Guess who spent the night at Mimi's last night?

Aunt Ariel came over after work and provided a comfortable resting place for little Emme.

Emily woke up this morning with her usual smile...

Today marks her 2nd month.

Her t-shirt says, "If you think I am cute, you should see my Mommy."

This last photo looks like she's pointing at the rabbit...

"Check it out...a pink Harvey, what a joker."

And now I will get back to my never ending studies...I received a 75% on my last exam...I am dedicated to a better grasp of the material and I'm certain a better score will follow. I learned a vauable lesson...on the last exam...DO NOT decide the answer based on pieces of the question.

I don't have time to write but William does...

Sharing some poems that William has written this week:

Stalking true, ever silent
the darkness lurks within us all
poison deep rooted
fangs sunk in heart and mind
some try to use it to make their way ahead
but it betrays them all in the end
others ignore it, pretending it isn’t there
but it swallows them in their ignorant sleep
Then there are those who fight it
they face the unending battle
the battle never won
but though it is hard it is also worth it
for they are the ones who truly live
live like no others

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Up down left right forward back
north south east west
everything’s twisted inside
where you were going and where you’ve been
all confused and jumbled till you’re afraid to go forward
for fear of going back
your path is lost
the light at the end of the tunnel gone out
crying out for help
is that an answer or an echo?
You started out so strong and confident
storms and criticism couldn’t stop you
but now this, this inner isolation
an attack more deadly by far
if life is a journey it needs a destination
so is no destination like death?
Turmoil and emptiness, chaos and void
they combine inside to rip you apart
you lose faith in God
cause you can’t hear him calling
you stumble in the darkness
and no ground meets you
you fall for what seems an eternity
before being caught in strong arms
you find yourself further along your path
you’ve somehow made progress despite
but best of all rather than chasing the light
you’re embraced in Jesus’ strong arms

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The last two he came up with by using words supplied on magnets...

Dark sky cool blue water
full moon silent whispers
imagine believe
ask to see the morning
cold winter rose
live grow sing
light day comes

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She dreams of the dance by the ocean
laughing with her love
clouds and warm rain on their skin
she was happy

that summer behind
always remembering gentle music

wondering when will they have time

together again

January Tales

Maybe, you've never thought of fishing in January...but Papa does. He went yesterday (01-04)to Bark's Camp Creek with his buddy, Ed. Took a great photo that I asked his permission to post...to which he responds, "Make sure you mention it was 16 degrees."

Ice on the creek, icicles on the eaves, fish hiding in the bottom of the deepest holes.

Wish I could have been there...for the hike...the campfire...and the company...

I was with Pa on 01-05-05 (notice the similar dates, just a day difference in the same month). A very different temperature...very different results.

I love this last photo...I bet he looked the same when he was younger (without the mustache, of course) whenever he fudged something. I can see him looking at his Momma saying, "

Catching a moment...

I miss writing...I do try to catch up on the blog reading of everyone...I would say someday, everything will be normal again, but that is not true.

Read Megan's blog lately? http://meganwrites.blogspot.com

Rosie said she is getting a blog together, too...:O) I'll pass the addy on when I get it.

Here's a little song that had us laughing...wanted to share it with you. My friend Deb, sent it to me. Papa and William thought it was hilarious!

Promises to Run By...

On one of the routes I run for 3.5 miles I pass this driveway. How often do you run and pass a driveway with a Bible verse etched into the cement? I don't think it's a coincidence...I think it's a promise I can run by...

In it's entirity it reads: Your efforts will be crowned with success if you trust the Lord completely; never trust yourself. In everything you do put God first.

Proverbs 3 Living Bible Version

First Christmas...

without Silas and Megan...

and it's really sad...

What was I thinking?

Today, with church, grocery shopping and Christmas Eve dinner to start putting together, three papers to complete, studying for a test, dog sitting, laundry and some sort of PT to do and log...I decide to make sugar cookies. NOT the recipe from my mother-in-law that ALWAYS turns out great, but a recipe out of a magazine...you know the roll 'em out, decorate 'em sugar cookies. Never in all my baking years...and there's been quite a few of those...have I ever been successful with roll 'em out sugar cookies shaped into stars and Christmas trees. Today of all days I made yet another feeble attempt. I should have gotten a clue when I realized I had mixed 4 times the butter that the recipe called for into the sugar. From there I attempted to quadruple the recipe. Shortly after mixing the part of the flour into the bowl with the eggs and such, the beater blew out...Yep...how many of these have I gone through in my 25 or so years of baking? Another one bites the flour.

I finally get the batter all mixed and put in the frig while we ran to Cracker Barrel for lunch...Pa's treat from the company he works for...with plans of returning...finding chilled dough, ready for Christmas transformation. I gave it my best shot. I even went as far as baking two pans full. Both of which went into the garbage disposal...I had no need for more tree ornaments.

A visit from the little peanut...

Our Newest Christmas ElfFor the past six days I have handwritten in all capitals...over and over....and over. I sat down to my lap top tonight to post a photo of our newest elf...and my fingers typing out words...I am so thrilled...Ah, the little things in life. I miss my typed communication. I miss my laptop. I miss connecting with my family and friends via the web. Heck, the simple act of sitting in the hair stylist waiting area chatting and sharing things with William out of the magazines while waiting for him to be next for a hair cut was enjoyable.

You guys will be patient with me? Right?

I'm in it for the long haul. I need your support and prayers...Thanks.

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Emme B's "Home Alone" Impression

P.S. Yes, I did take both pictures...

Shucky darn....

I wish I could log in everyday and tell you all about my new adventure. But it's a "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" kinda of deal. If you don't see me around it's because I am consumed with my new adventure...lots of work and growing going on over here.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support...

BTW, Emme B went for her check up today...she is right near to the 9 lb mark! Good Job, Becky and Craig!!!

Visiting at Mimi's House

A picture is worth a thousand words...

'nuff said.

"Knowledge is power."---Francis Bacon

Couple of days ago, while wearing my bozo look at the hair studio, I was reading an article in the magazine Real Simple. (Be advised: it is one of my most humiliating moments to have to sit for 45 minutes with hair dye on my roots, the rest of my hair sticking up all over and the brown dye around my hairline appearing to be a drawn on skull cap. That day, my brother-in-law walked by the window and then into the hall by the glass front door and I mentioned to my hair stylist as he passed by the first window, you know, a “that’s my brother-in-law” kind of comment. So, he starts for the door to tell him to come on in so he can meet him and I’m like totally going bonkers telling him to stop…I won’t be seen like this…my hair stylist, who is a man…did not understand my dilemma, even though I was sporting my bozo look. I suppose it grows on him and he thinks nothing about it.) ANYWAY…The article was written by a 40 something woman who was admitting that trying to improve her outside appearance was a losing battle. However, she found her mind was an open book and she was learning new things all the time. She was even studying opera… and enjoying it. The body battle would always be there. She would fight it with yoga and pilates and occasionally get to see results like a bit tighter set buns and of course, the consistent energy level it provided. The ability to study new things and become more educated in any area she chose inspired her. All in all it was an encouraging article written by an experienced woman who was finding educating the mind always has rewards…even up until the grave. I was almost finished with it and trying not to listen to the conversation going on with my hair stylist and another client. But we’re right there in the same room…and the things you hear in a styling studio can be very interesting. I was tuning them out rather well because of the good read in front of me until she started talking about the family (her daughter? Can’t recall) who home schools her children. Well, shiver me timbers, I couldn’t tune that one out on my stronger days. She went on to say that they have nine children. Awesome! I’m thinking…What a woman…what a feat…what a…What did she say? Did I hear her right? My hair stylist must have choked on it too, as he had her repeat it. Oh my gosh! I did hear her right…
“Yes, they home school but they don’t believe in educating the girls.” Did I just drop back into the past? WTF? “They believe girls do not need to be educated nor do they need college degrees…their role is to get married, have babies, be a good wife, raise the children and keep the house.” She went on to say, “They have mentors for the girls. Older women, like me, (reference to her), who mentor the females for their future role as wife, mother, homemaker.”
I tried to remain seated…but I found myself out of my chair and turned toward them…I am constantly aware of the fact that with my new job, my opinions must be censored…so I hung my head, with tears in my eyes I went to the restroom and fumed to myself and God. The African females who are suffer female circumcision surfaced into the mind battle and I was forced to stay in the restroom a bit longer so that my countenance did not betray me.
Of course, there mixed into the mind battle was the fact that I was raised the same way…and maybe, as a former smoker hates cigarette smoke more that a non smoker, due to the “been there - done that” effect, I was feeling more strongly about the issue than the average person would be…I seriously doubt it.
Whatever the case, I cannot understand whhhhhhyyyyy people, religious or not, come up with the notion women do not need to be educated. How can a parent decide something like that, that will affect their daughter’s future in such a dramatic way? How can they see female teachers, doctors, nurses, hello…police officers, lawyers, corrections officers, office executives, authors, etc…listen to female musicians, or even home school their children…and not see the need for females to be educated? We need skilled and intelligent females in every facet of life. It’s not just about baking cookies!
And that’s all I have to say about that.

"The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations.”--Eli Khamarov

So...yesterday...I was dropping by Becky's to drop somethings off...and no it wasn't just an excuse to see Emme B...it was a legitimate drop off...BUT Becky was outside, smiled her sweet smile as I approached the door and said, "She's awake for you." I backtracked to the vehicle and got my camera...that just happened to be in there...yes, you never know when you will need it. *grin* And I visited with the ladies of the house, probably longer than my schedule permitted but I enjoyed every minute...

Mommy's little peanut

Emily enjoying Mommy's kisses

The foot picture

(Which btw Pa immediately made it the desktop wallpaper)

Gripping Mimi's finger...she's got a good one!
Bright eyed

Craig's little women...




Becky...I'll have a CD of the photos for you! Forgive me of posting some before you even get to see them...:O)

Photo Friday....

I thought...maybe, since I'm sooooo busy trying to get 500 things completed before Monday when I start my job as a recruit...I could at least post photos...so here you go...I have had lunch and ran errands with some good friends this week and actually remembered to take my camera along...It is my pleasure to introduce to you:

My friend and one of her daughters...we met some years (7?) ago through church...

Emily after a run around town...she loved checking out Subway!

My friend Jessica and her daughter. We met 15 years ago (?) through church.

Doughnut seeds are a vital ingredient with little ones.

Our meeting at the mall.

Tonight Ariel is going to help me wrap presents...decorate the tree and possible complete the assembly of my Christmas cards...I'll post a photo addendum after that...

___________________________________________________________________

And here it is...with this little Christmas Angel's help...the big PA and the Jolly Green Giant...I was able to see many things to completion...Thanks, you guys!

Sunday Time Serve

“I'm a Sunday time serve”...I told my co-workers last night...got to thinking about it...and realized Sunday time serve gets out at midnight on Saturdays so...I consider myself...done...job assignment complete...and out of service.

I was presented with a cake and ice cream, a card, flowers with an incredibly soft teddy bear attached and an umbrella. You ask, an umbrella? Yep, to accompany me on my patrol in the back of my trunk, as a reminder that the crew at the jail are supporting their former co-worker aka Mary Poppins. I was deemed that knick name by inmates 2 1/2 years ago...as I worked the units and they watched me pull whatever was needed out of my backpack, singing as I worked, trying to remain cheerful...the officer's picked up on it and some never forgot. So, one of my biggest hecklers made certain I left with something to remember that they remembered...an umbrella. Since I am seen as Mary Poppins...and she carries the reputation of being "practically perfect in everyway" I did not suggest where I really thought the umbrella should go...

There was also an urban legend that traveled around the jail, that I read bedtime stories to the residents. Don't know how that one got started. Another urban legend was that I was a close friend to one in administration. No clue there either.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work there these past three years. I will not forget my roots in law enforcement. I believe my experience there will aid me in my role as a police officer. I believe corrections officers are frequently unappreciated. How silly for this to be since corrections is a vital part of the criminal justice system. I am truly thankful to have had the opportunity to serve as a corrections officer.


"872 checking Master Control"

"Go ahead, 872."

"872 is 10-7 / 10-98 at your time"

"872, you're clear at 0000 hours."

Now, I can sit back and enjoy my coffee...Kudos to Malone...the other recent time serve...

Women are always beautiful. ~Ville Valo

Happy 82th Birthday, Connie!

Although her birthday was Sunday...we celebrated with her this evening.

Happy 1 week and 1 day birthday, Emme B!

Today, I got to visit with some awesome ladies...some in person, some by phone, some by text messages and emails...whatever the method...I love time with the females in my life!

The loneliest woman in the world is a woman without a close woman friend.

~George Santayana

Visiting Emme B

I dropped off a meal for the other Shepherd home...of course, I took my camera with me. Emily wasn't at all interested in a photo shoot though...her Daddy took the camera and she opened an eye for him...

Her Moma held her and Emily advised us she couldn't fight the nap that was over taking her any longer...
She's very content in her home with her Mommy and Daddy...I think they feel the same about her, too.

The conclusion of the Twelve Days of Thanksgiving....

November 22 was yesterday…It was the closing day of my Twelve Days of Thanksgiving…

I was unable to post last night as I arrived home from work at 12:30 AM. I’m not one of those people who must stay up for hours when they come home from second shift. I am in the bed no later than 1 AM, most of the time it’s 12:45 AM when I climb in beside my snoozing partner.

However, my thoughts last night were on my faith. My first night back at work after a 10 day vacation…and we have three call ins for third shift. First day of my work week, it’s my primary; I am the one who will be hit for overtime. I simply despise OT. I was reminded from inside to not get worked up over the thought, to pray and leave it in God’s hands. So, I did. No worries, I just did my job and prayed each time OT thoughts surfaced. End result: the OT worked itself out and they didn’t keep anyone. So, driving home remembering to thank my most awesome scheduler, I got to thinking about how much I leave in His capable hands and how I can trust His ways. I thought about the sense of peace I can have when I do allow Him to coordinate things even if they don’t come out the way I want them, too.

Craig and Becky’s situation at the hospital…yep, I was praying over many issues that night…and it allowed me to remain calm. “Peace I leave with you…”

I find myself disabling my serenity quite often, over different situations. The resolving factor is always prayer. It’s not any different from our parent / child relationships. We take care of them, providing, assisting and protecting…we would hate it if they looked at us with worried eyes and questioned our ability to do these things. We want them to rest in knowing we’ve got it covered. If they are worried we want to reassure them, it’s all good…Mommy has it under control.

My faith has taught me that about God. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is found in Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7. “Be careful for nothing (said another way…don’t worry bout it); but in everything by prayer and supplication (communicating through prayer and asking for what you need, want, for help, etc) with thanksgiving (being thankful in every situation) let your requests be made known to God…and the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
It can’t be said any plainer. Don’t worry, pray instead, be thankful for what you have going on, trust God with your thoughts and desires and you will have peace.

Prayer is like worry with legs on it…

And so last night, I wanted to post that I was thankful for my faith…the ability to climb up into my heavenly Father’s lap and talk to Him about being scared, hopeful, thankful, etc…and experience the peace that comes as He lays His hand on my head, stroking my hair, whispering to me, “It’s okay, my child, I’ve got this under control. Rest here on my lap. Breath…”

Day 11 of the Twelve Days of Thanksgiving---

We had a pre-Thanksgiving dinner tonight…I am so thankful for a flurry of modern conveniences that used through out the day to aid in communication with my family, both those that were able to attend and those who could not…and things that make my life easier… My cell phone…the Internet…cameras, lap tops (loaded Anna’s music on her Myspace site…go check it out at http://www.myspace.com/annacshepherd ---even if you don’t have a Myspace account it will work….ranges (to cook my Tom Turkey in…and all the other goodies)…Press and Seal….(it is great to use on containers to take Thanksgiving dinner to Craig and Becky at the hospital)…I am so thankful for all those really important inventions…