Christmas in sunny Florida...

We had a great time in Florida. The weather was usually sunny and in the high 70's or low 80's. The only time we had any bad weather was when we went to New Smyrna Beach on Christmas Day. Our son-in-law wanted to do something different this year. At the time, it sure sounded like an interesting departure from the regular routine. So...we had a breakfast brunch after opening gifts, packed up and went to the beach.

The forecast was an 18% chance of rain. Not bad. Naturally, it drizzled off and on while driving there. But hey, we were an hour away so it still looked like a good idea. We arrived at our destination, gray skies overhead and a drizzle. A drizzle that never left. Bravely, Mike and the boys went into the water. Whew! It was cold!

After a while, the boys (meaning Mike, son-in-law Kevin, and the two grandsons Nathan and Benjamin) began building a sandcastle. Kevin decided to bring shovels this time to dig. I mean BIG shovels. The kind you use at home for digging big holes! He obviously meant business!

So grandpa Mike and daddy Kevin had the task of digging. This was not going to be an ordinary sandcastle by any means. They had grandiose plans. Unfortunately, after several hours in the cold drizzle, Brooke and I (shivering in our regular clothes) suggested calling it a day. Disappointing weather but we still had fun spending time together.

All in all, we did do something different than past Christmases and we DEFINITELY make a memory that will linger in our minds for years.

A Perfect 10 at last!

Remember that old movie, "10"? And let's not forget the symbolism of 10 on surveys or polls or even the scale used when describing how "hot" a person is. 10 meaning perfection. After years of perms, haircuts, following fashion, attending numerous makeup parties and such, I have finally achieved that distinction. Of course, my husband, being the jewel that he is thinks I have been a "10" from the day he met me. (I love you, honey!")

Yes, I have now reached the ranks of Bo Derek, the original "10". How did I receive this high honor, this badge of distinction? I owe it all to Clairol. Yep, the long-guarded secret has been revealed. I discovered their new line, "Perfect 10" a few months ago. 10 minutes for the perfect 10 color! Just what this continually-in-motion grandmother needed. (Yikes! Did I actually write "grandmother"?) I mean, just what this active, savvy, career woman needed. (Hmmm...much better.)

My advice to other women striving for so many years to be that "perfect 10"? Hey, make it easy on yourself and just purchase Clairol's product and make your life a whole lot easier. Have fun trying out the different hair colors and enjoy the ride! It's a blast, believe me!

3 days, 3 Thanksgiving meals

What a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! Not because of all the food, but because of the time with family members.

On Thanksgiving Day, Mike and I drove to Fulton to eat with my cousins and my Uncle Dick and his wife. Although a glitch with the oven caused a huge delay in eating, the time was spent visiting and playing games. While some played Spades, Mike and I played Yahtzee with Dianne, Uncle Dick and Karen. This was the first time I played it. I got beat but boy did I have fun during the process! It was also a great time to talk, visit and reconnect. Little Christian, Brandon's son, suggested that everyone say what they were thankful for. Several said family, however, Mike said he was thankful to be living in the US. We all agreed.

The second meal occurred on Friday night with my brother and his family, nephew Chris and his family, and Mike and I. The house was filled with laughter and sharing. It wasn't your typical meal. We had baked spaghetti, garlic bread, etc. We played Mancala with Debbie winning most of the games, however, rookie Chris won a game. We also played Yahtzee and we had lots of fun. (I got beat again.) We ended with a new game, Word Buzz, with Mike and I actually winning. Wall to wall people in a small house with great food and fellowship. Winning combination!

The holiday ended with having traditional Thanksgiving fare with Mike's family. This year we met at a conservation club. Mike provided some candy from the "good ole days", so there was some nostalgia going on. Sadly, several members were unable to attend from health related reasons to military service. Bill, Mike's stepdad, was feeling ill, Martin was recuperating from a quadruple bypass, and Bradley is in the military. After doing the expected "catching up", Mike and I played Yahtzee with several of the children. Chloe really got into shaking the dice. Outside, most of the kids played kickball. Raven even played barefoot, despite the chilly weather and cold ground.

What made the holiday so special? Once again, being with family. So many of us are scattered around the nation and its difficult to get everyone together. In fact, our own children and grandchildren were absent which made the holiday bittersweet. However, I am so thankful for family. I was reminded of Thanksgivings in the past when I was a child. We would all bundle up and meet at my grandparents. Uncles, aunts, cousins, and second cousins would fill the house, causing the front room floor to be used for a table. Laughter would fill the air as we caught up with each other's lives. It was a good Thanksgiving this year!

Kids say the Darnedest things!

Remember that old Art Linkletter show? I used to get a kick from what the little kids would say, think, or do innocently. It looks like my two grandsons have some of their own moments:

On the morning Benjamin (now 5) turned two, his brother, Nathan (now 8) got him out of the crib. Tugging his little brother's hand, Nathan walked into their mom's room. Nathan was upset and crying. Confronting his mother, my daughter, he reminded her that she had said Benjamin would be a big boy when he turned two. Wailing, Nathan told her that Benjamin wasn't talking. Brooke had to explain that being a big boy didn't mean Benjamin would automatically start talking. Nathan was devastated, having thought Benjamin would wake up talking.

Nathan was three when Benjamin was born and didn't quite understand what was involved with a baby. After repeated nights of the baby crying, Nathan asked innocently, "Can we take him back and get another one?"

None of us realized how much Benjamin was absorbing the commercials until recently Brooke had a fever blister and it had gotten below her lip a little. Benjamin asked what it was. When Brooke told him it was a "ow boo boo". He matter of factly told her to use Pro Active, that it would be gone when she woke up the next morning.

Let's Talk Politics

Uh, oh. One of the unwritten rules is to never discuss religion or politics when talking to someone. At least if you want it to remain cordial. That's what I have been told anyways.

I guess today I am breaking that "rule". I have been battling with some frustration. I have a deep interest in politics. (I think we all should actually. After all, it is the politicians that make the laws that govern us.) At times, I have been heavily involved in politics and at other times, just dabbling in it. In the last three years, however, I have jumped back in again from serving on a State Board to active participation in the local women's group.

This past year I decided to get more involved and have looked for ways to do so. Having once served as a precinct person, I naturally looked into that area once again. For whatever reason, there have been stumbling blocks along the way.

Part of me says it shouldn't be this hard to volunteer. I mean, aren't we encouraged by the media, talk show hosts, political parties, etc. to volunteer, that volunteers are needed for this or for that. I feel like I am going in circles. Miscommunication? Am I trying too hard? Do I need more connections? I really don't know.

I do know I have the passion, the desire to help the party regain some ground, have lived in my area for over 10 years and have good neighborhood connections, attend and work at party functions (even the ones I have to pay for) and have political experience to draw on.

For now, I am waiting to hear from someone in reply to a voice mail I left. I'll let you know when I find out something. In the meantime, I wouldn't be surprised if my brother, Doug, reads this, and contacts me, attempting to get me to switch parties. I'm waiting for that phone call, Doug.

Mixed feelings

Dealing with mixed feelings right now. Part of me is sad because my favored candidates didn't win the 2008 Presidential election. Another part of me is happy to see another "glass ceiling" broken through, regardless of personal favorites. Being a woman, I have been face to face with another kind of "glass ceiling" when a man got paid more for doing the same, when I was looked over for a job promotion because "he's supporting a family...he's the breadwinner", or automatically suggested for club secretary instead of the higher position.

I think I would feel better if I had confidence that the president-elect was someone that was candid, trustworthy, or straight forward. I have read numerous accounts of even Democrats admitting they are uneasy about Obama for the same reason. So it really shouldn't be a surprise that as a Republican (a Lipstick Republican), I am dealing with some misgivings and uneasy feelings.

I recall a time in the Bible, when Israel cried out for a King, and God granted them one even though it wasn't His wish for them, much to their later despair. A lot of people, including Christians, were crying out in this election for Obama to be their next President. In the meantime, I am reminded in scripture that God appoints our leaders and that we should honor them regardless of "feelings".

Only time will tell. In the meantime, Obama and his administration will be in my prayers. I only wish him the best as he will be responsible for many decisions that will affect me and my family.

I am The Photographer...

Yes. I am the family photographer. You know, the one that people run away from or hide from at family events? Love me or avoid me, but somehow I will get your picture to preserve family memories. Years later, as you look through photographs of cherished times, you will appreciate me. And believe it or not, I have had people seeking me out, pleading for me to take a picture.

I think I have always been the family photographer, starting in 4-H. There's just something about finding the right angle to catch that one-of-a-kind moment, that Kodak moment is what I call it. Currently, I have a Canon Powershot. I love that camera! I have had it for years and it gives me great photos. Although recently, I have found myself salivating over some of the newer models. 12 megapixels and 15 x optical view! (Calm down, Kathy!)

I've experimented leaving my camera behind when I 've gone to events. And guess what? Every time someone has come up to me and asked accusingly where my camera was. They had left their's at home because they knew I would be bringing mine. Go figure.

So, until someone else wants to take the heat, I am the unofficial family photographer on the prowl for those candid shots that you will beg for in the years to come.