Happy New Year!

Since I've had trouble blogging via my phone, and I won't be near a computer after today until next year, I would like to say.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!  May you and yours have a fabulous 2011!

Until next year . . .

P.S. Ha, and you thought this was going to be a long, drawn out post!  Fooled you didn't I? :)

My Chinese Feng Shui horoscope for 2011

So I took the Chinese Feng Shui horoscope for 2011.  I like the results.  Let's see if this rings true.

• I am alert and my life is full of love.  
• I try to live my life to the max and my love life is soon to bloom.  
• The year will go very well for me and I will discover that I fall in love with someone totally unexpected.  
• My life is about to get better.  I am more than ready for the change.  
• Sara is my best friend.  **NOTE** I have to add that I have a few best friends (the best cube mates ever), but her name was the first girl name to pop in my head because I heard her talking on the phone.  
• I like adventure.  
• I am spontaneous and like to please people. 

I like the positive vibe of my horoscope!  Take yours: 

This is a Chinese Feng Shui horoscope.
If you are honest this tells the truth.
Write your answers on paper.
To find your Feng Shui horoscope scroll down.

1. Which is your favourite color: Red, Black, Blue, Green or Yellow?
2. Your first initial?
3. Your month of birth?
4. Which color do you like more, Black or White?
5. The name of a person that is the same sex as you?
6. Your favorite number?
7. Do you like California or Florida more?
8. Do you like a Lake or the Ocean more?
9. Write down a Wish (a realistic one)

When you are done, scroll down. Don't cheat!

Answers:

1. If you choose:
Red: You are alert and your life is full of love.
Black: You are conservative and aggressive.
Green: Your soul is relaxed and you are laid back.
Blue: You are spontaneous and love affection.
Yellow: You are a very happy person & give good advice to those who are down.

2. If your initial is between:
A-K: You have a lot of love and friendships in your life.
L-R: You try to live your life to the max & your love life is soon to bloom.
S-Z: You like to help others and your future looks very bright.

3. If you were born in:
Jan-Mar: The year will go very well for you and you will discover that you
fall in love with someone totally unexpected.
Apr-Jun: You will have a strong love relationship that will last forever.
Jul-Sep: You will have a great year and will experience a major
life changing experience for the good.
Oct-Dec: Your life will be great; you will find your soul mate.

4. If you choose:
Black: Your life is about to get better. You are more than ready for the
change.
White: You have a friend who completely confides in you and would do
anything for you, but you may not realize it.

5. This person should be your Best Friend.

6. This is how many close friends you will have in your life time.

7. If you choose:
California: You like adventure.
Florida: You are a laid back person.

8. If you choose:
Lake: You are loyal to your friends and your lover. You are very reserved.
Ocean: You are spontaneous and like to please people.

9. This wish will come true if you send this to 1 person in one hour. Send
this to ten people and it will come true before your next birthday.


Until next time . . .

From December 25th text attempt: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Like the previous post, I tried to update the ole blog via a text message.  I was out for a few days for Christmas and didn't have computer access so text update was the next best thing; or so I thought.

Anyway...here's my December 25th Merry Christmas message:

Merry Christmas from the C Ridge, aka Collins Ridge of Dora, aka Lindsay Collins!  Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the season with love and togetherness!

It's been a weird day here and around the C Ridge, not to mention the change in family tradition I've been dreading for quite some time; the kind of change that means the whole family no longer gets together on Christmas Day like we have for YEARS!  But, it is what it is and makes me understand the importance of family so much more.  Part of the family (aka those I get along with) were unable to be with us today and I missed them so. 

My folks sister, nieces and I had our traditional Christmas morning of slinging presents.  I'm blessed to have been under my parent's roof every Christmas morning of my life.  That's one thing I hope my own family (Lord willing I ever get one) will be able to do one day.  We (my sister and her girls) go to mom and dad's on Christmas Eve, camp out, have good snacks, and play games till way late in the night.  Then we get up early Christmas morning to get our stockings and open presents.  Fun fun fun and wonderful memories!

After a morning of opening presents we always get around and go to Grandma's for lunch.  This is where we take a 'change' turn.  First of all, we weren't all going to be together this year like we have in year's past....I missed my family not being there.  Secondly, just before heading to town we got a call that Grandma was in the ER.  To make a long story short, she was released in time for lunch and those of us who were there got to eat together then go home.  I'm okay with change and normally welcome it, but a change like this is hard to deal with.  But again, it is what it is...just make the best of it and be thankful, right?

So on our way home from town I was talking with God; internally speaking.  I was feeling sad about the day and all that had happened in the past few weeks.  Out of the blue, God reminded me of something I asked Him for last year.  I remember asking God to please put a man in my life and please let me have a companion by Christmas 2010 so I wouldn't be alone for another holiday (I know...we shouldn't put time frames on God).  Well, God didn't put a man in my life, but I sure didn't know that companion would be yellow, furry, four-legged, and barks!...aka Jasper!  God has a sense of humor! 

I told my mom about this and she just laughed.  She responded something to effect of be more specific next time kid!  I told her I'd pray that maybe I'd be engaged by next Christmas. She says, "Heck with that, pray for a short courtship and be married by then!" Oh my, my mother!  I just laughed! 

Well, I will tell you I prayed more specific this time!  lol

Happy New Year and have a wonderful 2011.

Until next time . . .

From December 24th text attempt: Chronicles of Jasper

Ok, so I attempted to sent this via a text message on December 24th and everything was scattered!

So here goes again......Ok, so I talk a lot about my pup...but he can be so funny and cracks me up; not to mention he's my baby!  Well, I must share this funny.  It was funny the day it happened and still funny now as I recollect on the instance! Yesterday, which now would have been December 23rd, I was helping dad with the building of the cable fence; I'm the fire watcher.  Dad had to use the cutting torch to cut part of the steel pipe.  He cut a piece of metal and it hit the ground.  We've discussed in great detail how Jasper thinks he has to pick up everything.  You know where this is going don't you?  Ok, so the HOT metal hits the ground.  I kept my eye on it.  This little exercise is just like teaching our children not to touch a hot stove; sometimes they have to touch it to learn.  Well this is just what Jasper did.  he went up to the hot metal; first just turning his heading looking at it.  Next, he touched his paw to it repeatedly tapping it.  Then, after he decided it was ok, he went to pick it up!!!!  He dropped that metal like a hot potato and just shook his head and sneezed.  So funny watch I must say!!  After all this he just walked in circles around it forever.  About 20-30 minutes after this happened he walked up on the metal again; which by this time was cooled off.  He wanted nothing to do with it and continued to walk circles around it anytime he got close. 

Just thought I'd share this funny.  Like I said, it was funny then and it's still funny now!


Until next time . . .

Welcome Baby Sanders!

Today's blog is dedicated to new life....so with that being said:

Welcome to the world little baby boy; Wyatt Bradyn Paul Sanders!!!  We are all so excited you're here!

Wyatt Bradyn Paul Sanders
December 16, 2010 7:00 AM
7 lbs 2 oz 18 3/4"

You know when the phone rings late at night you perk up wondering what that could be.  Well, last night about 10:38 PM my phone rings and to my surprise it was Becky.  Even more to my surprise she informed me Ashley's water had broke and they were on the way to the hospital.  That was great news!!  I was so excited!

New life was created nine months ago and we've gotten to watch Ashley blossom as baby Wyatt was growing, but today, December 16, 2010, baby Wyatt came into the world.  For months we, the girl row of cubeville, have talked to Ashley's belly, watched Wyatt move around, felt the belly, some have even poked on the belly.  I won't name names of the belly poker, caugh caugh um Sara! LOL  All this in anticipation of his arrival; which by the way was supposed to be December 27th!  This little guy was ready to meet us all.

God knew you when you were conceived; he knit you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).  After months of talking to the belly, today we get to meet you and share in all God's love and joy of a new life!!  Congratulations Patrick, Ashley and big sister Zoey! 

Until next time . . .

  

Let the official countdown begin....and I don't mean Christmas!

Got one of my most anticipated calls today....the official confirmation for my upcoming trip in March 2011!!!  Seems like yesterday I was in the infant stages of planning and it was about 450 days until departure day.  Now, it is confirmed, my group's Italy & Spain (Mediterranean Journey) bound departure date is March 16, 2011.  I'm so stinking excited I can hardly stand myself!!!  Also what's official....I'll celebrate my 32nd birthday in Florence, Italy!  EEEK! 

I was shocked when I got the call because when you get calls like this you know things are finally happening with finalization in planning and everything is coming together.  What was even more surprising was the outcome of the call.  It's rare, and I mean very rare, that the group gets their first choice tour request or date of departure; and even more rare you get both of those requests without having to make alterations.  Well, after the changes that had to be made in 2009 and ending up having to take our 3rd choice tour....we got 1st CHOICE TOUR and 1st CHOICE DEPARTURE day!  Even more, oh yes the great news just kept coming, we're only being grouped with our friends from Rossville, IN who we met and traveled with in 2009.  I am stoked, can't you tell?!!!

So, I just wanted to share the news with all you blogger buddies out there.  And, my Flat Brian and Flat CAS travel buddies, you know who you are, get your travel attire ready!  Bon voyage 92 days!

Until next time . . .

12 Days 'til Christmas!!!

....and I haven't started my cards or ornaments!  Nor is my tree decorated, it's up though and all my decorations are in boxes piled up in my living room!  What a month it's been!

Last night we, we meaning the Ozark County Community Choir, finished up our last of six performances of "The Star Still Shines" cantata.  I must say, out of all the choirs and cantatas I've been apart of this was by far the best and most spirited!  What a difference it makes when the Spirit of God is filled in all the choir!!  It was Godsome!!!  It's bittersweet that we're finished though.  We've practiced since September so we're all tired, but I will so miss the fellowship.  But, February is not far and that's when we start working on our Easter piece!

Hopefully I'll have the ambition and enthusiasm to get the tree decorated this week.  Mentally, I'm a little spent, but I can feel the warmth of the Christmas season brewing inside like a percolator making a great pot of coffee!

After some events of the weekend I'm more and more certain of the importance of family, sticking together, and standing up for what is right; no matter the cost.  It's taken me a long time to realize that.  I mean, I'm not confrontational at all and avoid it as best I can.  BUT, my head and belief in God have finally gotten together!  hahaha  Meaning, I'm full of God's love, but He did give me a head on my shoulders and I'm not going to be run over any longer.  I am not afraid to stand up for the truth no matter the cost.   The details are of a private matter, but this will all stay in my mind for a long time; especially since it's been playing over an over in my head like a broken record!  With all that being said, please pray for my grandma who is probably going into the nursing home :( Oh goodness, this is the first I've seen that statement written down :'(  She's 90, in good health, but needs attention.  Please pray for my family, that we're strong and supportive for Grandma.  When you put someone in the nursing home it's hits you like a ton of bricks that they have less life left than what they've lived.  I mean, none of us knows when it's our time to go, but I think you know what I mean.  And, please pray for those members of the family who have made this entire process very difficult.  Even though we are at odds and our family is in turmoil, I still have faith that God will prevail!  As in the words of my grandma, "if it weren't for God I don't know where I'd be!  He has always protected me and loved me!  I know He cares for me!"  

Have a great week every one!

Until next time . . .

Would one more week make any difference?

Good day folks!  Only 17 days until Christmas!!  Do you have your shopping done?  Have you mailed your Christmas cards?  Are all your decorations up?  If you're crafty, do you have your crafts finished or putting the finishing touches on them?

In response to the above questions....my answer to every question is NO!!  I don't have my shopping finished; almost though.  I haven't even taken the cards out of my storage box let alone have them ready to mail.  My tree is up, with the lights on it, but no decorations.  My living room is full of all my Christmas totes with the decor in it...but no decorations up to speak of.  With 17 days left what is the point really?  Oh, let's not begin with the craft question.  I usually make ornaments every year for my family.  Since there are so many of them, family, I make them all an ornament rather than buying them all a gift; cheaper and more special in my opinion.  I have the ornament ingredients, but have no clue if they're going to get finished.  Plus, if you've been reading my blogs you know I've started quilting.  Well, I thought it would be neat to make quilts for some gifts.  One is finished and at the quilters to be quilted, one is 3/4 finished, and one is still sitting in a nice pile of folded fabric; aka not started!!

Oh  mercy, so much to do and so little time left to do it all in.  I ask myself every year, "Lindsay, why do you wait till the last minute to do anything?"  I answer, "Self, I have no earthly idea!" 

My next question:  would one more week may any difference?  Or, would I still put things off till the last minute?

I'm to the point now that whatever I get finished will have to do.  I thought it would be nice this year to have more homemade, hand crafted, gifts...WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!  Sure they are more special, more affordable, and customizable; but where is the time!  No wonder we buy gifts anymore instead of make them!  haha

I'll keep you posted on the status.  Let's see if I can get it all finished.

Until next time . . .

Quilting - Plates, Stars, Pinwheels and Squares!

Hello world!  I've still been plugging away at those quilt blocks!  Blocks 8, 9 and 10 are now completed.  Things are looking bleak to finishing by Christmas.  I hope to at least have the blocks finished and wrapped up.  I can put the blocks together after Christmas when things slow down a bit.  But, I'm going to keep stitching away and hopefully get the top put together.  Only two blocks left in this project!!

Here's a look at blocks 8, 9 and 10....

Block 8:  Dresden Plate.  This was a fun block to make!

Dresden Plate

 Block 9:  Star & Pinwheels.  I really liked this one once it was put together.

Star & Pinwheels

Block 10:  Squares and Stars.  Doesn't really look any more challenging than #9 but let me tell you I was a bit flustered putting this one together.  Needless to say I should have stopped at the beginning and picked it up another day when I wasn't nearly as tired!  I wasn't at all pleased with my workmanship.  The outcome was way better than I expected!

Squares and Stars

Until next time . . .

It's December! Are you kidding?

Went to bed yesterday and it was November 2010...woke up this morning at it was December 2010!  A little lady at my church used to say, "I'm going to bed this month and waking up the next."  Wow, can you believe it is already December 2010?  Only 30 more days left in this year.  I'm having trouble getting that to sink in. 

December is full of excitement.  Of course the main excitement is Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior.  And, most of the December excitement revolves around just that!  Christmas plays, parades, musical programs, family gatherings, good food, fun times, etc.  I always enjoy taking part in all the above! 

My December schedule:

• Saturday, December 4:  community choir singing at Gainesville Christmas parade
• Saturday, December 4:  Singing Christmas Cantata at Nursing Home
• Tuesday, December 7:  Dora Christmas Program/Mr. & Miss Merry Christmas
• Saturday, December 11:  CAS Christmas Party
• Sunday, December 12:  Singing Christmas Cantata at two Ozark County churches
• Wednesday, December 15:  Children's Christmas program at church
• Friday, December 17:  CAS Potluck & Dirty Santa
• December 21-27:  VACATION!!!!!
• Friday, December 24:  Christmas Eve
• Saturday, December 25:  Happy Birthday Jesus! - Dinner w/the family - open gifts

I'm sure there's more, but that's what's on my schedule so far....oh the joys of the season!

Until next time . . .