Thanksmas & Thanksgiving

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone. It began with a whirlwind trip to Lubbock to see our Daughter (Sarah) and her family. We were also joined by Hannah and Joe; (my niece and her husband). We decided to start a new tradition "Thanksmas". Since the Holidays are extremely hectic for Sarah and Hannah; we thought we would celebrate in a 5 day visit. And it turned out wonderful. Lots of family time and playing of games, riding horses and watching movies. West Texas is as beautiful in its own way as East Texas is. Sarah and Donavan live across from "cotton fields" and they had just been harvested. Add the wind into the mix and you get "red" dirt. It is impaled into your clothes and skin. We just looked at it as a free "dermabrasion" natural style. It was really neat to see everyone and the dirt was just an added effect. We also met one of Sarah's neighbors who loves to come by and check on her and Donavan; just to make sure they are OK.

We were blessed to have Joshua home and have him be able to go with us to Lubbock, and to come back and spend "Thanksgiving" week with us. Coming back home I realized why it is that I love East Texas. The trees are all loosing their leaves and I love walking through them. The air has a crisp snap to it; especially in the mornings. My 3 Mares are almost always by the house at 7am. And they talk more and more each time. It is like they are having this conversation with me and I understand (at least I act like I do) what they are saying. They look like they have velvet coats on. Their coats are beautiful and thick. And love to stand by them when they are eating or just standing still; for what ever reason I have always loved the smell of horses. And I am hoping that at some point we will be able to get a saddle so we can ride. In the meantime I will just love on them. The dogs are just awesome. Rusty plays with the smallest of the horses (Birdie); they like to play "tag". The nights here are so pretty the stars shine brighter, the moon is so big here lately; it is like you can reach out to touch it. It is what they call a Harvest Moon.

Living here during this "Holiday" season has taught me to appreciate the "family and friends" I have. Around here people concentrate more on seeing family and friends; and allot less on "gift" giving. With the economy the way it is, there are not very many people who can afford to buy things. And that doesn't seem to bother the kids in the least. I have not heard any of the children here say what they want for Christmas. I believe this is one of the poorest parts of Texas. But you would not know it, unless you lived here. The town squares are all decorated and look inviting. The little shops around the town are decorated to the "enths" degree. And on Thanksgiving Day there was hardly a place opened. Or they were closed half the day. At least the women at work are beginning to be nicer. Maybe it is just because of the Holidays or "prayerfully" they are really changing. Either way it is easier to go to work and be in a great mood.

One of the things around here that I am learning to "stomach" is that people here will kill something take it home and process it themselves. Especially the wild pigs. I keep hoping and praying that Dale won't do that. Don't get me wrong I love living in the country and there aren't allot of things I won't try; but this is one I will not do.

I really am amazed at the difference here in culture. Sometimes I just sit and am amazed at all the "newness" that I am still learning to adjust to. One of the "new" things here are the small town "get togethers". This past weekend we had a "Christmas Parade" in Mt. Vernon and Mount Pleasant has theirs coming up. They love getting together for any and all occasions. Dale and I try to make as many as we can. People here expect to see you at EVERYthing. I just can't make all of them. But at least the ladies and I are making headway. They do order Avon from me. And I am grateful for that. I do miss the "hustle and bustle" of the Holiday shopping to an extent. But if I look hard enough or drive to Canton; which we did this weekend; you can find lots of "hustle and bustle". Boy it was wall to wall people and dogs. It is however one of the coolest places to find "things" at. And it is only open once a month. The first weekend of every month. And food oh my; everything is good for you; maybe not to you; but definitely good for you to taste.The other thing that "smacked" Dale and i this weekend was that here they do loose electricity here due to inclement weather. So we are going to need to buy a "butane" type heater. Of course my thought is I'll just move in at work. The church has pretty much everything there. I am asking God to keep us warm and with Electricity through the "winter". Of course we have several "elderly" friends and will need to help check in on them. Heck they will most likely be doing better than we are. It is another adventure for us in the making. I have so much to be thankful for that complaining about anything is just wrong So therefore I will spare us all in the "saga" of San Antonio. Truly it is all in God's hands. Even our church is so different than that of the one in Austin. Everyone knows everyone in town and what is going on with who. On my way back from Canton (I went with my Mother in-law and Dales' Aunt) it seemed that everyone we talked about "kids included" they knew or knew about. So nothing around here is "sacred". Well I apologize for taking so long to get this out. And I will try to blog more. Next week will be the week for lots of patience and "yes Mam's". We are getting ready for the kids Christmas program next Sunday evening. And the kids I work the most with are preforming the most songs. And it is at church; so I will have lots to tell after that. Hugs to All.

Love,

Me

Country Full of Grace

Well here I am again....thinking about "Austin" and all the ones who are there and love me unconditionally. I feel like I am in the hardest place of my life. Both physically and mentally. I really do miss being around those who don't judge me and trusted me. Thank you and just know I really do miss ALL of you.

Having said that; I still feel I made the best decision. Dale and I are here and able to help his parents. His Dad and him have grown closer, and the fact is, Jimmy is not getting better; and with us here I hope that we bring a bit of comfort, in knowing that they are not by themselves with this.

I still look to God for my daily "gifts". It is such a delight to bring joy to the kids and even a few people that I work with. I am the jokester around work. But I can drive a "mean" bus. Everyone wants to ride with me when I drive. Trust me it is an experience. I have started selling AVON in hopes that I can break the ice with some of these ladies and make a few extra bucks. Emphasis on the last part. Somewhere between Halloween and this past week; I've turned a corner with these ladies. They talk more to me and they are actually nice to me. I just decided to "love" em' as they are; and not worry about anything else. This has proven to be a great antidote; and allot less stress on me. And they are buying AVON from me.

God still is providing daily gifts for me. I love the smell in the morning when the air is nice and crisp outside. The people across from us have new calves and watching them play is so cute. I so enjoy being outside on the front steps watching them. It sometimes makes me feel like I stepped back in time. I know I have told you about the smelly chickens; and that the smell means "money". Yech! Occasionally this smell mingles with the others in the morning.

However the trees here are amazing in color. Everyday is even more beautiful than the day before. I awoke this morning to horses "nickering"; so I got up went out and fed them. Then I crawled back into bed to do my "Bible Study". It is really neat to be able to sit and watch outside. The clouds are very low and it looks like you could reach up and touch them. The wind is blowing and their is a nice wind blowing through the trees. I love hearing the trees blow; each type has their own "music" and together they sound like a symphony of nature; as presented by the "plants". Of course we have the animals and their own sounds; like the owl at night; and the doves in the morning. It is so neat to see how different each season is as far as how the sounds travel. In the summer months you can hear the "mining" going on. Even though it is many miles away that sound does travel. During the fall/winter it is the leaves moving. I love coming home down the "covered" lane. I have one of 2 ways to come home; the highway or the country lane way. When I need the "down" time I come home the country lane way. The trees are so awesome in color; deep reds mixed with golden browns and yellows. All this is mixed with the vibrant greens. Going down my country lane is so cool. It is mainly covered by trees; a canopy of them. And behind all them on occasion is a house or a barn. I mainly love slowing down and smelling the trees and the earth. Listening to the birds. And just breathing life. I often use this as a "prayer" lane. To give thanks, ask for help and lift up all those who are in need at the time. It is like living in a "postcard" picture. This whole place is like something from Norman Rockwell. There is the Farmer's market every Saturday; small town shops around the square mixed with churches here and there. Homes with large front porches; that beckon to you to come sit...have some "tea or coffee". Sit and talk awhile. There are very comfy looking and I could easily read an entire book in those rocking chairs. The people are very proud of their history here. I learn something new every week.

Our home is wonderful with a few "needing" things here and there. But I will get there eventually. I just really enjoy the fresh air and being around the animals. Watching them with one another is so cool. The horses are constantly amazing. The "baby" of the group "Birdie" thinks she is a dog. She "paws" at the gate to come in and eat or to get my attention. She really is something else. All 3 of them will have a total conversation with you while you fix their food. The dogs have Dale trained; at about 9:30/10:00 every night they will go to him and start barking; if he doesn't get up they come to me and bark. The end result is the walk of course. To the end of the drive and back. Does not matter how cold it is, we must go.

I pray that God will bless each of you over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Joshua will be coming home to spend Thanksgiving with us. We will travel to Lubbock this coming weekend to be with Sarah and her family and Hannah and her Husband. Then we will spend Thanksgiving with Dale's folks. And for this I am so thankful. I get to be with 2 out of 3 of our kids. May God Bless each of you.

Blessings from the Country,

Karen

Well here I am again....thinking about "Austin" and all the ones who are there and love me unconditionally. I feel like I am in the hardest place of my life. Both physically and mentally. I really do miss being around those who don't judge me and trusted me. Thank you and just know I really do miss ALL of you.

Having said that; I still feel I made the best decision. Dale and I are here and able to help his parents. His Dad and him have grown closer, and the fact is, Jimmy is not getting better; and with us here I hope that we bring a bit of comfort, in knowing that they are not by themselves with this.

I still look to God for my daily "gifts". It is such a delight to bring joy to the kids and even a few people that I work with. I am the jokester around work. But I can drive a "mean" bus. Everyone wants to ride with me when I drive. Trust me it is an experience. I have started selling AVON in hopes that I can break the ice with some of these ladies and make a few extra bucks. Emphasis on the last part. Somewhere between Halloween and this past week; I've turned a corner with these ladies. They talk more to me and they are actually nice to me. I just decided to "love" em' as they are; and not worry about anything else. This has proven to be a great antidote; and allot less stress on me. And they are buying AVON from me.

God still is providing daily gifts for me. I love the smell in the morning when the air is nice and crisp outside. The people across from us have new calves and watching them play is so cute. I so enjoy being outside on the front steps watching them. It sometimes makes me feel like I stepped back in time. I know I have told you about the smelly chickens; and that the smell means "money". Yech! Occasionally this smell mingles with the others in the morning.

However the trees here are amazing in color. Everyday is even more beautiful than the day before. I awoke this morning to horses "nickering"; so I got up went out and fed them. Then I crawled back into bed to do my "Bible Study". It is really neat to be able to sit and watch outside. The clouds are very low and it looks like you could reach up and touch them. The wind is blowing and their is a nice wind blowing through the trees. I love hearing the trees blow; each type has their own "music" and together they sound like a symphony of nature; as presented by the "plants". Of course we have the animals and their own sounds; like the owl at night; and the doves in the morning. It is so neat to see how different each season is as far as how the sounds travel. In the summer months you can hear the "mining" going on. Even though it is many miles away that sound does travel. During the fall/winter it is the leaves moving. I love coming home down the "covered" lane. I have one of 2 ways to come home; the highway or the country lane way. When I need the "down" time I come home the country lane way. The trees are so awesome in color; deep reds mixed with golden browns and yellows. All this is mixed with the vibrant greens. Going down my country lane is so cool. It is mainly covered by trees; a canopy of them. And behind all them on occasion is a house or a barn. I mainly love slowing down and smelling the trees and the earth. Listening to the birds. And just breathing life. I often use this as a "prayer" lane. To give thanks, ask for help and lift up all those who are in need at the time. It is like living in a "postcard" picture. This whole place is like something from Norman Rockwell. There is the Farmer's market every Saturday; small town shops around the square mixed with churches here and there. Homes with large front porches; that beckon to you to come sit...have some "tea or coffee". Sit and talk awhile. There are very comfy looking and I could easily read an entire book in those rocking chairs. The people are very proud of their history here. I learn something new every week.

Our home is wonderful with a few "needing" things here and there. But I will get there eventually. I just really enjoy the fresh air and being around the animals. Watching them with one another is so cool. The horses are constantly amazing. The "baby" of the group "Birdie" thinks she is a dog. She "paws" at the gate to come in and eat or to get my attention. She really is something else. All 3 of them will have a total conversation with you while you fix their food. The dogs have Dale trained; at about 9:30/10:00 every night they will go to him and start barking; if he doesn't get up they come to me and bark. The end result is the walk of course. To the end of the drive and back. Does not matter how cold it is, we must go.

I pray that God will bless each of you over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Joshua will be coming home to spend Thanksgiving with us. We will travel to Lubbock this coming weekend to be with Sarah and her family and Hannah and her Husband. Then we will spend Thanksgiving with Dale's folks. And for this I am so thankful. I get to be with 2 out of 3 of our kids. May God Bless each of you.

Blessings from the Country,

Karen

"City meets the Country"

Well I think I am finally learning to relax a bit. Though this part of the country is getting to be gorgeous; I am a bit envious of a couple of very dear friends who are in the eastern part of the US. Where the colors and history are both incredible. I wonder if they remembered to bring me a souvenir? Either way I pray that their trip was ALL they were hoping it would be.

Getting back to life first the fun stuff. Dale is very entertaining to say the least. He is almost as good as the "kids" are. This past week he was trying to teach our "youngest" filly, how to behave. I needed to spray her with fly stuff and he made a makeshift halter to hold her; well she decided that was not going to happen; she tossed her head up with Dale holding on. He looked like he was doing a move from "Dancing with the Stars". When he landed on the other side ( he basically did the splits in the air) I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pass out. If thats not funny enough he then decides that the horses needed to be "lunged" city style. I was still sitting on the back porch laughing when 3 horses came running by me followed by Dale on the bike. This went on for about 30 minutes. I was still laughing all the next day and every time I think about it. You see he used our fenced in yard for the work out pen.

We have had our first experience of "true" country living. And we are surviving it. It was presented to us,by way of "Rusty"; one of our 4 legged children. He decided tonite of all nights that he was going to explore the "wildlife". See if he could maybe find a new friend to play with. And he did; it was a little "thing" black with a white stripe. Yeppers our first encounter with a skunk. Full face; and at 10:30 at night. Trip to town in a thunderstorm to retrieve items needed; back home and outside bath. Leave it to the "children" to make life a bit more adventuresome.

Work here sure does make me appreciate what I had when I was in Austin; and I miss everyone that much more. This past week I learned that one of the women I work with is trying to get me in trouble or fired; or maybe both. She is even enlisting a few of our "clients". Women that I don't even know; and that go to the same church as I do; are planning on going to complain about things I never even said to them. Try to figure that one out. But the people at the top are well aware of what is happening. Mainly because I went to them for advice. Working with these women is like nothing I have ever experienced. It makes "High School" look good. I want so badly to tell them all what I think of their attitudes. But that is not my place. I mainly stay clear of them. I guess that is why I don't understand the "attacks". I don't visit with them, I don't try to get into their little "quiet talks" amongst themselves. They have made it quite clear that I am not welcomed in their circle. So I do my job and help out with what ever else is needed. I told the Asst. Director (who has become a friend) that if it was not for her and the Director, I would have left. She and I talk allot about God and how he uses us. She said she believed that he has me here for a reason. I just wish I could figure out what the reason might be. Well at least the kids are here and they are a joy to be around. I have to keep telling myself; this is the real reason I am here. Please keep me in your prayers, for the most part life is truly great; and I really love my job without the people. And honestly it is just two or three that I have BIG problems with. Because I have to interact with them the most. Also before I forget; there is this little guy in my life; one that I was so very blessed to have in Austin. Well this weekend he was camping got 2nd degree burns on his arms and a little of his leg. Pray that his healing would go well; and not so "itchy". That he would respond well to the medicine and that his "little" body would "go fast" in the healing process. Thank you all so very much for being there for me.

Blessings and Much Love,

Karen