It's Only A Game!

One of the nicest things that I've started since moving to Abilene is Bunco. It's a fun game played with (hopefully) fun women. I have a great group that means monthly at one of our houses, eats and laughs the night away. It's always one of my favorite nights. Bunco is the kind of game that allows everyone to chat and learn about each other. There's no skill or strategy involved - just fun.

We frequently have a theme and Monday night's theme was Co-Ed.

What??!! Hubbys (and 1 fiance) at Bunco? You say that will be fun? Judy said it. Judy did it. Fun? Some. Interesting? Totally.

Intellectually, I knew that men were more competitive than women but Monday night I got to live it! My first round was played with Vann (last names have been omitted to protect the not so innocent.) His lovely wife warned that he was a competive guy but whoa!! He learned "Baby Bunco"(any 3 of a kind and worth 5 points) and yelled it alot. Either to identify it or calling it forth - whichever worked. He was on the edge of his seat most of the night. He did keep a smile on his face. I was unsure if he was happy or it was his bloodlust smile.

I had the opportunity to play with Matt several times. He was scary. I was afraid he would come unglued if the wrong dice showed up. You throw the dice -the wrong dice frequently shows up. Matt looked like he needed a stiff drink by the end of the evening. All these talking women, trying to lose! (There's a prize for low score.) Woe, was Matt.

It seemed to be louder than usual. Lots of high fives and yelling. I'm thinking - wow, there must be a ton of Buncos (3 of a kind of the # that being rolled and worth 23 points) because there was so much shouting. No, apparently not. Not that many more than usual. Just more shouting. I wanted to tell the guys that the Ferrari they were passing around wasn't the real thing and Judy didn't have one parked outside for the winner.

Towards the end of the evening one of the ladies mentioned that she hadn't heard me all night. I usually enjoy singing and being somewhat rowdy on these nights. Well, who could be heard? When was I supposed to get a word in edgewise? And Phil was doing all the singing - You Can Ring My Bell (there's a bell that rung at the beginning and ending of each round.) He even introduced me to a new song! I didn't think it possible. (Typically, I've forgotten it. Sorry, Phil.)

So, men at Bunco. Good thing - once a year or once a millenium whichever comes first.

Maybe I Should Just Publish a "24" Blog?

I'm dashing off a quick one!

School starts 2 hours late this morning - not yesterday when I needed that extra sleep! Yall know I had to stay up and watch all 4 hours of 24. Jim and I were just gonna watch the first 2 hours that my sweet MIL had taped, BUT once we started we couldn't stop. Yeah, that worked out to about 2 AM.

OMGosh! Jack Bauer as a broken man. Jack on his knees, crying! More Middle Eastern men out to kill us all! And, where's Kim? In L.A.? That's all I can write until I'm sure I wouldn't spoil it for everyone. Let's just say - Keifer deserved EVERY acting award available and I can't wait until next Monday night!

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Sweetest thing ever - I came out 0f the bathroom a little while ago and the kids were playing in the snow. (There is some snow this time.) Jim was out there taping them. Our family works so much better when Daddy goes to work in the morning and comes home at night. We are all just happier. They were all smiles out there - I was smiles in here.

It's Cold and I'm At Home

I decided it was time to sit down and give out some interesting info......

OMGosh! How many of you here in Abilene tried to watch 24 last night? Were you watching the local station? Did you cuss or throw something at the TV when the local Fox station went out??!! Yeah, me too.

Seriously, I've been trying to call the local station or send them an email because I would really like to see the first 2 hours of Jack's 6th adventure. I can't get though and they don't have anywhere on their website to contact them. It feels like a conspiracy to not listen to their public. Maybe I should contact an advertiser? Hmmm? I would have liked to have seen it before I watch the second 2 hours that come on tonight. I'm not sure I can wait. The only good thing to come out of the evening - Jim didn't have to compete Jack Bauer for my attention. My MIL did tape it (she has satellite) so I can watch it - just not now!

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Well, we've been in the house now for 3 days. We didn't try to go to church yesterday. Southern Hills was one of the few churches that met yesterday and I feel guilty about not going. I was brought up going to church! We went no matter what. We went "every time the doors were open." How many horrible "gospel meetings" did I sit though growing up? For 5 nights? What were they thinking?

I will say how happy my kids were when we sat around the kitchen table and "had church." They loved sharing a Bible story (Kenny did his Bible Bowl and Abbie told her favorite) and they both chose a song to sing. Then we all held hands and prayed. They were so sweet and happy - grinning the whole time. I plan to keep it as a sweet memory.

Oh. You're wondering.....

Kenny - Read: Aquila and Priscilla Sang: Days of Elijah

Abbie - Told: Mary and Martha Sang: Hosanna and Blue Skies and Rainbows

"I'm Gonna Need a Hacksaw"

Some of you know that I'm addicted to this show. Some of you are addicted to this show. Some of you need help getting started - join our addiction!

What show? What show keeps you awake at night wondering who's the next to die? What show will lead to conversation for at least 2 dinners about why the terrorists are so bad and why don't we just bomb them already? What show features not one, but two, African-American presidents? (a little spoiler - hehe) What show features the only TRUE American? Willing to do anything for his country? Maybe even die?

24. That's right. 24. On Fox.

It starts again on Sunday night with a 2-hour premiere. Oh, you'll be at church? You holy people need to tape (or DVR) this. Oh, you have children? You good parents need to tape (or DVR) this, too. This show isn't for children. There's alot of violence (language? I can't remember) and our kids have never seen it.

Jim and I have watched it from the beginning and we've always loved it! I've always said it's like a book that you can't put down and yet, it only lasts 1 hour. If you're afraid you can't start it because so much has gone on - don't worry. All you need to know is that the Chinese have wrongly imprisoned Jack Bauer (our hero) and anyone at any minute could die.

I saw this on a blog and it made me laugh out loud so I'm posting it, too.

Basic Truths About Jack Bauer

Killing Jack Bauer doesn’t make him dead. It just makes him angry.

If Jack Bauer was in a room with Hitler, Stalin, and Nina Meyers, and he had a gun with 2 bullets, he’d shoot Nina twice.

If you wake up in the morning, it’s because Jack Bauer spared your life.

Superman wears Jack Bauer pajamas.

If it tastes like chicken, looks like chicken, and feels like chicken, but Jack Bauer says its beef. Then you better believe it’s beef.

Jack Bauer once forgot where he put his keys. He then spent the next half-hour torturing himself until he gave up the location of the keys.

1.6 billion Chinese are angry with Jack Bauer. Sounds like a fair fight.

Let’s get one thing straight: the only reason you are conscious right now is because Jack Bauer does not feel like carrying you.

Jack Bauer was never addicted to heroin. Heroin was addicted to Jack Bauer.

Jack Bauer played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.

When life gave Jack Bauer lemons, he used them to kill terrorists. Jack Bauer hates lemonade. Jack Bauer once won a game of Connect 4 in 3 moves.

Osama bin Laden’s recent proposal for truce is a direct result of him finding out that Jack Bauer is, in fact, still alive.

Jack Bauer is the leading cause of death in Middle Eastern men.

Jack Bauer doesn’t miss. If he didn’t hit you it’s because he was shooting at another terrorist twelve miles away.

When Jack Bauer was a child, he made his mother finish his vegetables.

Jack Bauer killed 93 people in just 4 days time. Wait, that is a real fact.

Simon Says should be renamed to Jack Bauer Says because if Jack Bauer says something then you better do it.

Jack Bauer won the Tour de France on a unicycle to prove to Lance Armstrong it wasn’t a big deal. He thinks yellow wristbands are gay.

When Jack Bauer pees into the wind, the wind changes direction.

Jack Bauer’s favorite color is severe terror alert red. His second favorite color is violet, but just because it sounds like violent.

When Google can’t find something, it asks Jack Bauer for help.

You can lead a horse to water. Jack Bauer can make him drink.

Jack Bauer can get McDonald’s breakfast after 10:30.

When the boogie man goes to sleep, he checks his closet for Jack Bauer.

In 96 hours, Jack Bauer has killed 93 people and saved the world 4 times. What the heck have you done with your life?

Jack Bauer killed so many terrorists that at one point, the #5 CIA Most Wanted fugitive was an 18-year-old teenager in Malaysia who downloaded the movie Dodgeball.

In kindergarten, Jack Bauer killed a terrorist for Show and Tell.

What color is Jack Bauer’s blood? Trick question. Jack Bauer does not bleed.

Guns don’t kill people, Jack Bauer kills people.

If Jack and MacGyver were locked in a room together, Jack would make a bomb out of MacGyver and get out.

People with amnesia still remember Jack Bauer.

Jack Bauer literally died for his country, and lived to tell about it.

Jack Bauer has been to Mars. That’s why there’s no life on Mars.

Superman’s only weakness is Kryptonite. Jack Bauer laughs at Superman for having a weakness.

When Batman is in trouble, he turns on the Jack Bauer signal.

It took Jack Bauer two minutes to beat a confession out of OJ.

Jack Bauer was conceived by torturing the other sperm until they gave up the location of the egg.

Jack Bauer’s family threw him a surprise birthday party when he was a child. Once.

Tagged, Again

Well, I survived the first day back - Woohoo! The kids seemed to be happy to be back and in our routine, too. Tia and I enjoyed the day with our little bots and the eternal words "Stay in your chair."

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I've been tagged by Anna and I'm always going to do what I'm told - so I'm participating!

1) Do you like the looks & content of your blog?

It's okay. I've been able to change the font and I like that. Changing the look is one of my main reasons for switching to WordPress and I'm still learning to do that over there. And, yes, I like my content. If I didn't, why would I write?

2) Does your family know about your blog?

Yes, but they don't all read. My brother reads some and my mom reads regularly. I think she's just looking for pictures of the kids. Same thing goes for my mother-in-law - just wants pictures of the kids. One of Jim's sisters reads all the time and she thinks I'm funny! That is my reason for writing!

3) Can you tell your friends about your blog?

Yes. I don't write anything that anyone can't read. I have been surprised by someone that reads me and I didn't know it. I mentioned her (without her name) and found out she reads it. Oops. At least it wasn't insulting....

4) Do you just read the blogs of those who comment on your blog?

No way! I read lots of people who don't read me - at least, I don't think so. The reciprocation is nice but not necessary.

5) Does your blog positively affect your mind?

Yes. My mind is getting old and blogging jump-starts it. I have to have a topic, compose a decent sentence, create structure and make sense. I've also learned alot about computers (more all the time) and learning keeps our minds young!

6) What does the number of visitors to your blog mean?

Okay, a little transparentcy here. You love me, you really love me! I can't help it. I try to ignore it but I get worried if there seems to be a slack-off. Sad, isn't it?

7) Do you imagine what other bloggers look like?

I like a picture but I'm okay either way.

8) Do you think blogging has any real benefit?

I've been thinking about this one lately. My blogging community is another support group for me. It's like a big, old-fashioned coffee-klatch - that's why I love it when you talk back to me. We can discuss problems and find solutions with our "virtual" friends.

9) Do you think that the blogosphere is a stand alone community seperated from the real world?

Alright, I'll put some thought into this question! No. Blogs effect the media and the media effects blogs. I discuss blogs with friends usually people who also blog. I send links to people who don't blog. The answer is No.

10) Do some political blogs scare you? Do you avoid them?

I only read one and that's just because he teaches at HU. I don't have the time to read something that would just aggrevatie me.

11) Do you think criticism of your blog is useful?

No. Thanks, no. Don't read if you don't like. Unless you're my friend who has the uncanny ability to see to the heart of people, you can critize. (She knows who she is.)

12) Have you ever thought about what would happen to your blog if you died?

No. Sarah, come over and put it on a disk for Jim then delete it, okay?

13) Which blogger had the greatest impression on you?

Toughie. My close friends, of course. Someone I don't know would probably be Planet Nomad. She makes me realize how good I got it. I love Antique Mommy's writing - she should publish a book.

14) Which blogger do you think is the most similiar to you?

I'm thinking............and I got nothing. I have to say I don't know. Who do you think?

15) Name a song you want to listen to.

Just one!!?? One Night Only by Jennifer Hudson on the DreamGirls soundtrack.

Blogger makes me crazy! It lost the first thing I wrote so I've taken all morning writing this! Don't we all need this t-shirt?

Monday, Monday

Today is the 9th anniversary of Kenny's coming home from the hospital. If you read this, you had a sense of how long ago that was.

There are 22 hours until school starts again, Praise the Lord!

Ordinary Princess Life

Roxanne has given us all a challenge to write and I was needing a topic! She has quoted a study that 36% of women wouldn't marry their same spouse all over again and in response she would like us to write about our Ordinary Princess lives. It's that story that should have been all mushy and romantic but real life doesn't get many of those (Am I on target, Roxanne?) Here's one of mine.......

We were on our once-in-a-lifetime-honeymoon. It was incredible! Jim planned the entire time and it was perfect. Except for one night.

We were in the Canadian Rockies and we were driving to Jasper to catch the Rockie Mountaineer Train to ride it back to Vancouver (over 2 days.) Our travel agent had arranged for us to stay just outside of Jasper at a natural hot springs. "People had been going there since the 1920's for the hot spring." - travel agent.

Well, it was about 20 miles "outside" of Jasper and we got there so late we didn't get to see anything! We had to drive about 7 miles down this twisty road and at one point had to stop to allow a porcupine to lumber off the road! The hotel was owned by some Indian family and they were worried about us - because it was late. Our room was more like a cabin. If I had been expecting camping, I would have felt better. The light in the bathroom was a chain over the mirror. The shower was one you buy at Home Depot and put in your lake house or hunting lodge or cabin in the woods. No TV. No phone. No food. One lamp. The windows opened up to the woods without any screens. Jim was told that the deer would come up to the window - yuck.

We had to catch the train back in Jasper at 8:00 - having had breakfast. It was so far out that we had get up extra early - 6:00. On our honeymoon. My dear hubby went to the office to inquire about a wake-up call and was given the teen daughter's clock radio. It received no station - just static. I sat still on the bed, freaked, until he came back.

We left early. Jim told me it was about $25 US - the cheapest place we stayed the entire time we were on our honeymoon.

In answer to the poll, I would state without hesitation that marrying Jim is the one thing I would do over without thinking. We are the most well-suited couple you know. We would have been friends if the Lord hadn't wanted us to be married.

Link over to Roxanne and join in with your Ordinary Princess story!

3 Questions For the Ages

Do you have a child that's just like you and does that child drive you crazy?

I do and he does.

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Did you know that AISD doesn't start back until the 9th?

I didn't and it does.

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Do you think that it's a law that at least one piece of Christmas isn't put away?

I do and it's hanging in my kitchen.

Edited to add: I found 2 more Christmas things! One in the bathroom and one next to the front door.

Movie Time

Tuesday night was a big night around town - it was Judy's Birthday! I was lucky enough to be invited for a little movie viewing and coffee drinking - fun had by all who were there! We saw the movie The Holiday and it was very cute. I've been wanting to see this chick flick all though the holidays and it was worth it. Just a quick critique:

Jude Law - Hunk! One lady especially liked his horn-rimmed glasses. He is pretty hot. Nuff said.

Kate Winslett - Great Actress! She could make any chacter interesting and funny this time out. The scene with her crying was so hysteristical!

Jack Black - Funny Second Banana. Jack Black as a love interest was interesting casting (like Kate Winslett couldn't do better??!!) but I always liked me a funny guy so I could believe it.

Cameron Diaz - I'm not sure you could call this acting. She's just a skinny girl who goes though her scenes attempting to be Lucille Ball. I think she was supposed to be endearing like Jack Black - I just wanted to punch her.

One of our friends said it was her favorite new movie - she hadn't seen Dreamgirls yet. I'm currently listening to the soundtrack and, surprising Eddie Murphy's singing isn't awful. I can't recomend this movie enough - it didn't seem like a chick flick to me but it's a musical. Lots of Motown.

Anyway, Happy Birthday to Judy! You inspire me to be a better wife and mom!

Mission Organization

I've decided that THIS time of year is the time that we all want to get organized - I do. All the stuff incoming (from gifts) needs somewhere to go and something needs to go out to make space! My laundry room has been driving me crazy so I called in a professional. Anne Jones. She has a knack for organizing and she wants to share that talent with all of us. We worked out a fee schedule and she went to work! I asked for a consult and she re-did my pantry, too! She had some GREAT ideas for the laundry room and she was willing to implement all of them.

We forgot to take any "Before" pictures but these are the "After." I basically stood there and threw away all the out of date stuff!

We'll be revisiting the laundry as soon as my hubby can build me some new shelves :-) Then I'll post a before and after!

Call Anne if you're feeling overwhelmed and need some direction. Call Anne if you want someone to do all the work FOR YOU! Call Anne if you're ready to make a change! (You oughta see what she can do for a garage sale!)

Maybe Just A New Paint Job

Well, I've been trying VERY hard to switch over to WordPress and it just isn't working for me. I (apparently) can't import all my hard work up until this point. This has to do with me going over to the *New* Blogger. WordPress can't import with the new Beta. I did think I might cut and paste but, paste where? Blogger doesn't cooperate with me and my desire to do different stuff (fonts, headers, style.) I can't move into a new house so I want this one to change. But, I may be here awhile longer. yeah.

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I went to see DreamGirls tonight and, yall really need to go see it! Jennifer Hudson was incredible! I can't say enough about her performance - she just was Effie. The music was terrific, too. Judy told me to save my money but, I almost just drove over to Target and bought the soundtrack.

Junk Food

Can a 4-year-old grow on Mac & Cheese, bread, refried beans, and candy? I'll let you know.

Just 2 Days Ago

I'm feeling led to say a little something about our Christmas. Perhaps the pictures weren't enough to convey the joyfulness surrounding the day. Perhaps the pictures didn't show the wonderful presents received by all. Perhaps the pictures just weren't enough for yall to see the 10 pounds I've put on in 3 days but maybe that was intentional.

Santa brought both kids scooters and, I must say, it's kinda cute the way they're riding them though the house. I know, that's a bad thing but, it's still cute. I keep thinking that they will become outside toys soon but, not yet. We went yesterday and used the (overindulgent) gift card that Uncle Billy bought them (together! What's up with that??!!) to purchase helmets. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are still living in the 70's and forgot to buy helmets. I can attest that the Clauses use seat belts in their vehicles but helmets for bike and scooter riding are still so, you know, 21st century.

Cousins Jayden and Jerron got Kenny a remote control Hummer. Santa would not have bought such a expensive thing that Kenny would promptly forget about and leave in his closet. Or that Mrs. Claus would have to constantly buy batteries for - it's not a Claus purchase. Kenny LOVES it! It has rechargeable batteries. I hear it right now. It's going all over our house and running into all the furniture and walls. Santa did buy Abbie a remote control VW for Barbie and she and Kenny play with them together. Hers only goes back and forth so it isn't as much fun. But Barbie and Kelly can ride in hers and they seem to like being in wrecks.

I have discovered that the gifts that make my kids happy make me happy. Who knew?

We also got a new member on the household, Elizabeth. ("What's her name, again?" "Well, you said her name was Elizabeth." "Oh, yeah.") Mimi and Pop got Abbie an American Girl doll that looks like Abbie. They are sold with varying skin tones, hair color and eye color so Abbie's looks like her. They also made her a doll bed and she has 3 outfits. The one she came with, one they picked up for an 18-inch doll (not American Girl,) and real, over-priced, beautiful pajamas that kinda match Abbie's. Abbie changes her clothes every day and she went with us to Target yesterday. I'm sure you will all be meeting Elizabeth soon.

You know, they make LOTS of doll clothes patterns and Elizabeth and Abbie may end up in some matching outfits. Okay, I'm a little excited about Elizabeth, too. Did I mention my discovery that gifts that make my kids happy make me happy, too?

Trust me there is alot more and, surprising, the kids seem content with all of it. Kenny's been reading some of his new books and Abbie's been coloring on her new Doodle Bear. Jim has slept with his new pillow and I have watched Devil Wears Prada. I'm saving Ricky Bobby until Jim and I can watch it together, again. Although it will be fun to listen to the commentary on that one!

Ghost of Christmas Present

Christmas Tea Party at MiMi's

Christmas morning just starting to open presents....

Abbie with her Barbie, Kelly (Barbie's little sis,) and Barbie's new remote control VW!

Christmas Eve at Southern Hills Nativity.... Abbie loved all the animals!

Ghost of Christmas Past

Santa, Real or Not?

Well, I switched over to the "new" Blogger and it looked like it would take an act of congress to get on Blogger again - it didn't. But get ready, I'm just about ready to join the WordPress family. Blogger can be a pain and maybe it's time for something else!

I've been trying to finish up with all the Christmas stuff. I sent a box to Birmingham on Dec. 21! Yeah, that's cutting it close. Just a little. Especially if you're one of the people waiting for a gift!

It's coming....

By UPS.....

I promise :-)

Have I shared here the Santa rule? Our kids get three presents from Santa because Jesus got three gifts (I know, maybe that should be for birthdays... go with it.) - any other gifts are from Jim and I. This does present some problems and I feel like I'm constantly making up new rules. Christmas stocking are from either. Santa's not wrapped. Toys are from Santa, books are from us. It just keeps going.....

This brings me to "Why do Santa?" I thought for a long time about lying to the kids and how wrong that was. I worried when they found out they would accuse us of lying. Sometimes it's hard to keep the lies straight. Then again, I grew up with Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny and I don't remember thinking my parents were liars. I turned out okay - for the most part. So Jim and I decided to carry on the Santa tradition but Kenny knows now. He asked me last year and I couldn't go on. He was 8 years old and that seemed about right. We're still lying to Abbie - all of us. Kenny is under threat of NO GIFTS AT ALL if he tells his sister. It seems to be working.

I don't know how long Abbie has - yesterday two of her friends (4 year olds) told her their mommies said that there was no Santa. One of the mommies is a teacher at our preschool and she asked me how mad I was at her when I mentioned the "telling." Abbie was contented with "Well, Santa must not come to their house if they don't believe in him, right?" How long it will last? I have no clue. Innocence is gone so fast......

What, I'm Weird?

So, I've been trying to think of 6 weird things about me. Anne had tagged me days ago and I've been racking my brain. I'm sure there are thousands and I'm just used to them. Apparently Jim is also used to them because he couldn't think of anything either!

1. I don't eat cheese. But I do eat some cheese. I especially don't like Veleeta but I'll eat Rotel made with Velveeta. I can't stand Feta, ever. When I see someone on the Food network at a cheese shop, I don't get it. I'm especially grossed out by cheese in a casserole. That's why I don't love Home Cooking mag, every recipe has cheese in it.
2. I get up when the alarm goes off. I think it's weird to hit the snooze. Why not just sleep 9 more minutes?
3. I have to have on mascara. And if I'm putting on mascara, I'm curling my eyelashes. I can crawl out of the bed and go to the pool but, only after I put on mascara.
4. I'm cold in the winter and hot in the summer. People always assume that I'm hot-natured (in the summer) and then in the winter they assume I'm cold-natured. Nope, I'm just weird.
5. I always read before going to sleep. It can be most anything but I usually have a book I'm reading. Magazines are good, too.
6. I'm fanatical about being on time. I HATE to be late. If I'm supposed to be somewhere at a certain time, I have to be there then! Five minutes early is preferred.

All other odd habits are just that odd. I, too, can make up words with any tune (just ask Tia, my co-teacher.) I remember the lyrics to literally thousands of songs. My kids think I'm a penny-pincher and my husband wishes I was a penny-pincher.

There you are - 6 things you didn't want to know about me. Enjoy your pondering. Oh, and feel free to post your 6 things on your blog or even add to my list in the comments.

Orange Time

Here's Kenny with his new orange belt. He's very proud to have moved on up in the tae kwon do world. He also got a SH TKD shirt and I'm sure you'll be seeing him in it!

Thursday Observations

I took off work on Thursday and these are some observations:

1. Starbucks isn't private. Please don't carry on private conversations on your BlueTooth. I saw (and heard) a guy talking into his computer (I Site?) - he was complaining about an employee. He named the employee and told us all that she was a problem from Day 1! He later moved next to us (yes, he discussed said employee 2 table over and we still could hear) and we were able to see his company's name. I'm thinking of calling this employee so I can get half of the money she can get from her company for talking about her in Starbucks.
2. I saw a lady enrolling someone in Aflac in Starbucks (Starbucks isn't private!) - she was sitting with lots of papers and her lap top was open. In front of the lap top, she had placed a stuffed Aflac duck. It was dressed for the prom. I know I was impressed.
3. At the pedicure place, just be happy they work on your feet. Don't ask for much. There is a serious language barrier. If the one lady who speaks West Texas English is there, you may ask for something special.
4. There are rules to eating your way through Sam's. Go up one side and down the other - don't cross. Walk up and down another aisle so it may appear that you're buying something. Always say "Thank you," of course.
5. You may not go down the hall where the classrooms are until the bell rings at 3:15. Needless to say, there is very important instruction going on at 3:10.

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I've been tagged by Anne to come up with some weirdness about me. I'm not weird. I'm normal. Check back later to see if I can come up with anything.

Prettiest Town I've Ever Seen

I haven't written much about my adopted hometown. I love it! Abilene is just right for me. Maybe a few more stores but how many places do we need to spend money? I love the weather (yes, it's hot that's why we have air conditioning) and the scenery. What scenery? you ask. The beautiful sky that seems to go on forever. The wonderful sunsets that paint unbelievable colors. The gnarled Mesquite trees that hug the ground and grow in such foreign shapes. The cactus that covers the embankments and grows right up against fences.

Yes, Abilene is home to me. I pray I never have to leave it. I could live here the rest of my life.

That doesn't mean it doesn't have it's oddities. It does. I'm going to begin showing you picture of some of the weird things I see around town - cause there's lots of stuff!


This is a picture of a brick that hangs from a tree limb down the street from Thomas Elementary. It's about 2 feet from the ground. It's been there ever since Kenny started school there (I assume before?) and I have no idea its function. Why would you hang a brick from a tree limb? Batting practice?

Weird stuff. More to come.

The Artist

Did you enjoy the video? Follow this link to see more of Greg Olsen's paintings and read his writings on them.

Mary Did You Know - Clay Aiken

Now I'm singing this song all the time. This version done by Clay Aiken is the one they're playing on the radio constantly!

Abbie loves to sing along - how sweet is that?

Funny Stuff, Maynard

I'm afraid if I send you over to a funnier blog, you will all abandon me. (Ok, maybe just a little insecure.) But I must send you over to Antique Mommy. She makes me laugh - often- but today's Wal-Mart story made we laugh until I cried. Check out any Tuna post she's written, too.

Our Word For The Day

Caution: Girly Stuff Ahead

So, are you wondering what happened to the happy-go-lucky gal you've known and loved for almost a year? Where did that writer go that's always so funny even when she's fussing about her kids? Where's the humor, dadgum it!

Some of you know that my sweet hubby is working evening during the cotton season and we don't get to see him much. He typically works 10 hour days, 6 days a week. (I'll NEVER understand how single moms do it) This just leaves me and my two little ones to battle it out until bedtime. (I am currently in battle with Kenny over Bible Bowl homework.) Making every decision and inflicting every punishment (I mean administering all the discipline) wears me out.

I'm also convinced that my hormones are bottoming out and not jumping up into the happy zone like they're supposed to do. Our word for the day is Perimenopause. I'm pretty sure I'm living in Perimenopause and it's fun quotient is very low. I'm sleepy alot and down-in-the-dumps alot. I want to eat but only junk (NO Little Debbies may enter my house!) Mostly I want to lay in my bed with the covers over my head and wait until Jim rescues me. Poor Jim.

So, don't forsake me dear readers and friends. This too shall pass. The Shift Change will come along in its own time. God will provide.

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What happened on Wednesday? I dyed my hair - good bye grey roots - and Sisterly Shine came over to clean my house. They were even allowed in my bathroom and bedroom (I tried to stop them) and I can now see the top of my dresser. It's a lovely shade of brown. Laughing together is the best medicine and we did plenty of that.

Just a Little Trip

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

Proverbs 16:18

Just a quick note! Tonight I found out I've been published on Heartlight, again. WooHoo! I hurried home to check my site meter - I just knew my incredible writing had lured many new readers to my humble blog. Yeah. Sure.

The article isn't linked to here. Typical. I'm all worried that my last depressing post was the first one folks would see and NO. God just wants me to be humble and thankful for yall - not looking over your shoulder at who's behind yall.

I'll write a follow-up to the last post soon. Let's just say I'm trying to make it to the Shift Change.

The Pit

Last Friday Abbie was invited to a birthday party at the Gymnastics Sports Center and both of my children had the best time playing. They stayed at the foam pit almost the entire time. (The foam pit is a large area for the gymnasts to land in when they run and jump.) Well, yall know I had to give it a try. It just looked like something I should get into to - so I did. It was very hard to get out for such a short landing. Kristi took some very incriminating video of me trying to get out (use your imagination.)

Lately that's how I've been feeling - like I'm stuck in that foam pit and can't crawl out. That foam pit is like my messy house, unpaid bills, Christmas decorating, Christmas shopping, the eternal laundry, and the stench in the broken disposal. It's the putting the kids to bed, making sure Kenny's done his Bible Bowl homework, loading the dishwasher, raking the leaves (worrying about raking the leaves,) fighting with Abbie over wardrobe choices, and trying to figure out what my father-in-law wants for Christmas.

Sorry if this is a little too honest for ya. I know some of you drop by here for a laugh and some of you haven't ever met me. But life is too short to pretend perfection and I'm too old to not show my wrinkles and warts (okay, the stretch marks are hidden.)

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU! BY MARIAH CAREY

I cant' get this song outta my head! I watched the movie "Love Actually" the other night and this song is featured in it. (I just found out that's it's Mariah)

May it get you in the mood for Christmas (or somthing else!)

Things We Do For Love

One song that I hate to hear and sing: Blue Skies and Rainbows

One song that my 4-year-old was singing in her bed and I sang with her: Blue Skies and Rainbows

It was worth it for the big smile on her face.

More Snow Day

How I kept warm on a cold Thursday night.

One more thing about a snow day: those d-a-m Yankees make me crazy! They're always on the news saying, "This is nothing. Where I come from we're used to alot more snow. It's no big deal." Well, do you want all us Southerners on the roads attempting to drive?!? The police are telling us to stay home! We are law-abiding citizens - we stayed home. So there.

Snow Day

Here's the front of the house this morning. Not that much snow but enough to stay home! Note the beautiful lights - my sweet hubby puts them up every year. Drive by - they look great!
Kenny thought "snow" meant "snowball" and proceeded to make them and throw them at Abbie. We went into the front yard at about 11:00 and the wind was sooo cold - I sent them to the back. Yes, the wind chill was 11*.

Now, to Abbie "snow" meant "snow angel." If you look closely (and squint) you can see the snow angel she made. On the concrete. Go figure.
My little snow angel.

Oops.....

I broke the cardinal rule of a snow day. Don't run out of milk or bread. It was milk. $2.99 at United. Check back for pictures of my rowdy kids in the "snow."

Go to this link to vote for your favorite NFL team (Cowboys, right?) and in doing so get some free soup to the food bank in Dallas.

Molly, An American Girl

Okay, so last night I watched Molly, An American Girl on the Home Front with the kids. What a great old-fashioned movie! I want to recommend it to everyone who has kids who like to watch TV. It's based on Molly, from the American Girl books, who lives during World War II. She lives in a small town in Illinois and dreams of being "Miss Victory" for her elementary school production. She deals with jealousy, loss, making new friends, and improving her work ethic all in 90 minutes. This is a movie like we all remember watching when we got to stay home from church on Sunday night and see the Wonderful World of Disney (once in a blue moon.)

I should tell you that Kenny liked it, too. It had alot of history in it - which, of course, he liked. I couldn't convince him to check one of the American Girl books out of the library though. He commented on how "respectful" all the students were in Molly's class. They have it on sale Tuesday at Target and click here to see a teaser.

Mean Mama

I read this article about young kids growing into teenagers too quickly. I know you'll join me in setting limits on our children - so they can be children! We can work together to be the mean parents that everybody hates - I'm not out to be my kid's friend, that's why I have yall.

Get Cookin

I thought I'd do something a little different and post a recipe! I'll put it on the Recipe Blog, too. This is really good especially for the cold (it'll get there!) weather.

Cowboy Pot Roast

1 1/2 t. salt, divided
1 1/2 t. pepper, divided
1 (14.5 oz) can petite-cut diced tomatoes, drained
1 can Rotel
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 T. chili powder
1 (2 1/2 to 3 lb) eye of round roast, trimmed (I use what was on sale!)
2 T. veggie oil
2 cans of Pinto beans, drained
1 can of Black beans, drained

Combine 1 t. salt, 1 t. pepper, and next 4 ingredients in bowl.
Sprinkle reast evenly w/remaining salt and pepper. Brown roast on all sides in hot oil. Transfer roast to a crock pot. Pour tomatoe mixture over roast. Cover and cook on HIGH 5 to 6 hours.
Remove roast from the slow cooker and cut into large chunks; keep warm
Skim the fat from the crock pot. Mash 1 1/2 cans pinto beans and add to the crock pot. Stir in black beans and remaining pintos. Add the roast pieces back to the crock pot; cover and cook on HIGH 20 to 25 more minutes. Top w/jalapenos, if desired.

Now add some cornbread - if ya know what's good for ya!

Thanksgiving Thanks

Whew, keep up!

Monday, November 20 - Thanks, Sarah, for taking my kids so I could go to Bunco! Sarah came up with the idea that she and I trade off babysitting. Our kids seem to like each other and we like each other's kids - ideal situation.

Tuesday, November 21 - I'm thankful the Jim is staying well enough. He's fighting a cold but he can stilll go to work. This time of year - it's important that's he's there. Just ask him.

Wednesday, November 22 - Thanks for a little peace and quiet. The kids went to Mimi's and made turkey cookies and Jim went to work. I was alone for 2 glorious hours. Sometimes Mommy needs to be alone!

Thursday, November 23 - Thank you, Father, for all the blessings I have. Thank you for the food that we eat everyday. Thank you for my wonderful husband and children - they have enriched my life in ways I could never have known. Thank you for the friends I have all over the country. Thank you so much for our church home. Mostly, Father, thank you for Jesus - without Him I'd be without hope or a future.

Enter [the Lord's] 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 100:4-5, New International Version

You Are The Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Well, I always make the stuffing and I certainly eat enough to BE stuffing......

What Now?

I've started working on a new project, that already had several participants, and I feel like it could be run better. The managers seem scattered and unaware of the discontentment flying around them. Being that I'm a rookie, I'm trying to get some of the older members to speak up but they are unwilling to hurt feelings. Do I keep my mouth shut? Do I try to smooth over older member's feelings? Do I stand up and be counted? I could use a little Godly advice here.

BTW, if you know what I'm talking about, please don't out it here on the blog.

Get Yours Now!

Okay two posts in one hour may be too many but this made me laugh out loud...... This site gave me my own movie line!

You talking to Denise?

That's kind of the way I've been feeling lately but right now I'm laughing!!

Weekend Blessings

Saturday, November 18 - Thanks to Riley for inviting Kenny to his birthday party! It was fun for Kenny to go play at the park and fun for mom to take a nap!

Sunday, November 19 - I'm thankful that Jim and I got to go with our kids to the nursing home. Due to scheduling problems, Jim and I were at a loss last night about what to do at 6:00. Both of our classes were cancelled and the kids were doing this great service project with the other Sunday night kids. We didn't want them to miss soooo, we tagged along. It was great for the little old ladies to see Southern Hills kids and it gave Jim and I the opportunity to teach our kids about kindness and caring for the elderly. You should hear those little kids sing Shout Hallelujah!

WAR EAGLE!

You know you've ben gone from Alabama too long when you don't know the day of The Game. I just read that today is the Alabama-Auburn game and I can only hope it's on TV. In my home state, everybody knows which channel it's on, what time it comes on, who they'll be watching it with, and what they're eating. College football doesn't get any better than this, let me tell ya!

Funny memory: Before Jim and I were dating, I invited him to Candace's house (Auburn grad) to watch the game. It was full of Tiger fans (the Bama folks were at someone else's house) and we were yelling and jumping and having a great time watching the game. Jim fell asleep on the floor off to the side! It was then I began to understand what working at night means to a body.

Thankful Catch-Up

Tuesday, November 14 - I'm thankful that Kenny got to go to Safety City. It's the highlight of all 3rd graders here in Abilene and I was concerned that he might get sick. It seems that he always gets sick on his birthday or when something exciting is going on at school.

Wednesday, November 15 - I'm so thankful for my Manna and More team! They always show up and cook their little hearts out! We all have fun doing it, too. I never have to worry that that day will be dull.

Thursday, November 16 - I've said before that putting the kids down to nap at school is the hardest part of my job. It just isn't easy. Thank you, Holly, for being in there with us every time to help us take care the the toughest one. It would take us forever if you weren't there all the time.

Friday, November 17 - Thanks to Rosie who always does a great job. Rosie won't read this - she doesn't blog - but she cuts my hair. She's terrific! She's an excellent colorist, too. She has a wonderful smile and she ain't that expensive.

The Rest of the Story

I've been trying to formula this in my head and it isn't coming together. Probably because I was a walking, talking numb person at the time - so bear with me.

When the doctor came out of delivery, it was the neonataligist carrying Kenny. This was Jim's introduction in the the world of the NICU. All NICUs are different and have different rules about weight, size, treatment, etc. This was our experience at St. Vincent's in Birmingham, Alabama. Our NICU was pronounce N-I-C-U - I know it's become popular to prononunce it Nick-u but ours wasn't that way. Jim was able to see Kenny when the doctor stopped to show him to Jim and pretty quickly in the NICU itself. Kenny started out on a c-pap for breathing (prongs in his nose,) an IV for glucose (no formula yet,) and small white eye shields (called goggles) to protect his eyes from the billi-light. He also had a gold heart placed on his heart to measure his heart rate. He was placed on an open bed (the tall bed you always see on TV) and usually just had a diaper placed around him. They didn't try to tape it up. The diapers were weighed when change to measure just how much was going in and out. Jim had to wash his hands thoughly (there were instuctions) and couldn't pick him up. Premies like a firm touch and we were asked to only touch him on his trunk, not legs or arms.

Because my blood pressure was still so high I wasn't allowed out of my room for 2 days. I remember lots of people coming to see me and my blood pressure going though the roof. I felt fine but the nurse would only let one person in at a time. I slept alot and the blood pressure cuff would inflate (and wake my up) every 30 minutes. So I would wake up n the middle of the night and ask about Kenny - Jim would tell me he was fine. I would ask Jim to go check on him and by the time Jim got back I'd be asleep! Jim knew all the nurses - roll the clock. When I was finally allowed to go to a room on the floor, I was able to see Kenny. We still couldn't pick him up. The premies had to be 1600 grams (Kenny's birth weight) and we had to wait for him to get that big. Only JIm and I were allowed to touch him and only 2 people could be at a bed at one time. By the time I got to see him, the goggles were gone (but the velcro patches on the side of his head remained) and he was off the vent.

Funny thing: I was still VERY hot. It turned cold and my mom had come to see me. I was on the floor and I had my own room. She was talking to me and I said to her to take off her coat and stay awhile. She had on her heavy winter coat! She told me it was freezing in my room. Now it was 40 outside and I still had the A/C on 50! I was shocked at how hot it was in the hallway.

Kenny quickly moved to a isolette and I was able to hold him for the first time 5 days after his birth. We could hold him for 20 minutes at a time so Jim didn't get a chance until 8 days after his birth. We learned about "kangaroo care" - the baby is held up against the skin. I did it behind a screen or out in the open. Yall know how good it feels to have a baby right up against you! He was taking formula through a feeding tube - his first bottle was given at 10 days old. We were told (more than once) that he wasn't supposed to be here until the end of December - so don't look for him to come home until the end of December.

I left the hospital 4 days after his birth and cried all the way home. It's horrible to leave your helpless baby with someone else! After awhile, I would go in the morning and be with Kenny until the shift change at abut 3:00. Then Jim would come home from work, we would eat something quickly, and we would both go to the hospital until about 10:00. We saw some parents that lived far away and weren't able to see their child every day. I wanted to take care of those kids, too. I was told to call anytime I wanted to to check on him. I remember calling one night at abut 3:00 and the nurse was wonderful! She remembered seeing Jim and checked on Kenny right away and gave me a report. I felt confident in their care but I wanted him home!

Kenny's heart would have bradycardia - his heart would get dangerously slow and he could turn blue. The policy was he had to go 10 days without a brady before he could go home. He would never quite make 10 days. I pumped the entire time and I was given a private room to try to nurse him. He wouldn't latch on (later, at home, he did and nursed for about 9 months) but we sure tried. I would pump, freeze the milk, take it to the hospital, and they would give it to him when neither of us was there.

It was the week of Christmas and surely, he would come home! My in-laws came from Abilene - thinking he would come home that week. He had been in the hospital for 7 weeks! Then he contracted RSV. Kenny was immediatly put into isolation. We weren't at the hospital (it was night) but the doctor called us to tell us. He was back on an open bed, face down with lots of IVs that he was trying to pull out whenever he was awake. I would just pat his bottom to put him back to sleep. That first day, I thought him might die - Jim didn't. He looked very sick and had his own nurse - all to himself. It was awful for me. We were there the next day with Mimi and Pop and his vein (?) had collasped again. The antibotics were tough on them and they kept finding new places to put the IV. We were asked to wait outside while 3 or 4 nurses tried to find a vein. We could hear him screaming and Jim and I just prayed. I had to walk down the hall so I couldn't hear it anymore. It was a memorable Christmas.

This was a dark time for me. Margaret was in the hospital down the street and I thought she was dying, too. No one wanted me to know just how sick she was but her heart wasn't doing well. It wasn't long after this that she got a kidney from her brother - it's still working well, praise God. One of the women I didn't know well at church told me that she couldn't sleep the night before and was praying for Kenny then. I was asleep. I'm so thankful others were taking care of us then.

After the RSV, he had reached his due date. He weighted less than 7 lbs and I guess they felt like "Get this kid out of our NICU!" He was 8 weeks old and allowed to come home. He had a heart monitor that he wore all the time (wires around his chest) and we had to have infant CPR. January 7 Homecoming.

Sorry this has been so long - I hope you had lots of coffee with our story. We praise God that He allowed us to have our 9-year-old and that our story can help others. I have since visited others that I don't know whose babies had to go to the NICU. (Buy them some parking passes) I really just wanted all my Texas friends to know that God can carry us even when we can't even think about anything but making it to shift change.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye Heavenly Host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

"Waste Not, Want Not!"

Willard Tresler, Margaret's dad, passed away on Novemeber 14, 2006. This is the email I got from Margaret:

No more diabetes, cancer, high prices, or traffic....We are full of sorrow at our loss, but rejoicing that Dad is healed and HOME in the land of cloudless day.
Love and thanks to everyone,
Margaret, John, and Jeane

This was one funny (without intending to be) man. I admired his service to our country (Ret. Air Force,) the love he had for his wife, Jeane, and the love he had for his children. He was blessed with 2 grandchildren before he died (holding one of them.) Join me today in prayer for his family.

Aside: Ask me about "Waste not, want not."

A Teaser

Kenneth Joel Waldrop

November 11, 1997

3 lbs 8 oz

16 inches long

Picture taken the first time Mom held him at 5 days old.

In All Things Give Thanks

Sunday, November 12 - I'm so thankful to be able to sing on the Praise Team! This is new for me and still scary but it was wonderful on Sunday. I've not joined for the three years we've been here because I was nervous about it but it truly is a gift to me. To be able to sing with others is always great - even rehearsal on Sunday night makes my night. Thanks, Father, for this talent.

Monday, November 13 - I'm thankful that my sweet sister-in-law, Kathy, always remembers my kid's birthdays. Kenny was so excited to get something in the mail for his birthday - he tore the card. Like he hadn't gotten anything else!

Kenny's Birth - Part Two

As promised....

When we arrived at the OB's office we had to wait - I remember pacing the floor because I was uncomfortable and nervous. They did the routine (for me) blood draw, tinkle in a cup, and get hooked up to the fetal monitor. I would sit in a recliner and they would check on Kenny (Peanut, at the time.) I had this done this 2 or 3 times already. The doctor came in and checked on the monitor strip.

Let me take this time to tell you about my doctor. Dr. Jimmy Sparks wore beautiful tassel loafers with his scrubs. Or he had on his nicely startched lab coat with his name over the pocket. He was always professional and yet caring. I was never uncomfortable with him! I have since decided that he spoiled me for every other OB/GYN. None have been able to compare or be as wonderful. One in Arkansas failed miserably and paid the price by me changing doctors - quickly.

Sooooo, Dr. Sparks decided to prescibe me an antiacid and sent me home. Kenny looked fine - I was only 33 weeks. Go home and lie on your left side - same old, same old. Then one of the nurses came in with my chart, "Wait, there's protein in your urine. I'm sending you over to the hospital." NOW!? Ok. One of the other nurses (yes, there were many! I'm talking wonderful practice!) took me, in a wheelchair, over to the hospital. They were within the same city block by we traveled up and down and past the kitchen. It was strange and surreal. I was installed in Room 3, which I later learned was for high- risk pregnacies, and hooked up to an IV.

I still didn't get it. I knew I was high-risk (at 35) but I expected everything to be fine. Maybe we just couldn't anticipate it because we had no previous experence. I don't know.

I was filled up with magnesium and got really hot! The inside of my mouth was warm - it was weird. I had the A/C turned down to 50 and I was still hot. Jim will tell you it was freezing in my rooms for the next week! About 5 days after Kenny was born it turned cold out and my mom came to visit me and Kenny. She had on her big coat and I told her to take her coat off - we're inside. She told me it was cold in my room and she'd leave it on, thank you. Jim went to move the car and get the telephone numbers and I called Margaret. She worked downtown and I couldn't believe how fast she got there! The (wonderful) doctor came in and told me I would be delivering this baby today while she was with me. But I'm only 33 weeks and I'm not having any contractions - how can I deliver? It didn't matter - it was him come out or me get sicker.

I was sick. My blood wouldn't clot - a sign that my liver wasn't functioning well. My blood pressure was high - a sign that my arterties may close up and cause a stroke. I remember lots of people from my parent's church coming and offering prayer. I remember my mom and dad being there. I remember that Jim didn't go into the operating room with me. I was given general anaesthesia - so I had to go it alone. I was cold, lonely, and waiting for a second doctor in the OR. I was too drugged or freaked out to cry.

When I woke up, my mom was there and the first thing I said was "Is he okay?" My mom assured me he was and I started to pester her. "But is he ok?" "Yes, he's fine." "Is he retared?" (I was worried about that thoughout my pregnacy - I was 35.) "No, he's fine." "But is he Down's?!?" My mom told the nurse that I worked with retarded kids - that should explain everything.

Sorry so long. If you've made it this far, come back and read about the NICU, open beds, IVs for premies, etc.

Edited to add: I should have said "special needs kids." I was never that insensitive when I worked with that population! Just coming out of anaesthesia is one thing - now is another!

More Thanks

Friday, November 10 - I'm thankful that I can go to the doctor. I know lots of people can't afford it or don't have insurance. I'm glad that Jim is waiting at home with our children so he can take care of me.

Saturday, November 11 - Thank you, Father, for my son. My Mom and Dad thank you that I'm "paying for my raising." I can't imagine life without him. I think I'll record his birth story on his birthday.

Kenny's Birth - Part 1

As promised a little story about a not-so-little boy.....

Jim and I had been married two years and decided it was time to get pregnant. It didn't take long and we saw no reason why it wouldn't go along without a hitch! Things did go well - I craved lime (which translated to Tex-Mex in Bham) and slept alot. My blood pressure started going up in about my 6th month - I had lots of doctor visits and they drew blood every time. I have since lived in other towns that didn't have the lab right the office and I've learned what a blessing that was. I had more frequent visits that all the other mommies - the doctor was watching my blood pressure.

Just to let you know - I wasn't worried. I remember telling someone later that I had 5 sonograms and they were surprised. She told me she would have been worried! I just didn't know any better.

At about 32 weeks, the doctor put me on partial bedrest. This meant alot of time on my left side (I thought I'd lose my mind trying to sleep on my left side!) and watching TV. Mimi came to visit and attend my baby showers. We went to the mall and she made me use a wheelchair! I felt fine! I didn't need a wheelchair! It seems so silly.

One night while Jim was at work (he went in at midnight,) I started to have the worst indigestion. I got up and took some antacids and tried to go to sleep but I just couldn't. I tossed and turned and finally got up and lay on the couch. None of this is out of the ordinary for an expecting mom and I was watching for the pain under ribs that would signal a preeclampsia problem.

Jim came home early (about 6:30) and we called the doctor. I had an appointment that day at 10:00 but he told me to come in at 8:00. Jim woke up Mimi and told her we had to go! At this point I was ready to get something, anything in me that would help so I couldn't believe it that Mimi was taking a shower! I wasn't taking a shower! Mimi has since told me that she had no idea when she would get to shower again.

Off we went to downtown Birmingham....

Thanks

Wednesday, November 8 - Maybe this is a little too easy cause I'm thankful for Manna & More. Our Wednesday night meal means I don't have to cook and the kids get to hang with their friends. Abbie had so much fun with Madilyn and it's sweet to hear them giggling together.

Thursday, November 9 - Thank you, God, for just one dirty diaper! Just one doesn't happen very often and changing diapers is something I stopped doing 18 months ago - Praise God!

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I've been inspired by Shannon to write out Kenny's birth story. (It has become apparent that I have no original thought.) Tomorrow is his 9th birthday and I'll try to post later the long story.

I Love the Island

OH MY STARS!! Did anyone else watch LOST!! Please, please, tell me that someone watched that show and wants to talk about it as bad as I do! Why, for the love of all things good and holy, are they making us wait until Feburary until there's more?!

Governor Grandma

Monday, November 6 - I'm thankful for antibiotics. Can you imagine our lives without them? Abbie has strep throat and think how hard it would be to get rid of if she couldn't just get a shot!

Tuesday, November 7 - My in-laws! Today I went to work and left my daughter at her Mimi's. Abbie and Mimi are both happy about spending the day together and napping together, too. One more thing, check out Sarah's blog for her thankful reminders.....

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I'm surprised to find myself voting for an Independent (My governor is a Jewish cowboy - not really, she's One Tough Grandma!) and a Democrat. Texas politics sure are interesting, yall.

Forgiveness

I usually don't watch the news on TV - I get most of my news from the computer. I've been thinking alot about this evangelical guy, Ted Haggard. I hadn't heard of him before the story broke of his infidelity and drug use. So, his story wasn't personal to me but I have been thinking about it . What is our response to brothers and sisters that walk (we do go willing) into such public sin? How much do we forgive? Is it harder to forgive someone who leads us? Do we even have a right to judge his (or someone in our own church family's) sincerity? Do we trust our shepherds to spiritually discern someone else's heart?

This could be anyone sitting in our pews or standing on our stages on Sunday morning. The most impressive thing I saw in the news was Mr. Haggard's willingness to submit to his own shepherds. Go here to see his letter to his church family. I also agree with this guy regarding charismatic leadership. Being the kind of person who LOVES to be in front of people and perform - I completely understand understand the temptation to do whatever it takes to stay there.

I'm all about forgiveness and the grace of God - without it I could look forward to an everlasting fire. I pray for this man and his family. I pray, too, for all of us to understand what it took for Jesus to give His life with the Father for all of us.

Thanks

Well, in keeping with my Month of Thanksgiving -

Saturday, Nov 4 - I'm just thankful for a Saturday. They are always so laid back and easy. The kids and I went to Clyde Pizza House for Shepherding Group and got to hang with some of our favorite people.

Sunday, Nov 5 - Is it too easy to be thankful for my church? I've shared before how much I love it! I'm also thankful for the sermon this morning. Phil taught about worshipping all the time - it isn't just what we do on Sunday morning in the building!

Make my life a holy praise unto you.

Good Ole Rocky Top

Well, since Amy brought it up.....

Amy grew up in Henderson, Tennessee - yup, home of Freed-Hardeman University. It's a VERY small town and we went with her to visit one time. I remember it being beautiful (was it the fall or spring?) and her parent's house was fun, too. There was still a poster that Amy had made in the 3rd (?) grade on the stairwell going upstairs. (It was something about household safety - be sure to read the comments to see what Amy tells us it said.) There was a great upstairs and Amy's room had eaves - I loved it! Maybe it even rained - very romantic.

Being a small town, Amy's dad knew everybody, including the guy who owned one of the BBQ restaurants. Restaurants is a nice word, in this instance, for joint. Us twentysomething girls walk into a place that the Health Department forgot and are welcomed into the kitchen. Mr. Clifford wants us to see how they cook the pork BBQ. Apparently, in East Tennessee, it has to be pulled pork. More to come... Now, in the south PORK is the only kind of BBQ there is! Jim was the first person I had ever seen eat beef BBQ! YUCK! Dry and, well, just dry. Back home we chose inside or outside meat - sliced or chopped and it ALL had BBQ sauce. Even now I don't understand how people eat it without BBQ sauce.

Ya know, the secret's in the sauce...

But anyway, off we went into the kitchen and then through the kitchen! We went outside to the little shed where they actually cooked the pork! I had never seen this before. Where the meat gets cooked! Wellllll...... There were two long wire racks about two feet off the floor that ran the length of the shed - maybe 6 feet. They were on either side of the shed at a 90* angle. Laid out on the racks - more like grates - were two halves of one pig. Like the big guy had been sliced lengthwise and laid out! Alright then.....

But wait, there's more. More than a big pig cooking, you ask! Yep, there's a big guy, that didn't graduate from high school and had eaten more that his share of pork, pulling meat off the pig in strings! I think it was off his shoulder - the pig's, I mean. This young man was working and sweating in that little shed so all the residents of Henderson could have BBQ that day. Oh yeah, he was sweating. It was dropping off the end of his nose onto the pig! Big drops adding salt to the mix. I can still see it. It was disgusting to say the least.

Mr. Clifford was nice enough to buy a quart for us to have at home. Just in case we needed a snack.

We abstained.

November is Thankful Month

So my new blogger buddy, Melene, had a great idea that I'm going to horn in on. Every day this month I'll post on thankfulness - there's something to be thankful for everyday! I'll catch up today....

November 1 - Jim and I got to spend some time together and Abbie spent the night at Mimi's house.

November 2 - There was less crying at school today! My children are continuing to be good at night. With Jim working evenings, there's MUCH potential for too much drama and the kids are really trying to get along.

November 3 - I had the best time time at the Style Show with my girlfriends! We laughed and shopped and played. These women always make me smile.

A Little Grin

Our cousin, Bette, a plump fluffy woman from Arkansas, made herself a sandwich out of a scone, raspberry jam, and clotted cream, and told me all about her prize-winning chickens, Silver Laced Wyandottes and Buff Orpingtons. She had a way of catching her breath in little gasps and rushing on after each pause to prevent her listener from getting in a word that might divert the conversation from the subject of poultry.

Sleeping at the Starlite Motel by Bailey White

Don't ya just know someone like this?

Tootsie Roll, Anyone?

It's taken me all day but FINALLY Blogger has allowed me to upload! Hooray! These are my two Trick or Treaters - aren't they cute?! Kenny is Slim from the Hank the Cowdog books and Abbie is Sandy from the beginning of the movie. If you asked her, that's what she'd tell you. Mimi thought Kenny looked like Jim, too but I couldn't see it.

Abbie and I both wore our costumes all day at school and she got lots of candy there. Last night we went to Trunk or Treat at SHCC, where they both got more candy. I'll be sneaking it into the trash (especially Abbie's) for the next month or so. I decided that kids just LOVE this holiday and it should be about them. There was much screaming and running like someone was giving away $100 bills instead of Tootsie Rolls.

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Thanks for the comments on the previous post. More than anything I want to see my kids follow the way of the Lord and it's hard to see how to make that happen sometimes. I long for it to be more than checking off church attendence. Prayer, prayer, prayer......

The Community Front Porch

If you're a Southern Hills member, then you know all about our new vision statement. It is pretty exciting - our staff seems VERY excited. I'm not making fun of anyone and I'm happy to be part of a church that cares about moving forward.

I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven. Philippians 3:14

There's something to be said for having a goal. That being said - Donnie hit on the one thing that's been on my mind, yesterday, in our class. Our kids.

Kenny went to a birthday party on Saturday of one of his classmates - Jesus. Jesus (pronounced Hey-zeus) lives just around the corner from us and Kenny told me he was one of his good friends. So, off I went to get the Target gift card, and he and I walked to the party. Yep, it was different. There wasn't a cake or presents to open but there was a bounce house. I left him there worried about supervision. Kenny reported that he was glad he had gone to the party and had fun.

This is the heart of the missional church. Being in the community, being friends with our neighbors, being part of THEIR lives not waiting for them to walk in the big, beautiful building we've built. (Feel free to correct me if you know more than me - I know lots of you do.) For me, the grown-up, mature Christian, I can be Christ to the unchurched and still have a strong walk with Christ. But what about my children? They are babies in Christ, in maturity, in their emotions. I don't want to see them hurt or corrupted (Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." I Cor. 15:33.) I know that we all want to protect our children and I know that we want them to be God's people.

So, what do we do? How much is too much for our kids and how much isn't enough? How do I teach that unchurched isn't horrible just unchurched (maybe even seeking.) What happens when they get dirty?

I Have A Strong, A Perfect Plea

Before The Throne Of God

Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea A great High Priest whose name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me
When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within Upward I look and see Him there, Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died my sinful soul is counted free For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me
Before the throne of God, I come Before the throne of God, I come

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb my perfect spotless righteousness The great unchangeable I Am, the King of glory and of grace
My name is graven on His hands My name is written on His heart I know that while in Heaven, He stands No tongue can bid me thence depart
One with Himself I cannot die My soul is purchased with His blood My life is hid with Christ on high

With Christ my Savior and my God With Christ my Savior and my God

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This is one of my favorite songs that we sing. I love the theology taught and the beauty of the imagery. It touches me every time. One friend said she liked to sing songs "that made me do this" and she raised her hand. I like songs that can transport me the throne room of God - take me to the place where Isaiah stood.

Listen if you like My Rhapsody Playlist

It's In The Bag

Which is worse?
a) Going to the grocery store?
b) Paying at the grocery store?
c) Taking the groceries into the house?

Hard to decide?

Wednesday Ramblings

I know, I know - I'm posting! These are things that have been on my mind lately....

I'm in awe of anyone who understands how a computer works. Lately someone said "It's the server," when I mentioned a problem. What's a server? Of course, I don't understand TVs or electricity either.

When you tell me that your child wouldn't let you do something when they were an infant, I think you weren't in control of your infant.

Cooking for Manna & More is fun but alot of work and worry. The ladies (and sometimes gentlemen) make fun. Being able to tell somebody else what I cooked is fun, too.

I saw a show with a Playboy bunny and her mom. I can't imagine teaching your daughter that that lifestyle is okay. It occurred to me that it would be easier to teach that lifestyle than a Godly one. Any time Abbie wanted to wear a bikini, it would be okay. Any belly baring (in style) shirt Abbie wanted, is okay. All the glitter and flash that she loves would be okay. Bigger and bleachier is okay.

Halloween is fun but how many costumes can one child choose?!? Yes, I've outlawed witches, vampires, Grim Reapers, and monsters at my house. Abbie would love a glittery, flashy witch costume but I tell her no. She going to be Sandy with a poodle skirt, she says. You are supposed to understand that she's not Sandy at the end of the movie.

Spencer's (I will not provide a link!) is disgusting! I was looking for a beard for Kenny and I was sooooo happy Abbie couldn't read.

I really missed sewing. I made myself a poodle skirt and it was great fun! The fabric and thread feel good again.


I'm sure there's more but that's all for now.......