Last Post of the Decade

I have 30 minutes to get one more post in for December; one more post for 2009; one more post for the decade. Too bad I don't really have much (anything) to say!

Here are some ideas for the next decade.

--Become a brunette.

--Star as host of a reality show. The one that follows regular moms of well adjusted children. We could call it, "So That's How You Do It!" Each episode would follow a well adjusted, well organized, loving household through part of an ordinary day. My job, while wearing a fabulous gown of course, would be to point out and explain what the viewers are witnessing. THAT's how you keep a clean house! THAT's how you make nutritious meals and eat them as a family. THAT's how you run a successful homework/chores/bedtime routine for toddlers and school age children. THAT's how you talk to a teenager. THAT's how you create a budget and live with it. I think it might be a hit! I know I would have loved a little sample video often while raising children. I actually think that show was done in the 80's with a family called the Huxtables. But it's due for a re-make!

--Run a non-profit to promote accessible recreation and sport for children who are disabled.(Already working on that: Check out www.whistlingwind.org)

--Re-invent American public education.

--Write a novel.

--Publish a song.

--Grow beautiful gardens.

--Become a member of the Black-Eyed Peas. Fergie can stay. I'll just add (middle aged, white)nuance to the flavor.


At the moment I have much to be grateful for, all by the grace of a loving God. So I'll just say "Thank you Lord" for the strength,grace and joy that got me through the last decade. I'll choose to trust You on the next.

The Wind Comes Howling O'r the Plain

We had record snow fall on Christmas Eve day, accompanied by howling wind of course. Does Oklahoma do snow any other way? I've heard rumors (from daughters living in Colorado mostly) of pretty, gentle snow flakes, drifting to the earth like sparkling jewels.

Not so much in Oklahoma. Snow is generally accompanied by the howling whistle of wind through every crack in the doors and windows, and the tempo of the banging flue on the fireplace beaten by the rush of air in and out. We have mostly dug out of the storm by now, unless you count the Walmart parking lot down on I40. It was still a terrible mess on Sunday.

We're due for more snow today. Hold on to your cowgirl hats! Here we go again.

Merry Christmas

It has been a fun week, since we have Cori, Alli, Melissa and baby Ryalan all in the house at the same time! And we've been able to visit some with extended family, althought the record snowfall on Christmas Eve day limited that somewhat!

I hope your week was also blessed.

Song for this Christmas

I spent most of Thanksgiving week by myself since Gene was working and all the wonderful girls attached to our household were out of town. I did get to enjoy a pleasant Thanksgiving dinner with my sister and her family and The Grands. But many hours were spent alone doing various chores around the house and barn and property. Which means I sang to myself a lot! Which means I invented songs in my head. So here is one for all of you! Didn't say it was art, just sincere thoughts from the music in my mind! Come by and I'll sing it for you some time.

Baby Jesus Sleeps Tonight
Shari Zimmerman, November 29, 2009

Baby Jesus sleeps tonight, in His mama’s arms.
Joseph guards ‘til morning light, to keep them safe from harm.
God the Father trusted them to raise His only Son for Him;
To teach, and love and nurture Him ‘til He became a man.

Baby Jesus sleeps tonight, in a foreign land.
Warned of danger in a dream, Joseph made a plan.
God the Father trusted him to protect His only Son for Him,
So into Egypt, quick they ran, to save the Son of Man.

Shepherds watch and angels sing, wise men bring Him laud
But Mary fills her lullabies, with precious Word of God
God the Father trusted her to teach His Son the Holy word,
In wisdom and in stature grew the boy into a man.

Baby Jesus born to die, born to give His life.
From the manger to a cross, a willing sacrifice.
God the Father trusted Him to save this lonely world from sin.
Little Baby born that night, to bring us hope and light.

The Sound of the Vacuum Says I Care

It's time to open the Zimm Party Barn again for Christmas festivities amongst our family and friends. But the wind in my face has been SOOO, so cold when I run back and forth between the barn and house, I've had to MAKE myself go out the door at times. Nevertheless, I've spent hours and hours during the last weeks creating order in a year's worth of barn neglect. Since last Christmas we added to our barn collection 1 blue, blow-up swimming pool and accompanying pump and filter, another riding mower, a sidewalk edger (electric),1 small trailer, a large potting table, about 30 plants, and a weight bench (very dusty from neglect). Not to mention just general purpose debris. All of that had to find a home, or at least a temporary resting place to make room for tables and chairs for 50 or so.

But it's done! As clean as it's gonna get for now. Christmas lights are up. Tables and chairs are in place. Corners and floors are swept.

About 50 guests enjoyed good food, the Foosball, air hockey, etc. last Tuesday in the first barn party of the festive season! It makes all the work worth it to get to spend time together with friends.

Of course the house also had to be cleaned for the event. I was thrilled and grateful when our upstairs roomer, Neva volunteered to thoroughly clean the house on Tuesday, before the elementary staff party. Nothing says, "I care about you," like the sound of the vacuum, that's what I always say! Except maybe the sound of dishes being loaded into the dishwasher. It's amazing how much cuter the Hubbs looks bending over a dishwasher!

This Friday is the Journey Church Christmas party in the barn. Come on over and join us! Bring a covered dish. Or a pie. Or just come on over! Should be fun.

The best thing about Friday though is that Alli comes home from college. Whew! I thought Dec. 18 would NEVER come. I miss that girl! Then Cori comes home the next day. I miss THAT girl too!!

It's shaping up to be a great week of parties and reunions. Actually, with the girls home, joining Melissa and granddaughter Rylan, adding a few cousins and friends, we will just be in party mode most of the time. Yay! That's the way(uh-huh, uh-huh!)I like it (uh-huh, uh-huh!)

You're invited too.