December 30th, 2010

Hi again - just wanted to let you know that I am feeling much better than the last time I blogged. I am staying with my dad for a few days. He is such a joy and my heart breaks when he speaks about being a bother to everyone.

I was able to see and hold my dear grandson Joseph. He was one week old on Sunday. My heart lept. Sariah loves him.

He is just the sweetest little man. I love him already. He looks so much like his daddy, Robb. I brought my scrappin stuff but forgot my photopaper sooooooo I either have to beg a drive to pick some up or wait until I get home.

I'll take this time to wish all my family & friends a happee & joyous new year.

December 2010

Hi all. Merry Christmas and a Happee New Year.

At this time of the year, I reflect on Christmas's past, of times when the excitement of this season filled me. Christmas's when I was a child...we had no extra money but my Dad and Mom made Christmas's for us to remember. I believed in Santa Claus, but I was also taught that this was the time of year we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Christmas seasons came and went each bringing something different. I loved going home for Christmas. Being in the military, we didn't get home as much as would have liked but when we were able to come home I was so excited. My mom made Christmas. I loved spending this joyous season with my Mom and Dad. I will forever remember these, especially the large boxes of baked goods my mom found time to make for me and the big box of mittens that she knit for my kiddies. Dad just loved being with Mom.

Since my mom passed, the Christmas's that I knew were gone and new traditions had to be made. Dad has been so sad without Mom. My children had their own lives. It didn't matter how hard you tried, Christmas just wasn't Christmas. Each year it has gotten harder and harder to feel the joy in Christmas.

This year was no different. My heart and my head was filled with wishes. Wishes of Christmas's past. You know, the warm and cozy feeling of things that are so much part of this time of the year. I wanted to feel the the things I once felt. But this was not to be. With things that were happening to my sister, my dad not being very well & just the fact that we are not celebrating the family time until January when most can be home, my spirits were very low. I am so grateful for my children who tried their hardest to pick-up my spirits.

Thanks to Jackie for having us over for a wonderful Christmas eve and for all her work. I am grateful to have had David around this Christmas. He helped it to be happier here. I am glad that Jenn, Marc & Dustin were able to drop in for a visit. They spent the time with Marc's parents this year. I am grateful to be able to talk with Addie & Jay.

Don't get me wrong, we had some wonderful things happen during this month. One blessing being the birth of Joseph Selah MacGougan - a little brother to Sariah. What joy I feel. They were not able to be home for Christmas as the babe was born in Presque Isle, Maine. They came home late on Christmas day. I am excited to visit with them and hold my dearest new one and to feel the hugs from my dearest Sariah.

I am going to stay with my dad for a few days while Heather, my sister, is going to Florida. I love spending time with him. This year is almost over. My most heart felt prayer is that 2011 will bring peace to my heart and health to my spirit & body. There are many things, exciting things, that I want to do. I don't want to give in to this pain in my soul. I want to fight it. I want to be the kind of person and live the life that my Father in Heaven wants for me.

Thanks for listening. Thanks for being you. May this next year be the very best for all of us.

November 23, 2010

Would someone please turn down the time?? Why must it speed so? I remember wishing it away so many times - when I was in school or when I was waiting for Christmas holidays, any holidays actually. When I was getting ready to go visit Mom & Dad. When family was coming here to visit. Wishing it away, if only I knew. That infamous statement "IF ONLY I KNEW".

Just to bring you a little up-to-date on what has been going on here. Where do I start?

Aunt Heather is trying to get through this lousy challenge she has been given. Bob actually moved out on Friday and I was glad I could be there when she got home from work. This is a very personal look at the workings of Satan on a home. I only wish that she could have had a small glimpse into what was happening months ago instead of just a day or two before. I can't imagine happily married one day and not the next. I pray that she can get through this without it taking her "ALL". My heart is hurts for her. She could sure use some prayers on her behalf.

Update on Daddy (grampy) - When we were there last week-end Daddy was walking across the floor to hang-up the phone. He passed out and fell backwards. We called an ambulance and he went to the hospital. He is still there having tests done. He is in good spirits except his tailbone hurts and his neck is sore from the fall. What a wonderful man and a great trooper. How I love him. Please keep him in your prayers.

I was talking with Dustin last evening and I asked him what he wanted for Christmas. His answer was "not much". "Only an ipod ...". Jenn was laughing in the background. Her laugh was almost as loud as Trigger chewing on his noisy squeeze toy. I was listening to Jenn talking about her job. I was reminded of something my friend & co-worker Norah said to me yesterday morning. I was showing her something in our new financial software and she said "you don't have to yell at me". I looked at her and said I was. To that she said "YES you were". Jenn was speaking very passionately about her work and the more passionate she became the louder she was. I am very proud of you Jenn. Jenn was also sharing some little things Marc was doing this past week-end. I am so grateful he loves her and she loves him. He has been out in the area (military woods) for weeks and only home on week-ends. He has been there through all of the lousy cold rain we had been having and now the snow & below freezing weather. Marc, you have got my vote for one of our bravest. I would put my life in your hands any day.

Jackie is in Las Vegas with Laura for Laura's birthday. She flew to Calgary and then they flew to LV for a couple of days. They will go back to Calgary for a few days and then she will fly home. Hope you are having a great holiday JAM. Betcha Brent is doing 24 x 7 work & sports.

Robb & Aliss go to Maine tomorrow for another doctors appointment and for Thanksgiving. She is getting such a cute belly on her, very round and low. She is looking very good. Joseph should be born by the end of December. I saw Sariah on Sunday and she was sitting on my knee. She said "Nanny you have a big belly." I said yes I do Sariah. She said "are you having a baby brother?" Too cute. Robb is off for the winter or some of it. He hasn't quite decided what he will do. He was working with Heather's husband Bob.

Talked with Addie last evening. She sent me a package of Biotherm items. I just love them. She also send Dad down a cute t-shirt (can't remember the saying on the front). Didn't talk long as their supper was ready and mine was almost. They did get a tentative posting but I am not sharing it as they are trying to get it changed. I am sure we will all know when their stuff is in the moving van. That's what military life is all about.

It was snowing when we left to go home last evening. We were so grateful that David had the driveway shovelled. He and Dad went to the store and then made "me" supper. How great is that????? I just love him.

What a stinking long post!!! Sorry, but I couldn't control my fingers. Have a great day. Take the time to think positive thoughts.

Thanksgiving - over and out

Well, over again for another year. I loved being with my sweetie, my kids - Jenn, Jackie, Robb & David. Just wished Addie could have been here. (there Jenn & Jackie I said all of the names).

Waiting to each mac & cheese. What an awesome end to Thanksgiving. Not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, but at least I can say I like my job.

Next holiday - Remembrance Day. Not the same kind but certainly another one to be thankful for.

Hope your weekend was filling & happee.

Jacquelyn Annette MacGougan

I am being held hostage by the above mentioned daughter. She is forcing me to type this note. She is making me say that she is my "favorite" one and yes, she put those quotation marks in.

For anyone of my other children, who care that I am being forced against my will, please PLEASE leave a comment for your sister.

MUCH LOVE, (you know it is not me because I always say luv)

Mom

THANKSGIVING & MY DAD'S

Happee Thanksgiving to all my family & friends:

What an awesome place to be. I am here with my dad on Thanksgiving Day. We are watching diving on t.v. and in front of my eyes is a window looking out on the most awesome tree, full of colour. We overslept for church so Mike took his camera and went for a walk to take pictures.

I had a great day here yesterday with my dad and my sister. My dad is really quiet. It makes me very sad because I love him so very much and I want him to have a smile on his handsome face. It has been so long since my mom left to go to heaven but each day my heart is heavy even though I know where she is. My dad wants to be with her. I want to make a difference while I am here with him. I want him to know how very much I love him. I want to say and do something that will mae him smile and be happee.

Heather, my sis & I --- well I, with Top watching, prepared my stuffing for the turkey. We laughed. I think I am preparing my mom's recipe and she thinks she knows how. I am doing it because I have my chillin coming to visit today and stuffing is their favorite part of the meal. I put less potatoes and more bread, hence bread stuffing...Top puts more potatoes and less bread, hence potatoes & a little bread. Her gorgeous face contorted in the most amazing way as I added more and more bread. To put another element in the mix was my dear brother-in-law, Bob & Brian. They were getting ready to go out and they had their 2 cents worth to say about the stuffing. I hope it turns out "great" with my big build up. Heather is such a wonderful cookand I have just let her prepare for us when we come up because I have always felt like anything that I do, especially cooking, will not be up to her standards. When preparing the stuffing I felt a happiness that came from the times that I have made this for my family and the eagerness they showed in wanting to sample and then eat this. This memory warms my heart.

Top and I then watched a really cute movie until midnight and then went to bed.

I am soooooooooooo excited to have my family around me here today. It would be perfect if only my little Addie & Jay were here. I so hope they come next year. If only my dream of being here with dad and all of my sisters and their families would come true. I would love to spend a day (or many more) with Phyl, Wen & Top and our dad. Perhaps one day very soon.

I just want to leave with sharing my gratitude for all my Heavenly Father has seen fit to give to me. How blessed I am.

Have a wonderful HAPPEE Thanksgiving Day. Share your gratitude with every one you know. Take time to remember all that makes you happee.

HAPPEE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

My most favorite time of the year. Yippee - off to dad's we go. Turkey, stuffing, whipped potatoes, turnip, corn & carrots and of course gravy.

Sitting around laughing & talking. Sharing memories and things we are grateful for. That's my idea of a great weekend.

Hope all of you have a great one.

For my dear American family & friends, your Thanksgiving is coming very soon.

Talk later.