Christmas around here was awesome!!    As many of you have already seen...if you are one of my facebook friends, our oldest grandson (Tyler) surprised us a day early in coming home for Exodus from the Air Force.

I was so very excited!  I was sitting on the sofa around 4:oo in the afternoon and as I looked up toward the front door.....there he stood!!   Oh good grief...my heart went into overtime beats!!   It is great being able to spend some good quality time with him....here at Shug's house!!

I do hope that everyone has enjoyed some wonderful family time this Christmas season!  Such a special time of the year for families.

I have had so many sweet hugs from all of my grandchildren over the past few days.   

The best thing is that each grandchild has their very own special hug that they give me.   It doesn't matter if they are coming or going....they always give me a hug!

Each one has their own signature hug!    I know exactly how each one is going to feel.   

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am a "hug" kind of person.   I like to get hugs and I like to give hugs.  

Makes for a great day!

Shug

Top 50 Award......

Happy Morning to you all......

I had a "happy surprise" this morning as I opened my mail.   

                                                 *****

I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog  Shug...My Steps of Faith  has been selected by our panelist as one of the  Top 50 Faith Blogs  on the web.

This is certainly an honor!!   I appreciate each and everyone of you who take the time to read my blog!!

My blog is very simple.....it's not about being a professional writer......it's about my life, and sharing what the Lord does in my life.   It's about the many Blessings that I receive each and every day.

I would like to give a big "Thank You" to the panelist who selected my blog to receive this honor!  

Shug

I absolutely Love Christmas.....I love so much about Christmas!

First...and most importantly, I love that we celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

 Each of the Beautiful and very touching Nativity Scenes are always a favorite of mine!  I especially love to see children as they perform the Christmas Story at church!!  

Another favorite of mine are the Lights!!  The more lights....the happier I am.  I kid you not, I am like a child when I see all of the radiant Christmas scenes!

Sam and I attended Mylee's school program on Tuesday evening..

What a great Blessing it was as we watched these children perform their Christmas musical.   I loved watching all of their facial expressions, as well as the way they interacted with each beat of the music....    WONDERFUL!!

This little doll was outstanding as Mrs. Santa Clause!

Doesn't she look a bit familiar?   Could it be.....could it really be Ms. Mylee Jo?   I do believe it is!!

Today was a very special day......Mylee's class visited a couple of Nursing Homes and sang Christmas songs for all of the residents to enjoy.   Just so happens that one of the Nursing Homes is the one that Mylee's Papaw (My dad) is at.    The music teacher was so sweet, to give Mylee a few minutes to introduce her Papaw to the kids in her class.   

This is a photo that I will always treasure.    My precious dad has  declined quite a bit and we now have Hospice coming in to help take care of him at the Nursing Home.   What I know is that dad really did not know who Mylee was...... and although he might not be able to call her by name, or he might not be able to say "this is my great granddaughter"  .........  Somewhere in his heart....he really does know her!!!  

I'm guessing he recognized her smile!!

What a great thing it was for these children to come and to sing to these elderly folks.    I witnessed so many loving smiles on many of the residents faces.....  

This was a true Blessing for me and I know it had to have been for the children and the elderly...

Shug

I'm experiencing a different kind of Christmas season this year.  Quite different from those of the past.  I can't really say that it is one thing in particular, but perhaps an accumulative of several things.

I'm not sad and I'm not down and out about the change......I think it would be correct for me to say that I'm more appreciative of the season, more appreciative of life, and more in tune with learning to be content.

Does this mean that everything has been going so smooth for me, and therefore I am able to be more reasonable with life?   No....it doesn't!  The fact is....I actually have (mentally) been on a fast moving roller coaster that doesn't seem to be slowing down any time soon.

It's a new frame of mind that has kept me engaged in the understanding that all things do not have to be perfect!  All things are not going to work out the way my heavily engaged mind expects things to work out.

I've learned that the important things in life that make this season so very special, are things that I have (in the past).... taken for granted.   

My precious dad is now in the stages of his Alzheimer's, where his body is no longer able to function the way it is suppose to.   It's difficult to watch the changes each day that make it more difficult for him to live.   

Even though Tyler will be home this Christmas, (for which I am extremely thankful for).....the next 5 years could and will paint a completely different picture of our family Christmas traditions, and family time together.  

My Facebook is filled with so many people in need of help for the Christmas season.....and this is one of those things that makes me wonder why can't we all go back to just a SIMPLE CHRISTMAS???????

I have a personality trait that can be good at times, but it can also be very difficult and challenging. 

I like to be in CONTROL....

I would love to be able to step in and make things better for my dad....but I can't!!

I would love to be able to guarantee that Tyler will be here every year for Christmas....and that his new journey will be easy.....but I can't!!

And oh how I would love to be able to financially help all of those that are in need....but I can't!!

This Christmas season has allowed me to see that there is more to Christmas, than just the giving and receiving of gifts.  It's about life!!!!

It's more than celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.....IT'S ABOUT ACCEPTING THE GIFT OF THE WORLD...."JESUS CHRIST"....AND HAVING A WONDERFUL AND LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM...KNOWING HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!   

I am in love with the Season and I'm thankful for each simple detail of my life.....

Shug

The Village with Hope.....

I wake up each day and my mind is already hours ahead of the moment that really exist.   My thinking has exceeded the present hour of the day and has forwarded itself into the zone of busyness!

This is the norm for me and for many others who are engaged into this very busy world along beside me.   :(

Not all who surround us are geared to this type of living.   My sweet precious niece is one of them.  Tammy is one of God's forever children and she attends the day program at Breckenridge 
Village, which is a Faith Based Community for adults with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities.   

Each November, BVT prepares for their annual 

"Christmas in the Village"

At this event......the village has a bizarre where guest can purchase many of the handiwork's and art pieces that the residents have made.  They also have a lighting of the Village as well as games and entertainment.  

I attended this event on Saturday and it was truly a beautiful experience.

This is one of Tammy's paintings which was on display.

This painting was also made into Note Cards that turned out so cute!

This is another purchase that I made.....

HOPE.....this 4 letter word is  "Confident Expectation"

and this is exactly what this Village is all about!

Confident Expectation for a better life.....a life that is filled with love and compassion..... a safe haven..... and being able to experience a normal life with others who live this same kind of normal life as you.

This truly was a Blessing and I wanted to share it with each of you!

I am so very Thankful for Breckenridge and for the difference that this place has made in the life of my niece!

Blessings to each of you..

Shug....

sweet morning scenes

It's a happy....Rainy.....day around here!   I woke up to the sound of thunder this morning.    The gentle sound of rolling thunder makes me want to stay in bed and sleep more!  

The morning scenes around here are such sweet Blessings.   

A nice gentle rain.........This speaks Fall to me......

~ Pumpkins ~

and a Breakfast table FULL of shelled pecans!!!

Just letting the pecans air out a bit, before bagging them up to go in the freezer!!  

******

As we near Thanksgiving, may we  realize that there are people all around us who are hungry.  Not only are they hungry and in need of something to eat, but many are hungry for love and for a compassionate smile!

Random acts of kindness on our part can change the outlook of the season for not only the person we Bless, but in our own lives as well.

"Give and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

Luke 6:38 kjv

Shug

A detour in the road...

I just heard the news and we are set to reach a record high today in our temperature.  87 degrees in the middle of November!!!  YIKES!!  

If only we could have a true Winter!  I would really love to have a Cold Winter this year!!
  
                ********

I don't know about you, but I'm not really good at dealing with Detours in life!  However....Detours happen to ALL of us throughout life.  

Detours of any kind bring ME a lot of anxiety and stress.   The questions that pop in my mind are mostly filled with big questions. 

1.  Where is this detour going to take me?       2.  Is this detour going to be safe or kind       to me?  
3.  Is this detour going to be bumpy and rough?   
4.  Am I going to like this detour?
5.  What is going on?  

Oh yes....the unexpected Life detours!
Detours happen:  right in the middle of our great plans for the future, a detour will take us in a different direction. Sometimes, this happens due to choices that we have made...other times, it is God leading us in a very different direction.

Just as we are not sure about where the detour in the road will take us, the same holds true for the detours of life.  If we don't allow ourselves to travel a different  road from the one that has been blocked....then we will never know what other options await us.

Take the detour....it might lead right back to original goals that we have set for ourselves...OR...it could lead us to a road that is filled with nothing but beauty and unexpected blessings!!   

hugs to all...
Shug

Praise God in the difficult times

Happy Monday all......

Once again, it is a gorgeous day here in East Texas!

I was reminded today of just how Blessed I am.   As I was looking at my Facebook this morning, I came across a post that was made on one of the trading groups for which I am a member of.   It was posted by a young woman, a single mom, looking for a church that might possibly, help pay her utility bills.

I don't know this young lady....I don't know anything about her situation, but I know that she needs help.   There are so many people out there that struggle day to day and I can only imagine how difficult these kind of situations are for the children in these families.   It's really heart breaking!

My prayers are that this woman will be able to get the help that she needs, and that she will try to move forward and give God the Praise for her Blessings!  

When hard times come our way, it is important to pray....ask God for help....and offer our Praise to Him for EVERYTHING that comes our way.  

If you have a special need today, focus your full attention on the goodness and greatness of your Father rather than on the size of your need.   Your need is so small compared to His ability to meet it....

Shut

This and That

This day has been absolutely gorgeous.   Sunshine with cooler temperatures.    I usually wear my shorts and flip flops for as long as I can.....even into Fall.   Of course, in Texas you can easily do this.   

This morning, I had to put on jeans and "real" shoes!!  I also had to put on a jacket while I sat out at Mylee's softball game.  It felt so nice to be out in the morning air.   

I made a trip to Hobby Lobby, to gather a few more things that I need for my Christmas Tree.   YES, I have my tree up in the living room and I do know that Thanksgiving hasn't even come around.
I have already apologized to the Turkey!!!

The lights are on my tree.....ALL 1200 of them, but I'm not decorating it until after Thanksgiving.....I promise!!

I so wish that we had the kind of weather where I could get a REAL tree.   I love the smell of Christmas Trees!

I figure that I can throw a few orange bows on the tree and maybe add a few stuffed turkeys to it, and Wa La.....I can have myself a beautiful Thanksgiving tree....

Our family tradition is going to be broken this year as we celebrate the Thanksgiving holidays.   Always, always, always.... my daughters and I go shopping the day after Thanksgiving!  {Black Friday}  We shop from about 4:00 A.M. until about 10:00 P.M.   For real!!    C R A Z Y......
{The rest of the family meets us around 5:30 that evening to eat Mexican food, and then we go back to shopping.}

This year....we will be eating our Thanksgiving meal on Friday!  No shopping that day.    This is going to be a year of spending 4 fabulous days with family.....telling all kinds of stories, eating, playing a few games and eating some more!!  I am sooooo excited to do so.  After all, isn't this what it's all about?

A thankful heart opens our eyes to see the Blessings that surround us!!

Shug

I can't wait.....

Oh my goodness.....Oh my goodness.....Oh my goodness!!

I am SOoooooo Excited!!  

   
I'm traveling.......my family is traveling........we are all traveling for Thanksgiving!!

I know this doesn't seem like a big deal to most of you, but for me.....it is huge!  

We are so very Blessed!!  All of our family lives within 4 miles of each other.   Like, even including our brothers.  Wait....I take it back, I do have a Brother-in-law that lives about a hundred miles away.   Most of us see each other Every day!!   I do realize how great of a Blessing this is.   

Many families are scattered all across the Country and even perhaps the world.  This can be a good thing, and it can be a difficult thing.

I remember as a child {I think I was maybe 8 years old}    ......we traveled from East Texas to some town in Oklahoma to spend Thanksgiving day with one of my uncles and his family.   I will never forget that special time.   It was a wonderful experience....a very special time, and a great childhood memory!

I love the holidays and I can only imagine how awesome it would be to travel to Colorado, Virginia, the hills of Tennessee, North Carolina, or just any place up North....especially for the Christmas Holidays.   

You can see why I'm so excited.   The other reason is because we will be spending a few days with our new Airman!    We are cautioned not to talk about where he is stationed, so I can't really say where we are going.....But, we will be traveling through a few different states to reach our destination.   

Since Tyler is unable to prepare a Thanksgiving meal on base.....I'll be taking the turkey, ham, dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, veggies, bread and a big selection of desserts, to assemble a fabulous Thanksgiving meal for my family!  

I can't wait!!!

Shug

Is it Sugar or not...

Oh dear me......   I am thankful for the younger generation!

Or....am I?    Our precious grandson, Tyler....called me this afternoon and when I answered the phone, he was really laughing.  He said:  "Shug, since I've been so busy with my Air Force duties, I haven't even had time to notice what your 
t-shirt on your profile picture said!"  

"Pour some Sugar on me" is what it says......and I have to tell you that I was very excited when I first spotted this t-shirt!!

Why?  Because half of my grandkids call me SUGAR and the other half call me Shug.   

Evidently....."Pour some sugar on me" are the lyrics to a song that I have never heard before!   

Tyler was laughing because he said that he immediately remembered those words and KNEW that I had no idea that these were words in the lyrics to a song!  

Seems that "Sugar" in the song is NOT referring to the sweet stuff that we know of as Sugar!!!!!   NO, NO, NO......it's talking about cocaine!!!   

I immediately changed my profile picture....and even though this t-shirt is one of my favs, and so comfortable at that.....I probably will not be wearing it out in public again!!

LOL ......  Just one of the reasons that I'm thankful that I have some of the younger generation around me.   So that they can help me understand the Newer generation language.

Oh, thank goodness that I'm from the old school and when it says "Sugar"....Sugar is what it means!!

hugs to all....

shug.

You all may just have to remind me again as to why I have this Blog.  I haven't been doing a very good job at blogging lately.  

Traveling has been a big part of my life lately.....Mexico, Louisiana,  Alabama, Georgia, Tenn, Arkansas, San Antonio.....here, there, everywhere!!!!

While visiting in San Antonio....we found ourselves right smack dab in the middle of a "Chalk Festival."

This was the scene looking down from our 7th floor hotel room.

All of the art work was amazing....

The Lions head......

Space guy!

Some real talent....

The artist on this particular sheet of paper......stole my heart!

Love this young man....

How about this one.     They (the city, I suppose) had an old piano sitting out in the middle of the street.   Kids could play on it or draw on it!!   Loads of fun!!

We ended up spending about an hour down on the streets....looking at the talents of all of the artist.    

You just never know what you might happen up on!!

We enjoyed!!

..............  It's not about having the skill to do something.  It's about having the will, desire, and commitment to be your best."
                                                               Robert Hernandez


Shug

more pics.

A few more pictures of trip to Plya Del Carmen....

Sam and I standing in front of one of the eating places at the resort....All kinds of food!

Sam coming in from snorkeling

Eating on the beach in Cozumel.....

All four of us with the parrots...

Small storm coming in while we were on the catamaran.

After the storm passed by....

Susie....playing with the dolphins..

My Poblano pepper meal...   Awesome!

Vicki and I.....not wanting to go home..

Our gorgeous view!!   

We all had a really great time on this trip.   Ready to go back!!

Shug

I love Vacations!

How many more days until Fall?   Two More Days!!

I sure wish that meant that cooler weather would be here in just two more days!  It was hot today and according to the weather man....it is still going to be HOT the rest of the week.

                                            ********

Don't you just love vacation time?  I do!  Sam and I, along with two of our dear friends, left on the 10th for a 6 day trip to Cancun, Cozumel, and Plya Del Carmen.  

Can you imagine, Sam and three ladies on this trip.  He was a trooper and he was the one that kept us all organized.   He also speaks Spanish.....self taught, so he doesn't know all of the language, but he knew enough to keep us out of trouble.

This picture was taken on Sunday...the 11th.   We took a private tour around the island of Cozumel and what a great tour it was.   Our driver was Roger...and he did an excellent job at showing us so many of the hidden treasures around the island.   It was an awesome day!

A portion of our room!  So very nice!!

Just one of the many desserts that we enjoyed.    This was called......Key Lime Pie.   Oh my....it was delicious!!!

This is a photo of our guide on the Catamaran.  He saw the Star Fish in the crystal clear water.....jumped in and brought these to the surface for us to see.   They were so big!!

We snorkeled ......(well...I tried to snorkel)  Sam and Susie were great at this.   Vicki and I put on the gear, but we mostly hung out at the back of the catamaran!  LOL.

Waiting on the Ferry to take us from Cozumel to Plya Del Carmen.    

Our view as we ate lunch....before going to swim with the Dolphins!   Can you believe that I actually did this?   I swam with the Dolphins!!!  Thanks to a nice life jacket.   So much fun!!

A selfie of myself on our porch.....that was only feet away from the pool.     Oh my goodness.....So nice.....so relaxing!!

A evening view from our room and porch.

Sam and I with the Parrots.

We had such a GREAT time.    We are already planning for next year!!!     I Love vacations!!

Shug

                           Ok.....So there's this AIRMAN
      
                               He kinda stole my heart

                               He calls me Shug.........

Totally loving my new T-shirt!!!

Our Airman has graduated and now it is on to New and Exciting things.   During the past few months....while away at Basics.... he met two of the sweetest friends!  I already love them both!!  

I wrote to both of them while they were in basics, and then...I finally got to meet them at graduation..    Both of them have  families that are so precious!!!

And....I must tell you that while Tyler was away, I wrote him everyday....sometimes twice a day!!  YIKES!!

Love this picture of him.......   It was VERY HOT the day of graduation!!

At the end of the ceremony.....the planes flew over!!

   

Isn't this Beautiful......     My heart melts!!

And my favorite......hugging his mom with his dad in the background!!

This is happiness my friends!!

After graduation.....we went into the big city to have some pizza...

Big Lou's Pizza

A 42" Pizza!!!!

There were 10 of us there to celebrate.......and we were not able to eat all of this Huge round Pizza!!

The coin ceremony, The Airman's run, and the graduation were all so awesome!    Made me Proud to be an American.   

Very Emotional experience......

Loving my Airman.....and my other two adopted Airman!!

Shug......