Dear Santa ~

Posted on December 22, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

santa and xmas town stuff 012

It’s the little things…….Merry Christmas ♥♥♥

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Santa Baby

Posted on December 20, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

When my sis and I were little I recall my mom getting us all dolled up at Christmas time.  She would then drive us to the bank for our pictures with Santa. My dad worked at the bank for many of those early years, and he was the one that would take our picture. I always looked forward to this for three reasons. 1. SANTA 2. I got to see my dad at work. 3. CANDY!

When our boys arrived, the tradition had to continue. Except for the dressing up part, that is! I loved our “bank” Santa!  Our youngest was not so fond of this jolly old guy for several years.  But eventually, he came around.

The creepy Santa.

The creepy Santa.

The "real" Santa from here on out!

The “real” Santa from here on out!

A little better?

A little better?

Our last Santa pics...and then we were grown up. It happened so fast ♥

Our last Santa pics…and then we were grown up. It happened so fast ♥

When I look at the last photo of our boys with Santa, (Which I’m pretty sure I had to beg for that day!)I’m reflect upon a portion of the lyrics from Peter, Paul and Mary’s, “Puff the Magic Dragon. 

“A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie paper came no more
And puff that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.”

A picture speaks a thousand words ~

A picture speaks a thousand words ~

♥ I’ll let you guess away on this very last pic! Leaves really don’t fall far from the tree ~
Merry Christmas my dear friends!

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Our First Christmas Together ~ 1982

Posted on December 17, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

xmas 006

Our first Christmas Stockings

Our first Christmas Stockings

Our baby son and his bride spent this past weekend at our house. Before they left, I found myself plundering through some old Christmas items, in search of something to attach to my son’s “ugly Christmas sweater” for work. I was pleasantly surprised when I found the red furry stockings with mine and hubby’s names written in sparkly glitter. I looked at them and smiled. We were on a very tight budget that first Christmas, but we had these made at the mall, along with one for our adopted pup, Heidi. (We had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree that year and I loved it!) We walked through the mall, holding hands and window shopping, and not caring that we couldn’t buy much more than a stocking and a cookie. We had each other.

xmas 008

Our first Christmas ornament ~

Our first Christmas ornament ~

The Christmas ornament we simply could not afford. I spied it in the Hallmark Store around the corner from our house and desperately wanted it. When you would wind it up, it played, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” My favorite holiday movie and song. And the perfect forever keepsake of our first Christmas together. I think it was $10.00. Maybe that doesn’t sound like a lot now, but it was in 1982. Someone~ I think probably my parents, gave us some money for Christmas. I was the first one in line at the Hallmark Store the day after Christmas! I knew if it was still there, I could buy it for half price. And it was there….. sigh.

The angel that topped our Christmas tree for so many years.

The angel that topped our Christmas tree for so many years.

Fast forward a few years and our two little boys were fussing over who could place the angel atop the Christmas Tree! We came up with a system of “every other year”. Their name and year was written inside the angel.

I’m a little melancholy when I think on this. Our little boys, all grown up now. They have their own traditions, as they should. I just hope, when they think back to this time of year, they have sweet reflections and smiles of our time spent together back then.

The inside of the angel that used to top our tree.

The inside of the angel that used to top our tree.

xmas 007

My prayer is that, no matter what, they never lose that child like faith, joy or hope. I pray that you and I hold on to it as well ~

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God’s Heart Broke First ~

Posted on December 15, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

I could not find words for this tragedy. So I share thoughts from Nicole ~
Be good to each other, friends ♥ paula

Nicole's avatarThree 31

My heart was not the first to break when I learned of the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. I was not the first person to cry or get angry either. I cannot imagine the insurmountable pain that families and friends of victims are facing in these difficult times.

I think God’s heart was the first to break … even before the first shot was fired.

As soon as I opened Facebook on Friday, my screen was flooded with messages of sympathy, condolences, and some casting judgement. I think the majority of the messages unknowingly cause more pain and distress. I think they are making the situation worse by portraying God as a heartless entity who allows the murder of children. I am not professing to have all the answers, but I don’t agree with this portrayal of God at all. I am, at best, a human struggling to live the…

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What’s In A Name….

Posted on December 15, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

This post needs to be shared! Someone once told me it is not how you speak to the rich or to the preacher…..but how you interact with the server, the cab driver or the garbage man that show your true soul. What’s in your heart? ♥♥♥ Prayers for our country ♥♥♥ paula ~

cast-light.com's avatarCast Light

“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” – Henry James

When I was traveling last week, I noticed something different right away as I approached the gate to get on the plane. The gate agent was smiling and as she scanned each ticket, she welcomed each passenger by name. You could see each person’s demeanor change as she recognized each individually. Some days, it’s easy to feel like a number, a transaction. But she gave the gift of undivided attention, choosing relationship over transaction.

When I got in the cab in Austin, I sat silent for a moment and then chose to start a conversation with the driver. It started with the weather and the local economy and then moved to how proud he was of his family, in particular his grandson who calls him G-pop. A simple encounter, a short…

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The Hymnal Tree

Posted on December 14, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

My little helper, Sugar♥

My little helper, Sugar♥

I have a blog friend by the name of Debbie. She always has the greatest ideas! Recipes, decorating, crafts….you name it…she has the “cute” on it! Oh So Shabby shared this a few weeks ago. It’s an adorable Christmas tree made of an old book. Now she found this from Carlene. Carlene’s blog is Organized Clutter. Yes, that’s her awesome blog name. She makes the coolest stuff! The above link is her take on an idea she found in Better Homes and Gardens. Thank you ladies!!! You are both awesome!!

I know….I am rambling. But I’ll leave you with this. “MY” take on Carlene’s take. I used an old music hymnal instead of a book. (Hubby was afraid it might be disrespectful to destroy a hymnal…but I found it at the Goodwill Store…I think I was rescuing it!) After making my first tree, my fingers hurt from tearing the edges off of the paper. I purchased a pair of scrap-book edging scissors ($2.00) to cut the paper for the next tree. I must say it went faster after that bit of help. Also, instead of leaving my squares flat, I crumpled into a wad of paper and then uncrumpled, for a fuller effect. (which really means I was too lazy to tear more pieces!) If you decide to make one, let me know what changes YOU make! Have fun!
hymnal tree1
hymnal tree

Have a great weekend! Be kind one to another ♥

The Coyote Trail Christmas Tree

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All In A Day’s Work

Posted on December 12, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

stillwaterHe left his normal early time in the morning.  Thirteen hours later, we reflected on his workday/birthday over dinner.  Bosses, demands, schedules, orders. A little delivery to a local food-bank.  That was his birthday gift to himself. Several families would have a delicious Christmas meal.  His thoughts?  Even in all the chaos, bad economy and uncertainty, we are truly blessed.  Why not share the blessing?

He comes back from lunch to a disturbing office decor. All in good fun for his birthday.  He smirks, smiles and rolls with it.  A customer asks him for assistance.  He helps her, and then notices her a few moments later in a different area of his store.  She is sobbing.  He is hesitant with his reaction, but approaches and asks what he can do to help her.  “I shouldn’t be here.”  She tells him.  “We should be Christmas shopping together.  I should not be buying a wreath to place on his grave.”  She is broken by the recent loss of her husband.  She is angry.  “The doctor told him years ago he had to quit smoking, but he never did.”  She is alone.  He attempts to comfort her.  He shares his own story of loss.  She asks, “Does it ever get any easier?”  He hesitates again, then he lies.  He tells her it does.  He just wants to help her get through a moment at a time. She thanks him.  “Go home and hug your wife”, she says to him.  And he did.

Be kind to others today….you really never know what they are dealing with. ♥

p.s. HaPPy Birthday to my Angie, today! How blessed we are that you married our son. Much love! (and remember….it’s a no return policy!)

Posted in Forgiveness, Oklahoma, ponderings, Ramblings, Reflections, Relationships, Thankful, Uncategorized, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

HaPPy BiRtHday!

Posted on December 11, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

mad birthday7Chi's graduation, Joplin 124023DSC_0719julie5blog flag

Today is a special day. An extra special day. Happy Birthday to the one I love ~ Hubby! ♥♥♥
Thanks for all you do, all you endure, and for being who you are. Thank you for the giggles, the laughs, the encouragement, and the dirty socks that are sometimes forgotten by your favorite chair. (well, come on now…it ain’t all roses!) I love our drives, our trips and the helicopter ride over the lake! The concerts, emergency trips to Sonic for a cherry coke, the walks through Bass Pro. You are a good person. Father. Spouse. Friend. And the I love how you love your country. (and your dogs 🙂 ) Thank you most of all, for pretending your birthday cupcakes were good. Even after I threw them in the trash because they tasted so awful. 🙂 Love you, my dear ♥

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Not Giving Up Now

Posted on December 10, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

Today is 11 months of blogging for me….which means…it is only a month away til my sister’s birthday! So 270ish posts….almost 24,500 reads….so many new friends…..blogland is pretty awesome. Thanks so much to every reader, follower, and blogger friend. You make me think and laugh and remember. You challenge me. I never imagined it could be this much fun! Thank you!!

So today I will leave you with the song that has been running through my head since yesterday when I was vacuuming. (therapy time for me, you see) My intuition tells me that someone out there needs to hear it. So this is just for YOU. (and for me, too…cause we all need a little encouragement along the way….♥)

More Than Fine by Switchfoot

“More Than Fine”

When I wake in the morning,
I want to blow into pieces.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.
When I’m up with the sunrise
I want more than just blue skies.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.

I’m not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
I’m not giving up, giving up, not backing down.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.

When I’m lit with the sunrise.
I want more than just a good time.
I want more than just ok, more than just ok.

I’m not giving up, giving up, not giving up now.
I’m not giving up, giving up, not selling out.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.

More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from the dawn.
More than oceans away from who we are
More than oceans, more than oceans, yeah.

More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.
More than fine, more than bent on getting by.
More than fine, more than just ok.

Posted in Friends, Friendships, Music, Musicians, Ramblings, Reflections, Relationships, Thankful, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 31 Comments

A Drive to the Farm and other stuff ~

Posted on December 8, 2012 by stuffitellmysister

moore4I took a little drive this past week and spent a few days with my parents.  We did some shopping, some eating and watched the Oklahoma City Thunder play basketball on television. We also decorated a bit, wrapped gifts AND we took a little journey down memory lane.  Come on along……..moore6Do you remember these guys, Sister?  They creeped me out when we were little.  Still do! moore2moore8They are always watching….moore3Doesn’t it look like the moon?!moor15The pecan tree in the front yard. (and dad walking to get the mail)moore5No matter where you go….lovely traffic.moore1Our pretty mama ~moor2Then we all took a drive to the old farm.  I hadn’t been there in years.  It’s where I learned to shoot skeet. I learned about chiggers.  I learned to count cows from the old pickup truck.  Most importantly, I learned to watch where I stepped!  moor17It’s where dad would take my college buddies and me on special weekends.  He also took my prospective husband here to see how he handled himself.  Surely he would not out shoot the father???moore7There are wind turbines surrounding the place now.mooreNot to mention many wonderful memories ~ !

All of my photos had to be taken with my phone on this trip….as I forgot to bring the camera battery charger….oh bother.  We still made it work!  I enjoyed every minute.  Did I mention the awesome potato salad! 🙂  Thanks Mom & Dad!moor20

(Did you happen to notice the little girls in the photo on the wall?)  Have a super weekend.  And be nice to people.  Yes….even that guy. 🙂

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