Happy Birthday, Baylee!

Baylee is 2 years old! However, she can carry on a very intelligent conversation. Her doctor asked a few months back if she could say 10 words. She says more than 10 sentences! Her vocabulary is well over 300 now. We had a pool party in her honor today with pizza, pound cake with strawberries (her choice), chocolate ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. She loved swimming and really got into the gift opening. It doesn't take us long to learn how to unwrap a present! Not many of our pictures turned out. Here's one with Jude and her new baby highchair to go with all her kitchen birthday toys. Happy birthday, precious girl! Memaw loves you so much.

Books For Sale!

I ordered a few boxes of books and they arrived today. They are selling to local friends for $18, which includes my shipping cost to have them shipped to me. If you want a copy, either call or e-mail me and I will make sure you get it. If you are out of my area, it will be better to order from the publisher and pay one shipping cost. You may order your copy at www.simonsays1and2.com.

Candy Girl

Here's Candice, my 15-year-old granddaughter. I'd taken her and Camryn, 13, to have their ears pierced in July and here Candice is showing off some of the cute earrings we bought. Isn't she beautiful??? I'll make sure Camryn sends me pictures of her modeling her jewels to post on the blog.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Robin and I had a wonderful weekend away from home. He'd been needing a vacation and he really wanted to do something "manly" like tour some caverns. It was an interesting tour and we really enjoyed it. We took all back roads and loved the scenery as we traveled through the Hill Country. I fell in love with Marble Falls on the banks of the Colorado River. We spent some time there driving the side streets and thinking about moving! Our meals were in Burnet, Johnson City, and New Braunfuls, where we spent the night. We made a point to visit several dams in the area and all the beautiful lakes and rivers. We saw a lot of deer, which I'm sure Robin will remember when he's sitting in his blind during hunting season and not spotting a thing. It was a quick, fun trip and we will head out again next month for a week in a condo on the coast.

Book Reviews!

I was excited to get these pictures from my daughter, Allison, showing how much she and her family are enjoying Simon Says, Book One. Allison and Jude with the book made me smile when I saw it. But when I saw my big tough son-in-law wiping tears from his eyes - well I lost it! Meaning, bladder control because I was laughing so hard! This guy is a clown and this picture is definitely Brian! The book is geared for women and I have stated that the only men I expect to read it (have to read it) are my husband and my son. Now, however, Brian is showing me that men's hearts can be touched as well. Thank you, Brian!

A Beautiful Friendship

This Saturday, on the 19th, will be 13 years since I walked into grief recovery and met Cheryl Derowski. It literally changed my life! A friendship began almost immediately as we shared our loss and helped each other move beyond the pain. It's fitting that my first copy of Simon Says, Book One, arrived just two days before the 13th anniversary of our friendship.

Cheryl's mother was my writing critic and she read each chapter as I wrote it. She encouraged me to have the book published. She even checked into ways we could accomplish that. I soon forgot about it ever happening until early this year when Cheryl offered to help make my dream come true. She financed my blood, sweat, and tears and made this day possible for me. I thank her so much for that, but this post isn't so much about the book as it is a friendship that has meant everything to me.

I won't take the time to list all the things we have in common. However, it was those very things that were revealed in grief recovery that drew us together. It helped, too, that we were struggling with the same loss and the same feelings. It took awhile, but soon the crying together turned into laughter and a relationship that trusts completely. Even though she is now in Florida, the phone and Yahoo Messenger keep us in daily contact.

These 13 years hold so many special occasions for us - birthdays, Christmases, trips together, venting together, sharing all the ups and downs of life. But the highlight of our year is our annual week together in a condo. We loved Bandera, Texas, so much that we have been there three times. That's our refuge, our week to catch up and talk and laugh and nap and pig out and play 200+ games of Yahtzee. Even though we have visited other places, Bandera seems to fit our "pajama days" lifestyle with its secluded setting in the Texas Hill Country. We get groceries shortly after we arrive, then it's fun , lazy days of no makeup and living in pajamas. Since we see each other no other time in the year we don't need a busy schedule to keep us happy. Quite the contrary. We love being away from work and household chores and are content being lazy. It might sound like a bore to most people, but it is our slice of heaven.

So, Cheryl, I salute you for being such a wonderful friend these past 13 years. I know I can go to you with anything and you will listen with interest and understanding. Thank you for being a friend when I needed one the most. You are utterly remarkable. Thirteen years and counting!

It Arrived Today!!!

Simon Says arrived today! I'd already left for work when UPS delivered it at home. My wonderful husband drove to Irving and walked in with the box. I'm sure I squealed like a pot belly pig!! It turned out beautifully, thanks to Angela for doing my fantastic cover. And special thanks to Cheryl for helping me make a dream come true. I am thrilled with the results! My picture in the back came out grainy, but who cares??? I have my book!!!

Alvy and Rene

Alvy and Rene Quispe this morning at my office as they prepared to head home to California. They conducted many seminars while in the area on relationships and understanding the workings of the Holy Spirit.

On Sale Now!

Simon Says, Book One, is now on sale at Authorhouse.com. It will be available to order from retail stores in 30-45 days. However, I suggest the cheaper price going through AuthorHouse. My new web site will take you directly to the books. www.simonsays1and2.com

Book two will be available as soon as the final cover approval is made. My copy of book one is on its way to me and I can't wait to see the finished product! It's been a long road to travel.

Dealing With the Elderly

The elderly in this case is my cat, 16-year-old Toby. He's always been the perfect companion. Unlike most cats, when I called him he'd come running to me. If I yelled "get the bug", he'd run in with eyes darting all over in an attempt to find the bug. If I yelled "Toby, do you want a treat?", you better believe he will be in front of me in two seconds flat. He'd even stand on his hind legs when I asked him to beg for his food. Every morning without fail, he was on my pillow tapping my head with a paw, encouraging me to get up and dish out his food. And, the only time I saw him hiss in his 16 years was when I was doing butterfly exercises on the floor and hit him in the nose with a dumbbell when he sneaked up on me to investigate.

Now that he's joined the ranks of geriatric felines, he's lost a lot of that endearing character that made me fall in love with him instantly. He can no longer jump on the bed to tap my head, I seldom make him beg for food, and his hearing is failing to a point that if I see a bug, I have to shove it in his face. He's lost one tooth that we know of, and a lot of weight has fallen off. The worst problem, however, is the intestinal problem. While his appetite is still great, the food goes right through him. And, when it's time to go through him, it goes no matter whether he's in the den or at his litter box. In his younger days, accidents like this were uncommon. Now, we have to use a flashlight to get up during the night to make sure we don't step in something. Which brings me to the whole point of this post.

Allison was over with Jude and Baylee and we kept smelling something. I finally got up and noticed poo-poo tracks all over the floor. Baylee had stepped in Toby's latest deposit on the floor in one of the rooms. Which room, I don't know. It was all over the floor in 6 different rooms. Baylee's dress shoes and socks were coated in it. We stripped her down and Allison put her in the bathtub while I cleaned floors. I went through 4 small buckets of soapy water and a scrub brush in my attempt to clean. Then, I emptied almost a can of Lysol. My frustration and impatience over dealing with an elderly cat were apparent. How does one handle a mess like this when you have accepted and loved a pet like a member of the family?

A solution is hard to find. On one hand, I think it will be a relief when he finally decides he has harrassed me enough and goes to old cat land. Then again, he's been an enjoyable and loyal friend for many years. I look at him and ask myself if I want my kids to put me away when I lose control of my mind and bodily functions. Can we even compare a human to an animal? All I know is that I love him and he's a very messy cat now that he's old. The two facts are at war with one another.

Maybe the frustrations and added work of caring for the aged is God's way of softening the blow when the end comes. I don't know. It's just that many days when I have cleaned up poop and scrubbed the floor around his food bowl, I feel that Jude said it best one day when he came in the door for a visit: "Toby! You're still here!"

Book Two Ready For Print!!!

Simon Says, Book two, has been approved to go to print. We are only waiting on the cover, which is slightly different from Book One, to be completed. We've gone over the three changes that need to be made to the cover and I should be able to make the final approval within days, When that's done, it will go to print. The publisher has asked me to view my copy of the finished product before placing orders for books. Will keep you posted.

Book One has Gone to Print!!!!

I was just notified that Simon Says, Book One, has gone to print. My book will be live in two weeks. Once the publisher is ready to accept orders, I will let everyone know. I'm guessing right now that book two is about 2-3 weeks behind the first one. Remember, book one isn't complete without book two. It's one long story! It took 3 years to write the book and the publishing process, including editing, has taken 7 months already. I'm so excited to be nearing the end of this exciting journey!

I Give This Woman

I give this woman, Clayton
To be your wedded wife.
My last child, my precious daughter
To forever share your life.

I give her unreservedly
For I know you realize
How deep and strong and gentle
Shines the love within her eyes.

Please take the love she offers,
It's deeply rooted in her heart.
And know she'll always cherish
The tender love that you impart.

I give this woman, Clayton
In ivory satin, pearls and lace.
Amid love songs and scented flowers,
A gentle glow upon her face.

Take her moods and sensitivity,
Give her wings so she can fly.
As you take the time to know her
Your wants and needs she won't deny.

I give this woman, Clayton
How I wish her Daddy knew!
He'd said no man was good enough,
He's missed the joy of knowing you.

I feel so blessed and grateful
For the training that you had,
The special molding and direction
Given by your Mom and Dad.

I give this woman, Clayton
Remain steadfast by her side.
I'm so thankful God is once again
The Father of the bride.

1996, for my daughter, Angela.

A Wedding Prayer

Lord, today she's getting married,
My daughter, my joy and pride.
That little girl I nurtured,
Such a beautiful, glowing bride.

A divine plan was placed in action
On Brian's first birthday morn.
As he blew out a single candle
His future wife was born.

They share more than just a birthday,
There's a love that's strong and true.
Let it grow and gently blossom,
Lord, this marriage belongs to you.

Please take her hand into yours,
And walk her down the aisle.
Perpetuate the love and warmth
That today is in her smile.

Deliver her into the arms
Of the man who loves her so.
Commit them to their promises
So they'll never let them go.

Wrap your arms around this man
As he takes my little girl.
May he handle her with tenderness,
Let no sadness touch their world.

Lord, today she's getting married,
How I want her life to be
As full of the love and happiness
That she's always brought to me.

Today it's satin instead of jeans,
And childhood toys are put aside.
My little girl's a woman now,
Lord, You're the Father of the bride.

1995, for my daughter, Allison. How honored I was to be asked by my two daughters to write a wedding poem to be included in their wedding program. Tomorrow I will post the one I wrote for Angela. It's still so vivid in my mind how beautiful both of them looked on their wedding day!

I Need You, Lord

Lord, I need you here beside me,
My loyal and trusted Friend.
You listen with understanding,
Your patience has no end.

Lord, be my loving Comforter,
For you know what's in my heart.
Work through my hurt and emptiness,
For I don't know where to start.

Lord, be my blessed Redeemer,
I need rescue from my sins.
Keep my eyes focussed on Jesus
So that Satan never wins.

Lord, be my business Partner,
Stand always at my side.
Give me wisdom and direction,
There's no greater corporate Guide!

Lord, be my children's Father,
For they've lost their precious own.
Direct their steps with tender care,
Let your presence there be known.

Lord, be my loving Husband,
My faithful, constant Mate.
Keep your gentle arms around me,
Be the One on whom I wait.

- Peggy Chrusciaki, 1995

This is one of the many poems I wrote when I finally stopped running from my grief and let the hurt and healing begin. Only someone as mighty and powerful as God could mend a heart that had loved and lost such a precious husband. Thank you, Lord.

Identity, Chapter 7

Our blog novel added two chapters this weekend. Please go to the Identity link and catch up on the novel. Let us know where you think the story should go!

Identity, Chapter 6

The latest chapter of Identity is now posted on our novel site. Angela left me with a lot to ponder, but that is the whole point of sharing this writing. I've had such fun doing this with my daughter and I know you will enjoy her chapter 6.

I'm on Top of the World!!!

Simon Says, Book One, is getting ready to go to the printer! I've approved both the galley and book cover and the publisher is checking final details such as my Pricing Agreement. We are so close! I also received the galley for book two and had to make two minor changes, so it will be another two weeks before I can sign off on it. Yippee!!!

The Joys of Marriage, IX

Appetites: I'm sure you've heard of those odd individuals who 'eat to live'. Then there's the rest of us who 'live to eat'. Robin fits in the first category and I fit in the second. He will actually shove a plate of food aside and tell me he's full. I can't comprehend that. I'm full too, but my taste buds are still active. What does "full" have to do with anything?

I've seen Robin go all day without food. He starts feeling irritable and lightheaded and finally tells me he hasn't eaten and maybe he just needs to eat something. You think? So, he nibbles on something and announces that he feels better already. Imagine that.

I have a mantra that I repeat often. "No food tastes as good as a size 6 feels." On very rare occasions I honestly believe it. Usually, however, I listen to my taste buds and they are telling me it's a stupid phrase. So I'm always at war with my taste buds. Robin is tall and thin and can eat what he wants. Sometimes he will indugle in several bowls of ice cream or empty the M&M candy jar and still not gain an ounce. I balloon up just looking at that stuff.

Of course, I don't just look. I'm hooked on peanut M&Ms and have Robin hooked as well. He can eat all of that and conceal it well on his tall frame. I'm short and - well - short, and 5 M&Ms tip the scales. Pizza is another indulgence of mine. Robin said he's never eaten so much pizza in his life since he married me. He'd rather have seafood, which I won't touch.

Robin has moments when he will request that I make a certain meal or dessert. He even claims he married me for my fried potatoes and eggs. But the truth is, he can go indefinitely without thinking about food. I've asked him how, is there a secret he can share with me, and he just says he doesn't let food rule his life. I can down a burger and fries at lunch and be thinking about what I'll have for dinner.

A big weakness of mine is eating my Mother's cooking. I look at it this way, I don't get to enjoy her meals that often so why not indulge while I can? So I fill my plate, add one of her big homemade rolls, and sample all the pies for dessert. The Thin Man just looks at me and says, "can you say oink?".

The Joys of Marriage, VIII

One marriage, two names: Against my better judgment, I honestly tried changing my last name when Robin and I married. I ordered a dozen certified copies of our marriage license from the state of Nevada and went about making the changes. I was overwhelmed! Banks, mortgage, driver's license, social security, investments - the list went on and on. We had agreed that it might be wise to keep my own name where the business was concerned, but I knew I'd never get used to signing one name on personal checks and another name on business checks. I finally gave up. Robin wasn't too pleased but he didn't make a big deal out of it.

I have been Peggy Chrusciaki for over 32 years. By now, even my maiden name sounds foreign as it applies to me. I am Peggy Chrusciaki and will always be Peggy Chrusciaki. The minor changes I'd made in the beginning made me feel like I was in the Witness Protection Program. This is the name my friends, family and business associates know me by. I saw no need to change that.

If we were younger and wanted children together (heaven forbid!) I would eagerly change my name. At this stage in my life, I saw no point in assuming a new identity. One day I suggested to Robin that we both choose a last name we like and go have them changed. He looked at me like I was crazy. "No. This is who I am. This is who I've always been. I'm not changing my last name." Well, duh! The same applies to me.

Now, he sort of laughs as he calls me Peggy Lee Pannell Venters Chrusciaki Shuman Occupant Resident. Whew! On those rare occasions when he gets a little touchy about this subject, I've found a way to shut him up. I merely tell him ever so sweetly that I find it so precious that he has this old-fashioned view about marriage. This tough, macho, modern-day man drops the subject.

The Joys of Marriage, VII

Romance, The Wedding: Much to my surprise and delight, Robin combined his romantic and humorous sides and planned our small wedding. Since both my daughters had church weddings only 7 months apart, I was more than happy to leave all our wedding details to Robin. Often when we were together he'd say, "I know when you're getting married and you don't." No, I didn't know, not for a couple of months.

The time finally came when he told me where we were going and when, so I'd know how to pack. We would be married in Las Vegas and were leaving toward the end of March. I knew we had to set aside a day to get our marriage license so I did some quick calculating. It soon became obvious to me that we were getting married on April Fool's Day. I mentioned this to Robin, my very romantic partner, and he confirmed it with a laugh and an "isn't that funny???" I had to agree that it was not only funny, but very appropriate.

Robin reserved the wedding chapel in the Riveira hotel where we'd be staying. He arranged for the photographer, a beautiful bouquet for me, and the minister. It was all complete. All I had to do was walk down the aisle on his arm. The ceremony was quite long as our minister was long-winded. We listened to most of his words, stared into each other's eyes, and Robin winked at me often. He knows I melt when he does that.

After posing for pictures, Robin treated me to an elegant dinner and we received a lot of freebies by walking around carrying a bridal bouquet. It was a trip to remember.

A lot of people get married on Valentine's Day but how many opt for April Fool's Day? Maybe just Robin, but I found the date and his wedding preparations both amusing and romantically thoughtful. Ah, there's no fool like an April Fool!

The Joys of Marriage, VI

Romance, First Date: Robin and I have known each other on a business level since 1985. He owns a steel company and I own a sheet metal company so our paths were bound to cross. I've purchased metals from him for over 20 years now. On a personal level, about all I knew about him was that he was divorced (at least once), had two kids, rode a Harley, drank like a fish, and had wrapped his Corvette around a tree. I didn't have to scratch him off my list of available men because he was never on it. The fact that he was an interesting and appealing mix of Sam Elliot and Clint Eastwood wasn't enough to counter his wild side. So, I was surprised when he called me at work one day and said "this isn't a business call".

He told me he'd be in Houston that week on business and asked if I wanted to meet him in Galveston for the weekend - assuring me he was quite the gentleman. I discussed it with my son, Ron, who agreed Robin was a very nice guy. After much thought, I called him back and told him a weekend at the beach sounded great. I knew we'd have a fun time since we both have a sense of humor, but never expected it to go any further. I met him by the pool and to my horror, discovered the tattoo on his back. It was a pair of eyes and he had an appointment the next day to add some abstract features to it. It's a painful process but he sat there bravely and would smile and wink at me once in awhile.

I saw a totally different side to Robin that weekend. He still had practices that bothered me, but I saw a real gentleman who knew how to treat a lady. I also saw this endearing boy peeking through the rugged exterior. He told me that when I became a widow he knew he wanted to ask me out because he'd always admired mine and Chezzy's marriage. But he was giving me grieving and healing room. Also, he was nervous about asking me out. He said he'd asked for his daughter's advice and she told him to go for it, that the worst that could happen was a NO answer.

In spite of our differences, we were strongly attracted to each other. Our relationship grew and we grew individually. I remember the night we were having dinner in his favorite bar and grill, when he turned to me - fortified with scotch and water - and said "I love you". I knew it wasn't just JB talking, but he needed the JB to get the nerve to tell me. Fortunately, I hear it all the time now without the help of alcohol. Robin hasn't had a drop to drink in almost 6 years. He's come a long way.

He told me once that he was pulled to me because I was a Christian with substance. Maybe this wonderful man isn't as shallow as he'd like us to believe.

The Joys of Marriage, V

Romance: This subject will probably require several posts. Men and women are certainly different in their views on romance. I will call this post Romance: The Marriage Proposal.

All women will remember their marriage proposal. I am no exception. While mine was far from romantic, it was definitely unique. Robin showed up at my office one day and noticed there were donuts on the counter. He leaned over the sink eating one, and at the same time, reached into his pocket and pulled out the biggest diamond I'd ever seen. He said, "See if this fits."

Fits???? Of course it's going to fit! If I have to slather my finger in butter, you better believe it's going to fit! I felt like the wicked step-sister trying to fit into Cinderella's tiny slipper. Alas, the ring was too small but I wore it on my pinky finger until Robin had to pry it off to have it sized.

The point is, guys, a rock that big does not need a romantic delivery. It could have been buried in a can of dog food and I still would have said a resounding YES! So, you can skip the candlelight dinner and the flowers and soft music. Just think big when you go to the jewelers.

My last diamond ring from Robin was given with a little more imagination. It was hidden in a birthday mug full of peanut M&Ms. I thought that was cute. Actually, I thought the marriage proposal was cute. We have shared many laughs over it. And Robin knows I would have said yes regardless of the size of the diamond. As I stated before, I'm not the shallow one in this relationship.