My new passion

Soooo...the kids are getting older, I'm thinner and cuter, I'm hip and cool...ok maybe not. Anyway, lately I'm finding myself enjoying the nightlife!!! Mark and I have been out a few times, went out with my MOM!! ok, not the coolest thing to do but hey, my mom is COOL!!!

Anyway, Mom and I decided to start our own liquor library! Mark's been given strict instuctions to keep his mitts off!! (We'll see how that works.)

The first drink in my cubbard is Sex on the Beach. A classic favorite! Sweet and smoooooooth! (or Smoooooolth as my mom calls it! add the L for extra smoothness!)

1 shot vodka
3/4 shot peach shnapps
3/4 shot raspberry liquor
1 shot pineapple juice
1 shot cranberry juice
1 shot orange juice

stir and pour over ice!


YUMM-O!!! Gonna go make one now! CHEERS!

I'm thankful

For my faith in God.
For my husband.
For my children.
For my mom, dad and brother.
For my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
For my in laws.
For my friends; few and dear.
For reconciled relationships.
For relationships I've had peace in letting go.
For health in my life and in the lives of my loved ones.
For a church that is home.
For a home that is more than I ever imagined I could have.
For true happiness.
For strength.
For honesty.
For a love and respect for myself.
For my values.
For the ability to feed my family and pay my bills.
For my freedom.
For being at peace with the world because God is still in control!
For knowing that God is still in control!
For having so very, very much to be thankful for.

What are YOU thankful for?

God Bless you all this holiday!

I love you!

I totally stole this...

From an old friend on her myspace page. But I thought it was worth stealing and sharing! I'm sure she won't mind!

"I was in line @ the drive through @ dutch bros and heard the guy ahead of me say he doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving. He calls it invasion day. This instantly irritated me. If you are so ungrateful for the blessings you have here in this country find the place your family came here from and go back.
Are you Jewish? Go back to the middle east where you are despised for even breathing.
Are you Eastern European? Go back to any one of the former bloc countries where genocide is a daily occurrence.
Are you Western European?? Every single one of those countries was born of bloodshed, persecution, and oppression. Plus all of the colonies they established were done so on the backs of indentured servants and slave labor.
Every colony that gained its Independence had to do so with violent uprisings. Don't misunderstand, the Indians were and still are, in some cases, treated atrociously by the US government.
However, if you really, in your heart of hearts, have such a big problem with Thanksgiving, go back and let me know how it works out for you...." -Sent from my Helio

Girls...you need to watch this.

Please take the six minutes to watch this video. Then turn around and share it with all the women in your life. Then ask them to share it with all the women in THEIR life. Spread the word and help our sisters stay healthy.

Love you guys.

This is lots of fun! Lexie posted this on her blog who go it from Heidi over at Sacred and Profane who passed along this idea from Dawn who got it from somewhere else... and so on. Yeah, it's that fun - and easy!

The rules are as follows:

Go into your pictures.
Open the 6th file and then the 6th photo and post it on your blog.

This is mine:


This is Darren Donahue and me at some dance...it's the one where the girl invites the guy and you dress alike...I know there is a name and I know that Mandy will post here reminding me what it is! <3 (she always remembers details like that...me? I'm old and forget!)

Ah Old Darren. He was such a sweet guy!

Ok...that was fun. Next?

Grab a tissue....

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter
office of the US Postal Service.

Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4
year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed
Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to
heaven, God would recognize her.. I told her that I thought we could, so
she dictated these words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in
heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog
even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play
with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her,
You will know that she is my dog.. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith..

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and
addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith
pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would
take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon
she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later,
she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He
had.

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch
addressed, 'To Meredith,' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside
was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.¢ Taped to the inside
front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the
opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:

Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I
recognized Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick anymore.. Her spirit is
here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since
we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your
picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to
keep and have something to remember Abbey by.
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you
write it and sending it to me.
What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find.. I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God

My busy, busy girl....

So here's an update on upcoming events for Allie. Luke and Grace are involved in one too!! yay!!

Thursday, December 4th at 6:30pm: Creslane choir performing for the tree lighting ceremonly in front of the Creswell Library.

Sunday, December 7th at 2:35pm: Piano performance - Barnes & Noble Play-A-Thon in Eugene across from VRC.

Tuesday, December 9th at 7pm: Creslane Holiday Concert. In the Creslane gym.

Sunday, December 14th at 10:30am: All three children will be performing in our church Christmas concert! Grace is in with her class while Luke and Allie will be in their own group. Allie has a solo for this one and is SO excited!!!

That's all that I know of at this time!! I'll keep y'all posted if there's additions!

Summary of Life

Summary of Life

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a dust-buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair That you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the
questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1 -- You believe in Santa Claus.
2 -- You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3 -- You are Santa Claus.
4 -- You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:
At age 4 success is . . . Not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 17 success is . . . Having a driver's license.
At age 35 success is . . . Having money.
At age 50 success is . . . Having money.
At age 70 success is . . . Having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is . . . Having friends.
At age 80 success is . . . Not peeing in your pants.

Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way;
BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.

Have a wonderful day with many smiles

Take the time to live!!!
Life is short. Dance naked
And eat dessert first!

A map of the US

A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby.
She wanted to know what the United States looked like.
Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby, and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.'
After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.
'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.'

This one is worth forwarding , OVER AND OVER AGAIN......AMEN!!!!!

Scripture Day

Shout to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5

Pics of our week

We had our first REAL rainstorm in a while...no thunder but tons of wet and then of course, God's promise at the end! I really need a telescopic lense for my camera to get some better pics, but you get the point!



Allie had her little concert thing at VRC last Tuesday. It was out in front of Macy's. The acoustics were HORRIBLE, it was noisy and crowded, but the kids had a blast and sounded so cute!! They actually sang two songs that I sang with choir back in the day! Boy was that ODD!!

Allie's friend, Lauren had a little piano duet on one of the songs.

The whole gang. Mr. Telfer is their teacher.

And there's our girl!
Also last week Allie worked on getting a tooth out...I think she only has like 3 left to lose! As soon as she can feel a wiggle she works at it until it's out!

SAME NIGHT! I was getting the kids ready for bath time and Allie says to me, 'what is that sticking out of Luke's mouth?' So I take a peek...it was HIS tooth...hanging by a thread! I took a piece of tp and pulled it out for him...he was shocked! The permanant tooth is half in already!! LOL Talk about two different kids huh? His other bottom tooth is very loose too but he doesn't mess with his. All in good time, Mom!

And not to be outdone....Grace had to show me where SHE will lose a tooth someday! hehe

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Two hillbillies walk into a bar. While having a shot of whiskey,

they talk about their moonshine operation.

Suddenly, a woman at a nearby table, who is eating a sandwich,

begins to cough. And, after a minute or so, it becomes apparent

that she is in real distress.




One of the hillbillies looks at her and says, 'Kin ya swallar?'

The woman shakes her head no.




Then he asks, 'Kin ya breathe?' The woman begins to turn blue

and shakes her head no.

The hillbilly walks over to the woman, lifts up her dress, yanks

down her drawers and quickly gives her right butt cheek a lick

with his tongue. The woman is so shocked that she has a violent

spasm and the obstruction flies out of her mouth. As she begins

to breathe again, the Hillbilly walks slowly back to the bar.

His partner says, 'Ya know, I'd heerd of that there

'Hind Lick Maneuver' but I ain't niver seen nobody do it!'

The yellow shirt

I was packing for college when I found something special. The yellow shirt
had long sleeves, four extra-large pockets trimmed in black thread and snaps
up the front. It was faded from years of wear, but still in decent shape.
I found it in 1963 when I was home from college on Christmas break,
rummaging through bags of clothes Mom intended to give away. 'You're not
taking that old thing, are you?' Mom said when she saw me packing the yellow
shirt. 'I wore that when I was pregnant with your brother in 1954!'

'It's just the thing to wear over my clothes during art class, Mom. Thanks!' I slipped it into my suitcase before she could object. The
yellow shirt be came a part of my college wardrobe. I loved it. After
graduation, I wore the shirt the day I moved into my new apartment and on
Saturday mornings when I cleaned.

The next year, I married. When I became pregnant, I wore the yellow shirt
during big-belly days. I missed Mom and the rest of my family, since we
were in Colorado and they were in Illinois But that shirt helped. I
smiled, remembering that Mother had worn it when she was pregnant, 15 years
earlier.

That Christmas, mindful of the warm feelings the shirt had given me, I
patched one elbow, wrapped it in holiday paper and sent it to Mom. When Mom
wrote to thank me for her 'real' gifts, she said the yellow shirt was
lovely. She never mentioned it again.

The next year, my husband, daughter and I stopped at Mom and Dad's to pick
up some furniture. Days later, when we uncrated the kitchen table, I
noticed something yellow taped to its bottom. The shirt!

And so the pattern was set.

On our next visit home, I secretly placed the shirt under Mom and Dad's
mattress. I don't know how long it took for her to find it, but almost two
years passed before I discovered it under the base of our living-room floor
lamp. The yellow shirt was just what I needed now while refinishing
furniture. The walnut stains added character.

In 1975 my husband and I divorced. With my three children, I prepared to
move back to Illinois . As I packed, a deep depression overtook me. I
wondered if I could make it on my own. I wondered if I would find a job.
I paged through the Bible, looking for comfort. In Ephesians, I read, 'So
use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and
when it is all over, you will be standing up.'

I tried to picture myself wearing God's armor, but all I saw was the stained
yellow shirt. Slowly, it dawned on me. Wasn't my mother's love a piece of
God's armor? My courage was renewed.

Unpacking in our new home, I knew I had to get the shirt back to Mother.
The next time I visited her, I tucked it in her bottom dresser drawer.

Meanwhile, I found a good job at a radio station. A year later I discovered
the yellow shirt hidden in a rag bag in my cleaning closet. Something new
had been added. Embroidered in bright green across the breast pocket were
the words 'I BELONG TO PAT.'

Not to be outdone, I got out my own embroidery materials and added an
apostrophe and seven more letters. Now the shirt proudly proclaimed, 'I
BELONG TO PAT'S MOTHER.' But I didn't stop there. I zig-zagged all the
frayed seams, then had a friend mail the shirt in a fancy box to Mom from
Arlington , VA. We enclosed an official looking letter from 'The Institute
for the Destitute,' announcing th at she was the recipient of an award for
good deeds. I would have given anything to see Mom's face when she opened
the box. But, of course, she never mentioned it.

Two years later, in 1978, I remarried. The day of our wedding, Harold and I
put our car in a friend's garage to avoid practical jokers. After the
wedding, while my husband drove us to our honeymoon suite, I reached for a
pillow in the car to rest my head. It felt lumpy. I unzipped the case and
found, wrapped in wedding paper, the yellow shirt. Inside a pocket was a
note: 'Read John 14:27-29. I love you both, Mother.'

That night I paged through the Bible in a hotel room and found the verses:
'I am leaving you with a gift: peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give
isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or
afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to
you again. If you really love me, you will be very happy for me, for now I
can go to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things
before they happen so that when they do, you will believe in me.'

The shirt was Mother's final gift. She had known for three months that she
had terminal Lou Gehrig's disease. Mother died the following year at age
57.

I was tempted to send the yellow shirt with her to her grave. But I'm glad
I didn't, because it is a vivid reminder of the love-filled game she and I
played for 16 years. Besides, my older daughter is in college now, majoring
in art. And every art student needs a baggy yellow shirt with big pockets.

There's some mighty fine advice in these words.

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart .

Why's of Men

Why's of Men



1. WHY DO MEN BECOME SMARTER DURING SEX

(because they are plugged into a genius)

----------------------------------------------

2. WHY DON'T WOMEN BLINK DURING SEX?

(they don't have enough time)

-----------------------------------------------

3. WHY DOES IT TAKE 1 MILLION SPERM TO
FERTILIZE ONE EGG?

they don't stop to ask directions)

-----------------------------------------------

4. WHY DO MEN SNORE WHEN THEY LIE ON THEIR BACKS?

(because their balls fall over their butt-hole and they vapor lock)


(You're laughing, aren't you?!?!)

-----------------------------------------------

5. WHY WERE MEN GIVEN LARGER BRAINS THAN DOGS?

so they won't hump women's legs at cocktails parties)

----------------------------------------------

6. WHY DID GOD MAKE MEN BEFORE WOMEN?

(you need a rough draft before you make a final copy)

-----------------------------------------------

7. HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO PUT A TOILET SEAT DOWN?

(don't know.....it never happened)

-----------------------------------------------

(C'mon guys, we laugh at your blonde jokes!)

-----------------------------------------------

And the personal favorite:

8. WHY DID GOD PUT MEN ON EARTH?

because a vibrator can't mow the lawn)

-----------------------------------------------

Remember, if you haven't got a smile on your
face and laughter in your heart...Then you
are just an old sour fart!

-----------------------------------------------

One day my housework-challenged husband
decided to wash his sweat-shirt. Seconds
after he stepped into the laundry room, he
shouted to me, 'What setting do I use on the
washing machine?' 'It depends,' I replied.
'What does it say on your shirt?' He yelled
back, ' University of Oklahoma .'

And they say blondes are dumb...

---------------------------------------------

A couple is lying in bed. The man says, 'I
am going to make you the happiest woman in
the world.'

The woman replies, 'I'll miss you...'
-----------------------------------------------

'It's just too hot to wear clothes today,'
Jack says as he stepped out of the shower,
'honey, what do you think the neighbors
would think if I mowed the lawn like this?'

'Probably that I married you for your
money,' she replied.
-----------------------------------------------

Q: What do you call an intelligent, good
looking, sensitive man?

A: A rumor

---------------------------------------

Dear Lord, I pray for Wisdom to understand
my man; Love to forgive him; And Patience
for his moods. Because, Lord, if I pray for
Strength, I'll beat him to death. AMEN
--------------------------------------------

Q: Why do little boys whine?

A: They are practicing to be men.

----------------------------------------------

Q: What does it mean when a man is in your
bed gasping for breath and calling your
name?

A: You did not hold the pillow down long
enough.

----------------------------------------------

Q: How do you keep your husband from reading
your e-mail?

A: Rename the mail folder 'Instruction Manual.'

----------------------------------------------

Send this to at least five bright, funny
women you know and make their day! And send
this to five bright men who have enough
sense of humor to take it!

Life may not be the party you hoped for...
but while you are here, you may as well
dance!

Think, Dream and Do

By Michelle LaBrosse, PMP



As you plan for your holidays this year, save a little space for thinking, dreaming, and doing the things you love. Here are eight tips for making your own magic in any season.



Find your focus. One of the things I love about time away from my usual routine is that I often find that’s when I get an ‘ah-ha’ moment or find the answer to something I’ve been thinking about. It’s hard to find your focus when you’re answering 200 emails in a day, and you’re surrounded by information overload. It doesn’t matter what your questions are, the only thing that matters is you give yourself the space and time to answer them.


Do what you love. This phrase often scares people. They think they have to directly translate a passion like movies into a Hollywood career. Instead, you need to make time for whatever you love. Whether it is fly-fishing, yodeling, or hiking, what really makes your heart sing? It doesn’t have to be your day job, but it should be a regular part of your life. Don’t relegate joy to a few times a year.


Build on your strengths. When it comes to your livelihood, how would it feel if you could spend more of your day doing what you’re really good at? Many of us spend our days focusing on our weaknesses, instead of building on our strengths. Think about how you spend your working day. How could you make it more aligned with where you really rock?


Giggle again. Listen to a group of three- and four-year-olds playing. They always giggle at their own jokes. It doesn’t matter if it’s funny to anyone else or not. They are still in that place where they know how great it feels to giggle. We need to get back to that place. If there’s a giggler on your team, encourage that spirit. Laughter is not only contagious; it’s hopeful and uplifting.


Put everything in perspective. When you look at what causes most people stress, it’s often the things they can’t change. So, when you feel your blood pressure rising, ask yourself what you can change to make the situation more positive. Don’t waste your energy on things you can’t control.


Have a mood changer ready to go. What are the things that can change your mood? For some people, it’s a quick walk or a run to burn off some steam. For others, it’s a favorite CD or a song. I have a friend who keeps an iTunes mix on her computer that is called ‘The Happy Mix.” Whenever she needs a mood change, she fires up her Happy Mix, steps away from the computer, stretches, dances a little, sings off-key, and finds that after seven minutes of the Happy Mix, she has a huge grin on her face.


Have a few cool ‘To Dos.’ Nothing is more of a bummer than a long list of To Dos that are all drudgery. What about your cool To Dos? Some of those things that you’ve been wanting to do, but never have. Ride in a hot-air balloon? Visit the Grand Canyon? Dreams are always To Dos; don’t forget to put them on your list, too.


Live an attitude of gratitude. When you look at people who are the happiest, it’s not those who seemingly have ‘everything.’ Instead, it’s those people who recognize what they do have and are grateful for it. Gratitude is powerful at home and at work because we all like to be thanked, and we also like to feel like we are contributing to the world around us. When you appreciate others and live in an ‘attitude of gratitude’, you create energy on your team and in your family that makes other people feel good about life.


So, no matter where you are in the world or what season you’re in today, build a little magic into every day. Carpe Diem!



About the Author

MicheleLaBrosse, PMP, is the founder of Cheetah Learning, and author of Cheetah Negotiations and Cheetah Project Management. The Project Management Institute, www.pmi.org, recently selected Michelle as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Project Management in the World ,and only one of two women selected from the training and education industry. She is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Owner President Managers (OPM) program and also holds engineering degrees from Syracuse University and the University of Dayton. Cheetah Learning is a virtual company and has 100 employees, contractors, and licensees worldwide.








"We may not always see eye to eye, but we can try to see heart to heart."
Sam Levenson

Quilt of Holes

Quilt of Holes



As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.



Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.



But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.



I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.



My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.



Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.



My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.



And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.



I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.



An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.



Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to ME, it

became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.



Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'



May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!



God determines who walks into your life ....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'



Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Clean Wash

Clean Wash
===========

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood.

The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young
woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside.

"That laundry is not very clean," she said. "She doesn't know
how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."
Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young
woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice
clean wash on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has
learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?"

The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our
windows."

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others
depends on the purity of the window through which we look.


~Author Unknown~

Quiet time??

I thought I was so smart.

Mark had to go to bed early tonight in preparation for an early (4am) start tomorrow and I myself was feeling a bit sleepy after dealing with whiney, sick kids for three days and with that short nights and long days. So, 7:45pm came around and orders for PJ's, potty and BED came bellowing out of my mouth! Confused but obedient all three children did as they were told, Mark headed up for his shower and I closed down the PC and let dogs out. After everyone (including my BIGGEST kid aka: Marky) were all snug as a bug, into the shower I hopped expecting me to be next. Well, the shower re-energized me! So, I thought hey, everyone is asleep, the house is quiet, I'll start some laundry, pick up the house a bit and maybe blog!

I no sooner set foot on the bottom stairs than the first kid comes out with a, "Moooommmm?". This went on for the next 25 minutes from all THREE children. Mom, I'm thirsty. Mom where's my spider night lite. Mom, my MP3 player isn't working. Mom, I didn't get a kiss. Mom, why did you shut my door so tight? Mom, maybe I need new headphones. Mommy, Allie gave me this is that ok? Mommy, why are you still up? Mama, can I ask for new ones for Thanksgiving? (notice how my title changes as the excuses continue and the voices get whinier??)

So much for re-energized, I'm exhausted again!

I know I know...someday I'll MISS this!! I know that in my head, but for tonight? I'm just tired and annoyed!

GO TO BED!!!!

This just made me groan!! People.

It's time again for the annual 'Stella Awards'!
> >> >
> >> > For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after
> >> > 81-year-old
> >> > Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued
> >> > the McDonald's in New Mexico where she purchased the coffee. You
> >> > remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees
> >> > while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing
> >> > that, right?
> >> >
> >> > That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and
> >> > verdicts in the U.S. Here are the Stellas for the past year:
> >> >
> >> > 7TH PLACE: Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a
> >> > jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who
> >> > was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were
> >> > understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running
> >> > toddler
> >> > was her own son.
> >> >
> >> > 6TH PLACE: Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles, California won $74,000 plus
> >> > medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda
> >> > Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel
> >> > of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps.
> >> >
> >> > 5TH PLACE: Terrence Dickson, of Bristol, Pennsylvania , who was leaving
> >> > a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for
> >> > Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could
> >> > not
> >> > get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house
> >> > because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson
> >> > pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT, days on a
> >> > case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's
> >> > insurance company claiming undue mental anguish. Amazingly, the jury
> >> > said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish.
> >> > We
> >> > should all have this kind of anguish.
> >> >
> >> > 4TH PLACE: Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was awarded
> >> > $14,500
> >> > plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door
> >> > neighbor's beagle -- even though the beagle was on a chain in its
> >> > owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for
> >> > because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the
> >> > time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into
> >> > the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.
> >> >
> >> > 3RD PLACE: Amber Carson of Lancaster , Pennsylvania because a jury
> >> > ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped
> >> > on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft
> >> > drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30
> >> > seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being
> >> > responsible for their own actions?
> >> >
> >> > 2ND PLACE: Kara Walton, of Claymont, Delaware, sued the owner of a
> >> > night
> >> > club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the
> >> > floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was
> >> > trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the
> >> > $3.50
> >> > cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her
> >> > $12,000....oh,
> >> > yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.
> >> >
1ST PLACE: This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was Mrs.
Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, who purchased a new 32-foot Winnebago
motor home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having
driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and
calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to
make
herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway,
crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued
Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't
actually leave the Driver's' seat while the cruise control was set. The
Oklahoma jury awarded her, are you sitting down, $1,750,000 PLUS a new
motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of
this
suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy
a
motor home.

For all my Mother-friends!

MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have
time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are
probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy
ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't
come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum
just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their
answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love
you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not
measured by height or years or grade...It is
marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to
Mother..

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know
quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know
that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly
old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out
of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE- WELL, she might know a little
bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE- Before we decide, let's get
Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have
thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with
Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she
wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she
combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen
from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to
her heart, the place where love resides. The
beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but
true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the
passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman
with passing years only grows!

Please send this to 5 women today in
celebration of Women's History Month.

If you don't, nothing bad will happen, but if you
do, something good will: you will boost a Mother
spirits.

The Test of Three

The Test of Three


In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his
wisdom.
One day the philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him
excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one
of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to
pass a little test called the Test of Three."

"Test of Three?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my
student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say."

"The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you
are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or
not."

"Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are
about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him
even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third
test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my
student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True
nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

Too COOL!!!

This is dedicated to my husband, my son, my brother and my nephew!!!

Enjoy boys!!

Crappy day

I've had the worst day!! Well, not THE worst but it sucked. You ever just wanna send all the kids to their room, crawl back in bed, go back to sleep and START OVER???

**sigh**

Stress sucks....Where's the wine?

Christmas performance

So my children absolutely LOVE church. And when I say that...they are like almost OBSESSED with it! Grace will literally talk about it ALL week. She wants to know on a daily basis how many days are left until Sunday school. I weep frequently knowing how awesome His power has been through me this year in bringing myself and my babies back to Him. I am humbled. My children's exuberance to learn about Jesus and participate in anything to do with Him is truly a blessing to all of us. I cannot wait to see what the years will bring for them and their faith as we all grow in our church.

This Christmas season the children's pastor, Kim Lawless, is putting on some special events. She is ABSOLUTELY amazing and we all adore her! Her commitment to the kids of that congregation is nothing short of extraordinary and I feel so blessed to have her in my kids lives.

The main thing that will affect y'all is the Christmas program she's doing with the kids. When I dropped off Allison and Luke today to their class she stopped me in the hallway and said "We are having a performance on December 14th and I want to make sure that you guys will be here!" I said, "Oh yes of course!" She then said, "Wonderful, because I have a solo I want Allison to do!" So, there you have it...my baby girl is REALLY following in here mama's footsteps now!! I cannot convey in words how excited and proud I am. I asked Allie on the ride home why Kim picked her. She shrugged. I asked if there were try outs and she said no. I was confused. I asked how Kim could possibly know Allie could sing then! Allie smiled her little 'weellllllll' smile and said, "Because a few weeks ago I decided to sing some of my choir songs for her." I said, because she asked you to? No, Allie said...just cuz. This is amazing to me because Allie is surprisingly quite shy. The fact that Allison feels comfortable enough with Kim to sing to her...says SO much about her to me. She has a presence in her...for sure.

ANYWAY.

December 14 at 10:45am is the performance. We have to have the kids there by 10:30 and we will have room in the van for only two extra people, but if you want to come and want to meet at our house by 10:00am we can caravan down there so you don't get lost.

By the way...ALL THREE children will be in it.

I'm so blessed.

Back to normal

Pastor Jim was back at church this week after been gone a month. He might have been back last week come to think of it but I was in Portland so missed church. He seems so refreshed. Back to his passionate self which it seemed he had lost a bit of after the board denied purchase (again) of new property. He was back east on a personal retreat and spent some time with his family in FL. Anyway...today's sermon was amazing. So amazing that I actually ordered a copy of the audio! I want to share the scripture he focused on today.

Isaiah 6:1-15

"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on the throne, high and exalted and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another;

Holy, Holy Holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."

At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.'

Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'

He said, 'Go and tell this people: Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'
Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might nsee with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.'

Then I said, 'For how long, O Lord?' and He answered:

'Until the cities lie ruined and without inhabitant, until the houses are left deserted and the fields ruined and ravaged, until the Lord has sent everyone far away and the land is utterly forsaken. And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land."


So what does this all mean you ask? Isaiah is speaking of when he saw the Lord. He was the keeper of history and he knew that those that saw the Lord only saw him in death or near death. When he saw Him, he yelled out "I am ruined" for he knew he was a dead man! The seraphs are firey angelic beings and in this passage they covered their eyes (so they would not see the Lord) and their feet (to come to Him without protection like Moses coming to the burning bush without shoes). Isaiah feared for his life because when he saw the Lord, he saw all of his sin and the sin of those around him and knew himself to be unclean. But the Lord did not strike him down. The seraphs took the coal of fire and touched his lips and told him he was forgiven. So here's the clincher...when the Lord asked "Whom will I send?" Isaiah stepped forward and said "Here am I, send me." He did not know for what, where or how long! He simply stepped forward and said, If you need me, I am here. Work through me, I will do whatever you ask. How amazing is that?

In these days that follow, our government, our world are going to go through some huge changes. The presidential elect has a few items on his agenda that concern me a great deal. I will pray for our country. I will pray for our continued alliance with God's chosen people. I will pray our country does not allow progression of abortion laws to bring us into a massacre of innocence. I will pray for God to work through our new president and perhaps see the error of some of his opinions; for his own soul and the soul of this country. I will pray.

I will also listen for God to ask "who will I send" and for ME to reply "Here am I, send me."

Idiot's Guide to Christian Prayer

So I found something really cool that I plan on sharing here. It's a book called "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Prayer and Devotions". I know I need inspiration and reminders during my day so I decided YOU all did too!!!! :D

The Westminster Larger Catechism, written in 1647 as a statement of the doctrine of the Christian faith begins this way:
Question: What is the chief and highest end of man?
Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever.

This reflects what the Bible tells us about our relationship with God. It is personal, one on one relationship in which we have the privilege of praising and glorifying God through both word an deed and in doing so, fully enjoying His presense.

So here starts my guide for us all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I will enjoy sharing it.

Chapter 1: Accepting God's invitation to fellowship with Him through words of praise and worship.

"Oh Jesus, you do not need us to worship you as God. Without you we cannot know God, the creator and protector of the universe. We are unworthy, we should always learn from you. With you we have life, without you we are like lost sheep which have gone astray. We want you to be together with us, teacher, friend! We want to sing hymns of praise to you, offering you our sincer love and respect." - T.C. Chao

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, as the Psalmist records. Lord, You made us for Yourself, help us to worship You with all of our minds, hearts and strength. Let this not be a duty but a joy and delight. You are indeed worthy to receive honor, glory, praise and thanksgiving for all You have done for us. Let us in our worship see the beauty of Your holiness, for You indeed inhabit the praises of Your people. We praise You along with the myriad number of angels and the saints whom You have redeemed in a heavenly chorus that shouts, "Hallelujah, for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns." We also say along with the church throughtout the world, "Worthy is the Lamb, to receive honor and glory, riches and power, forever and ever. Amen." " - James S. Bell Jr.

None of that Sissy Crap!

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems? Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship. You will see no cutesy little smiley faces here, Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1.When you are sad --I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!
2. Whenyou are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something in which I must be involved!
4. When you're scared -- we will high tail it out of here.
5. Wheny ou are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick --Stay away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I'll pick you up and dust you off--After I laugh my butt off!!

This is my oath...I pledge it to the end. 'Why?' you may ask --because you are my FRIEND!

Friendship is like peeing your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth. Thanks for being the pee in my pants.

Send this to 10 of your closest friends, Then get depressed because you can only think of 4.

BAD BECKY!!

Ok...so this has been a VEERRRRY bad week for me nutritionally!! Like...OMG...SO bad!!! Started with the weekend with the Metallica concert and drinking with friends...more calories that night then I wish to even figure out! Then it was Halloween! OY!! I tell ya...the jolly ranchers and starburst are easy for me to ignore/resist, but those little butterfinger and reces peanut butter cups?? Come on!! I'm only HUMAN!!! Plus, they're so small they can't have THAT many calories right!?! Well, maybe not just one...but 6-7 I might be in trouble. **SIGH** And of course we've ended our week with Joey's. **BIGGER SIGH** I do love that pizza but man I can feel my hips swelling as we speak!!

Ok. No more cheating! I'm back on it tomorrow!!

OH funny thing happened today. We went for a family walk today to go pick up Luke and Allie from school and decided to test out Casey with her new harness and leash. She was SO excited to go and was such a good girl! We got about half way up our hill and she slowed down to a crawl!! And of course that was after she kept laying down on the sidewalk on our way back from the park! She's in worse shape than me BY FAR!!! LMAO!!!!

We got in the house and she laid down to drink her water!!! She's been passed out ever since. Poor puppy. Little does she know she's my walking partner from here on out! It's ok though, she'll be fit as a fiddle in no time! Like it or not! And boy is she quiet when she'd worn out!! LOL

Paid in full

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.

As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.' He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'

The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell. 'He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and In the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'Hi, Dad,' and then He turned to address the court.

'Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wages of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished.' Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.'

My Lord continued with, 'His name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.'

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done.''I've done it all.'

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips..'This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. 'Case dismissed.'

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one.' I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?' Christ lovingly smiled and said, 'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid In Full~'

'Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is!'

For the record

I just feel the need to say something for all you folks that read my blog either by force (email) or by choice (actually visiting my page!).

When I started this thing it was purely selfish.

1. I wanted to be able to share our everyday lives with our loved ones that don't get to be here with us.

2. I wanted a place to vent and express my feelings.

3. I wanted to keep updated with other friends and family who have blogs as well.

So these are the three things I do here.

I don't blog to make others happy. I don't talk about things FOR other people and I don't NOT talk about things for other people. This is FOR ME!! Like I said...totally selfish.

The reason I'm saying this right now is because it's very possible I offend people. I may talk about things you don't agree with or that you don't want to know! So, here's the thing...if you don't agree, or I've offended you, or I've just give TMI, you can choose NOT to read it!! :) I don't say that to be disrespectful or to seem like I don't care. Please don't think that. But this is my venting place, the only place in my life where I don't HAVE to watch what I say or walk on eggshells or be careful the way I phrase something. I get to just spout off and let it all hang out. Y'all can (and I say this with the utmost love and respect) take it or leave it. Makes no difference to me!

My family and friends are my life. I love you guys so much and I wouldn't be who I am without each and every one of you that is a part of this blog. We all have our own lives though that don't include or affect one another and it's to THAT part of my life that I am most loyal. At the end of the day I only have God to answer to and I feel very comfortable with my relationship with Him. My husband and my kids are what make my life go round and round everyday and they accept me unconditionally; warts and all. I share my viewpoints, ideals and opinions here in this blog because that's why I made it. I don't expect everyone to agree with me or disagree with me. But I also don't express them to start arguments or for others to question my feelings toward them and their own. We are all human beings with our own belief systems and beyond all else I respect that individuality. I mean really, if y'all thought like me how boring would my life be???

So, please, take everything I say here with a grain of salt...especially if you don't agree!! Please be sure of my love for YOU. Be confident that even if you and I disagree, our relationship means more than that topic to me and who is right/who is wrong doesn't matter. In 15 years it won't matter who became president, but our love for each other will.

I love you!
Becky

What an eye opener

No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....What a thankless people we are!!!

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?'
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days inthe brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done itthis way......Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the NewYork Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'


- Craig R. Smith

Allie's in choir

As many of you know my Allie girl is following in my footsteps in choir. It's like her FAVORITE thing!! She loves it so much and this year she's in piano again which she also loves! Looks like the music genes have definitely passed on to her!

For the second year the choir is singing at Valley River Center for Christmas. It's earlier this year though and I wanted to let everyone know so you can attend if you want to! :)

Tuesday, November 18, 2008
11:45 choir arrives at VRC
12:00 choir performs
12:45 choir returns to school

It's pretty short, but it's so cute!! Let us know if you can make it and we'll look for you! Last year the risers were in front of Macy's.

Switching gears....

Well, after yesterday's landslide it's time to switch gears in my head. I'm so worried. I will be praying harder than ever now.

However, I'm an American. I made my voice heard as did a record making number of other American's. The choice has been made and I will support that choice. One thing is for sure...we set history yesterday on many fronts. It makes my heart smile to think that this country has come this far in it's racist views...how amazing is that! It's good to know that my children will grow up in a less racist nation and that we will be able to offer so much more for the next generation in regards to acceptance. Praise God!

I have hope. I HAVE to have hope for my own sanity. But still I worry.

And I pray.

Election day TODAY! Go vote!!!

Stole this from my girl, Becca! I'm sure she won't mind cuz she LOVES ME!!!


Today is an important day in the future of our nation. I thought I'd post a few quotes that I found regarding elections and the process...get on out there. Make it happen. And remember:
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Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be. ~Sydney J. Harris
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Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly and for the same reason. ~Author Unknown
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Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. ~George Jean Nathan
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People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing. ~Walter H. Judd
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Mankind will never see an end of trouble until... lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power... become lovers of wisdom. ~Plato, The Republic

WoW peeps are real!!!

Met up with a few of my gamer buddies when we were in Portland this weekend!! Jason (Silpher), Eran (Eroni) and Lucas (Maiea) took us to Paddy's, a quaint little lounge type bar in downtown. Then they proceeded to get me drunk!!! Took our first trip on the Max which reminded me of the tram in Vegas last year, and then we walked back to the hotel at about 2:30. It was a BEAUTIFUL walk!! The sidewalks are like, cobblestone and brick up there!! Got to walk across the bridge and get some fresh air...no rain and no crazies!! Was fun! I took my camera thinking I'd be annoying and take a bazillion pictures, but I only got a few and Jason took my camera and got a few more...as soon as I find my cord I'll upload them and throw them up here!!

Had a fabulous time meeting my game friends in real life tho! Thanks for a great night you guys!!! <3

METALLICA BABY!!!

So, Mark and I went to a Metallica concert with our friends LeRoy and Missy this weekend! I must admit that I wasn't all that excited about it. I was glad to be going to spend some time with Mark without kids and get away, but I was more excited about IKEA the next day! BUT, I had a BLAST!!! Seriously...Metallica definitely knows how to put on a show!! They were amazing. And such gracious hosts too!! You could really tell they appreciate and value their fans.


As we got in line to go in it started to rain! Missy and I found shelter but the hard core boys stayed out to hold the place in line and got DRENCHED!! LMAO

I have no idea what this look is...his excited face? Notice the empty seats? Mark is a MetClub member and we got early tickets with early entry! Only way to do a concert FOR SURE!

He calls me his "rocker wife". He loves it when I let my hair down and have fun!

This was at the opening. Pitch black in the stadium and everyone opened their phones. There were still a few lighters in the crowd, but mostly cell phone glow! It was cool.

They did a BITCHIN lazer light show for the first 2-3 songs. It was amazing!

Cell phone pics kinda suck...but you get the hint of James here. LOL

Even as a cell phone, fuzzy, crappy picture...this is still cool!

He's AMAZING!!

Aww missed a couple important ones!!

These had to be shared and I realized when I reviewed the previous blog that I missed them!


Spidey and Pooh....best pals! Bet you didn't know that! lol
ROCK ON POOH BEAR!!! (hard to believe this man will be head bangin to Metallica in less than 24 hours....)

Papa blow drying Gracie's curls! Classic. I love this!!!