Black Friday Thoughts : What Shall We Give The Children

What shall we give the children?
Christmas is almost here.
Toys and games and playthings,
as we do every year?
What shall will give the children?
Yes, for the magic of Toyland
is part of the yuletide lore.
to gladden the heart of childhood,
But I shall give something more,
a more sympathetic ear,
a little more time for laughter,
or tenderly dry a tear...
I shall take time to teach them
the joy of doing some task.
I'll try to find some time to answer
more of the questions they ask.
and take long walks in the sun.
Time for a bedtime story
after the day is done.
I shall give these to my children,
weaving a closer tie,
knitting our lives together,
with gifts that  money can't buy.

Author Unknown

A Happy Thanksgiving To All

Memories flooding my mind all week long. Missing those wonderful and kind hearts for parents I was raised with. Oh the beautiful Thanksgiving feasts  my mother laid before us. She was a master in her kitchen. I can close my eyes, and see her in her apron and holding a spoon in one hand. she cared for her phamily with such grace and beauty. You don't have that today, people are too much in a hurry. Cell phones in one hand, phamilies often an afterthought. Sadly I do not have a photo of my beautiful mother but I have dozens of silly food photos from all those beautiful Thanksgivings I spent with her.

A favorite KSKJ ladies in the kitchen cooking photo. My mother, sans her apron on your far right. She loved the color green and wore it a lot. These BoJons Queens of the Culinary set could whip up dishes these TV foodie celebrities couldn't touch today! They had husbands who worked hard for a living, most of them at the CF and I Steel Corporation. They were married to railroaders, like Uncle Louie, all those years working in the yard for the railroad and traveling the country for free when he took Auntie Ang (far left in pink top and apron)on vacation, always to see her sisters in southern California.

This is a beautiful photo. These BoJon queens of the Culinary Arts were something. Auntie Ang whipped up these outfits like most of us have a thought. Even with crippling arthritis destroying her once beautiful hands, she sewed like a magical wizard and whipped the outfits up from her own designs. Talented, folks that would be an understatement today. She baked like a dream and if you ever had a cake she baked, it was light as a feather and filled with delicious goodness. All these precious ladies were wonderful in their kitchens. They did it out of joy and not drudgery.  They had long, loving marriages and they enjoyed serving others.

Not to forget these fabulous BoJon beauties! Three of dad's sisters, Anna, Mary (Mima) and Angela(Gela). Missing in this photo are Stephie and Millie. Auntie Mima, married to a true blooded Italian, learned to cook his favorite dishes when she married him. She would shame these so called experts in food today. She never used a recipe, measuring for the crowd size. I learned a lot from her, she put us to work setting tables for political dinners and weddings, We were kids, and our mothers did not have play dates and babysitters, we went where they went. We had manners and we respected our mothers. Life was better than.

One more BoJon Queens of the Culinary Arts photo. Fashionable designs by Auntie Ang second on her right. My sweet mother second on your left. They were young and they were beautiful, I sure miss them tonight.

A Bittersweet Day Filled with Memories

My mother Cecilia Mary Steblay Kocman passed away fifteen years ago today. It is a bittersweet day for me as it is also the birthday of her late mother, Cecilia Mary Krall Steblay, my beautiful grandmother and dear best friend. This photo was from the wedding of my dad's older sister Angela "Gela" Kocman Medved. My aunt her husband Anton "Bear" Medved were godparents to all of my sibling and myself.

My grandmother, born on this date, was a strong woman of faith. It is what saved her and her phamily, after my grandfather's sudden death in a gold mining accident in Victor, CO. in February, 1927 along with her youngest son Anthony. She perservered through difficulties never taking any handouts but rather raising her children and caring for them by taking in boarders. She fed anyone who stopped at her doorstep and lovingly cared for all of us her entire life.

This photo, from the Mother Cabrini Shrine, is a favorite of my folks. They loved each other and cared for each other until my father's untimely passing April 5, 1985. This was taken in 1979 and I will always cherish this candid shot.

Some of us were grandchildren, others great grands. No matter, grandma loved each one of us. Another favorite candid shot.

Mom and I, Mother's Day 1979, what a beautiful life I have been given. Miss this woman so  much. She was always there to lend an ear. Seeing any kind of bullying or hatefulness, my mother would always say, with a friend like that, you will never need any enemies. she had so much wisdom. A kind heart, A strong willed woman. I miss her terribly and always will.

I love this photo of my grandma. an apron, a clothesline, a simple life. whenever I hang clothes on my clotheslines, I think of her. She was amazing. I know she is sharing in her best heavenly birthday today, Enjoying the company of all her children.

Mom I will honor you and know that you and dad both taught me that Love is the greatest thing. I miss you telling me to pray and pray harder. Enjoy your time in heaven because one day I will see you all there.

A Little Bit of This and That

I'm late to a very important date....Aw...Mondays with Sandee and the furry friends fan club! But here I am. So let me share:

Mr. Kitty, he is a bashful kitty, N O T ! Don't let him fool you. He is into everything like a tiny toddler on steroids! So much energy until he crashes and has to get his beauty sleep.

The Cat's Bible. This kitty has checked his references and he is not finding any information on the benefits of neutering in this guide to a cat's life. Stop by and tell Sandee thank you for hosting an sharing fun with us.

Stop by Jeanne's and share your blue. My blue today just reminds me that being an American is something I am proud of. If I can  figure out how to remove all my photos from social media I am going to close it all down. I already kicked Twitter to the curb. I don't need a twenty four hour reminder of  last week.  I love America. I don't need anyone judging my comments or thinking they are reading my mind. Too many people have too much time on their hands. A real tragedy all the hate filling our society.

I am not a huge fan of technology. Some of it has gotten out of control.I remember these days like the little Love is..character. Ah...none of us perished because we missed a call. If someone needs you they can call again.

I worked with a lady who complained about everything. She always complained she was so broke yet she spent top dollar on a psychic. I think if psychics are so knowledgable why don't think give you the winning lottery numbers or as Maxine says, why don't they know your name? Food for thought.

No other words are needed. Self explanatory.

These are great examples of being grateful. I am grateful everyday that I am alive and able to get up and move about without  being fearful. Little things make me happy and most grateful. Thank you for stopping by. 

A Day of Honoring Our Military

My maternal grandmother's cousin, Frances Marijanovic and her only son Bruce Pavlin, US Navy WWII. Unlike my late father-in-law Carl Thomas Robinson, US Navy WWII, Bruce did not return from the war. My husband's great-grandfather Avery Allen Robinson, an Irish immigrant from Ulster Providence Ireland was also a US Navy man. My late mother-in-law had a lovely photo of Grandpa Carl and one of his father and I wish I Had a copy of those photos in their Navy blue dress uniforms.

My Mom's baby sister Jo and her new hubby Thomas P. Binder, US Army Air Corp. , WWII. My Uncle Edward "Munson" Trontel served in the US Army WWII. My Tata Rose's husband John Levstik served in WWI. I will have to remember to look at their headstone when I go home next time. He made it home to his wife and 7 children. To all my relatives who served, thank you. To those gone before us, rest in eternal peace.

To all those who lost their lives in Vietnam including my mom's cousin Hedwig's only son, James Turner USMC. She never smiled after his untimely death. James was the company file clerk. He went on maneuvers in place of a gentleman who had a young wife and child back in the states. James did not return. My nieces Karla and Holly, their late father Robert L. Hoffert, US Army served in Vietnam. Jesse Hoskins, the father of cousins Kristi and Sissy. Perished at a young age. He served in Vietnam and also was a police officer. His younger child Sissy, followed in his footsteps and currently serves in law enforcement. My late brother-in-law Gary C. Ricklefs, US Army. My big sister traveled the world with him during his military career and their first and last son were born in Germany.

My husband had several uncles serve in the US Army and US Navy. His cousin Carolynn Blackwell Simmons served as a nurse during Desert Storm. My friend Kathleen P. O'Gane served US Navy. Even my husband's youngest brother John served in the US Navy.

Lyrics

Some folks are born made to wave the flag
Ooh, they're red, white and blue
And when the band plays "Hail to the chief"
Ooh, they point the cannon at you, Lord

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no

Some folks are born silver spoon in hand
Lord, don't they help themselves, oh
But when the taxman comes to the door
Lord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yes

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, no
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, no

Yeah, yeah
Some folks inherit star spangled eyes
Ooh, they send you down to war, Lord
And when you ask them, "How much should we give?"
Ooh, they only answer More! more! more! y'all

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, son
It ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, one

It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no no no
It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate son, no no no

Written by John C. Fogerty • Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group, The Bicycle Music Company

Many Veteran's served us so well, others died while serving.  Please take a moment today to thank a Veteran, pray for those still serving us around the world and remember with dignity and respect, those who never came home. Please don't burn our cities down because what we need is people coming together not tearing each other down.

More Humor and Prayers for America

I do not want to come off as disrespectful. It is hard to go anywhere or do anything without political commentary. Before I share my own thoughts this was something I heard today. A friend I have known for quite some time through blogging has a Face Book page. I don't make a habit of trolling the hateful comments, the unintelligent ones ,  etc. , I try to pass over them. But so many people are sharing that if you don't like who I voted for, etc. than I will delete you! While my friend shared a lovely post stating no matter what your politics are she will still like you. That is about the best comment anyone made at social media in the past year! But someone trying to engage her in a heated political debate said, please don't let Trump win, Hilary will save Standing Rock. Hello person,   a Democratic president has been
sitting in the white house for 8 years. Tell me, please, what has he done for Standing Rock that Hilary will continue? I am just very curious.

I should be preparing for my Premier designs Jewelry show on Thursday but I wanted to blog a bit and shared some photos and Scripture at social media. I thought I might as well share more humor here.

I have always been a fan of Family Circus. This one cracked me up. A prince size mattress fit for a prince! Hee Hee! We recently purchased a new mattress. Our old was was barely two years old but the long term warranty was not doing us any good. So we tossed it, because it had a crater size dip in it and the  Mattress Co. wasn't holding their end of the warranty. They wanted photos,  and we would need to strip the bed, remove the box springs so they could see the support under that! Basically they wanted us to believe that this is what happens to a memory foam mattress. We were not given all the details of that mattress when we bought it. We figured the sale guy was getting ready to book when he added a free fifteen year warranty on it. Oh well, at least we can sleep well now with the new mattress and the American Furniture Warehouse salesman explained every detail beautifully. I guess that is why Mr. Jake Jabs is such a success. We have never purchased anything from him that we did not love.

These movies, the  ones that always have the victim talking to the killer as if they are going to have tea together! They make me laugh out loud! Why do they always go into the dark, dreary cellar alone too? They also walk into the dark house that has the front door ajar!

This is just the absolute truth!

This was just filled with humor and no offense to anyone who has had to deal with divorce.

This poor baby looks stressed out!

Laughing all the way! I have often felt that Stella, Jeremy's rescue dog was in the Canine Protection Program. She lived with us for 8 years and would never look into the camera when we were taken photos. She is 9 now and getting a little better.

HaHaHa! Whenever I go to the zoo and look over at the camels I think of this silliness.

The comedian Dane Cook did a routine about atheists and trees. Although his language is a bit too colorful, his story was so true.

This is just cute! I love this baby's face. When our oldest son Jeremy was in preschool, he once told a teacher that only bats slept in the daylight hours and it was not normal for people to sleep when the sun was shining.

A beautiful thought from Corrie ten Boom. What a remarkable woman she was. A true heart for God.

Philippians 3:20-21  

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

I was watching the movie Risen with my hubby while the rest of the country was watching the election results. I trust God, I never trust politics. I took this photo on the way home tonight. The hubby was driving so I was able to capture this shot.

Galatians 1:10  

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.  

Goodnight all, thank you for visiting.

Laughter Beats Crying Every Time

Sandee is one of those likable people who can make you smile a lot! So joining her at Aw...Mondays each week is fun. I am sharing lots of humor tonight as my Bronco's lost to the Raider's so laughter beats crying everytime!

I find the best stuff at Pinterest! Who names their cat Carl? Hee Hee! My kids had a book called "Good Dog Carl" about a Rottweiler when they were small. My late father-in-law was Carl Thomas, our youngest son is Nicholas Carl. My hubby drives Mr. Kitty nuts with the red dot. You would think the cat would learn!

HaHaHa! This dog looks so darn innocent and this just made me burst out laughing. I am picturing this dog riding a bicycle! Humor is so good for you! Now visit Sandee and her following of furry friend people soon.

I  L O V E cop humor too! This one has made me laugh every time I look at it! Jeanne might enjoy the Minions wearing their blue overalls and driving their blue car!

If Dorie can't make you smile and laugh nothing probably will! Darn Dorie, does she know me or what???? She is surrounded by blue and she is blue too! Welcome to Blue Monday. Share some blues with Jeanne and the crew.

Still counting my blues for Jeanne. My dentist has a mobile hanging above his dental chairs with Aspen Leaves so I enjoy that, as I am not a fan of the dentist. People who tell you never pick your teeth with a sharp object and stick a metal file with a sharp point into your gums and teeth! Ouch!

Case in point, trying to get an iced coffee at McDonald's today, we are waiting in line and there were lots of people in line! Some of them looked angry as they tore out of the parking lot! Should have been a clue! But as we were nearing the drive up order we noticed a guy across the parking lot,  he was pouring gasoline from a gas can into his car. It was running down on the asphalt and he was smoking a lite cigarette! I wanted to ask him who tied his shoelaces~ but instead of putting up a sign saying "Our card reader is down" McDonald's let's you sit for twenty minutes in line to tell you if you don't have cash you can't order! Argh... lol, we drove to a second McDonald's! Same problem, only no guy with a cigarette and gasoline! Third times a charm, third McDoanld's, Yeaaaaaaaa, card reader working! Thank you Lord for the little things in life and also grateful for not going BOOM in the McD's parking lot!

Ok, my final humor here. Now let me share a Love is... with you:

I love all kinds of snail mail except political flyers and junk mail!  Love is...will always make me smile.

Maxine might get a visit from the EPA or some other government agency! Apparently, none of those people shovel their own driveways! Laugh Out Loud!

Proverbs 29:2New American Standard Bible (NASB)

2 When the righteous [a]increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked man rules, people groan.

Thank you for joining me. I am still catching up on my comment replies. Thanks for stopping by.