Thanksgiving Leftovers & More ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================== "We are each of us angels with but one wing, and can only fly by embracing each other" -Luciano Decrescenzo _ _ *"_"* *"_"* /_ `\ _..._ _..._ /`_`\ |/ `-.| .' '. .' '. ( / \ ) \^_^/ / \ , / ')\^_^/( __> <_/ \ , \`--' .--. (_.> <._)` '-' `\ .---. '--`/ jgs '.__.' '._/ \_/ \ \.' '.__.' >Do You Want To Be A Shangrala Angel? Everyone nowadays is feeling the shrinking crunch of this financial crisis and ShangralaFamilyFun.com is no exception. Paul and I try to do it all, but it is a lot easier with a little help from our friends! If you'd like to help and be counted as a Shangrala Angel, please visit the site and click on the donate button. A Secure PAYPAL page comes up. Any amount is appreciated - even just 5 dollars! PLEASE Visit Shangrala to Help: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/index.html OR If you'd rather send us a donation, Please MAIL it here: Elrhea Bigham 502 S. Harrison Van Wert, OH 45891 *~* A Super Big THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU! ================ .-. .;;;;. ( ^_> <;<; \;>\ ! <;<; '-.>) \ <;<; <'=. | <;<; '- / <;,\.\--'` jgs `==`== *~* I Hope Every One Had A Blessed Thanksgivings! >-->Hot Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This one is soooo hot, it'll burn ya! Another one for the animal lovers in us and a bit on the light side too! . . :"-. .-"; |:`.`.__..__.'.';| || :-" "-; || :; :; / .==. .==. \ : _.--._ ; ; .--.' `--' `.--. : : __;` ':__ ; ; ' '-._:;_.-' ' : '. `--' .' ."-._ _.-". .' ""------"" `. Magic Cats http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/magic.html *~* Please Be Sure To Pass It On! Thanks! :) ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Tony In Australia :) ____ .----------' '-. / . ' . \\ / ' . /| / . \ / / ' . . . || | /.___________ ' / // |._ '------'| /| '.............______.-' / jgs |-. | / `"""""""""""""-.....-' >Having lunch with God. A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Biscuits and a six-pack of ginger beer and started his journey. When he had gone about three streets, he met an old man. He was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his Ginger beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry, so he offered him a biscuit. He gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a ginger beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word. As it grew dark, the boy realised how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He gave him his biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his Mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!" Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked, "Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate biscuits in the park with God." Before his son could respond, he added, "You know, He's much younger than I expected." Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. --- ...Awesome! Thank You Tony! It reminds me of this one when Jesus Christ said: Revelation 3:20-22 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Sweet! Notice it says - 'unto the churches'? - That's Us! :) I hope every one gave thanks well to God and will continue to not only on Thanksgiving but every day of the year. __ / .-/-. |'-'| | | | | .-""""-. \___/ /' . '. \ \|/\// (`-..:...-') |`""`| ;-......-; | | jgs '------' \____/ Remember too, you can ALWAYS invite your Lord to sup with you! ===================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Viv :) How could anyone of us complain about life, what we have and what we take for granted every single minute of our lives? A special prayer for this little boy I am positive you have already seen on t.v. I’ll be thinking of him over the holidays for sure. I cannot help but see his little face, extraordinary bravery and feel inspired to be a better person. Pass this along, please… .-. __| |__ [__ __] | | | | jgs | | '-' Brenden Foster http://www.komonews.com/news/local/34498624.html --- ...Thanks Viv! Unfortunately if you pray for this little guy ask God to put it in a cookie jar for him for when Christ returns. He is sleeping now and waiting for our Lord to awake him as so many of God's children are doing. It is something I thought of for when I want to give blessings to the dead in Christ - I ask God to put their blessing in a cookie jar and save it for them for later when they are awake again. I saw this story in the news yesterday. His mom went to this huge warehouse where in this child's name were donated tons of food and she had a check to give to the food center too. The problem solvers donation. A great cause. ===================================================================== >-->From Our Friend PatH :) Pat sent us a forward of something I found truly amazing! It was so awesome that I had already done this one up. "I find it amazing that this photo, taken so many years ago, actually still exists! And now, someone has put it online for all of us to see. This INCREDIBLE picture was taken in 1918. It is 18,000 men preparing for war in a training camp at Camp Dodge, in Iowa. EIGHTEEN THOUSAND MEN!!!!! What a priceless gift from our grandfathers!" You can view this picture and others like it here... W [ ] E, U\ \ \\|/ |-( )- | V | L `. ___ | \/ / dsi WWI Human Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humanart.html --- ...Thank You For this great reminder PatH! ================================================================== >-->A Fun One from our friend Sandi :) \|/ @ @ +---------------- oO-(_)-Oo --------------------+ -D B Prell- kaleidiscope from jeremy http://www.zefrank.com/byokal/kal2.html --- Thank You Sandi! I've played with this before - it can be very addicting :) =================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Sophie :) To My Dear Family & Friends, .-. .;;;;. ( ^_> <;<; \;>\ ! <;<; '-.>) \ <;<; <'=. | <;<; '- / <;,\.\--'` jgs `==`== Have a great THANKSGIVING Love SOPHIE May Your ======== May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump. May your potatoes 'n gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize. May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs. MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING! Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below: http://www.mountainwings.com/past/8332.htm --- ...Aww, how sweet! Thank You and God Bless You too Sophie! ============================================================= >-->From Heartwarmers: .--. /} p \ /} `~)-) / /` } ( / / /`}.' } / / .-'""-. / ' }-'} / (.' \/ '.'}_.} | `} .}._} | .-=-'; } ' }_.} \ `.-=-;' } '.}.-} '. -=-' ;,}._.} `-,_ __.'` '-._} jgs `||| .=='=, MAY IT EVER BE SO by Nancy Julien Kopp The crisp, sunny days of October somehow slid into damp, gray ones during November in the Chicago area where I grew up. The sun played hide-and-seek in the late autumn and winter months, mostly hiding. Wind swept across Lake Michigan, bringing a chill that seeped through warm, woolen jackets and into our bones. Un-raked leaves swirled around our feet with each new gust of wind, and naked tree branches dipped and swayed like ballerinas announcing that winter would soon begin. We walked faster on our way to and from school and mom often commented that we had roses in our cheeks. We accepted the chill and gloom of November because it heralded Thanksgiving. At school, we spent that month learning about Pilgrims and Squanto, the Indian who helped the settlers through that first tortuous winter. Teachers planned bulletin board displays with a Thanksgiving theme. Everyone celebrated this non-religious holiday. Mom and my aunts prepared the dinner -- turkey roasted to a golden brown and stuffed with a moist dressing redolent with sage, that teased for hours with its pervading aroma. Aunt Adeline made a second stuffing adding sausage, a recipe from the French side of the family. We had creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy made from the turkey drippings, sweet potato casserole with a marshmallow topping, seasoned green beans, homemade yeast rolls, cranberry sauce, and the family favorite, seafoam salad, a mixture of lime Jello, cream cheese, mashed pears and whipped cream. Spicy pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream and apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream finished off our feast. Dad's two older sisters lived in the Chicago area, so we usually celebrated Thanksgiving with them, trading homes from year to year. The eight cousins, despite the wide range of ages, had a wonderful time together. After dinner, we got shooed outside to play. I suspect the adults sat around and drank more coffee, nibbled on the leftovers and did all they could to put off the dishwashing time. No dishwashers in those days, so all the women pitched in and cleared the table, washed and dried the dishes, often with towels made from flour sacks. When my female cousins and I got older, we were drafted into the kitchen with chattering women and clattering dishes. The men plunked themselves into chairs and listened to the radio, or watched the small screen black and white TV when we finally had one. After I married, I invited my parents and brothers to our home for Thanksgiving, even though I wondered if my mom would be hurt. She'd been the hostess ever since my aunts passed away. I needn't have worried, for her answer was, "Finally! I've been waiting to be invited out for Thanksgiving for years." Now, my children's families make the trip home for Thanksgiving every other year. We use a few shortcuts in cooking and we load the dishwasher instead of drying dishes, but the grandchildren revel in being with cousins just as I did. The faces around the table change, but the same warmth of a family gathering to give thanks remains. May it ever be so. -- Nancy Julien Kopp ______________________________________________ Nancy lives and writes in the Flint Hills area of Kansas. She has had stories in 8 Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Guideposts and other anthologies and many online sites. She is a mother, grandmother and former teacher who still enjoys teaching through the written word. ______________________________________________ .-. .;;;;. ( ^_> <;<; \;>\ ! <;<; '-.>) \ <;<; <'=. | <;<; '- / <;,\.\--'` jgs `==`== THANKSGIVING CHECKLIST by Jackie Gregg Bought the turkey, got it thawing Found the roaster after hours of pawing Through the cupboards looking for All the dishes from the year before. Great big platters and serving bowls Gravy boats and that thing with holes That holds the deviled eggs quite still So they don't take a violent spill. Toasted loaves and loaves of bread. Diced the onions, oh how I dread Those pungent things that make me cry But the stuffing without them, would be a lie. Celery and sage just isn't enough, Not when there's a twenty-pound bird to stuff. On to the baked goods. What have we got? Two pumpkin pies, that's not a lot. Considering the kid that's gonna eat 'em. They're his favorite, though he don't need 'em. That never stopped him ever before. Maybe I'd better make one more. How about a pecan pie this time? An apple crisp would be divine. I'll make some Jello, orange and blue, With fruit for me and plain for you. The linen's been ironed, the crystal's washed clear, The plates and the cups will all match this year. There's plenty of forks and knives and spoons And other utensils to be used at noon. Or one, or two, or even three. The time doesn't matter, at least not to me. As long as we're together and having some fun, Who cares if and when the turkey gets done? The dips and the dunks have all been prepared. The veggies all cleaned, not a carrot was spared. There's chunks of sausage and chunks of cheese And cute little crackers as crisp as you please. No one will go hungry at our house that day. If they do it's their own fault. What more can I say? Except for to wish that love, hope, and peace Will live in your heart and never will cease. It's not what you eat. It's not even if you pray. It's all about the love On Giving Thanks Day. -- Jackie Gregg ______________________________________________ Jackie says, "I live in northern rural Michigan and keep busy taking care of many animals and one husband. Any leftover time is devoted to gardening, writing and waiting for grandchildren." ======================================================================== >-->From Christian Coalition of America .--. {\ / q {\ { `\ \ (-(~` { '.{`\ \ \ ) {'-{ ' \ .-""'-. \ \ {._{'.' \/ '.) \ {_.{. {` | {._{ ' { ;'-=-. | {-.{.' { ';-=-.` / {._.{.; '-=- .' {_.-' `'.__ _,-' jgs |||` .='==, Happy Thanksgiving The Christian Coalition of America sends greetings with the hope that your Thanksgiving celebration will be a joyful experience. In keeping with the spirit of the first Thanksgiving, Americans must hold sacred the memory of Pilgrim Fathers who with their wives and families faced persecution, starvation, a fierce wilderess and death in their desperate effort to lay a Christian foundation for the Republic of the United States of America. The Pilgrims gave us Thanksgiving and much more- the Principle of Religious Freedom, Individual Freedom, the Civil Marriage Service, the Secret Ballot, Outright Ownership of Land, a Classless Society, a Government by Free Association of the Governed, the Town Meeting and a Democracy in Religion. May God richly bless you and your family this wonderful holiday. We are so blessed to live in a country with so many freedoms. Enjoy the meaning of Thanksgiving as we celebrate our glorious history. Sincerely, Roberta Combs Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” ======================================================================== {) /|\ / || _/ / \ _\ /_ a o >The Rock Story Editor: by Bobbi Joyce Schowalter Oklahoma, USA --+-- This Story Originally Ran as #624: 15 July 2005 --+-- As a cashier for a large discount firm, and one of my duties is to take care of the "self check-out" registers. There is *one* cashier for *four* registers, which can be very stressful. The registers are fairly easy to use, but the customer must follow written instructions. Or, spoken instructions begin if the sequence of events isn't properly followed. Often, they aren't followed, and the customer becomes angry -- with me! One evening in spring 2005 was particularly trying, many customers each purchasing many items through these lines. I found myself having to force my smile, and my hands were clenched into fists in my vest pockets. As I dashed from one "crisis" to another, my feet hurt and my head began to ache. All I could see was how stupid my customers were. Why couldn't they simply follow the directions?? "Scan the item and place it in the bag." How tough is that? I was ready to scream! Suddenly, a small hand tugged at my vest. I looked down, my smile still forced, and was greeted with a genuine smile from a little boy, maybe four or five years old. Unlike many of children who pass through my lines, this child had stayed close to his father and older brother, and wasn't "getting into" things. He held out his hand and said, "This is for you!" and gave me... a rock. Nothing special, just a piece of gravel, slightly smaller than a golf ball, gray and a little dusty, and very warm from being clutched in this small child's fingers. I gave him a real smile in return. I thanked him, and he went back to his father. When his father was putting the last bag in his basket, and the boy was busy with his older brother, I asked him if the rock was special and if it needed to be returned. He shook his head and smiled. "It's just a rock from our driveway. We've got a million of them." The family finished their transaction and left. As I held that rock in my hand, I began to relax, and was able to look at my customers in more charitable light. My smile was real, and my tired feet didn't hurt as much. I finished the long shift in a much better mood than I had started it. I keep that rock in my vest pocket. Any time I feel frustrated, I still clench my fists and put them in my pockets. Where I encounter: The Rock. It always makes me smile, and I can go on much more easily. I'm sure the boy and his family have been in many times since then, but I would never be able to recognize them. There are simply too many faces going through my line every day. But I will remember that little boy and his act of kindness much longer than I have that rock in my pocket. =======HeroicStories======= >-->From InspiredBufflao: A French Connection By KENNETH C. DAVIS http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/opinion/26davis.html?th&emc=th -<>- .-. .;;;;. ( ^_> <;<; \;>\ ! <;<; '-.>) \ <;<; <'=. | <;<; '- / <;,\.\--'` jgs `==`== ~ A Psalm of Thanksgiving ~ Lord, I will sing unto thee a song of thanksgiving, Praising you all the day long. Your mercy is great, your love never ending. O Lord, how I thank thee. I thank thee for your lovingkindness. For your grace and forgiveness, I am truly in awe. Your love I will cherish, from everlasting To everlasting. O Lord, how I thank thee. Lord, I thank thee with my whole heart and soul. You are the lamp that lights my way. There is no other love as pure as yours. O Lord, how I thank thee. I will sing your praises to the mountain tops. Your blessings outnumber the stars in the sky. Your love and compassion outshine the Morning sun. O Lord, how I thank thee. © 2007 by Vickie Lambdin Poetry by Vickie Lambdin Treasured Thoughts This psalm may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, For non-profit ministering purposes. -<>- .-. .;;;;. ( ^_> <;<; \;>\ ! <;<; '-.>) \ <;<; <'=. | <;<; '- / <;,\.\--'` jgs `==`== Thanksgiving: A Story of Persistence This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I d forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.-- Philippians 3:12-14 Here is a part of the Thanksgiving story you may not know. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in October of 1621. Not until October of 1777 did all 13 colonies celebrate Thanksgiving altogether, for the first time. At one point, our first president, George Washington, proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving, but conflict and difficulties among the colonies put an end to the observance. It was a magazine editor by the name of Sarah Josepha Hale whose work led to the celebration of the Thanksgiving known today. Hale wrote letters to governors and presidents, as well as editorials in magazines, books and newspapers, promoting the observance of Thanksgiving. In 1863, after 40 years of letter writing and campaigning (that's not a typo, she really wrote letters for 40 years), Sarah Hale's persistence paid off and President Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Since then, every president has supported Thanksgiving. Forty years of dedication, persistence and passion, all to make sure that this country would celebrate a National Day of Thanksgiving each year. Impressive. We can learn from Hale's perseverance. It took her 40 years to accomplish what she set out to do. Just like her story, the Christian faith is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. Each day of our life is another day to choose between right and wrong, to help someone in need, to read our Bible, to pray, to...you fill in the blank. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12-14, Christians are called to persevere, to press on. Sometimes it can feel like an unrewarding task. It is hard, but important, to look to God for the BIGGER plan. What if Hale had chosen to give up after one year or ten years? Her goal would have been left unfinished. Press on towards the call of Christ! Endure! But be forewarned, just like Sara Josepha Hale, it may take 40 years to see the fruit of your labor! GOING DEEPER: What are some areas in your life that require perseverance? Why is it important we don't base our faith on feelings? How can you work to get through those days you don't feel like reading your Bible, or praying, etc.? FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy 29:2-6; Matthew 4:1-11; James 1:2-8; 2 Peter 1:3-11 -<>- ___ _[___]_ _ ( " ) [_] '--(`~:~`)--|' / `-:-' \ | __.--\ : /--. .'` jgs '-----' '-.._ >SHOVELING SNOW By: Joseph J. Mazzella I woke up the other day to find that 10 inches of freshly fallen snow was waiting for me outside my door. The flakes were still falling heavily too. I didn’t want my little dogs drowning in it, so I reluctantly pulled on my heavy coat and grabbed the snow shovel to make a path. I had only gotten a bit done, however, when the handle of my old snow shovel broke with a "snap." Laughing and shaking my head I decided then and there to wait out the storm for awhile. It was late in the afternoon when the snow finally stopped and I trudged over to my Dad’s house to borrow his shovel and try again. By then the 10 inches of snow had turned into a foot and a half. I started out slow setting a steady pace and stopping to rest whenever my back started to ache. After a while, though, the clouds finally broke and the sun peeked out to cheer me on. The work seemed a lot easier then even though it was warmer. I even sang a few Christmas carols and smiled up at God while I cleared out the drives, cleaned off the cars, and shoveled out the paths. After an hour of hard work the job was finally done. Laughing, I let the child that still lives inside of me fall back into the snow and make a snow angel for the angels in Heaven to see. It felt good walking back to my house after a job well done. It felt even better looking around at this wonderful world of white. But it felt best of all knowing that God and His angels were watching over me with a love that passes all understanding. I don’t know why life sometimes gives us Spring days and sometimes dumps a ton of snow on us. I do know, however, that we can pray, laugh, love, and choose joy through it all. God loves us always. He comforts our souls and warms our hearts on the coldest Winter days. He laughs with us when our snow shovels break and smiles down on us when we make a snow angel. He is with us forever and that is the greatest Christmas present of all. Links for Your Enjoyment x352 http://www.buffaloschips.com/72212.htm Yeah Right http://www.buffaloschips.com/72213.htm Your Side Of The family http://www.buffaloschips.com/72214.htm Lake Delton Break To WI River http://www.buffaloschips.com/72215.htm Baby Panda Sneeze http://www.buffaloschips.com/72216.htm Baby Dog Duet http://www.buffaloschips.com/72217.htm Bad Ass Police Dog http://www.buffaloschips.com/72218.htm Bad Ass Texas Rabbit http://www.buffaloschips.com/72219.htm Balloon Dog http://www.buffaloschips.com/72220.htm Baptizing Kid http://www.buffaloschips.com/72221.htm Subscribe send a blank email to: the-inspired-buffalo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com =============================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: .-"''-. _ .' `( \ @/ ') ,--,__,-" / / \ / / _/ __| , |/ / .~ `\ / \ , | / .~ `\ ` / _/ _/ .~ `\ ~~`__/ / ~ `--'/ / / / / /' /jgs >I SAW GOD TODAY by Kathy Whirity This celebration has been nine months in the making. It all began on a long ago night in November when our Katie confirmed that the double lines on a pregnancy test were proof positive that she was expecting. My first reaction was to jump up and down and shout with joy for this news meant that I would be a grandma. Then the reality hit -- first we had to endure the 9 month waiting game. As each month went by and our daughter's belly grew, so did our excitement. The fun of shopping for baby clothes and planning the shower took up some of the time. Then, when her due date came and went, I found myself asking hopefully if every ache and pain was a contraction. Big mistake! They say a watched pot never boils. We found out that the same is true when you're waiting for an overdue pregnant woman to "pop." The soon to be grandpa and I decided to get our minds off of the impending birth and take a trip to the zoo the next day. And then, in the wee hours of that next morning, the phone rang. It was Katie. She told her dad she couldn't sleep. Then she asked to talk to me. I was careful not to mention the dreaded C word, as in contraction. She casually asked me what I'd be doing for the next 12 hours. I told her I didn't know and then I asked her what she would be doing. I got the answer I had been waiting for when she announced that she had been admitted to the hospital. This was it! I quickly showered and jumped into the clothes I had picked out to wear weeks ago - -a soft pink shirt and comfortable pants. Soon we'd be meeting the sweet little baby girl who has become so much a part of our hopes and dreams. Avery Lauren Wiselogel made her grand entrance into our world on a bright sunny afternoon, 4 days after her due date. She weighed in at a hefty 9 lbs, 1oz. Emotions ran high in that hospital room that afternoon as weeping for joy became a family affair. Words cannot begin to describe the feeling of holding the tiny hand of your granddaughter only minutes old. Or seeing the brand new daddy, the man who loves your daughter with all his heart, cradle his infant baby while sharing the precious moment with his beaming wife. A fitting song kept playing through my mind -- a song that Bill and I have been listening to for months. "I Saw God Today" is a country tune crooned by George Strait. It tells the sentimental tale of a father witnessing the birth of his baby girl. It gets me every time, never failing to bring tears to my eyes. That day in the hospital as I witnessed my first grandchild being born I can't help but remember the sounds of her very first cries that blended with the happy sobs of the new mommy -- my own baby -- and I knew that I would keep that memory in my heart forever. Even as I write this, the tears still fall so easily, especially as the last line of George Strait's song continues to touch my soul. "My brand new baby girl, she's a miracle. I saw God today..." I am now the mother of a mother and I hear that nothing in life is as special or fulfilling. As Katie cradles her in her arms I see Avery attempt to focus as she looks right into her mommy's eyes. I am so proud and elated to see my daughter in this new role. I can't help but notice that Avery cuddles up in the crook of her mother's neck the same way Katie use to cuddle in mine. Safe and secure, no worries or fears. What a blessing we can raise our own little ones and then, when they are grown with babies of their own, we have the opportunity to cherish those days as we experience them once again, this time in a grand way. Thank you God for the awesome gift of grandchildren. Thank you for this second chance to welcome another generation where new life is born to our family -- re-birthing all of us to the miracle of your love. -- Kathy Whirity ____________________________________________ Kathy is a syndicated newspaper columnist who shares her sentimental musings on family life. She and her husband, Bill, are overjoyed to welcome grand daughter Avery into their family. You can visit her website at: http://www.kathywhirity.com ____________________________________________ _ .-' '-. / \ |,-,-,-,-,| ___ | _)_(_ | (/ \) | _\_/_ /) / \_/ \// |( )\/ ||)_( |/ \ n| | / \ | |_|___| \|/ jgs _/L\_ I AM FREE I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body -- the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging butt. And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror who looks like my mother, but I don't agonize over those things for long. I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon, before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4am and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60s and 70s. And if at the same time I wish to weep over a lost love, I will. I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed and so many have died before their hair could turn silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong. So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day if I feel like it. | ,' `. / \ /-,-,-,-,-\ | J .--. | / oo \/ SO THERE! / -- | < \ / [] `--' || /''\ ====================================================================== >-->Thanksgiving Links: >From The MouthPiece: Thanksgiving Dinner Bounce Catch the food with the tray and get it to the table. http://akidsheart.com/holidays/thanks/thbounce.htm >From LynnLynn 's Links: Thanksgiving Story Page: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/alices.html Thanksgiving Gift Via Carol http://www.spiritisup.com/mythanksgivingiftforyouhw.html Thanksgiving with Malva http://www.silverandgoldandthee.com/Holiday2/TG.html ~~I Give Thanks~~Graphics by Ultimate Designs http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/IGiveThanks.htm ~~Give Thanks~~ Graphics by Moon and Back http://www.reflectionsofsouthbreeze.com/Pages/givethanks.htm Sprinkles Of Grace http://www.poetrybyken.us/TG1/Sprinkles%20Of%20Grace.html Trivia http://home.aristotle.net/Thanksgiving/trivia.asp Thanksgiving http://wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm Be Ye Thankful http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/beyethankful.html Judy w/ Thanksgiving History ~ Scott Weseman http://frommyheart2u.com/thanks/thankshistory Judy w/ Thanksgiving Memories ~ Clatia Doran http://frommyheart2u.com/thanks/thanksmemories Judy w/ Thanksgiving Prayer ~ Judy N Marquart http://frommyheart2u.com/thanks/thanksprayer Thanksgiving Desserts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/easy.html Thanksgiving http://members.tripod.com/~MarneysPlace/thanksgiving1.html Thanksgiving http://www.elite.net/~kilerat/swfsjust4u/thanksgiving/TG.html Safe Thanksgiving for Cats http://cats.about.com/od/seasonalsafety/tp/Thanksgiving.htm Thanksgiving Dinner For Your dog http://www.thepoop.com/thanksgiving.asp Movie Chips x352 http://www.buffaloschips.com/72212.htm Yeah Right http://www.buffaloschips.com/72213.htm Your Side Of The family http://www.buffaloschips.com/72214.htm Lake Delton Break To WI River http://www.buffaloschips.com/72215.htm Passport http://www.buffalosjokes.com/22218.htm Here! Get Me Out http://www.buffalosjokes.com/22217.htm Here! Transparent http://www.buffalosjokes.com/22216.htm Here! =================================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jo Ann :) .-"""-. , (_ _ \ /| ____ _ )= `) ) ,"";, |(| ()___>===(()====( ( (//``;\\ (| ||~\__ `) ( ) ;|| || `==\--`.-; ;|| \\ / |`-._, ;\\ , `---;` / `._`\\ ,/| >~~~~`._ `"` |(| / ' `""---.....___ (| | '. ' _ . ``\ \ '-. '- . _ / \ '. - ._`\ '. '. '-.. _/ jgs '._ - ._ _/ `-..__ .-'` `"'""` I'm sending you loving Angel wishes, for beautiful blessings to come your way. And for you to have peace and tranquility, as you travel through your life each day. May all of your days be filled with love; your nights be filled with wonderful dreams. And may hope and faith be your strength, no matter how impossible something seems. I wish for you happiness and laughter, and for good health to always be with you. May you find your wealth in the gifts of love, yet, enough money to see your way through. These Angel wishes I am sending to you, are because you are so very special to me. They come to you filled with God's love, for your life to be everything you wish it to be. --- ...Awww, how adorable! Thank You Jo Ann And May God Bless You AND EVERY ONE ON THIS LIST Through Christ Jesus Our Lord, Amen! >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah :) Shangy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -->Bigham's Computer Rescue - PC Sales & SService You can trust us to provide you with quality computer sales and repair. We've been servicing the Van Wert area since 1981 and can help you with all your computer needs. Please phone us at 419-238-5806 ************************************************************************ -->This is for all you who love food and DDARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do :) Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe ************************************************************************ >TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit Here This Weeks regular Shangy emails OR For the Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ************************************************************************