Twelve Months of 2018

I'm literally pooped out tonight as I had my first-ever colonoscopy this morning, so I won't make it to midnight. Like the cartoon says, I'm gonna call it a year.

But first a Twelve Months of 2018 song (well, list) akin to the Twelve Days of Christmas...

12 months of clicking (photos)

11 rounds of golf league

10 weeks with Carter (this summer, which breaks up the pattern of the song)

9 months of choir

8 months on council

7 sassy siblings

6 weeks in das boot

5 days in Seattle

4 friendly kayakers

3 movie dates

2 weeks in Sweden

and a New Year's Eve colon-ahhh-scop-peeee!

Side note: In a nutshell, the colonoscopy sucked. Apparently, my usual healthy low blood pressure really dipped during the procedure so they couldn't give me enough meds to knock me out. So 20 years later, my lamaze breathing came in handy getting through the, uh, great discomfort. Way to finish 2018 as a warrior, right! And not starting off a new year full of B.S. for a change! :)

Merry Christmas... Again

When you're not sure which part of the day was, uhm, crappier – the Vikings' lame attempt at playing football or my colonoscopy prep – then it's time to change the subject! Let's got back to Christmas with my column for today's church bulletin...

Merry Christmas… again

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the week after Christmas often feels like a let down. Sure the shopping, baking, and hosting were stressful, but there was a purpose to the whirlwind. A build-up to the big day. The main event.

Now… what?

We’ve come out of our food coma and life is just… normal. Weirdly calm. And ironically, that’s a bit unsettling.

Well, don’t tell your kids, but it’s still Christmas. Take a look a the “church calendar” if you doubt me. It is the First Sunday of Christmas! Joy to the world!

We should still be rejoicing about the birth of our savior – the same as we would if a loved one had a baby this past week. We wouldn’t say “move onto other things” because the pregnancy is over. We’d celebrate the new life. The new beginning. And all that is come.

That’s why I find it fitting that the new year – and traditionally, resolutions – follow Christmas. A time of reflection and, where warranted, a fresh start. Right? But let’s not just think of New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, save money, exercise more, and get organized. Let’s examine the “health” of our faith, too. Can we – should we – resolve to improve it?

In the spirit of Christmas today, let’s rejoice that Jesus is in our life and, in the spirit of New Year’s this week, resolve how we’ll be sure to keep Him there for the next 12 months.

I pray that in the in the new year we all may know God’s presence, see His love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever – the coming of His son.

Merry Christmas! Today and every day!

Snow Flake Because Sloth Face is Hard to Say

I wasn't quite in hibernation today but close to a sloth-like status. So much so, I really can't recall what I did beyond sleeping in, watching Hallmark, playing cards with hubby and going out to eat.

I know I went for a 2-mile walk because I attempted to capture a photo of a snowflake (above) but it was just chilly enough I don't think I held my phone still enough. Take my word for it, there were some flake-like images on the route.

It really was a treat to go out to Hilltop Pub in Stevens Point this evening with our neighbors Mike and Cindy and my nephew Tony. Good food. Great company. Since both Tony and Cindy recommended a Christmas movie on Netflix that was my first order of business getting home.

So no spoilers but if you have Netflix, watch The Christmas Chronicles while it's still available. I think I have my old Disney crush on Kurt Russell all over again! Oh, and good story, of course.

I definitely need to stay on the Nice List next year!

TGIFF (Thank God It's Festive Finale)

Tonight was a our fourth and final Christmas celebration. We had postponed the gathering with in-laws because boy No. 1 wasn't going to be in town until today. So you know what that means...

One more celebration means one more trifle! (Good thing I took today off.) This was a chocolate-candy cane concoction with layers of: chocolate cake, cheesecake pudding (with peppermint flavoring and red food coloring), crushed peppermint bark, and whipped cream. Yes, yum. But I am almost tired of eating rich foods.

Yes, I wrote that. Not a typo. Not a ghost writer filling in for Robyn.

Had a very nice get-together at Jim's sister Sherry's house. Their parents were there and all of our kids: Colin and wife Amy, Casey and girlfriend Emily, Clayton and girlfriend Becca, and Carter.

Took our annual cousins picture that we've done each Christmas since the boys were little. I think they're all done growing now so it will be a tie between Carter and cousin Colin when it comes to height. They're all tied for being the most adorable, of course!

After dinner, trifle and treats, we came back to our house so Casey and Emily could open their gifts. Their dog Rei (or Rae if spelled like my middle name) stayed kenneled in Carter's room while we were gone to Sherry's then we got to play with her for a bit.

She's a sweet grand-baby and very well-behaved. Especially since Sylvester was locked in our bedroom, sleeping and oblivious to the fact we were lovin' on a dog!

Since the "kids" just got an apartment, their gifts were more practical than fun this year.

But hey, they got what they wanted and needed. They had one more Christmas to do so had to hit the road around 8:30 p.m.

After they left, we played a game of 3 to 13. Just had to note that Carter finally won a game – one week and several games into his Christmas vacation. Well, yes, I came in last place tonight but I'm not bitter. Too much. It was just nice to hang out and wrap up our family festivities with some fun.

Tomorrow's festive forecast calls for relaxing with a chance of DVR'd Hallmark movies. Good day to stay inside!

The Castle on the Hill

It's starting to sink in that our baby will be flying the coop next week. A long, long flight over a big, big pond. Nine days for those of you keeping score at home.

Yup in nine days, he'll be saying nein. As in "No, I'm not staying home, Mom."

Today I was thinking about the "to do" list and how we really better get one established and start checking off items sooner rather than later. The thought that we'll have all this time after Christmas isn't reality. We're basically talking a week here and there's holidays involved. Again.

So we should now hit the "things to do the week before you leave" list. Yikes.

And I know. I am not the one traveling. Jim is not the one traveling. But still, we are the double-checkers to be sure the traveler is dotting his i's and crossing his t's. And firmly nudging – not nagging by any means – the traveler to start the dotting and the crossing!

When I was looking up info today and saw this picture of the Heidelberg Castle (a huge tourism draw in the old city he'll be living in for 16 weeks), I was in awe. So amazed by what is there and thrilled by what he'll get to see and do.

Yes, this momma will miss her baby. But oh wow. Look at that castle on the hill. How can I not share in the excitement?

Just gotta get cruising on our list of lists so Prince Charming can be on his merry way. Thank goodness it's the start of another 5-day weekend in the Kingdom of Blue Jay Drive.

This Was Me...

What confusion when my Wednesday is my Monday and my Thursday will be my Friday. That's what a two-day work week gets you. So, yep, this was me today...

 And understandably so, this was also me today...

It was actually good to get back to work today so I wasn't eating 24/7!

This was also me today...

Felt like Wendy from Bob the Builder. Can we build it? Yes, we can! Got the privilege of a tour of our new office building nearly completion. Pretty impressive. Not as impressive as my hard hat hair and cool specs. But cool, nonetheless. Love my job and all the different things I get to do in a day!

And finally, this was also me today...

Oh yes! My friend Cindy and I released our inner child with a spoonful of sugar and a bucket of popcorn! Loved the sequel to the original Mary Poppins. The new Mary Poppins Returns was very well cast with all new but wonderful songs. Very entertaining and once again, a good story!

Fun to have a typical "manic Monday" with multiple personalities! TGIF tomorrow!

All is Calm

Merry Christmas from our high calorie camp to yours! Yes, all is calm here... now that we're all in a food coma from overeating since, well, Thanksgiving.

The photo above is just me playing around Photoshop. This one is our actual card that we sent out in the mail and now virtually to you:

We had five of us celebrating together Christmas morning, hubby and I along with Clayton, Becca and Carter. We did a brunch and opened our presents from Santa and Santa's helpers. A few highlights...

Carter and one of his Logic shirts.

Vikings bring out Clay's dimples!

New sweatshirt to match Becca's hair!

Go Warhawks. Even a new Whitewater golf shirt doesn't mean I want my picture taken!

A new dress for me? Total surprise. Hubby has great taste, though. It's really pretty!

Since Becca had to work, they left in the early afternoon. I managed to get out for a short walk and then we had company for the rest of the day: our friends Mike and Christine, nephew Tony and neighbors Mike and Cindy. Then Carter's friend Tony. I know, two Mikes, two Tonys. No typo.

It was my nephew Tony's birthday today. No red and green for this Christmas baby. He's all about the peanut butter and chocolate.

So the Tony Trifle includes layers of: crumbled chocolate cake, peanut butter cheesecake pudding (that's cheesecake pudding with a tablespoon of PB2 mixed in), and crushed Nutter Butter cookies. I used mini peanut butter cups to spell out the 30. Yes, it did taste as good as it looks.

Can you see our coma symptoms now?

Played some cards tonight but that didn't burn calories or add any room to the food chamber. I probably won't even need to eat tomorrow. Of course, that hasn't stopped me before.

Hoping your hearts are as full as your tummies this holiday. Feeling very blessed here on Blue Jay Drive.

Merry Christmas!

The Stockings Were Hung

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through our house... every creature was stirring – including me on my computer mouse.

I suppose if I want everyone in bed when Santa comes, I should set an example and go to bed myself! Not like it was such a busy evening I had to stay up late.

It was a different sort of Christmas Eve schedule compared to the last, oh, 15 or so. Usually it's early church for Carter and me (1 p.m.), then dinner at the in-laws at 4 p.m. and the evening there. This year is worked better for some of the grandchildren (two of four) to do it Friday night instead. So it was our first quiet Christmas Eve with just the three of us.

Carter and I went to church at 1 p.m. since choir sang then. We stopped for our usual eggnog shake afterward but McD's had just closed and they didn't have them at Culver's. So Arby's saved the day with a Andes Mint Shake thing. That'll work. Jim went to church at 6 p.m. and we had pizza for supper after.

Pretty low key. Played some cards today, too, and of course I squeezed in a Hallmark movie or two. We did let Carter open two presents.

Surprised him with a wicked cool Celtics sweatshirt – if I do say so myself.

And he opened the personalized ornament I got for him down at the Fireside Theater when I went to see the Elf musical.

The rest of the gifts – for those of us on the Nice List – will have to wait until morning when some more stockings are filled. For now, I better put out a plate of cookies for Santa and a glass (or bottle) of Michelob Ultra. Apparently that's what he prefers.

Who am I to question him? I want to stay on the Nice List!

If You Can Read This...

If you can read this... I'm watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

Santa's helper (aka my nephew Tony) was able to deliver a Christmas present to his mother today so finally I can wear mine, too!

Yes, Raylene and I are twins in more ways than one. We both love our Hallmark movies. And since the men in my house are rolling their eyes too much to take a photo of me and my socks, you get to see her in hers.

I hope she took time to actually relax and watch one today. I know I did. Times 3.

Feel free to be impressed. I went to 8 a.m. church and even though that required napping during the first half of football, I didn't miss anything because the Vikings weren't on. I was just watching highlights.

Before football, I did take a walk to gather pine boughs. No shortage of pine trees on our lot. So I could decorate, well deck the ... deck! Fa-la-la.

After football, I took a second walk to wake up – and gather some pine cones. I knew it was missing something. Now it looks sufficiently decked. Like the halls.

I fit in a bit of shopping, too, and taking Carter to Verizon to get a new phone. That was our quality time. Ha. Now he has a friend over and that gave me full permission to watch another Hallmark movie – with or without my special socks.

I imagine I should actually should check to see if Santa needs any more help from his elves on Blue Jay Drive. The movies can wait. You can't DVR Christmas.

Last-Minute Madness

Since the days are getting longer, I figured I had plenty of time today for some last-minute shopping. Technically not last minute since these particular gifts aren't "due" for several days. Still, everyone in a 5-mile radius seemed to be at Wal-Mart this afternoon. And I hate browsing in crowds. Puts the bah in my humbug!

I was a good consumer today and also supported small businesses: Ruby Reds cranberry shop, Cravings coffee shop, and the Feltz Dairy Store in Plover, where they sell King Cone ice cream year-round. Yes, you read that correctly!

And the proof. Eggnog ice cream. What a Christmas miracle looks like! So yummy.

Not surprising that I used up part of my "extra time" today taking a nap on the recliner. Must have been the sugar crash an hour after ice cream. But I was revved up in time for a movie date night.

Hubby and I went to The Mule, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. He's always so amazing. A very good movie and strange, too, when you realize it's based on a true story. So, you know, no spoilers but I was bawling at the end. That's three movie dates in the last two months and I'm 3 for 3 crying at the end.

Let's not even talk about the Hallmark movies. I'm not crying. You're crying.

I suppose since the day is longer I could sneak in one of those yet tonight. Or at least start one. Carter is off seeing friends so I have dibs on the Man Cave TV.

I'd hate to wait until the LAST MINUTE to watch Christmas movies!

Happy Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice! For being the shortest day of the year, we sure squeezed in a lot!

These are the treats I brought into work today – all stuff I whipped together. Shortbread cookies, pistachio-cranberry cookies, no-bake chocolate-peanut butter cookies, gingerbread wafers cookies dipped in vanilla almond bark, and mint wafer cookies dipped in chocolate almond bark. All yummy. I my opinion anyway.

We also had our last bit of Christmas fun for our marketing department. Today was the Jingle Bell Toss Tournament. Somewhat like beer pong but no beer involved and no ping-pong balls involved either. There is a long table, though.

Basically, you and your partner toss the jingle balls one at at time – either overhand or underhand – down to the other end of the table.

If you land one of the Christmas mugs, it is removed from the table. Once yours are gone, your team wins. Way harder than it sounds since you can't just bounce them in like ping-pong balls.

My partner Rick (another writer) and I actually made it to the semi-finals but lost in sudden death. Foiled by Frosty the snowman. Could not get a bell to land in that darn cup! Oh well. It was a lot of fun and now I have a new game for all ages to play.

Tonight after work, Carter had a friend over and we went out to eat with our neighbors Mike and Cindy. Had a nice evening out before we go our separate ways for our variety of family Christmas celebrations.

Hard to believe this is basically Christmas weekend. Glad the days are getting longer starting tomorrow. I may need some extra time to shop.

Christmas Card Cache

One of the side benefits of clearing out clutter is finding long-lost treasures. In order to completely get everything out of my parents' house – with Dad gone and Mom now downsized to an apartment – most of us kids took boxes of "stuff" to go through on our own time.

Well some of my sisters thankfully had the time. Or made the time. At our family Christmas last weekend I got a little pile of old photos – well 20 years old at least. And I can't stop smiling.

And wondering where the time went.

Here's Carter at 7 months old, posing in front of some wrapping paper as a background for a Christmas card. Fast forward 20 years and I used that same concept for our family photo booth last weekend! I just want to kiss those cheeks!

A year later and he is less baby and more young man. Fast forward 20 years and he still dresses up for fraternity functions.

And I'm the one sitting at the edge of my seat anxiously awaiting his arrival like Santa Claus.

Oh. Hubby just said, "Momma, he's home! He's home!"

Gotta go kiss some chubby cheeks!!!

Born to Rule Heart and Home

Christmas is just around the corner. And if you have a child or grandchild (or spouse) begging for a pet, think twice. Yes, I do want all the shelter animals to find homes, but be set for the commitment that goes with it.

When our whining kindergartner begged for a kitty from Santa, we caved. We're dog people but you want to keep the little guy happy. So I said sure, let's do it.

Growing up with barn cats nearby I saw a lot of them disappear or die (sometimes getting run over by Dad's semi). So it came as quite a shock when we adopted Sylvester (Santa let Carter name her) that cats can live like 18 years. Holy crap. That's longer than your children are home!

Of course I've gotten used to her and even love her. Even though she only has eyes for her human – who is not the boy who wanted her to begin with! She's somehow wormed her way into my heart when I wasn't looking. And through brown-nosing (you can tell it's so brown it's black) she's worked herself up the corporate ladder as Jim's VP of Sales.

True story. Every day is Take Your Cat to Work Day in Jim's office. And she really is seated at his right-hand. She must have been born to supervise because when she strictly enforces (read: demands) companywide afternoon naptime, none of the employees protest.

Seriously, though. Do consider bringing a rescue animal into your home and hearts – when the timing is right. Just know what you're getting into. And know – despite being a Princess Poops-A-Lot sometimes – your life won't be the same.

It'll be better.

The Greatest Show

It was fitting that I was listening to The Greatest Showman soundtrack on the way home from work tonight. As I was snapping this picture quick, the lyrics blaring from the speakers were "This is the greatest show!"

And I thought. It is! It really is the greatest show.

Nothing beats a beautiful sunrise or sunset. No two are the same and everyone has a slightly different view. God sure has nice handiwork. And here I was just happy the sun was shining today! The colorful commute this morning and tonight were bonuses.

This evening at our church council meeting we had a devotion and shared different ways we've seen God work in our lives in the past month. I should have just showed them this picture! There were some great examples of healing, good news, and answered prayers. For me, if I go to bed with my head on straight, that's a miracle in itself. And I do take time to thank God for that.

Tonight I'll thank Him for putting on the greatest show... again. And ask Him to do the same for you this week. Give yourself a timeout. Stop the baking, shopping, working, wrapping, stressing, and look around you. Where is He showing Himself?

Take a moment to enjoy the view. It's a gift to you. With truly the greatest show coming up on Christmas!

May the Festive Force Be With You

If you don't act jolly this time of year, you may find your way to the Dark Side. However, I can guarantee you won't look half as adorable as my great-nephew Hans. (Not to be confused with Han Solo.)

Although there was a Hans solo of Jingle Bells here. Is he not the cutest jingle bell-er?

Just thought if you were feeling the stress of the holidays – and realizing Christmas Eve is a week from today – that maybe you could use a smile today.

And, of course, I'm including some helpful hints for your next holiday potluck. If you are signed up to bring veggies, don't stress. Follow this creative example from my sister RoAnn...

Creative and tasty. Oh and that rare "healthy" adjective, too! See, not everything adorable at my family Christmas was wearing a Darth Vader sweater. But that's pretty hard to top, right?

So stop stressing and start smiling. Jingle those Bells. And remember: It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Even on the Dark Side. May the festive force be with you!

What Then Must We Do?

Even though I was traveling home from Up North today, I was at my church in spirit – with this week's column on the spirit of giving...

What then must we do?

The multitudes asked (John the Baptist), “What then must we do?” He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”

– Luke 3:10-11

Poor John the Baptist. His story falls right into that black hole between Thanksgiving and Christmas, where the turkey’s gone and all we can think about is preparing for Christmas – shopping, decorating, and more shopping. Oh, and maybe some thoughts about the birth of Jesus.

John was preparing for Christmas, too. But he didn’t need to find the greatest deal online or that perfectly shaped tree. He just needed open minds and hearts to believe in the coming of the Messiah. And, in case you didn’t notice in today’s Gospel reading, he also set the stage for charitable giving. “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.”

John calls us to examine our true needs and to share with those who have less. He wanted to prepare us for Christ and help us start thinking like Him.

But I’m not rich, you say. What can I possibly do?

Thanks for asking. Did you know how many opportunities there are at First English Lutheran? (Insert YOUR church or community, too!) In case you glossed over them in the bulletin, consider supporting:

THE CHARLIE BROWN TREE: Please help a few local teenage kids by picking a tag from the tree, buying and wrapping their gift, and bringing it back to the church prior to noon on December 20.

DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE NEEDY: Pick an envelope, take out the ornament/candle, put your name on it and hang on the tree by the church office, then put your donation in the envelope, put your name on the envelope and place in the box on the table. 

RING THOSE BELLS: Salvation Army bell ringers are needed. This is a great way for youth to get volunteer hours or for anyone to spend 2 hours with family or friends, spreading Christmas cheer.

When the multitudes ask “What then must we do?” there is no shortage of answers or opportunities. Open your hearts and minds – and even your wallets – to spread the message of love and hope for ALL this Christmas season.

A fitting way to prepare for our Savior’s birth.

Festive Family Fun

Our Hedberg family Christmas can probably be best described in a few photos.

Raylene and I held it at her church in Falun on Highway 70 between the towns of Siren and Grantsburg. Yes, way Up North.

As a co-host with my twin, I wanted to provide some entertainment so my "project" I was working on was a S-elf-ie Station of sorts. We had a hoot and even my mom got into the spirit.

This was our "serious" pose of us 8 kids. We tried. Really.

Then we tried to lighten it up. I think hubby had to click about a dozen frames to get one where we were all close to being in the "frame."

Yes. We do like to have fun.

We also had a great meal thanks to everyone pitching in. And we did our annual program where each of us "kids" and our families performed something to show off our talents (or talents we pretend to have). Then it was more visiting, eating, and game playing.

We had more than 30 of us but a handful were missing (including our own boys). Still, feel so blessed to have had the time with those who could make it.

Yes, family time is fun. But I'll never take it for granted. They're the best!

Can't Be Left Unsupervised

Sylvester had one job today: to keep me on task. No goofing around on the computer. No frivolous activities. Stay on task to get ready for Christmas Up North tomorrow and get whatever errands done that you can.

I didn't do too badly considering kitty is a terrible supervisor – constantly taking cat naps and leaving me to my own devices. Trust me. Even I know I can't be left unsupervised.

It's amazing that I did get everything done on my list of things for tomorrow. Plus, I got photos from hoops last night edited and uploaded. And even went to a wrestling match at Assumption tonight and got those photos taken care of.

Now I just have to turn on the crockpot so my cheesy potatoes can bake while I sleep. And we'll hit the road in 6 hours.

I hope my supervisor doesn't mind if I clock out before midnight!

BOGO Bus

We wouldn't normally drive two-plus hours from the southern end of our conference (Rapids) to the northern tip (Phillips) on a school night in winter, but we will if we're just along for the ride.

Hubby and I joined about 40 others on a fan bus road trip north this afternoon and evening. It was a "coach" bus so quite comfortable for seating and, later, sleeping. But most people signed up to go because it was a double-header and we could see both the boys and girls play for the price of one. Pretty good deal, if you ask me.

We arrived in Phillips at 5:36 p.m. and the boys tipped off at 5:45 p.m. Cutting it close but we didn't miss a thing. Our boys hung pretty close and made a run toward the end of the second half and cut the margin to 8 points with 6 minutes to go.

But then, one by one, four of our five starters fouled out. We ended up losing by 15 points, 62-47. Dang.

The Lady Royals tipped off around 7:30 p.m. At first I was worried about the late start and then I remembered, "Who cares? We don't have to drive home AND I have tomorrow off."

Girls were evenly matched for the first half, leading by a bucket at halftime. Gradually in the second half, we pulled away and had a comfortable lead. Enough to allow some of the JV players to play. Our Lady Royals were victorious, 78-52.

Always mixed emotions when one of our squads wins and the other doesn't. But mostly we were just proud they played with hustle and heart. And that so many of us got to cheer them on in person.

Got home just before the stroke of midnight so this old lady is really happy we had a BOGO (buy one boys ticket get one girls free) bus to ride. It's the way to go.

Resting Grinch Face

When I have a stressful day at work, there's one person who can really cheer me up. Me.

Seriously, I did have a bit of a busy day. But I had a fun (for me) evening running errands and doing all things related to a Hedberg Family Christmas – coming in 3 more sleeps. Since my twin and I are co-hosting Up North, I wanted to provide some fun.

Well, I was curious about one of my intended surprises (see photo above) and I opened the package to see all of the options. Ohmigosh. I just cracked myself up. Just laughed and laughed. And really, can't stop laughing.

OK. One more...

I can't take any credit for begin ho-ho-larious, but my Resting Grinch Face and Santa Face will be my go-to cheer-er upper pictures this holiday season! I can't look at them and be stressed. Can you?Maybe after Saturday, I'll share all 8 options. Just in case it hasn't been established that I am 100% dork.

If we're only at 98%, I've got work to do!

Have a wonderful day and night and tomorrow! There's always a reason to smile.