Joy To The World - Joy To You And Me!

I started the day as I always do. I became conscious at around 5:50 a.m. I am wakened by the little inner clock of an early bird. It's still dark outside so I have no way to gauge what time it is. I move my pillow aside only to see that it's really too early to get up, so I force myself to stay there until six. (Yes, it's only ten minutes, but if you get up too early, you're ready for bed at 7 p.m.) As soon as I stir, the girls; Kia and Maggie, are on their feet and ready to escort me to the kitchen. It's another lovely morning, although still dark outside. First order of business - make coffee. Ah...I love this part of the day. (Is there some way to spell the "screeching halt" sound?) Insert it here.

I hear the garage door go up and in walked my 19 year old son, explaining himself before I can say a word. He fell asleep on his girlfriends couch and they didn't want to wake him, so her FATHER threw a blanket over him. (Do you think I believe that?! I'm a mother, married to a father, there is no way in H___ that a father is going to throw a blanket over his daughter's boyfriend. No way!) Before he can finish stammering, I say, "Were you drinking?" No, he swears. I say whatever...don't do it again.

The coffee is ready and I try to resume my morning ritual as he trails off to bed. (As parents get older, they mellow out; they're tired.)

My other son is in town for a wedding. He flew in last night. I was already in bed when he came home, reclining with my husband, he with his laptop and I with mine. (We're so twenty first century - NOT!) Our son tells us that his back is stiff from traveling. I say, Lay down here and I'll give you a back rub. No, he says, that's o.k. I say, Well, get your p.j.'s on and come back, we'll talk. (He doesn't know how to break it to me) I'm going to Neil's, it's his last night as a bachelor. (He sees my disappointment, even though I'm already drowsy) I told you mom, it's Neil's wedding, I told you it would be like this. Okay, whatever, be careful, I say.

So now it's morning, Andrew goes to bed and Nick is up and waiting for Neil to pick him up. The wedding is today and of course they have to get moving. I ask Nick if he wants an omelet. No, he can't, as he watches the road. He sits and tries to give me a little attention before he goes. (I know it must sound funny, but I do feel a bit bad.) I try to be cheerful and say, "What time will you be home?" He says that he's staying at the hotel over night. I say, For what?! The family has rented a block of rooms. So, again I say, Whatever. Beep, beep...it's Neil. Be careful, I say.

Now I'm feeling not so cheerful, not so happy. Well, I'm no slug, I've got things to do. I decide I'll run my Saturday morning errands and get back early, just spend the day at the house, enjoying myself.

Well, much to my delight I ran across a garage sale while I was out. What a way to turn the day around! I got a turkey taureen and cookie jar in creamy white, the same color as my Pfaltzgraff every day dishes. I had recently looked up "turkeys" and "taureens" on ebay to see if I could get something nice for the Thanksgiving table. I can't believe my luck, and they are only $2.00 each. Both really handsome pieces. I also bought a neat looking green box with a rabbit painted on it - $1.00. It's the same color green as our small antique lamp on the entry table. Cool! It'll take it. There was also a great lamp made of metal; a sphere with an arrow through it. (That will look terrific in Andrew's room or the den!) Before I leave I spy a tall stainless steel magnifying mirror - $2.00! I'm thrilled and back up on the mountain.

Our kids have to grow, leave the nest and make their own decisions. It's hard not making their decisions for them, and letting them think for themselves. They've heard all my advise. Just like the president and his top advisor, I was on the job giving my kids advise - full time. Now it's not needed. Not that I don't feel the need to share all of my accumulative advise with them, they don't feel the need to take it. I guess as their Top Advisor - I've been laid off.

I want to leave you with an up-note, I'm now getting back to some of the things I love, such as crocheting, sewing, arts, crafts, books, and scripture study. Let's not forget the new ventures such as blogging and volunteering. My life is quite busy and changing rapidly, or so it seems. I'm going to be prayerful about all things that concern me, thankful for God's blessings, and rest in the Lord. I won't to let worry or change rob me of the joy that God intended for us to have.

Joy to the world - joy to you and me!