New Baby

I don't have time to make a layout tonight, but I just have to show you our newest  joy, our little grandsons, Caleb and his little brother, Oliver, born this evening.

A Three Year Old and His Dog

These pictures were taken in Vail in September.

 Rado was an 'only child' for some time before Caleb was born. It seemed like  a long time  before he adapted to Caleb. But they have become fast friends.

In a short time now, Rado will need to go through the whole process again. But in the meantime, he will have Caleb to protect him.

We are anxiously waiting the birth of Rado's and Caleb's little brother.

It's Another ORU Christmas

Year after year, ORU celebrates Christmas together, yet none of us are any older. It is a mazing what a good group of friends will do for you. Year after year we meet for dinner, then go to one of our homes for dessert...not just any sweet treat, but it is always something extremely special. It was so very special this time, that I can not reveal it's ingredients here, lest we be shut down by the administration for calorie overload. Yes, I'm sure it would not pass Michelle's checklist.

We exchange small gifts and laugh a lot. It is the one time that we do not feel pressured to solve all the problems of this world. We are joyous in the comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth is celebrated at this time of year.

It has not been a good year for all our members, but together we have made it and together we  will continue.

We all wish you a very merry Christmas.

We Do Boring Well

Today was  a great day, but earlier this week, we had an overcast, dreary kind of day. Ron has been working himself to a frazzle recently and Monday was no different.   There is no way this could be pretty.  Work day, work clothes, flat tire and a gravel pit. But we did it. It is over. Mission Accomplished.

We all have bad days mixed in with some good. That is life. If you think some people's lives are all glory, you just haven't walked their path. Yes, of course some people's lives seem much easier than others and some people's lives are exceptionally horrid.  But no one escapes suffering on this earth.

We have done a 'good job' of sheltering a generation or more of 'kids' who have grown up expecting others to do for them.  They expect to grow up, buy a new car or two, a big new house, dress like fashionistas, etc without going through all it really takes to get to that place.

Now our country is falling apart because they have demanded more than they've earned and we are trying to give it to them and to anyone who can sneak his or her way across our borders.

We were taught at a very young age that money does not grow on trees, but many now believe it does...in Washington DC.

Everyone, listen up...everyone needs  to do his or her best to pull their own selves through life. Don't expect me or anyone else to be able to do it for you.  Sound harsh?  Only to those who have not learned the hard way.  Those of us who've lived it, understand.

You Can't Hide

Maggie discovered she likes to eat snow. The first thing she wants to do now when she goes outdoors, is to run directly to a pile of snow and eat it. We do give her enough water, but it isn't as much fun, I suppose.  Since the snow was perfect for packing, I 'iced' a large cupcake in a planter in the courtyard.  If she could hide from me, I feel sure that she would want to hide behind something and stay out there all winter. The cold doesn't seem to bother her one bit.  Of course it can get much colder than it has so far this winter.

I say she could probably hide, since the government has not yet given her a cell phone.  There is method in that madness to make sure everyone has a phone, I suppose.  The NSA is using them to find whomever they wish and know whom they are calling...Of course they say they are only following Americans when they are out of the country. But then you and I know that policy can change from minute to minute. We don't need laws anymore...anything can and has been done by executive order.

I don't run with the kind of people who need to hide, but who knows when the  government might become a major enemy to the people and things might change.

Bat Man and Cross Fit

This Cross Fit motto, Stronger than Yesterday, lends itself to the Bat Man theme for Halloween. There were lots of Bat Men and Robins. Superman was represented as well as other Super Heroes.  The first picture shows Lauren as Bat Man with her friend Brit as Robin when they ran the 5K. Then later Lauren became Robin.

I appreciate all the work that goes into this type of extreme fitness. I just pray that no one overdoes it and injures him or herself for life. 

Speaking of being injured for life. Looks like our healthcare system, the best in the world, is quickly being strapped down by a website that just won't work. It appears they should have hired some Americans, like the ones who work for Amazon, (or any number of American companies) to work on the website for Obamacare.  It would have been MUCH cheaper and the money would have stayed in the states. 

What do you expect from politicians who have never ever held jobs in the real world.  But then, ignorance is no excuse anywhere else.  

Love Others As Yourself

This outing on November 18th is most likely Caleb's last trip to the zoo without a little brother.  

It shouldn't be long now until he will be the big brother. At the present time, he has a good attitude and everything should be all right. When the time comes, I pray he will take on the responsibility well.

If he does we'll be doubly proud because many grow to adulthood still thinking they are the center of the universe and that everything is due them. It makes for a sorry world when each man or woman is more conscious of what is good for self than of the interests of others. God was very clear with us in his commandments when we were told that loving others as ourselves  is second only to loving God with all our hearts.

As for the news today...My comment is, "Mr. President, you can keep your  Obamacare  PERIOD."