Merry Christmas 2016

Christmas 2016

No Christmas card is coming your way this year.  I hope you aren’t waiting by your mailbox for it’s arrival.  I thought I needed a break from my clever wordage that comes with a fantastic picture of my better looking family than yours...you have to be tired of that....always getting that picture and wishing you were a Sherwood....I know it must be hard on the little people out there...so I am giving you all a break.

We are having home renovations that have spilled over into this season, so most things around here either are in a different location or has an inch of dust on it....The whole house has been dusted....and my finger prints are everywhere!

This is the year we go skiing in Utah...the whole family will be there, so I am sure you will see a snow picture, if you can stand seeing my better looking family than yours, again!  If you are counting, and who isn’t, Joe & I have 8 GRANDS, as of this moment...but it could be changing while I am writing this, so who really knows?

We are in the “waiting period” with my mother’s health.  She has a walnut size cancer mass in her lung, which will hopefully be removed, if all goes as planned....but we leave that to God in the planning department...Every time I try to take over His job, it backfires on me...so I hold most things with open hands....When I do that, He manages to fill them with an overload of blessings, that spill over above anything I could imagine.

Just in the past few months, I have more friends than I can count, who have that four letter word...Cancer!....So I have been humbled and taken to my knees and taking my requests before His throne...no better place for me right now...It’s kinda crowded down here, by the way...and I appreciate the company.

This is the season to celebrate....Jesus birthday....Laura Jo said we are having an “angel food cake” with a candle in it, for Jesus’ birthday....Quite fitting indeed!

May this year be surrounded by family, friends, and may 2017 be a year like none other!....May your struggles humble you, your strength grow, may your nights be “silent”, and may you get a big piece of pie before the year is out!

From my heart to yours, much love, Laura~~~

What do we do with cancer, Lord?

In the parking lot of Publix, I see an old friend.  How in the world did I know then, that God had just caused a divine appointment?  He does that in the most magical ways.

I lean in for a big bear hug, and am stopped in my tracks.  “OH no, don’t do that.  I have a port.”

It took my mind a while to process what “port” meant, when I saw the tears flow and then I realized that God had me there for just that moment.  Another minute later and we would have missed each other.

She had only found out 10 days earlier and was still in shock of it all, and it was still stinging to the touch of the sound...”I have cancer.”

What?  No, say it ain’t so!  Lord, why one of your own?  Why the pain & suffering?  She has kids, grandkids....a loving husband....so much to live for!  

The treatment starts tomorrow as the chemical enters her body for 6 hours!  She will get 2 weeks off, only to start the madness all over again...and again until her “numbers” say what the doctors want them to say...until the hair hits the bathroom floor and the tears flow once again.  Ooo the loss of it all!

I wanted to hug my friend even more...to make the pain go away, to make the tears stop, to say I am so sorry.  I guess we are all terminal.  Our days are numbered the minute we come into this world.  

I want to comfort, want to make it all better....but sometimes things don’t go the way we want.  Do we shake our fist at God?  Do we stop believing in Him because He doesn’t do what we want?

I am reminded of the worst day of my life....or actually Stacy’s life....but when it is your own child, it is so raw.

My dear sweet Stacy....the sweet one, the one who would do anything for you...THAT one.  The Lord chose to give her a child in her womb, only to take it away 5 months into it.  The heart beat was so strong, but there were complications, this little one didn’t have a chance from the git go...life was too hard before life even really began.  The heart stopped.  Stacy had to be admitted into the hospital and be induced to give birth to a dead baby.  Ooo, lets talk about the pain of it all!  It was almost too much for this Mama’s heart to bear.  The sweet little thing was cleaned up best that the nurses could do, and we all got a chance to say hello and goodbye in the same breath.  Talk about the tears that flowed that day, some 5 years ago.  Some days it seems like just yesterday.  As I am remembering it all.....ONE thing was so clear to me....GOD SHOWED UP BIG TIME!  If I hadn’t been there, I would have missed it....and I am telling you, I wouldn’t have missed it for anything....He was there HOLDing me while I was holding the baby.  It took 6 weeks to find out it was a little girl. Stacy named her Hannah Abigail Harris.  I will meet her one day, and will rock her, and play with her, and tell her how much her Majo loves her!

Now back to my friend.  The good book tells us that “in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, and have been called according to his purpose.”  What good comes out of cancer?  Not quite sure I have all the answers, but I do know, that my friend will soon be treading in unknown territory.  She will have bad days and good days, and probably days she will shake her fist at God.  But I am praying for an unbelievable amount of his holy spirit to flood her body along with the “chemical”, to give her assurance of his all knowing presence.  I am praying for strength, for comfort, for peace, & above all HEALING!....total healing.

I serve a very BIG GOD who does BIG things....I expect nothing less!  And I pray she doesn’t “miss it”....that she doesn’t miss  Him holding her close, and leaning in so close that she could swear she can feel his breath!.....

So friend....I am just a phone call away and love ya....but HE loves you more!

So Very Thankful!

Nov. 24, 2016 Thanksgiving Day

I went back to write something up about this year and what I am thankful for, and was just wondering what I had written in past years.  Since I am OLD, I can’t remember half the time what I have or haven’t written...so sad....anyway, apparently I did....So in keeping with my memory loss, I thought I would REPOST what I wrote last year...Is that even allowed?  Not sure, but I am going to do it anyway...

Our house is under construction right now with upgrading 3 bathrooms, so the house is dusty, piles everywhere, and a mess. I can’t really HOST a Thanksgiving, so everybody is going to other places.  I go around the house and write notes in the dust...such as “CLEAN ME” or “I LOVE YOU” or my personal favorite, “YOU LOOKING AT ME?”

Hopefully by Christmas, it will be done, & we will have room for our 3 kids, their spouses and the 8 grandchildren that the good Lord has blessed us with...and can feast and celebrate Jesus’ birthday....but until then...here is a repeat from last year.....

BTW, I added at the end a few updates and added to my list....so that will make you look to see if you are mentioned....

I AM SO THANKFUL                                   Nov. 26, 2015

Most years I have a house full of kids running around and a table full of turkey and all the fixins....This year it is just Joe and I.  WHAT?  Actually, I am looking forward to a quiet meal of a turkey breast, dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole(Papa Joe’s request) and apple pie..did I forget to mention there will be gravy?...a feast for a king and queen, in my opinion.  I won’t have to put out extra chairs or make sure the bathrooms are clean(I usually have to make sure that I at least check to see if there are any “floaters”) or make sure I have enough dessert....or treats...but I am good with it....cause in a month, I WILL have a house full....a loud house at that, and will love every minute of it!  But I like the quiet and the rest and the reflection of my crazy, incredible life and how God continues to pour blessings on my sorry self and wonder why he does and how I don’t deserve it, and doesn’t he know all that I have done wrong JUST this week, or just in the last few minutes?.....well, YES HE DOES....but He knows my name, He knows my faults, and He loves me anyway.....ahhh....gotta love a God like that!

SO, as I started counting my blessings some 4 years ago, I thought it only fitting to continue the theme....so here goes....in no particular order....

Love my man, 39 years and counting

Love Sarah....1st born, and 1st to “try things out” on

Love Stacy, the one stuck in the middle....O how I love the middle!

Love Philip, my boy...finally got one...and what a treasure he is....doesn’t call much, but that’s ok...he loves his mama, this I know!

Love Jeff....He married my 1st born, and this I am grateful that he takes good care of her.

Love Adam...My 2nd RED HEAD to join the family...He and Stacy built their house (took them 3 yrs) and is a godly man, and is making their house a home!

Love Amanda....she loves and married my boy!  Thank you Amanda for that, and for also carrying my 8th grandchild....a little girl...ahh, can’t wait to meet her!

Laura Jo...1st grand and SO grand to me!

Emily Jo...she loves Cinderella & her Papa Joe

Annie Grace...our chosen red head...what a spirit you have!

Millie Joy...another Jacksonville blessing who is so funny when she is so serious...

Claire Elizabeth...full of excitement and adventure

Joshua Scott...My 1st grandBOY...O boy, what a treasure you are and those BLUE eyes!

Norah Marie...copies her big sister to a T....and what funny faces you make

Baby Sherwood....You don’t have a name yet, but you are greatly loved by this Majo! (actually her name is Audrey Belle and she has stolen my heart)

My parents...Still alive in Whitney, TX...married 65 years and they gave me life and lots of love to build on.

My sister....Glenda, you are my confidant through our childhood...I adore you!

Lottie...my friend, my partner in our Double L Cafe, the New Orleans beauty queen, such a sweet heart!

Sherry...you brought laughter into my life, and you have helped shape this 62 year old body(no easy task)...and you aren’t too bad at golf either...you are the BEST!

My Wed bible study girls.....Linda, an old running buddy whom I love dearly, Patti, a speaker of truth, Carol, have traveled to Alaska and down the Colorado River with you, Vicky, we traveled to Europe and boated down the Danube River, Janie, my sweet friend who has been through so much adversity and came out like a true champ(please pray for my sweet Janie, who has thyroid cancer & will start treatment next week), Marsha, a sweet heart, Sally, a precious southern belle who has talents galore, Janet, a faithful servant, Denise, left us for the mountains, but one who walks with the Lord...We have prayed, we have laughed, we have cried on my couch for some 20 years...oh my, if those walls could talk....

My Tues. bible study girls...Angela,the baby, Cheryl, a bible scholar, Sherry, keeps us in stitches and on task, Karen, you have a warm heart, & Kathy, your southern charm is infectious....not as many years together, but I love you each deeply...more than you know!

Beth...so thankful for your friendship, our “church” days together, and traveling to Israel with you....it was a life changer climbing Mt Sinai on camels.

Jan...my TX friend....we raised our children together and you showed me what Jesus looks like!

Millie, my mentor and friend when I was a stupid teenager...By your example, I went to ACU & became a teacher!...thank you for leading the way!

Laurie, my neighbor, my friend, who has fed my animals when we leave town....thank you!

Travis, my fish guy...and what a guy he is....keeps our tanks clean and just love him!

Saucer Sisters....there are too many of you(16) to name...but you mean the world to me!

THIS house....38 years of dust & memories...Dorothy, there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!...

My throne room....Where I have 66 crosses and counting and have taken each of you to the mercy seat a time or two!

Ok, as you can see....I could go on and on and on....if you aren’t mentioned, it is only because I am running out of space....The good Lord has not sprinkled, but poured a bucket of blessing on this sorry head of mine and to this, I am thankful...I will lift my fork this thanksgiving and thank my God, my savior, my comforter, for giving me breath, turkey, dressing, pie and all the overflow of this life I lead...O my....so so good!

UPDATES:

Audrey Belle Sherwood was born January of this year and is crawling, standing, and is probably walking by the time you are reading this.  She is a feisty thing!

My precious friend Sherry moved away this year...took a piece of my heart to Astor, FL with her.  She is greatly missed, cause I can’t just drop in on her for tea and cookies (could that be why she moved away?)

I failed to mention my neighbor Coree who I have known for 20 some odd years.  A sweet friend and we love to meet in the little Publix in the produce section to discuss life!....Meet you there next Tuesday, same time!

This year Daddy turned 90 and Mother is 85.  How much do I love these 2?  There is no way to measure. They are aging well...both slower in their walk, in their memory, but quick to point out that Jesus is the answer to everything.  AND yes he is!

How do I close a Thanksgiving list without mentioning Jesus?  He is the reason for my salvation, for my protection and the one with whom I talk to daily.  I am humbled that He has chosen to love me so!

TRUMP OR HILLARY??

      

        This Tuesday, Nov. 8th, we will find out who will become our next President.  Will it be the first woman?  A woman who has been in politics for 30 years?  She knows this game well and can debate better than most.

Or will we get a billionaire who is a narcicist, to put it mildly.  One who has no boundaries in his speech, and insults and has insulted pretty much everybody.  His past words have come to bite him in the butt, and if I hear one more commercial of “those words”, I think I will scream!

There is no good candidate out there.  BUT surprisingly enough I have joined the TRUMP TRAIN....I think this man can change Washington, can get us out of debt, can nominate conservative judges, & he owes no one anything.  Is he perfect?  FAR FROM IT!  We are not electing a minister.  I certainly believe the media is skewed and are extremely liberal.

This is the first time in history where both candidates are not liked by most in their own party!  This is the first time in history where I am voting not FOR but AGAINST the other person.  And we are weary of it....we have had to listen to this nonsense for a year...debates, robo calls nonstop at home, and I just want it to be over!

I am not worried, I am not stressed, I am not concerned as to what will happen. Because I just so happen to know who will cast THE FINAL VOTE!  And that is the Lord himself.  

Romans 13:1 says “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

That pretty much says it all....So on Nov.14th (Monday) go outside and look up at the night sky....You will see, as scientists call it, “THE SUPER MOON”.  This should remind you and me who runs things around here!  It sure ain’t Hillary or Trump!  That’s for dog gone sure!

     So don’t hang your head on Nov. 9th if your candidate doesn’t win.  Just remember who’s in charge....and it’s always good to LOOK UP!

Daddy turns 90! Oct. 19, 2016

 Turning 90 can be daunting for most, but not to this old fella!  He embraced it by getting his driver's license renewed for 12 more years!

Ole'!

Daddy drove us to the Mexican Restaurant for his birthday lunch!

All smiles for their first selfie!

This is how I grew up.  I watched my mama put on makeup all my life. It was part of my entertainment as a kid....still is!

Mother and daughters

My last view as we drove off....

Halloween 2016

Mr. Mickey, Miss Unicorn girl, & Snow White are ready to go!

Philip is trying to wrangle in his animal house...good luck with all those girls!

Miss Audrey Belle is the cutest zebra I have ever seen!

What I believe

Wanna know what I believe in?  Well, just sit back for a spell and I will tell ya...

I believe God created the heavens and the earth and was above and before anything else.

I also believe there is a devil and we should all stay sharp and watchful.

I believe there is a holy spirit who comforts, indwells, and guides my life.

I believe in a savior named Jesus. He came to this earth through the virgin Mary, and lived on this earth for 33 years.  He died on a cross for ME before I was even born. I am so unworthy, don’t deserve it, but am very grateful....I think it’s called GRACE!

I believe in the power of prayer.  When there is no hope and we think we are all alone, we never are. He hears the cries of his children.

I believe the bible is God’s mouthpiece. If we read it, He will talk to us through His words.

I believe my parents need an award for raising me. I was a handful of spit & vinegar!  But love prevailed.

I believe everyone needs community.  Whether it is through one’s church, family, friends, neighborhood.  We all need somebody who cares about us...PERIOD

I believe girlfriends are the best. They warm my soul and give it a hug every day....can you hug a soul?...yes, you can!

I believe my children are extentions of my heart & soul...and yes, they hug my soul too!

I believe I am married (for 39 years soon) to a man who gave me his last name, has cared and has loved me, and has given me a safe place to fall.

I believe I love my grandchildren more than I should be allowed. They are hilarious, run me ragged, wear me plumb out, give me the best hugs, and love their Majo...and YES, they hug my soul as well! (there’s a theme here)

I believe I love golf & hate golf at the same time.

I believe God invented GPS’s, so we would no longer have to fold up paper road maps.

I believe when the phone rings and it reads “unknown” to let it stay that way....do not answer it!

I believe laughter is indeed the best medicine.  A good belly laugh lasts a long time.

I believe old age is not for the faint of heart.   We have to be strong to pick those grandkids up, to lift a load of fertilizer out of the back of the car, and strong enough to fight the good fight.

I believe I have rambled enough.

I believe this is THE END!

All that jazz....

    As of June 28th, this was the last time I would see this sight....This is Sherry's car...my jazzercise instructor, my golf buddy, my PT leader, my bible study partner, my laugh until I hurt BEST FRIEND!
   

    There are people in this world who cross your path that make you laugh louder, smile bigger, and live better....She is that person....I am a better person because of her... We have prayed together, cried together, golfed, traveled, shopped, painted rooms, planted bushes, ate, drank, all of that stuff you do with those you love.
     Sherry, I will miss you and your funny laugh, your jokes about your family, your crazy thick hair, & your house 5 minutes away!  Going to jazz is not the same...I still go and those of us who are still scarred by your leaving, we still dance, but there is no kick in our step as before!  You have impacked so many of us, you have no idea!
     So may you and Harold have a lovely life in Astor, FL, or as I lovingly call it DISASTER, FL.  May the road between my house and yours be well worn.  

Tribute to Dear Old Mama!

 Ok....Here I go again...trying to put into words to explain my Mama!  

She turned 85 on June 9th....I have known her for 62 of those years.  And I can honestly say, she is NUTS...in a good way...and I am NUTS about her!  

To say she was the heartbeat of our family is an understatement...she brought life, laughter, & fun into the door of our hearts, and filled our tummies along the way.

She could fry up just about anything, and throw a little gravy on it, and you would think you had died and passed through the pearly gates...my,my,my those pies!  apple, lemon, pecan...you name it, she could knock it out of the park!

Did I mention her hands?  They point every which way but straight.  She has had arthritis for years...Her standing joke was always, “I went to bed with Ben & I woke up with Arthur again this morning!”  Those misshaped hands help form me into who I am today.  She sews, stitches, glues, cuts, stamps, and has taken up painting at the age of 84!  She can paint a mean sunflower!  She is famous for her bookmarks and her hug coupons that she gives out freely when we go shopping.

She loves a good bargain and salivates when you pass a yard sale sign. If she spent more than $1.50 on a blouse, then she spent too much!

Her childhood was something of a horror show, but she has overcome the demons of her past, to become one of the richest women I know!  I am not talking about financial gain...she probably doesn’t have 2 nickels to rub together, because she gives away everything she has....it doesn’t stay in her hands for long.  She is richer than Trump, the Gabor sisters, & Brad Pitt combined.....cause she has discovered the secret to a deep, full life!  Actually, it is no secret at all.  She tells most people she knows about HIM...Of course, I am talking about Jesus.  She knows His book upside down the other, and has never met a stranger!

Soooo....Have you met Jesus?....look no further....He indwells in the heart of this precious woman I call Mother!  

Happy Birthday Mama!  

Your children rise up and call you BLESSED! 

This was the first time EVER to get their toes done...a little slice of heaven! 

My view as I drove away...

Field Trip to Jupiter 2-27-15

"Hey Audrey Belle....My name is Papa Joe!"

"I have heard about you...can I have your next corvette?"

"OK Pizza...just another mushroom right here and you will be done!"

"Mushrooms?...Not on mine, thank you very much!"

SMILE EVERYONE!

CHEESE PIZZA....MY FAVORITE!  Thank you Majo!

Look what I picked for you Mommy, while you were out to lunch!!!

Majo's rainbow cake needs to be savored!...and poked at...

MAJO...the baby whisperer!

....sweet family picture!

Ahhhh.....a little egg in the nest.....Precious!  Audrey Belle, you have a little piece of my heart...sleep on baby girl!

What's Important to me

What’s important to me

Rocking a baby is a small taste of heaven for me

A home cooked meal after saying grace

Going to church and singing with the saints

Raising children to love their Lord

Being a good wife by bringing coffee every morning

Counting my blessings...which have far exceeded their limit

Friends who hold a piece of my heart

Parents who are dear and sweet

A sister who loves hers

Sitting by the fire on a cold morning

An open bible

a grandchild’s open arms

Watching someone being baptized

Staying fit with a lot of sweat along the way

Bluebell ice cream

Sun on my face

a nice ironed shirt

Sinking a long putt

Chicken soup when my throat is sore

NO. 8 Grand child Has Arrived!!!

Introducing Audrey Belle Sherwood....Born January 15, 2016

Weighing in at a whopping 7 pounds 2 ounces

A beautiful little girl all in pink!

                                                        Philip is a proud dad

                                AND THEN THERE WERE 3!