Back Row - Who Knew?

I'm getting all caught up in this Transforming Community thing that's going on now at Southern Hills! I know some people see it as a "new" way to raise money but I don't want to be that cynical - I'm catching a vision!!

A vision of what our group that meets on Buffalo Gap road can look like. A vision of what our group can do for hurting people. A vision of lost people finding a place to meet Jesus. A vision of where our clan's gonna be in 10 years!

At HIP last night I ended up on the back row. Yall know that I don't like the back row but last night that's where I landed and things look different back there. There are people that I never see and people I'd never seen (including 2 good-looking men that my single friends may need to meet!) It was a new perspective.

One of the most interesting things was Steve Ridgell asking for a committment in the prayer time. He asked people to stand that were hurting or trying to get out a sinful situation. But he also asked people to stand that would commit to helping hurting people - being a community. Steve didn't make it sound good. He made it sound dirty and he made it sound like lots of hard work. He was honest about the heartbreak that can happen when we get into one another's lives.

I wasn't sure about standing. Yeah, I wanna help hurting people but my first commitment is to my family. Next, it's to my church friends - we're already in each other's lives and that can be alot. Isn't that enough? How much am I called to anyway?

Well, I was on the back row. I saw how quickly people stood. I saw who they were. I saw their determination to helping hurting people. I saw that other members of my clan had caught that same vision! It was powerful. It was wonderful.

I'll never dis Tammy for sitting on the back row again - there's stuff going on back there!

Other Thoughts

Posted over at not-so-deep TV thoughts..... It's time to talk NEW FALL SHOWS!

3:05 pm

Yesterday:

Kenny: Mom, I didn't have my math homework in my folder.

Abbie: Yeah, my Green Folder (comes home every day) wasn't in my backpack either.

Mom resisted the temptation to say: I told you to pack up your backpack after you finish your homework and your Green Folder is signed. and I'm not responsible for your papers, you are! and Yall wanted to go the fair, right? You should have had all that done before we left! All this would have sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher.

Mom said: What can we learn from this? What can we do so this won't happen again?

Kenny (in a world-weary voice): I can pack my backpack when I finish my homework.

Abbie (upbeat, Kindergarten voice): Not let Mom have my Folder!

A Question For The Weekend

It's Fair Time! We love the fair around here - I always enter clothes in the fair and Pop always enters some woodcarving. (Yes, we both got ribbons this year.) Since the fair is right across the street from us and we drive by it all the time - we can't hardly get by without going.

That means we have to work the system. For our family that means going on $1 ride night - which is Monday this year. The children are given $10 for rides - that means 10 rides for them. Jim and I usually go for $5 each so we can ride with the kids when they need us. (Except for the Tilt-A-Whirl - I have to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl every year!) The kids have School Day Tickets so Jim and I usually have to pay.

We also eat at the fair. Fair food is wonderful especially once a year. We always know we're having a funnel cake and Jim needs a Lemonade. Our downside is that we usually don't go to the rodeo. It's too late on a school night. We always want to see the rodeo but it just doesn't happen.

All this is subject to change when our children get older - we know that. There is a day in our future when 10 rides won't be enough.

What about yall? Are you going to the fair? Do you have a cheaper plan that works for your family?

Welcome to The 21st Century

Whew! Going to work (almost) every day is putting a dent in my blogging hobby! I don't have time to put together coherent sentences and all my thoughts seem to fly from my head when the day is over. I'm doing good to make sure the trash is taken out!

************************************

Ten years ago. when I had my last real job (yes, Young Children's World was real but different) we had just gotten new Macs. At the time, Mac was the computer of choice for non-verbal communication (a la Stephen Hawkings) and we were using it to get our non-verbal kids to communicate. We were very careful with our precious new babies. We turned them off - we re-booted them constantly because it got us back where we wanted to be - I was afraid I would push the wrong button and lose everything! My partner was much more savvy and actually backed-up info. She was the authority.

At my last real job, we had lots of paperwork! It was done in triplicate with paper that had the carbon attached - you had to press down really hard. There were large files containing all the paperwork on all my students. They were kept in locked files that I had the key for and I added pieces of paper on a regular basis. Those pieces of paper were gone over with a fine-tooth comb by me, my supervisor, and, sometimes, the State of Alabama. All that paperwork was very important, dadgum it.

My new job is almost completely done on the computer - at the office or remotely. I spend most all of my day looking at a computer screen. We create new forms in Excel (not by hand, of course.) We add signature lines and keep 3 screens open at once. While working on one screen another will pop up with a phone call. Or someone telling everyone, at once, that there's food in the conference room.

It's all new for me. Thank goodness I started this blog 18 months ago or I would be completely lost!

Edited to add: My hubby tells me that I don't have 3 screens open at one time - I have 3 Windows open at once. Oh, whatever.....

More Fred

I haven't had the opportunity to watch all this video but it's 7 minutes from Fox Network. It seems that my readers have an interest in Fred Thompson so I'm posting this from YouTube. If you have time to watch it, maybe there's something to you want to learn about.

He does give answers to questions that many of us want to ask - including abortion, Iraq, and gay marriage.

A Question for The Weekend

I'm putting a link here today. "Uncle Billy," who has a life outside of buying stuff for my kids, is trying to raise some money for the GOP (The Grand Old Party.) He fears that the Democrats will do something crazy if they are elected.

So how about another political question....

Would you vote for another actor for President?

Friday Fun Zone

You Are an Orange Crayon

Your world is colored with offbeat, confident, and stimulating colors. You have a personality that's downright weird - and you wouldn't change it for anything. Loud and expressive, you voice your opinions fearlessly and strongly. And while you have a strong personality, you can be friends with almost anyone. Your color wheel opposite is blue. Your confidence is something blue people truly envy.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Guess What I Bought Today

As most of you know - I have no cell phone. You read that correctly - I live my life without a cell phone. You can call me - at home. You can reach me - at home. I have voice mail - at home. I have email - at home.

We had cell phones in Alabama. I had one when they were new and we needed antennas on our cars. I remember falling in love with a guy who drove a truck - his cell phone antenna didn't seem to go with his F-150. But I got used to it and even rode in that truck everywhere we went. They seem laughingly big now.

We had cell phones in Arkansas. Both Jim and I had our own and carried them around - we were long distance whenever he was at work so we used them to talk to each other. We hated paying the bill. It was that bill that got us - so much for so little. And it came every month. Bottom Line - We hated it.

When we moved to Texas, we decided we could live without a cell phone. That was 4 years ago. I started a blog (one guy thought anyone with a blog would have a cell,) people have quit their land lines, both sets of grandparents have cell phones. I'm constantly asked for my cell number - everyone assumes I have one. We don't intend to be a fanatics - maybe we're just cheap.

Yesterday And Today

Monday night in the bed: "Now, Mommy will give you a kiss and a hug at your door tomorrow. You can just go on in and sit in your chair." (Happy, Mommy voice) "I don't want you to leave me. You can stay."

Tuesday after school: "You were sad for a little while and then you were ok, right?" (Just like Mommy told you voice) "Mommy, I wasn't sad for you at all this morning. (very matter-of- fact big girl voice)

A Tale of Two Children

Finally! It came! Kenny was much more excited than Abbie. He thought holding the Traditional Sign looked more like a mug shot. He gave me a hug before we got to the door and he went in through the far door.

He reported to his proud parents that he was really going to work on his behavior this year. This is code for not talking as much in class and completing his work in a timely fashion. Good Luck with that Mrs. Biggs.

Abbie was happy to stand with her Traditional Sign. She fell over backward while trying to get into the van because her backpack put her off balance. It really wasn't that heavy. Her reward for good behavior is to eat lunch with her teacher - she's going for it! She was a little sad when I left her but I was glad she didn't hang on my leg - yup, she's done that.

That was her sad face when I had to leave her. There was madness in the room and all the kids looked like someone had dropped them on the moon. That was hard on this mama. Yes, I cried to my friends. It was a short cry. I worried about her alot. A friend called about 1:00 and assured me that she was giggling and talking to friends. I assumed my friend was telling the truth.

A Question For The Weekend

Well, it's my Back-To-School Edition of the Weekend Question.

What's one of your favorite memories from Kindergarten? Or any memories from Kindergarten?

And So It Begins

We met our teachers last night. We went from one side of the school to the other. On the kindergarten hall, it was busy. There were lots of parents looking a little freaked out and children looking scared. On the fourth grade hall, there were big kids giving teachers hugs, girls ignoring boys, and cursive handwriting everywhere!

After being in Abbie's classroom (Mrs. Arnold, a friend,) where there were centers and lots of things to play with we went in to Kenny's room (Mrs. Biggs, who we've only heard good things about.) Jim's first comment, "Look at all those books." About 5 textbooks stacked in every cubby with a "Friday Folder" sticking out with the child's first and last name written in cursive. Everything was neat and orderly. It made me notice how big Kenny is and the difference in their ages (4 1/2 years.)

Kenny can't wait for Monday and Abbie is very apprehensive. She and I talked about making new friends in Kindergarten. She's so sweet - she asked me how I made friends in Kindergarten. I didn't tell her that could not remember - I went with it and tried to give her some ideas. I think she's so wonderful - why doesn't everybody want to be her friend?

Friday Fun Zone

It's already started at our house..... Check back later - I'm trying to write but I have to go to the pool!

You Learn Something New Everyday!

Things I've learned lately:

• The water in Abilene flows north. I really don't know why and I think I may be showing how girly I am by even admitting it.
• Boiled water has floatees on top. I poured it out when the notice was lifted.
• Where Elm creek crosses South 1st.
• We use the terms "Big" and "Little," rather than names, to protect confidentiality.
• To make sure that sprinkler is turned off when we've had 8 inches of rain.
• That you can simply turn the TV back on when the lightening makes it go out.
• High School Musical 2 has some good songs.
• Troy Bolton moves are a little too se*y for my 5-year-old daughter.
• The city of Abilene has enough water for now. Birmingham is in a drought.
• College Freshmen love going to Target with their parents before the parents leave.

A Question For The Weekend

In catching up on my blog reading this week, I saw a question on Mike Cope's blog I thought interesting. I need yall's answers!



What is/was the best TV comedy ever? What about the best Movie comedy?

Friday Fun Zone

No video this week but I read something funny. Yall know I love BooMama and her post on the Republican candidates made me laugh out loud.



Go get some fun!

Welcome To The 21st Century

Is it really 2007?! Because I'm boiling my water and that seems more 1907! I had never heard of anyone boiling their drinking water until I moved to West Texas. Occasionally on the news some outlying town has to boil their water and I usually think how archaic that is. But now it's the city of Abilene. It's me! With a pot on the stove and a pitcher of water in the frig that has been boiled.

I can't believe I just wrote that. Did I move to Central America or Africa and no one told me?

We always drink bottled water. I've never liked the taste of Abilene water so we buy a gallon at a time for 25 cents. I personally drink 64 oz (or more) a day add we use about 6 gallons a week. It usually isn't a big deal for our family - but I hate to pay for water for my coffeemaker. Or for brushing our teeth (I forgot last night and used tap water.) Or washing our veggies. It all feels very backward and pioneer.

I couldn't help thinking of all the students moving to town this week. They already think this is the most boring town ever. Now they are going to think we barely have shoes and all ride our horses to work. (I welcome the chance to de-bunk any of these myths.)

A Sad Tale

Hey yall! When I was a little girl, I just knew I'd be a mama! It's always been a given with me, ya know? I knew I wanted a career first but being a mama was always in the plan. So I worked hard (and partied hard, too) and made myself a success! I danced and sang until I late so it wasn't unusual for me to need a little something to fall asleep

When the time was right, I decided I was ready to be a mommy. I was dating this guy who was so cute. He already had a little girl and I loved being her mommy! We would go shopping together and go play at the theme park. She was so good she didn't mind having her picture made with me (I really hope she's doing good now - I haven't had much time with her lately.....) so when we got married it seemed naturally to have a baby really quick! Ya know? Then we has another - two boys - I was so done after that!

Well, after that birth of our second baby, we got kinda tired of each other, ya know? Things just didn't work out with us - that's just the way it, yall.

Now their daddy thinks he should have them all the time! I'm their mama, yall! I gave birth to them! Heaven knows, my body shows it! I know I've made mistakes, but I'm the mama!

Sad, isn't it? Somebody tell this woman (she isn't a girl anymore) to cowboy up! Take responsibility for her life and children! Oh, how many girls still look up to her? Please, Britney, grow up!

I'm Dead Yet - I'm Actually Feeling Much Better

As some of you know by now, I have a new job. I'm working at Big Brothers/Big Sisters part-time and I started yesterday. After being there for 4 hours, I picked up the kids and we went to the pool! I have to get the last of those pool hours in!


Everyone has asked how that first day was..... It was your basic first day. Employee manual, where to park, where's the refrigerator, a new password, etc. I'm looking forward to interacting with the kids and learning the new computer program.


In the meantime:

Go over to Steve's blog to read some interesting stuff about baptism and our kids...



Lisa has a couple of interesting memes over there....

I love what Trina has written about her parent's 50th.....

A Question For The Weekend

The Summer of 07 is almost over!! Now we are all thinking of the things we meant to do this summer but just didn't get to......

What did you want to do this summer that you just didn't do? For whatever reason....

Friday Fun Zone

This is our future, yall. My kids are already singing this song and I see the dance moves all around the house.

A Marketer's Dream

I always forget those cute things my daughter says. She's at that age when it could be anything - Jim and I usually look at each other and grin.

This morning she was watching TV when a commercial with 2 turtles were sitting on a hotel bed, talking. You know, turtles do that alot.....

"I like commercials with talking animals." That' why they make them, sweetie.

I Did My Duty

Well, I really wanted the jury experience and now I've had it. Yes, I could have easily gotten an exemption (children under 10 needing childcare) but I never thought they would choose me! I thought wrong.

I was chosen for a Family Violence case and spent the day in court yesterday. I have since been told that if you're in the front row - you're in. FYI: tell the lawyers you can't be impartial if you want to go home. I lucked out because they were empaneling for a murder trial. That would have been too hard to do.

I won't put any info on the case on the World Wide Web. I'm happy I got my chance to serve. Now how long until I get another green card in the mail?

Isn't This Guy In A Geico Commercial?

I couldn't pass that up... Here's his real story.

A Question For The Weekend

I still have lots of questions running around in my crazy brain. I love reading yall's answers! I did not know my teenage friend cleaned toilets on the Harding campus! I'm sure you weren't paid accordingly.... Or that Milk Duds were anybody's favorite...... Or how many of you are not tree-huggers....

I do so many book reviews and I was wondering.....

What's the last book you read? Was it good?

Challenge Catch-up

I've been reading for my Dystopia Challenge and I finished two of the books. The Giver by Lois Lowery is really a juvenile book - so I finished it in a day. It's set in a future when the community is valued over the individual. When all feelings are in the open and children are created in lab. The society is highly structured and everyone has a place and a placement.

The story is about a boy who is chosen to be the "Receiver" of the memories of the distant past. A past that included choice, color, war, snow, pain - everything we associate with our existence. The boy is overwhelmed with the all the information and decides that the memories must be shared with the community. He also can't bear that people are "released" - when he discovers what "released" means. Death - even heartless killing. It was a hard ending. I can see the value of reading it with young people.

My next read for this challenge was Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm. I was drawn to this book because it explores a society of clones and what happens when an accidentally individual occurs. I didn't realize until I got it that it was published in 1976 - long before Dolly, the cloned sheep. It begins with the story of the need for cloning (Earth dying, people unable to reproduce) and then jumps to years later when the clones are in charge and believe their society is the way to go. Again, the community is placed above the individual and one person turns everything upside down. I liked this ending better but it was still sad.

You can see all the other books and reviews at this site. I still have one more to go - Brave New World. I had to take a break because I was still with the clones so I'm attempting Jane Austin. Wish me luck....

Friday Fun Zone

Our Civil Duty

Weird thing at our house.

Jim had Jury Duty on Monday. He had to be at the courthouse early and then sit for about 1 hour. Then they told him to go home and come back on Tuesday. Apparently the wheels of justice didn't need Jim on Monday. On Tuesday, he stood in the hallway for another hour, the bailiff then came out and told all the "jurors" that court was in a 20 minute recess. They hadn't realized court was in session. After another hour, they were sent home. Thank you for your public service.

Guess who has jury duty next Monday? Yep. Me.

Linky-Dos

Ever since I (quickly, I was reading Harry Potter) asked yall for your favorite blogs, I've been meaning to add some links. I've been meaning to update my links on the right.


I haven't. I may not. I can't decide.


But here's the links for some of your favorites.



Confessions of A Pioneer Woman - This lady is wonderful! Anne led me to her and I love to read her daily (she publishes almost daily.) She has great photography and funny writing. She has a huge readership so I don't generally comment but I enjoy her storytelling. She also has a cooking blog where she post recipes with pictures of her cooking - looks tasty!


BooMama - Melissa B put BooMama in my comments section and I have to admit I read her alot, too. She's very Southern and lives in Birmingham so I love it when she mentions anything to do with my hometown! She, too, publishes almost daily so I have to work to keep up.

BigMama - This one was listed by Melissa B, too. I don't read her but she seems to have a large following. I was reading her this morning and she's funny, too. Texan, too.

Quiet Life - This was listed by Melene. I'm pretty sure this is her blog (Melene let me know if it isn't.)



If you have another fav, put it in the comments. It may make it to the main page.....

Christmas In August

I've signed up to win! I couldn't resist a Flat-Panel LCD HDTV! One of the "rules" is to link yall over so you, too, can win. Feel free to NOT link over and sign up - this would make a good Christmas present for my hubby. He is notoriously hard to buy for.

Sponsored by Best Buy.....

A Question For The Weekend

This one comes with an explanation. In Hairspray, the main character runs into her high school teacher's lounge and all the teachers are smoking. The air is thick with smoke and we can hardly see though it!

That was my first teacher's lounge. They had just started separating the smokers from the non-smokers and, trust me, I was one of 3 non-smokers. We had a small closet. The smoker's had a large room (with a window) and it was almost impossible to walk in there!

So....

What was your first job? Did you love it?

Summertime And The Living's Easy.....

Wow! This has been one of those weeks! It seems like I never have time to write and whenever I have a (minor) inspiration - one of the kids is playing on Webkinz.

To Update:

• Yes, I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I have been talking about it with others who have also finished it. I can't give away any info here..... OK, one thing. I saw an interview with JK Rowling and she told Harry, Ron and Hermione's future careers. Harry add Ron-Revamping the Auror's office. Hermione-High up in Magical Law. (Donna, you are finished by now, right?) It was so nice to hear that my guesses were confirmed....
• Went to see Hairspray with "the girls." Funny, funny movie! At some points the dialogue was just a reason to get to the next song - I loved that....
• Abbie was disappointed that she didn't get to go to Hairspray. She is convinced that I'm taking her at some time in the near future. I'm not sure it's that family-friendly.....
• Had a great day at the pool! Most of our friends were there and it was so overcast that all others members stayed away. Just us in that huge pool - the lifeguard l00king like they wanted us to just "leave already...."
• I'm trying to find a read that's worthy of following Harry Potter - right now I'm holding a Christian fiction by Thoene. They are usually very uplifting and engrossing....
• Kenny and Abbie are back to normal since camp. Right after camp, I could tell a difference in Kenny and it was so sweet. He seemed more willing to go with the flow. Now, he's back with fighting with his sister for the preferred spot on the couch....
• Took a few things to Mimi's for her garage sale - sold nothing! Of course now I see stuff everywhere that should have gone.....

Yep, He's Precious

I think I should let you know that my child LOVED Leadership camp! He even seemed more grown-up for 2 days, at least. He talked about his dorm counselor, Jeremy, and how Kenny loved hanging out with him. He played guitar. He was Neville (Longbottom - they had a Snape counselor, too.) He could beat-box, and did. He taught the kids Step. (If for some reason you don't know what these words mean, ask a teen or a pre-teen.)

Kenny's been singing all the camp songs, too. When My Jesus Rocks The House isn't Pass It On let me tell, ya. He told us all about Jacob - he even explained that I probably wouldn't want a child by my servant. That's right, dadgum it.

He had called us on Thursday night to tell us to come to the "Personal Project" presentation. This is a modern-day talent show. Kenny was so wonderful doing Step - he just gave it everything he had! One of his counselors told us he was "precious." Kenny overheard her and he's mentioned that compliment to me. We couldn't have asked for a better first-time away experience.

Dear Ms. Rowling,

Thanks for:

• A series where the good guy wins and the bad guys loses.
• Books that I can read with my kids and still enjoy.
• A girl character that's smart and nice to be around.
• The friendship between characters that isn't always perfect. And then there's forgiveness. Just like real life.
• A boy/man that we can all look up to (even if he's a wizard.)
• The epilogue. I needed that epilogue - badly.

A Question For The Weekend

Are you thinking about what will happen next to Harry? Have you pulled yourself away from the book long enough just to read what blather I may have written or asked? Me, too.

What blog do never miss going to other than this one? Why that blog?

Friday Fun Zone

Wanted: Fluffy

I'm trying to read some lite, fluffy stuff while I await Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. (Have you heard there's a new book coming out?) I don't want anything that can't be finished by midnight Friday night so I'm choosing according.

I picked up the Nanny Diaries thinking that would fall into the "fluff" category - funny, not too deep. I was wrong. I'm recommending this to every young woman I come across (or her mama.) It's all about a young woman (21) who is completely taken advantage of by her employer. She's trying to make every happy. She wants everybody to get along. She wants her employer to step up and be honest. Sound familiar to anybody? Your first job, maybe?

Our main character, Nan, never gets up the nerve to confront her employer. Her mom and dad try to get her to be up-front with her employer about working conditions but she's afraid of making somebody mad. She's afraid of losing her job. So Nan worries about it constantly and obsesses with her family and friends.

A great read to discuss with a young girl. To talk with her about standing up to injustice. About knowing when to confront or even how to gently question a request/demand.

According to my counter we only have 3 more days!

Shhh. Keep It On The Down-Low

My Lost addition stills lives over at my TV blog.....

He Isn't That Old, Is He?

We dropped off Kenny at ACU Leadership Camp yesterday. Yep, I left my baby in the care of someone I met in dorm hall. A guy's dorm, no less. And this, so called, caregiver was carrying a baseball bat. Was he intending to hit my child on the head to keep him in line?! It stank like mildew, the toilet seat had some black spots on it, and my sweet first-born was in boy heaven.

We hadn't gotten to the end of the street when it hit me that I had just left my son! This kid, that I hardly let go to the other side of the store without me, was free to wander the ACU campus for 2 hours without supervision! Who knows what kind of mischief he and his roommate would get into to?! But I'm sure it's okay - they both had watches! Because telling time makes them do everything they are supposed to do, right?

I thought about him all night. I kept looking at the clock and wondering what was going on with him at that moment. At 10:50 when I was ready for bed, Jim assured me that he was in the dorm, safe.

Check out over at Tammy's blog for her camper post....

A Question For The Weekend

After last week's deep question, (that even required it's own post!) I'm going easy on you this weekend.

What's your favorite candy bar? How often do you have one?

Friday Fun Zone

This may look like Texas but it's really in California. I would make some joke here but I'm pretty sure Texas has its own set of crazy activities (Rattlesnake Round-Up, maybe?)

The Harry Potter Zone

I'm entering the Harry Potter Zone. It's brought on by the release of a Harry Potter movie or book. The Zone will last until I have, not only seen the movie and book, but dissected it with others that are in the Zone.

I went yesterday and bought tickets for the 3:00 showing of the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Kenny and I will be there with our friends. I have my frequent buyer card ready to get Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on June 21 (at midnight, I'm sure.) I have finished the 6th book (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) again, so I'm ready for the final fight with Lord Voldemort.

It's a little hard to think of much else. Although I was awake last night until 1:30 watching Pride and Prejudice and I'm going to the library this morning to check out the last 3 tapes of the BBC version. I've heard over and over how wonderful Colin Firth is as Mr. Darcy - I'm not getting it yet. I wanted to smack him right up until his proposal last night - I'm looking forward to that story, too.

Yes, I'm also living in the real world. I'm cooking, cleaning, folding clothes, etc but my mind is in the Zone (or in 19th century England.)

I Don't Have A Hybrid, Yet.

My friend loves Bono! She loves his music and his activism. It's a little obsessive really. One day she was telling me that Bono has written in his book that he fights for the poor because of his Christianity. He believes what Jesus said that whatever we do for the "least of the these" (Matthew 25:40) means -for him-the poor. (Did I say that right, Tammy?)

I, too, was intrigued that helping the environment has become a political or religious statement. Is this because most Evangelicals are Republican and this issue has become something the Left love? Are we choosing to believe that the earth is being destroyed based on our political party?

I don't know if the rain forest will be gone in 100 or 10,000 years because we want cars and toilet paper. I have no idea if the polar ice caps will melt so I can fly on vacation. I not sure that if I leave my curling iron plugged in - my grandchildren will have no protection from the sun. I don't have a side in the huge global-warming issue.

But I do believe that God made humans to protect His creation. I believe that He gave us dominion over the earth. (Genesis 1:26) I think that the Father wants us to be good stewards over his creation. I think that means doing the recycling thing whenever possible. I think that means makes wise choices in purchases of appliances. I think that means applauding those who bike more and drive less. I think it means watering your lawn responsibly (1 time a week is enough.) I believe we are doing God's will when we are seeking new ways to provide a planet for our future generations.

A Question For The Weekend

In honor of the Live Earth concerts, I'm asking about your tree-hugging practices. Check out the Nature Conservancy website for more info......

What do you regularly recycle? Do you do anything else that consciencely helps the planet?

Friday Fun Zone

There are too many smart-aleck things to say about this video. Like: "Why pay that much for a haircut and then have to mess with it so much?" Or "Is he preparing for lipstick there at the end?" Feel free to add your own.....

Admitting You Have A Problem Is The First Step

I seem to have developed 2 new addictions. It's true - 2 new things that I gotta have every day. Only one involves the computer and I'm quite proud of that actually.

Firstly, I gotta have my Webkinz. Or Abbie's Webkinz. Or even Kenny's Webkinz now. Abbie was given her Webkinz - a Persian cat she named Heartsie - for her birthday from one of her best buddies. She likes to play on the computer and win money to spend on her cat but being a non-reader is somewhat of a hindrance. Kenny has been playing for her and has won her lots of points! She spends it on clothes, mostly. Typical girl. Today I got Kenny his own Webkinz - a black Lab named Coop - and now he's racking them in for his own animal. My little secret is that I like to play the games, too. Shhhhh, I'm winning them for Abbie, yall. It's not like I'm doing it for my self.......

Secondly, for some reason I can't get enough peanut butter. If I feel like I need a little bite, it's a spoon full of peanut butter. Oh yeah, it's Jif. I'm keeping the extra-crunchy on hand all the time now. I'm not sure what's going on with me and Extra-Crunchy but I'm feelin the need, right now!

Happy Independence Day

I so appreciate everyone asking about my dad - I'm feelin' the love. Daddy went home from the hospital yesterday at about 1:00. I talked with him at 5:30 and he still seemed pretty tired out. He told me that getting home "about wore him out." My parents house in on a hill and the only way to get in is to climb a flight of stairs or go up a hill and then 4 stairs - I was worried it might be a little much for him.

As I have said before, I'm so thankful that my brothers are close. My sweet sister-in-law, Kathy, actually brought him home. Please keep all of them in your prayers.

********************************************

Funny thing: This morning I took Kenny to get donuts - he's been bugging me for a week! We went to the Jack-n-Jill on Judge Ely and saw a group of high school boys leaving. They were getting in their church van with the two men who were apparently chaperones. Kenny (reading their t-shirts) said it was some sort of camp. Then Kenny informed me that one of the boys was using the building next to the donut shop as a urinal. EWWW!

This lead to a discussion of how tacky that was, how it didn't represent that young man very well, and how he didn't represent his church very well. Teachable Moments - they're everywhere.....

FYI: AM Donuts is closed for the 4th of July.

Make Me A Winner!

Please, let me the next person you know to attempt to win this prize! Over at 5 Minutes for Mom they are having several give-aways for the 4th! It's a celebration of the birth of our country and for that we get prizes.

You may begin now to flatter me so you may be the "friend" who attends with me!

Edited to add: Judy has already started the flattering/bribing! Don't be left out in the cold, girls.....

A Question For The Weekend

One of the days we were gone, I had to do without coffee. It was the day we left and it seemed silly to make a pot for just one cup. By the time I got coffee (about 2 hours later) I was headachey and (extremely) grouchy. Coffee - got have it! What about you?

What do you have to have to make it though the day?

Thurman's Out But Not About

I had a call from my brother at about 12:45 and my dad had just gotten out of surgery. He had 5 by-passes and in recovery. His surgeon felt like dad's heart muscle was good. Thanks for praying for him and my family.

Love Yall!

Friday Fun Zone

It's Only Thursday?!

Enough of the rain already! We are all tired of each other and being in the house! I can't even send them in the back yard because there's a small lake out there!

Daddy's surgery is tomorrow morning. Thanks for praying....

Spring Reading Thing - Done!

I'm ready to get rid of the the Spring Reading Thing button on my sidebar! Since Spring has been over now for about a week and over at Callapidder Days the Mr. Linky is very long because everybody else has already posted- I committed to catching up today! I actually read quite a bit while I was gone - I love to read in the car.

I didn't finish the all the books I had listed. I just couldn't get into Blue Like Jazz. I'm sure this makes me a super-square Christian but I wasn't interested. I haven't given up totally - I still have the book.

I finished Infidel before I left for Branson. It's a 7-day book at the library so I had to get it back before I was gone for 10 days. I really enjoyed this autobiography of a Somali woman who grew up Muslim (all Somalis are Muslim.) I didn't agree with all she grew to believe in her adulthood but the description of her youth is harrowing. The anger and hate she wrote about among her Muslim family, friends and neighbors is just frightening. A good read especially if you're interested in Islam or women's issues.

I sped though Water for Elephants. Great story. Told by 90-year-old (or 93, he can't remember) about the summer of 1931 and his time with the circus. I loved the way the author dealt with old age - she made it real. She made me want to be friends with all the old people. The circus story is intriguing, too. This is during the Great Depression and most of the circus folks were just happy to have a place to sleep and something to eat. Read this one.

Go here for my complete list of what I committed to read (but didn't quite finish.)

I also wanna tell about another book I read on my trip - The Android's Dream. I had seen this listed on my Dsytopian Challenge and when I saw it at the library, I picked it up. I truly loved this book! I kept trying to get Jim to read it. I could see the movie that would come it. It was a sci-fi thriller and I couldn't put it down! The author invented several alien species that went along with in the story and an entire religion that figured prominently in the story. I realize this isn't for everybody - some of you will be put off by the words sci-fi but it was wonderful!

Update on Thurman

Yes, his name is Thurman and he's having open-heart surgery in the next couple of days. He has 2 arteries that are totally blocked and 4 more that are partially blocked. Trust me, he's worried about who is going to run the fireworks stand.

Keep praying for him and my mom. Pray for both my brothers, too. My little brother (over 40, but who's counting) is our family RN adn everybody depends on him to "talk doctor." My big brother is taking over the care and feeding of said fireworks stand. I'll give more info when I get it.....

Captain Kenny and Captain Abbie

You all thought Jim Waldrop would never do anything like that, didn't you? This is after the ride on the Duck - we all got quakers to quack at other Ducks. My sweet daughter was wrapping hers up to give back to the Captain after the ride was over. I explained that they were ours to keep. Good thing since all of us had had them in our mouths.

Prayer Request

I don't do this very often but I thought today it might be okay. I'm asking for prayers. For my dad. I had a call this evening and Daddy had been admitted to the hospital when he had chest pains and his blood pressure had shot up. His blood pressure is under control but tomorrow he'll have a arteriogram to check for blockages.

Remember he and my mom during the day - it's hard on all of us because I'm so far away.

We're Back......

Finally, home again. Yes, we were gone on vacation. Yes, we went with Mimi and Pop. Yes, that means there were 6 of us in a mini-van for 4 days. Yes, we are happy to report no one got hurt.

We went to lovely Branson, Missouri in the Ozark Mtns and had lots of fun! Mimi and Pop have a time-share and so we stayed in a 2 bedroom condo with lots of fun activities. The kids got to go swimming (with Jim) and we all saw lots of fun stuff. All of us went to the Shanghai Circus with the Chinese acrobats and they were wonderful. Abbie got the DVD so we can watch them over and over. We also all went on the Ducks. These are WW II vehicles designed to go on land or water - we did both. It was very cool. The kids really liked it, too. They were called up to the front to drive when we were on the lake and were both given the title of "Captain."

Mimi and Pop watched the kids one night so Jim and I could go to one of the shows by ourselves and we went to see Six. Six (out of 10!) brothers who sing tight acapella and really rocked the house! We loved it so much that we bought one of their CDs - that we promptly left in Mimi's van. One of the guys was so funny and said "whatever" several times. (It was part of the show and not as lame as it sounds.) At intermission, Jim encouraged me to show him the Sarah sign for "whatever" and then he did it on stage! I busted a gut but the rest of the audience wasn't as impressed. Sarah, you're semi-famous now.

We also went to an old-time church of Christ in another small town (not to be named) - they were trying to come into the 21st century. They had the Paperless Hymnal that didn't work too well - all churches have technology problems. Since we were the only people in the building that weren't holding our hymnals - we were the only people scrambling when the Power Point decided to quit. We were searching for the page for some obscure song we barely knew. The preacher also had Power Point for his sermon but he was controlling it himself from the pulpit. That would be one way to make sure the screen was on the page you wanted.

I'm sure there's more and I know there are some pictures (including one with all the family in duck bills) and I'll posting them soon!

A Question For The Weekend

My kids are all excited about starting VBS tonight! Except we're calling it SBA (Summer Bible Adventure) - but they're just as excited. I always loved VBS - what about you?

What's your favorite memory from or about VBS?

Friday Fun Zone

A Question For The Weekend

I'm beginning a new tradition here at not-so-deep thoughts - a question for the weekend. You may respond at any time. You may think about what you want to answer or you may write impulsively (which is what I usually do.) I may or may not give an my answer.

If you do not have a Google account, you may choose the "Anonymous" box, but please sign your name (it drives me crazy not knowing who you are.) Feel free to check back and see how your answer stacks up. Feel free to disagree - but nicely, with your name attached. If you are too ashamed/embarrassed/afraid of your answer, just whisper in my ear later.

This week's question:

Would you vote for a Mormon for president?

Friday Fun Zone

Been there - had that done!

Reserved....

I've been thinking alot about the elitism-thing lately. I saw Dan Zanes in concert on Saturday (I'll write more) and I was sooooo put off by the "reserved seating." It was at the Historic Paramount and 5 rows in the center front were "reserved." I had waited with Abbie for 20 minutes in the 90* heat to get a good seat for this general admission concert - we had good seats on the side across from the "reserved seating." We were on the aisle - I did that purposefully, so Abbie that could see better and she was able to get up and dance. So I'm not complaining about my seats - they were good!

But what about the other folks that sat in the back, under the balcony - were theirs as good? What about up in the top of the balcony? Did anyone fall going up or down (inside joke for Sarah, I couldn't resist.) The reserved section was policed, if you will, by two ladies in their Junior League t-shirts. They stood next to the area (on either side) to keep out the great unwashed and allow those lucky people who had a special pass to sit there. About 2 minutes before the concert started, they were approached by the executive director of the Grace Museum and asked to open up the last 2 rows. By then everyone was seated and the rows remained empty throughout the concert.

It really bothered me. I checked and the Junior League weren't listed as sponsors (they frequently are and usually have good seats reserved at children's events.) I thought about Jesus and his response, I thought about how it would look for my home church, my kids - this is a small town, yall. Anything I say or write (this or a letter to the editor of the paper) will be there forever! And it will be remembered..... Some of these ladies go to my church, some of their kids go to our school - they aren't bad necessarily bad people.

Then I see an another news story about Paris Hilton - is she getting special treatment because of her name and wealth? Of course she is. Just by virtue of who she is - she has special treatment. She can call Barbara Walters, collect - is anybody else in the LA County jail doing that? Her parents go to the front of the line when they visit her - no waiting in line for them.

My conclusion (on Saturday anyway) was that I couldn't be prejudice against anyone based on their t-shirt. Or what club they are in. This is what it boils down to - prejudice. Some people earn their snob title - Paris or the Junior Leaguer who shows her stripes - but they can't all be lumped into One Big Snob because of their club membership. Or what school their children attend. Right?

Read On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims

In the interest of plowing though books, I'm finishing some. I did finish The Chili Queen and it wasn't at all what I expected. I knew that the chili queens were in San Antonio around the turn of the century. They were street vendors that sold chili and looked good while doing it. So I kinda expected some story about Texas, Hispanics, and for some reason, I thought it would be funny. It wasn't any of those things. It was set in New Mexico, the characters were Anglo (mostly,) and it wasn't that funny.

It was about thieves, cheats, and prostitutes and one of their cons. I would try another of Sandra Dallas's books but I'll know what I'm getting myself into.

Since finishing it, I've also read Glory in Death by J.D. Robb. I haven't read any of this popular series but I saw it on someone else's blog (of course) and decided to give it a try. It's a murder mystery set in 2058 so it has that futurist thing I love, too. I did enjoy the story but I was a little put off by the s*x scenes. I knew that JD Robb is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts of romance book fame so I wasn't too surprised by all the information, shall we say.

Now I'm on to my next SRT book - Infidel. I have this from the library and it's a 7-day book - so my nose is in it! Sarah asked me if I was feeling pressured to read all my SRT choice - heck, yeah! It's like a deadline at school - June 21st here I come.

Life Goes On

I have a cold. It has messed up my life. I don't want to go anywhere but then again, there are things I can't miss. I don't want to be awake, but I can't sleep. I don't want to eat anything but, I'm eating anything that isn't tied down. Bummer.

Friday Fun Zone

It's only been two weeks and I can already see things going this way......

Still Reading

Funny thing: The last two books I've read haven't been on my Spring Reading Thing Challenge. Duh. I did have The Road on my Dystopian Challenge but I'm really behind on the SRT Challenge. So I racing to finish some of the books....


I did finish The Twentieth Wife. My mom had recommended this book so I thought I should read it (Because I Said So!) I had already read it. Yep. I re-read it because it didn't end the way I thought it was going to. You know, I flipped over to the end and read the last page - I do that all the time. Jim thought it was humorous that I would re-read the whole thing but I so wanted to finish it!


Pretty good read. I had trouble keeping all the foreign names straight. I was bored with the battle sequences (sorry, Mom) but the love story was pretty good. That's all I've got to say about that.

All Cleaned Up

I've been talking to Kenny about taking showers instead of baths. He seems old enough and (this is the mama talking) it's quicker. I had mentioned to him that at camp there would be only showers and he informed me that he just wouldn't bathe while he was there. I was reminded that my friend, Judy (I Almost Had A Blog Once) told me that was half the fun of camp. I'm glad I won't be around to see or smell him.

I did convince him that showers were good and fast and he took his first alone shower 2 nights ago. (I say alone - not a baby with his mommy or daddy.) He was taking one again tonight when I went to check on him. The door was open (of course) and I noticed him in the big mirror over the sink. I informed him that when we shower - we pull the curtain closed. I had left this out of the Shower Orientation Talk. I explained that that kept the floor dry.

He just grinned and said, "Oh." I said, "Get all your hair wet, son."

Blogs And More Blogs

For some reason - I have alot to write these days.... There are two articles in my draft folder right now. How does that work? Nothing for days, then, bam, something every day! Glad to be here for ya....

Phil has started a new blog. I know, I know, another blog?! Who has time to read what you already read?! Well, it's the Bible, yall. Psalms. There will be a Psalm a day for the next few months. Phil is also writing a short commentary to accompany each one. Even if you don't want to read what Phil has to say - you can read God's Word. Pop over and add it to your Bloglines. I'll also put a link in my sidebar so you may access it from here.

While we are talking blogs...... I am still writing on my TV blog. (It not the Bible, I know) If you are interested, you really should add it to your Bloglines so you're not checking it every day. Or check it every day - it looks good on my Sitemeter. It is also listed in my sidebar.

Lastly, don't you love this weather we're having?! I open my back door every morning so I can hear the birds and smell the morning air. I close it every afternoon when I hear the A/C kick on. We've been at the pool and played and talked with our friends. Both kids got sunburned and the mommies have planned to include the daddies by coming at night more often. I remember going to the lake and jumping off Daddy's shoulders - my kids need that kind of memory, too. Nothing better than Fun Dad.

Piles Of Laundry Before I Sleep

I gotta write about this! BooMama has written about her weirdness with her pajamas. She believes in wearing clean pajamas every night - this seems crazy to me. I get the logic behind it but oh, the laundry! If you follow the logic of clean jammies every night, then why not clean sheets every night? Several people even commented on clean towels every morning. I get it - I just don't want to do the laundry associated with it.

One of my friends sleeps naked - is she making her sheets dirty every night? Maybe this is the way to go. There was an article in yesterday's paper that told us sleeping naked is more healthy. Oh, and you know, there's a website. I think that would work well with Dr. Oz's advice to engage in, shall we say, martial relations at least 4 times a week. You read that right, he says that's good for your health. Alrighty then.

So, what's your jammie situation? My is cooler is better - cotton is better and I don't want anything that tangles up in my legs. (My son would say, "TMI, mom.")

Friday Fun Zone

YooHoo! Summer is here! Today is the first day of June and I'm going to start up with the Friday Fun Zone again this summer. So if you have any funny videos, send them to my email and I may put it up!

This is from last Sunday - I told Donnie, our children's minister, that I was planning on posting it. Some people will do anything to get folks to volunteer. Did you?

Which Action Hero Would You Be?

I thought this was pretty great! I was too excited to see the new Pirate movie and, as I watched, I wondered how these pirates could be so sexy.....

You scored as Captain Jack Sparrow, Roguish,quick-witted, and incredibly lucky, Jack Sparrow is a pirate who sometimes ends up being a hero, against his better judgement. Captain Jack looks out for #1, but he can be counted on (usually) to do the right thing. He has an incredibly persuasive tongue, a mind that borders on genius or insanity, and an incredible talent for getting into trouble and getting out of it. Maybe its brains, maybe its genius, or maybe its just plain luck. Or maybe a mixture of all three. Captain Jack Sparrow 96% Maximus 88% James Bond, Agent 007 71% Lara Croft 71% Batman, the Dark Knight 71% Indiana Jones 67% El Zorro 58% The Terminator 54% William Wallace 54% Neo, the "One" 46% The Amazing Spider-Man 42% Which Action Hero Would You Be? v. 2.0 created with QuizFarm.com

Late Night TV

We've had lots of rain here lately. We need it so badly to fill up our lakes - we need it so we can have some water, you know, to drink. To brush our teeth. To have some green grass.

Well, last night was one of those nice, big thunderstorms. It woke me up at about 2:00 am and I couldn't go back to sleep. I lay there for awhile listening to the thunder and watching the lightening and being a big scariedy cat. Then I woke Jim up.

I have to explain here that Jim usually sleeps on the couch. No, it isn't a "stop touching me" issue or a "then you can just sleep on the couch" issue - it's a lifestyle choice. He likes to watch TV until he falls asleep - anything he wants - without me changing the channels. I've learned to not let it bother me and I usually get up about 2:00 or 3:00 or 4:00 and wake him up so he can get in the bed. So, if it is storming at 2:30, he already has the TV on and is usually watching the weather. But last night was different, Jim fell asleep before me and was already in the bed sound asleep.

So, at 2:15 am I woke up my sweet hubby, he watched the weather with me, said, "Is that enough?" Then he turned over and went right to sleep.

It's nice to have someone to always depend on, isn't it?

The Pool Is Open!

Pictures are last year's! I can't wait to see this beautiful, blue water again. I can't wait to see my kids laughing with their friends again. I can't wait to sit on the side of the pool and solve the problems of the world with my friends again.

Wanna come?

Next Book

I finished reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy. I had added this book because (again) I had seen it on several book lists and then Oprah choose it for her book club. I look forward to seeing the author on her show on June 5. The book was upsetting. I started it one night and couldn't put it down. I knew it would invade my dreams and it was too creepy for that. I decided that I did want to finish it so I picked it up again.

The story of a father taking his young son south on a dangerous road hoping that they would find some warmth there. The road is simply a highway that still exists (in part) and they have a semblance of a map. For me, the story opened all kind of questions. I was reading it on a weekend and I thought of it all through worship. Would God allow the world to end but not end? What would be my response as His follower? Could I still love that God? We even sang "How Deep The Father's Love For Us" that Sunday - which made me ask, "Is His love deep enough that His followers wouldn't have to suffer like in the book?" How far would I go to protect my children? My self? Would life be worth living?

Scary, huh? Yall all want to read it now, right? We never know why the world ended. We see the boy alive at the end - that's all. Sad and scary.

They lay listening. Can you do it? When the time comes?
When the time comes there will be no more time. Now it the time.
Curse God and die. What if it doesnt fire? It has to fire.
What if it doesnt fire? Could you crash that beloved skull with at
rock? Is there such a being within you of which you know nothing?
Can there be? Hold him in your arms. Just so. The soul is
quick. Pull him toward you. Kiss him. Quickly.

Spring Reading Thing Review

I'm behind on my book reviews......

I finished Prep and I enjoyed the book. I initially picked it because I has seen it on several blogs and when I bought it I noticed that it was named "One Of The 10 Best Books Of The Year" by the New York Times Book Review. That just made me feel even more superior for reading it - I need all the superiority I can get.

The book takes place in a boarding school near Boston and our main character is a scholarship student from the Midwest. She never feels like she fits in and it's a story of her struggles to do so. I also enjoyed that it was told though her voice as an adult - she would look back and see all the ways it could have been better. Don't we all wish we could do it over knowing what we know now? How much better high school would have been with a little life experience and knowledge.

The writer, Curtis Sittenfeld (a woman,) was also able to write about all the things I've forgotten - intentally.

For years and years, there would be so many things I'd do for a guy the I wouldn't do in my usual life - jokes I wouldn't normally tell, places I wouldn't normally go, clothes I wouldn't normally war, drinks I wouldn't normally drink, food I wouldn't normally eat or food I would normally eat but wouldn't eat in front of him. I am twenty-four, and I and the guy I like are with a group of people and the person driving is drunk and the seat belts are buried in the seat and I ride along anyway because, apparently, what I want from the guy is worth more than everthing else I want or believe. It must be, right?

Yikes! One of the best things about being married - never trying to do everything to make someone "like" you.

Blog Correction

It looks like the Email BoogieMan is at it again. Anthony has put a link to Snopes for us all to see. It tells us that boycotting one brand of gas doesn't change the price of gasoline. So - disregard that last blog post. You can buy your gas anywhere you want - it's too expensive everywhere! For you out-out-towners - it's risen to $3.15 here. I will fill up later today and I hope it hasn't gone over $2.99 at the Evil Empire.

So have you changed any habits in response to the (overly-taxed) gas prices? I'm more aware of doing all my errands at the same time. If I'm out, I wanna get it all done at once. What about you?

Power To The People

Gas for $3.05 at the Fina on South 11th. That's just too much. That's ridiculous. That's just wrong.

I got an email this morning telling us all not to buy gas from Exxon/Mobil - they are owned by the same company. They are one of the largest oil companies in the world. This will create a loss of demand for them so - logically - they will be forced to lower their prices. Just yesterday on the Today show some Fat Cat (literally) that runs one of the oil companies said the price was based on supply and demand.

So, let's mess with the demand. We live in a Free Market - let's use our power. Stop buying gas at an Exxon/Mobil station.

Tattoo, Anyone?

Not long ago I was talking tattoos - again. I kinda want a tattoo. My friend, Tammy, has one on her ankle - she got it there because (hopefully) it won't sag for a long time. Good reasoning.

I mentioned that henna tattoos were temporary and perhaps an alternative. I'm ready to give henna a try. Check out this post over at Planet Nomad - she attended a wedding and has some pictures of the bride.

Promised Pictures

Abbie at the Young Children's World program. She's the one in the skort - of course. Abbie has decided she only likes skorts, not shorts!

This is Kenny's 3rd Grade Program. He's the kid on the maracas with the new white shirt and black jeans his mom bought him just for the program.
Here's Abbie in costume for her recital. The tutu was good but the make-up was wonderful!

Here's a bunch of Snow Whites waiting to go on stage. Aren't they the cutest? Jim couldn't tell which one was Abbie when they were on stage - they looked that much alike!

Attn Blogger: This is crazy and I can not fix it! The words came out like this because? Friends, enjoy the goofy words - it wasn't like this when I "previewed" it.