your right is Melissa Lawson, winner of Nashville Star 2008 singing this song! She is a mother of 5 little boys all under the age of 10 and she won Nasville Star allowing her the honor of singing at Bejing 2008. What a miracle. My eyes were definitely tear-filled as I watched her win and saw her husband and little boys run on stage to hug & congratulate her.

This song made me start thinking, what are our dreams for our children? for ourselves? The play on words is thought provoking: "What if it all goes wrong..." That is a familiar cliche that reminds us all of cartoon characters with a cloud hanging over their heads. And from an early age we learn that if we are negative about something, if it does happen we get an "atta boy" and if does not happen, we get, "well, you predicted that". And if we allow that kind of thinking to permeate our world, we allow failure to be the norm. It allows our relationships to depend upon our failures.

BUT, the song turns it around and asks, "What if it all works out, what if it all goes right..." What if? The possibilities are endless, aren't they? What are those dreams I mentioned earlier? Did the parents of the Olympic athletes push their children or did something inside the children push their parents? What made them realize that quality was worth their strivings? In the end, I believe that most us want our children to "love what they do and do what they love". In a recent movie I watched, "The Great Debaters", the Pastor kept telling his son, "Do what you need to do, so you can do what you want to do." Little eyes are watching, little ears are listening, little feet are following us. It is an overwhelming task we have given ourselves, but if we embrace each day and enjoy every minute of it, most of the lessons just happen naturally.

"What if you chase your dreams and it changes your whole life?" For each of the Olympic athletes and for people like Melissa, it does not "just happen". It took lots of commitment and lots of sweat and tears.

I am not suggesting that all of our babies become super athletes or superstars but I am suggesting that we never limit them or tell them not to dream big. Never stop dreaming or believing. Everyday is a day to celebrate life.

2008-08-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,
If you click on the "GrandBecks" collage below, it should enlarge the picture!
I will attempt to put names to the pictures in my collage:
Top Left to Right-Jacob looks at bubbles; tiny Jacob with Michelle & Paul; GrandBecks sliding Jacob; Jack Watco & Jacob in shades; Jacob's first bath in sink by GrandBecks; 1st Halloween as a Jacob-Peapod;
2nd Row L to R- Jacob crawling; Jacob crying while 4 girls sleeping; Papa Frank with Alex in Santa Fe;
3rd Row L to R- William tucking his shirt at Dad's wedding; GrandBecks holding Alex with Papa looking on in front of Kodak Theatre in Hollywood; Amy W. holding Jacob; Papa Frank & GrandBecks at Channel Island's Harbor(Michael took pic); Friends Addy, Jacob, & Lily at Butler University; Friend Bridget & Alex at Balloon Festival in Albuquerque; Alex with her winter hat on; Uncle Michael & Jacob swimming; GrandBecks & Jacob, "Whoa, Grandma, now I know where I got my hair!"; GrandBecks & Jacob share a laugh;
4th Row L to R- Peek- a- Boo Alex; Alex eating chocolate...mmmm; Uncle Michael holding Jacob; Becky holding Lily, Jacob & Addy; Alex holding her Obama sign; Papa Frank, Frank, Jr. & William;
Bottom L to R- Alex at Pinks having a turkey dog--Papa Frank in background (we had footlong chili dogs...mmmm good--we had to wait about 30 minutes in line outside!; Grandma Wooz holding superstar Alex; Alex on Halloween with Ma and Mommy; Mommy Cynthia holds Alex at Santa Monica beach

Grandkids William, Alex & Jacob with some friends & family.

2008-08-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Here we are! Just some pictures & memories of Grandkids I put together.

High Tech Grandmas!

2008-08-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

I wanted to start a blog after I saw my daughter Michelle's. It occurred to me late one night when I could not sleep that Grandmas needed to unite in a blog area! I mean I have lots of friends who are now becoming Grandmas, like me, but in this new high tech world, the only way we share about our grandkids and families is via email or Myspace, but no one carries brag books anymore! So it is difficult to "share"....okay, BRAG!

So, this is my beginning, my goals are:

Share with my friends and family
Encourage other Grandmas to share too
Form a Grandma Network
Be open to all kinds of potentials for sharing and helping Grandmas everywhere!

My motto: Grandma's hearts beat with hope for all their friends and families.

So, remember, Grandma's Gotta Blog!