Christmas 2020

Talk about a crazy Christmas!  This one has to top the charts.  Dad has COVID, Mom, John, and I are in quarantine.  Families are told not to get together.  And 6-8 inches of snow.  But you know what, I enjoyed it.  No hustle and bustle.  No having to go out.  No noisy families grumping or complaining.  Just me, Bill, and Julianne.  We ate our Slovak / Polish Christmas Eve dinner after Bill and Juli came back from church at Visitation.  Which by the way wasn't standing room only.  I watched Flatirons on YouTube.  We video chatted with Jess and Keith, opened our gifts to each other, and played Christmas Scattergories.

On Christmas morning Juli opened her gifts.  I think she was pleased with them.  Bill and I watched The Nativity movie and made our dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, gravy and baked corn.  We took the dogs for a walk even though it was only 20 degrees outside.  I called mom to see how dad was doing the we facetimed Teen and Anthony for a little bit.

Father God, Thank you for coming to us a s a baby on that first Christmas.  Help us to realize the true gift that You gave us.  Bless my family and friends with heath and safety in the New Year and beyond.  In Jesus holy name, Amen.

Colorado 2020

Finally, I was able to give Justine and Anthony big hugs after not being with them for over a year.  Even though many people thought we were selfish or crazy because of the Coronavirus pandemic, we flew to Denver and spent 5 days with our kids.  Yes we had to get tested when we returned but it was worth it.

When we landed we were met with show.  Seems to be a habit.  We checked into our hotel and drove over to Justine's house with a bucket of KFC.  Anthony ordered pizza and we played 500 until late.

 

The next day we drove 4 hours to get to the Great Sand Dunes National Park.  It was worth the ride.  We walked in snow covered sand almost to the top.  On our way back we found a Food Truck that served delicious grilled cheese sandwiches.  Back at their house we drank beer,

 played Trash and 500 again.

After eating our Thanksgiving feast we took a walk around the neighbor hood.  We watch Christmas Vacation on TV and was ready for a good night's sleep.

Friday.  What a fun day!  Anthony made us leftover turkey sliders the we walked to Long Table Brewery.  We made Ugly Sweater Rice Krispies Treats and asked my Facebook friends to vote for their favorite.   Juli won that contest.  We also played a board game, Trekking the National Parks.  It was complicated but fun.

On Saturday we had a Boozy Brunch.  Bill and Anthony went to the Denver Biscuit Co and brought home our food.  Yes, that is a Chicken Cordon Bleu Biscuit as big as my head!  We needed some exercise after that so we went to City Park and hit a big bucket of balls.  We walked around the park...watch out for the goose poop!   Then back to Teen house to teach the boys how to play our new game.  Bill was a fast learner and beat us all.  We also made scented candles.  Bill wanted no part of that.😖

Sunday, our last day.  After breakfast we watch football, talked and relaxed together.  Anthony made us a delicious Turkey Pot Pie Casserole then it was time to go to the airport.  We made alot of great memories and hopefully will be able to see them in sooner than a year next time.

  

Thank you God for protecting us and giving us the opportunity to be with our kids.  Guide and keep them safe as they live and work in Denver.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

 Printed in Mature Living 12/2020

The Accidental Athlete

Hi, it’s Joyce from the YMCA! 

I think a lot of people will be surprised to know that I am not who you think I am or who I thought I would be. 

Most people see me as that woman from the YMCA, strong, athletic, and healthy.  I have seen people hide from me at the grocery store because they have snacks and goodies in their cart.  I have friends that apologize when they talk to me because they haven’t exercised for a while.  I’ve even met folks who think I am a health nut!  Let me set you straight.

As a young girl I loved to read, play Barbies, dance, and draw.  My dreams were not to be a fast runner, high jumper, or even a ballerina.  My goal was to get married to my Prince Charming, have babies, and live happily ever after.  Most of that has happened...but not in the way I thought.  I have had to change my attitude and my habits. 

Prince Charming turned out to be an athlete; football, baseball, basketball, and yes even golf.  He loved to run, jump, but not dance!  So what is a good wife to do?  Yes, I started to run, attend aerobics classes, and lift weights.  Ugggg, I had to sweat and have sore muscles.  I became an “accidental athlete”.  The Prince and I signed up to run local 5K races like The Turkey Trot, the Woodruff, and the Scottdale YMCA.  I worked hard to get strong.  I learned how to teach those aerobics classes.  I even ran on the boardwalk while on vacation!  And do you know what happened, I began to love it.  Then my knees had other ideas, but that is a story for another day.

Now why am I telling you the story of my life?  Maybe you are like me, not exactly where you thought you would be.  Maybe you are an “accidental gardener” because your wife likes to make salsa.  Or an “accidental camper” because your husband likes to hike and fish.  How about an “Accidental Mr. Fix-it”  since you can’t afford to pay a plumber or carpenter every time something breaks.  What I’m getting at is that we all make choices in our lives to accommodate the ones we love. 

We were put on this earth to love and support each other.  As it says in the book of Mark, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and so the two shall become one flesh.”  I chose to develop new habits, trying new activities, making a life of friendship, love, and togetherness.

I see couples at the YMCA of Laurel Highlands everyday playing Pickleball, working out in the Fitness Center, or taking Group Exercise classes together and I have to wonder.  Is this how they planned their lives?  Or have they made sacrifices so that they could be together.  I know my prince has sacrificed many things for me so the least I can do is spend time doing what he likes to do with him.  Now if only I could teach that man how to dance!

Winter Snow Song - Audrey Assad with Chris Tomlin