Love Like Vaseline

Well, this is stolen from one of my talented clients, Sonya Judd, who was wishing us a Happy New Year, but I thought it was so poignantly put that I could not resist sharing with you all. I only wish that they were my own words. Enjoy!

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address!

The Judd Family

A. Very. Merry. Christmas.

I just have not been in the blogging mood lately. Typically things happen through my day that I can't wait to blog about or when I am taking long walks or hot showers I am able to come up with these elaborate stories based of the simple moments of my life. But the last few days...nothing. And it's Christmas. I mean, I feel as if I should be able to talk about all the awesome food, the gifts and jolly-good times with friends and family but it all just seems like blah story-telling at the moment. But in fairness to my one loyal fan (you know who you are), I am committed to keeping up my blogging ritual.

Today was a very Merry Christmas for the Coker family. We all got more than we needed and Matt and I were able to surprise my mom with new pictures of her prized positions - us. They turned out really well, aside from the picture where my chest looks crumpled and well, gross for lack of a better word. Now I am forced to convince everyone that I have not been in a tanning bed since I was two years old. I do feel the need to tell my photographer about a little program called Photoshop. It might come in handy for moments like this.

We headed over to The Gale's house this afternoon to visit with them and the Herzog family. It was great seeing Peg and Gary. It is just so hard to believe that it will be a year in February since Nate has been gone. It's hard to think that this was the first year for the Herzog's to be without their son on Christmas. And what's worse, that it won't be the last. We all enjoyed each other and laughed a lot, however, I think sometimes the laughter feels more comfortable than the overwhelming sadness that lurks just beyond the surface. The kind of laughter that sounds loud and joyous but feels oh so slightly forced. I wanted to tell Peggy that I had been thinking of Nate a lot lately and that I hurt for them so much during this time but I was just afraid that my one comment might cause the floodgates to come down and ruin any chance of them having a "normal" Christmas. Yeah right, nothing about it is normal. And the fact that ours is normal just stings and causes me to carry this guilt that I know I don't have to carry. But even still, I deeply grieve their loss (and ours of course).

Granny spent yesterday evening with us and she was in rare form. I think that most of you know that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's this year and is losing more of her memory all of the time. But as her memory flees, her joy comes out to play (Psalm 30:5). She laughs and jokes and it is beyond precious to me. She enjoyed two glasses of Merlot last night and it was just enough to get her really tickled at just about everything. She loved celebrating Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day and she loved going home to her comfort zone at the end of the night. I soaked up her laughter and I hope that I can call on that for a long time to come when her days of laughter are also gone. She is such a strong woman who has endured so much loss in her life. I admire her strength and ability to carry on in spite of many sad circumstances along the way. She kept saying over and over last night that she never expected to get 80 years old and have such a good life. She also often talks about how she always wished to grow old with grace. I do so hope that she receives this prayer.

Being at my parent's this weekend has been hard when it comes to the TV factor. I am wanting to watch whatever is on. It does not matter what it is, The Dog Whisperer, the Presidential campaigns, even basketball. It matters not, I just want to be in front of it. Only ten more days to go. And I hope that I spend ten more days wisely, seeking God.

Enzo hates my parent's home. He escaped yesterday out the back door and I went running through our backyard barefoot and in my pajama's to try and avoid another MacArthur/Beltline incident. I think my screaming scared him enough to make him sprint to the front door in retreat. Another one of those moments that I wish I could see myself on video.

Well, that's all I got. Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOODNIGHT!

Coker Christmas

On Saturday night we celebrated Christmas at my parent's home. We had 41 people crammed into our tiny house that we L-O-V-E and it was such a blessing to look around the room and see all these people that are much more than friends to us, but are rather our family. We dined on Babe's Chicken and tons of other goodies (thank you Margie!). We can't wait to do it all again next year!

2007 Headcount:
David S., Sandi, Sam, Seth, Billy, Dale, Mary, Kelsie, David C., Lucy, Kari, Bay, Andrea, Calvin, Dee-Dee, Matt C., Brent, JT, Margie, Tom, Liz, Me, Larry Ray, Larry W., Pam, Aimee, Matt S., Landry, Sam, Heath, Ashley, Kensely, Jeff, Lisa, Trevor, Taylor, Sherrie Kay, Dennis, Ruth, Chris, Jerry

The Gang's Christmas Par-tay

Forgive me...I am a bit behind on blogging but last Friday we celebrated Christmas with the gang. Geof and Rachel were awesome hosts and we chowed down on Mexican fare amidst a room full of tacky Christmas sweaters. Olga and Greta made an appearance and they were just so cute.

I

First Time

I have been anxious to get on myspace and facebook. But I have resisted thus far.

Yarn and The Weepies

Ever since my recent aspiration to put away the TV from my eyes for the next 40-days, I have begun to look for new ways to preoccupy myself as I sit and listen to the same music over and over. I had this novel idea that I would take up knitting. I thought it would be a great way for me to sit with my family over the holidays and steer clear from the television. No It's a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story for me this year.

So, I ran down to Hobby Lobby and quickly figured out that knitting is quite the past time. They have every shade of yarn imaginable and needles of all colors, weights and lengths. I did pick myself up a beginner's manual on the art of good ol' knitting and as I walked out of the store I felt proud of the lovely shade of dark teal green I selected, as well as the blue-grey needles. Wow, and just like that my knitting career was about to begin.

What I was not proud of was my knitting start. I sat patiently in my comfy leather chair and tried over and over to master the slip knot demonstrated in my trusty manual. Sometimes I did well, sometimes I missed entirely. I did manage to "cast on" (I feel so cool just saying that), and I was able to knit, well, not much of anything really. I finally got sleepy and gave up for the night. I think I need someone to help...as much as I hate to say that. Christin, is this in your realm of crafty craftiness?

It's a cold one today. Have a mentioned that I love the summers? The thunder is rumbling overhead right now and the rain falls on top of this barn that I call my office. I wish, instead, that I was in my sweatshirt and legwarmers chilling in my dimly lit house, letting The Weepies charming lyrics and unaffected music permeate my little heart. And if I know me, I would repeat the song Take it From Me over and over and over. If only the rain will press on until Saturday morning, then maybe this daydream will come true...


The Weepies – Take It From Me

Turtle Necks

What a day. What a day it has been.

I dressed super warm today in my seemingly cozy, black turtle neck and black slacks thinking that when I stepped outside the cold winter air would immediately drive me back to my warm bed. But to my surprise when I opened my old screechy door it was warm and humid and well, yuck. It has left me battling the girls all day over the air conditioner settings at the office.

Part of the luxury of working for a small business is that WE control the AC. Can I get an amen? I was so hot today that I kept turning the corner outside my office to turn the air down to 71 and every time I did, well, the AC was oddly at 77. Finally, I caught on. One sneaky smirk from Holly's desk and I knew what her and Kari were up to. Oh how they complained, in between their laughter, about how they work right next to the windows and how cold it gets...blah, blah, blah. Well, you know what I say to that, "AT LEAST YOU HAVE A WINDOW!" I eventually threatened to work in my bra. And while this seems so highly unprofessional, I was seriously contemplating it. I felt all hot and bothered by the neck of my itchy sweater and I just wanted it off! Luckily Holly remembered we have a whole stash of MBF t-shirts and so, I spared the girls from having to watch me answer my client calls in my delicates.

This afternoon, oh about 10 minutes ago, I took Enzo out to his favorite spot down by the ducky pond, as my old co-worker, Kala, used to call it. And it started to downpour on the two of us. And not just a little drizzle either. We are talking about full-on Tsunami type rains...wait, we need an ocean for that. But you get the picture. We ran up the giant hill back to the office (kicking my slippery shoes off) and I could not help but giggle, out loud even. Oh, the sight of us. I suppose that my God would have giggled with me too in that moment.

Sigh...back to the rat race, people. Phones to answer, emails to deliver, nannies to place, processes to expedite and fires to extinguish. All in a days work. With no windows. But all the more, a man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God…

Lazy Sunday

I slept in until noon today. It was blissful and a rare treat. I love lazy Sundays. Lately, I have found myself just longing to be home with my family on the weekends. I head to Keller on Friday, fighting my way through traffic, and find every reason to stay late until Sunday evening. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that we have no sofa in our tiny little house at the moment...

We went to Uncle Julio's last night for dinner. Their queso seriously tops all. However, their house cabernet and Chicken Tortilla Soup left something to be desired. That's for dang sure. Now, I know it's weird...I mean, why would I order wine at a Mexican restaurant? Because that's what I wanted. But not after my first sip. Jen did not fare much better with her sangria. It was a rough night with the drink selection. But I was there with some of my closest friends and just looking around the table and seeing their faces, crazy hair, sloppy sweatshirts and quirky ears filled my heart with a gratitude that feels delicate and fragile but strong all at the same time. These are the people that love me for me. And I the same for them. It's sacred.

The highlight of the evening had to be driving home and being ushered into the lyrical world of DMX. JT sang loud and proud as Matt and Brent chimed in in the background. Let me just say, Kelsie, you should be glad that you were not there. But it did make me laugh and blush a little all at the same time.

Spent some long hours with the my sweet friend, Larry, last night and it was yet again awesome to get to learn more about this creative yet amazingly humble man. I feel very lucky and I have no other fancy adjectives to describe it. Just lucky.

I took Enzo for a run this morning, wait, afternoon. And my legs turned a fiery red from the freezing cold. Should have considered wearing pants. But there was something nice about watching my legs return to their normal fleshy color, like I had gone out and done something productive with myself.

Well, I think that's all I have for now. I will just be soaking up my parents home for the next several hours until I can return next week.

The Light at the End...

I realize that I have been M.I.A. this week but things at work have been a whirlwind. I don't even have much time to blog now, but I have exciting news to share. After procrastinating for what feels like forever (really only about one week), I have purchased Sufjan Steven's, Songs for Christmas and it was worth every penny, even though I claimed to numerous friends that I would never pay $15.99 for it. Not really sure why, but it just seemed irresponsible to buy an album for $16 right around the holidays when I already have enough music to make my head spin. But it is absolutely what I need to go into the weekend, especially since I am only a fraction into my 40-days with no TV. Lord help me and my quiet home.

Like my new headline picture? Thought it might get you in the mood for some Christmas cheer. And the need for a woolly mammoth to transport Christmas gifts to and fro. Let me guess, you hadn't even thought of that? Well, you can thank Belle and Boo for her endearing artwork.

What the Walmart?

Okay, seriously...I think that my dislike for Walmart grows with each passing day. I want to like it, I really do (promise) but they just make it so dang hard. Settle in for my story of the day...

So, I go to Walmart around 3pm to pick-up two prescriptions. My plan - In and out and back to work. Yeah right. I park my car and just from my car to the door was quite the adventure. First, you can't help but notice the strange man with a gray mullet walking so upright that it looks like it would be virtually impossible for him to bend at the waist. The kind of character that you feel like just may be up to no good. I know, judgemental but as he made he way through the door I wanted to remain just about 10 steps behind him for fear that he would be tossing a bomb at the nearest cash register at any moment.

And then, right as I am about to enter the store, a huge bus sat parked right in front of the door and the bus driver started to honk at me. I jump slightly and as I walked by the sliding door to his bus I looked up to see what the fuss was about. Apparently no fuss...he was just wanting to make googly eyes at me. I mean seriously, googly eyes from the bus in front of Walmart? Let's not even consider that I am donning not a spot of make-up and my hair is a frazzled mess. But whatever...don't even get me started on cat calling.

Okay, so then I make it back to the pharmacy. I give the girl behind the counter my name and date of birth. She moves so slow it looks as if someone has just sedated her with a tranquilizer gun. I can just tell, this girl loves her job. So, she tells me that there is only prescription under my name and there is nothing she can do to help me get the other one I have patiently waited for. I will need to step out of line and go to the "drop-off" counter. Oh my gosh. I had to have so much self talk to ensure that my blood pressure would not rise and cause an instant stroke.

I stepped out of line, went to the drop-off line...and readjusted my attitude. After all, it was not Les' fault that my prescription was not ready. So, I start over as kindly as I can. "I am missing one of my prescriptions, can you help with that? "Oh yeah, I remember you...we have not been able to get that one yet. Sorry." Okay, so when should I come back?" "Tomorrow." Oh dear good Lord above, just get me out of the store without trying to hunt down the man with the mullet and throw the bomb for him.

I begin to exit the store and then to top it all off, the lady in the bright red ROBE starts to mosey in front of me with seemingly nowhere to go. Just wandering in front of the exit of the store. Normal outfit and a robe. I really wanted to whisper, "ma'am, it's 3pm", but I refrained.

If only I can keep in mind that Walmart saves the average family $2500 per year.

On a side note, I have started my fast...no TV and no facebook or myspace until January 4th. Will keep you posted.

The Gang's Pre-Thanksgiving Feast

On Wednesday, Kari and I hosted a non-traditional Thanksgiving celebration at our home. We felt so blessed to have 15 of our closest friends sharing time with us in such a special way. We went with an italian theme and the menu was Spinach dip (thank-you Jen Long), salad, pasta, Italian Sausage Bread and Tiramisu. Can't wait to do it all again next year. I love you guys!

Oh, and as you can probably see...we are a pretty competetive goup! And thanks Larry, for taking so many great pictures.

In attendance:
Matt Coker - aka Coke
Jen Long - aka Furlo
Brent Burke - aka George
Paul Robinson - aka Clammy
Bay Kirkham - aka A Bay Bay
Kari Maddox - aka Ka Ma
Aimee Gregor and Robbie - aka MacGregor and Rob-Be
Mark Gregor and Megan - aka Marky and Megs
Larry Causey - aka Larry Ray the II
Kelsie Fuller - aka Sister
Brad Brown - aka B-Rad
JT Gale - aka J. Tom
Me - aka Peach Cobbler

Sorely Missed:
Rachel and Geof Nichols
Paul Shabay