We Three Kings

Tis the season to...

Whoa! Christmas Day will be here before any of us know it! The lights and tree are put up and gifts are being bought.

A niece and nephew will be spending the Christmas holidays with us this year. It's quite a shock since they belong to the sister who doesn't really like me much. So it has to be a God thing. Or she just really wants to get rid of her kids for 2 weeks.

In this last week I know of 3 families that have lost a love one. It's so hard to think that those people were only allotted a small amount of time here on earth. One was a year older than me, one about 2 years younger than me and the other was probably 5 years older. It makes you stop and think about what it is your doing with your life.

I read an article on CNN called Don't take life for granted By Ruben Navarrette Jr.

It's about the movie "Blind side" and his take on it. I happen to agree with what he said and wanted to share it.

So much in life you take for granted. We've forgotten how lucky we are, because we're busy cursing fate. We've stopped being grateful for what we have, because we somehow find it more satisfying to complain about what we don't. Until we meet someone who has much less than we do.

So much in life you take for granted.

As Americans, we've become victims of our own success. We've strayed so far from the example of our immigrant parents and grandparents that we bear no resemblance to that model.

Weighed down by own bloated sense of entitlement and self-importance, we've lost our appetite for competition and we prefer to talk instead about what we think we "deserve." At the first sign of adversity, we play the victim, give up, or fall apart. With all the blessings that come with living in the world's most remarkable country, still we complain. We retreat. We whine.

Click here for the rest of the article.

So sad, yet so true. Take this holiday season to make everything count! You never know when it'll all be gone and if you stop and really think about it, you really do have everything you need.

Weekends go by so fast

Has anyone noticed how fast the weekends go by? I mean, today is already Friday and Monday morning will be here in a blink of an eye. Next week will be our last then we are taking off for Thanksgiving.

THANKSGIVING!!! Where did that come from??

We'll be having our second Thanksgiving without Mom. I don't think there's been a day that has gone by that I haven't thought about her. It still freaks me out when I see a truck like hers drive down the road. So many times I have wanted to pick up the phone and call her.

Our little town now has 4 lanes running through it! They've been widening it for about a year or year and a half now. It's strange how it makes everything look so different. I can remember when that street was lined with trees, only 2 lanes and a 4 way stop.

Amanda will be finished with her teaching textbooks math the week we brake for Christmas. Looks like I'll be ordering her next grade level over the holidays. So far so good with school this year. We've had a few moments when we've had to stop and pray for attitude help. God always seems to get us through it.

She's coming right along with her Christmas song for her piano recital this year. This will be the first year she's participated in something like that. She's done really well!

Tomorrow will be her LAST two soccer games!! Praise God from who all blessings flow!! I truly thought fall season was going to run into spring season!

I've been trying to keep up with keeping our church organized and making sure we have the items we need. We have been going through parts of the Old Testament the last 13 weeks at church and in our lifegroups. We are about to switch lifegroups again. It's such a scary thing but exciting at the same time.

I mean, for 13 weeks we get to know and become comfortable with the people in our group then we up and move. One of the couples we were in group with are so funny! By looking at them, you would NEVER know how funny they are. We would laugh and laugh with them. I will miss that during the week.

This way though, everyone gets to be with one another and learn along side each other. Plus it's not likely that any "cliques" would develop only strong friendships. Cause there's nothing worse than stepping into a church and feeling like everyone has "paired" off with their group and you're the odd man out.

Michael's former girlfriend now has a new beau. I ran across that tid bit of info through Facebook. Honestly, it broke my heart. Don't get me wrong, she is sweet and precious. But some of the reasons she gave for calling it off with Michael I so wanted to post. Yes, sometimes the flesh wants to take over! or at least post: "Yeah, he's cute. Not as cute as Michael though".
I know it upset him too. Stay away from those Evil Women, Son!!! LOL!!!

Have a wonderful week y'all!!!

Getting back into the groove

Alrighty! I'm seriously gonna start blogging again! I mean, I'm gonna try to start blogging again. The whole Facebook thing is becoming "old". It's been fun getting in touch with people I went to school with but there are a few things I've noticed. There's a few things that I have asked myself over the past couple of months posting on FB.
1. Does anyone actually stop and pray for those requesting prayer?
2. If your on the way to a hospital or some sort of accident is happening, Why are you posting it at that time?? Shouldn't you be taking care of that?
3. Are you being real? or is it for show?
4. When you post is it just for the reaction from others?
5. Is blogging or FB being used for self gratification?

These are a few of the questions that have been brought to my attention. I'm just sayin'...

This weekend is a special one for us. Today my baby is turning 21 years old. 21!!!! I was 21 when I had him. Michael was born a day before our 2 year wedding anniversary, hence, the family picture. 23 years of marriage has brought forth a 21 year old son, an 11 year old daughter and many gray hairs for Mike. For me, it's weight...

A week ago, Amanda and her friend Lauren dressed up in my old cheerleader uniforms. Yes, I still have them! If I could have made a career out of cheering, I would have!!! Anyway, I realized that I was indeed a small, petite girl back in the day. Which depressed me. Not to mention that we've been watching "The Biggest Loser" only because a woman from this area was on it. To see those people lose all that weight has really inspired me. Now that I'm inspired, I need to do something about it.

But not until after the weekend celebration. Brisket, homemade potato salad, beans, birthday cake!!

Amanda is doing well in school. I think she's at that point to where the though of attending public school again is crossing her mind. Which scares me! Mike has stated that if she wants to go, this is the time to do it because she will not be attending public high school.
I'm praying that urge to go back will pass!

In a week, it will be time for our church to realign lifegroups. Every 13 weeks we switch groups. It's fun and scary at the same time! I've really enjoyed getting to know the couples in our group the past 13 weeks.

Looks like Hubby is preparing the brisket to go on the grill!! Yummy!!! Guess I need to get off this to make the potato salad and birthday cake.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dustin' off the blog

If you're wondering why I haven't blogged in awhile...take a look. I've been trying to do school, get grades in, run Amanda to soccer, reorganize our church, keep a clean house and dinner. You name it, I've tried to get it done!

I have completely ignored my blog. Not that I haven't had anything to say! It seems as though Facebook is so much easier to get to with my phone. I enjoy leaving little "pithy" comments on peoples pages and it's been fun to catch up with old friends!

I have to admit...I've become addicted to FB and Glenn Beck. Yes, I hate when I miss his show!!! He is so funny and sarcastic!! I really think that's what I enjoy about him. Not that I believe everything he says but if he's right, our country is in deep trouble.

This weekend Amanda has a soccer tournament in Dallas so most of our Saturday is spoken for. This season of DWTS has been alright! I've been disappointed in Michael Irvin. I really thought he would be a better dancer than that. I've really enjoyed watching Kelly Osborn!!! it was great watching her dance to "Crazy Train"!!

I guess for the men, I hate to say it, but Donny Osmond has been really great! I've made the family watch "The Biggest Loser" due to a lady from this area being on it. I watch that show and think, "Wow! if those people can do it, I can"!! then I head to bed when its over not thinking about exercising til the next week!! The one thing about that show is the lady trainer, Jillian. I think that's her name. Anyway, she is beautiful! She has the most amazing eyes! I can't say that though about her mouth!!!

I guess if cussing people in order to motivate them to work hard and lose weight works then, why not??? I'm not sure how motivated I would be. I'm just sayin'.

Well, I can't believe that I actually found time to sit and blog. Hopefully, I will be able to do it more often!!

World Wind Weekend

We have been all around this weekend. As you can tell from the pictures we hit a wedding, Oklahoma City Memorial, The Roman Coliseum, Big Ben and a little dissecting before taking off.

We left out on Thursday for Kansas City for our niece's wedding this past Saturday. We had to get school completed before heading out. Lesson 3 of Apologia Botany calls for the students to dissect a flower. I can't remember ever doing that in school but it was totally AMAZING!!! Amanda dissected it and found all of it's parts, labeled and put it in her notebook. If you ever get the chance to use Apologia Elementary Science, do it!!

As soon as Michael got home from school we took off on our journey. We arrived in Kansas City on Friday and didn't stop! Wedding rehearsal and dinner that evening, staying up late, getting up early the next morning to decorate and do flowers. Needless to say, we were exhausted!!

On our way back we stopped by the Murrah Federal Building. Or at least where it use to be. It's mind blowing to think that people want to do others harm. Especially people who are your own people!! I showed Amanda the before and after pictures of what happened on that block. Probably the most touching and heart wrenching picture is that of Bailey and the Fireman. I can't even imagine!!

In southern Oklahoma, you might even see the Coliseum and Big Ben!! LOL!! Ok, not really, it's a casino. I couldn't resist!!

Updates from the homefront

Has anyone watched DWTS the past two nights??? I couldn't believe Kellie Osborn! WOW! She did great!! I was so dissappointed in Michael Irvin. I guess I was expecting Emmitt. But it's just the beginning of the season so maybe he'll get with it. So C'mon all you Cowboy Fans out there!!

Anyway, Amanda has begun soccer. It's been years since she's played and she's on an U14 team. She's the smallest on the team with the least experience. Last Saturday was the first of 9 games to be played. Bless her heart, she was completely unprepared for the postitions she had to play. Needless to say, Daddy started coaching from the sidelines and brother sat on the bench with her explaining all of the postitions to her.

It was a very stressful situation! LOL!!! Just as long as she has fun and learns the game, we'll be alright.

Ok, let me preface this with: I don't like vegetables. I never have. If it's green, it's probably not going to pass these lips!! I actually held broccoli for the first time on Sunday. I mean actually picked up the little tree type plant and washed it. The reason for the green little trees was a baby shower food tray. You know, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower along with the ranch dressing!! I just wanted people to know that I did indeed brought the rest home and steamed them. The carrots and cauliflower were delicious!!!

This year in Co Op we are going thru Apologia Botany. This week we are reading about flowers. Luckily, we had some hibicus blooming and were able to dissect one. Going thru step by step and seeing each part of the flower was amazing!! Somehow I don't remember this type of stuff from school. I know I've learned so much from the Apologia books, I just hope Amanda remembers it all!!!

I've been ignoring my blog...

WHEW!!! I'm sitting down, watching GH and finally blogging! It seems like we've been blowing and going for the past couple of weeks and I haven't had time to give my attention to this here blog!!

Let's see, Homecoming is tonight. The parade is tomorrow. Then there's Amanda's soccer game. Mike's Birthday is tomorrow so we'll be heading out for dinner. Went to the store early this morning, piano lessons, spelling test and church on Sunday. Wow! I'm exhausted already!

Not to mention, I think I'm a Facebook addict. I thoroughly enjoy looking at everyone's pictures!

On Mondays, we've started meeting for Co Op. It's the second year that we've done this. We've been going through the Apologia Science for Elementary students. I'm telling ya, I've learned so much! I truly hope the kids have too! We've split the entire year up between Science and Spanish. It's strange having it on Mondays. Though it seems to work well for all the families involved. Here at Cooper Academy, we still try to take off of Fridays.

I've also been reading. I finished the one on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. The one I'm reading now is Practical Theology for Women. Someone asked, "Soooo...is theology for women different than theology for men? just wondering..." How funny!!!

No it isn't but this book puts it all in terms I can related to. I don't need to attend Seminary to understand it. In fact, no one does.
For instance, there's a few quotes in the book that really blew me away.

Many Christians in today's churches seem much more convinced of the reality of their problems than the reality of their God.

Isn't that so true??? We tend to make everything else bigger than God. Anyway...

Dancing with the Stars begins Monday!!! Wooo Hooo!! So far school is going good for Amanda. I pray that she'll continue to learn and comprehend all of the material we go over. I fear that at times. I'm just saying...

Now it's off to finish laundry and do something with this hair!!!

Have a great weekend!

Always remember...

First Week back

Our first week back hasn't been so bad. Did you know that it's still kind of dark at 6:30 am?? Anyway, here's Amanda doing her art lesson. I ordered it from Rod & Staff. It seems like she doesn't do much in that area so I'm making a conscience effect to have her do some.
Lunch time is a favorite during the school day. She looks so excited, doesn't she???
Look, she ACTUALLY using the desk!! I'm trying to get her to the point to where she will be doing lessons on her own and not expecting me to sit right beside her at all times!

For the past couple of weeks, I've been reading Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.
I have never heard the term "evangelical feminism" before until I read this book. You never realize how misconstrued things get until you begin studying them from the beginning. Most women when they hear the word "submission" they cringe. Most men hear the word and begin making jokes or laughing tell their wives they should wear head coverings.

I have a friend who shall remain nameless... who had a few questions on the whole submission subject. It seems that many women have trouble with it as she found out thru work and FB postings.

Below is what I posted on her FB page. Now remember, this is just my take on what the Bible and the book I've been reading says.

This all stems back to the questions we were having on Saturday...remember that??? I'm just trying to do my job, "older women, teach the younger" whole thing. Even though I'm not THAT much older!!! It really bothered me that some think, christian women are not allowed to have opinions or their own convictions. That all we are ALLOWED to do is say "Yes and No". Are my opinions or convictions the same as Mike's? NO. Am I allowed to have them even if they are different? YES. Mike and I are spiritually equal due to both of us being created in the image of God. He has been given the role of "male headship" not "male dominator". HUGE difference! He doesn't dominate me in any way. He's suppose to guide me in a God glorifying way not put he's thumb on me and command me to do his bidding. Because in the end it's not his bidding I'm suppose to be doing.
Are we suppose to discuss things? Absolutely. Can I express my opinions to my husband? You Bet. In the end though, he should be the one who's make the final decision because God created a chain of command. Now do I run to Mike and ask "permission" for all that I do??? No way. That would completely drive him NUTS! BUT, if that gave him a sense of being/feeling "needed", why not do it. We all need to feel that and be secure.It's the same way that a woman might like to have their hand held or touched. Do I give him the heads up as to what I'm doing? Yes. That's just being courteous.
He is told to love me. I'm told to "submit". Which one is really harder to do??? We submit to all sorts of rules and regulations every day! We make them up for our children and expect them to abide by them. But do we always truly love???? That might be the harder thing to do.As far as the whole "head covering", should we wear them? NO. It was a cultural thing. If they didn't wear one it showed the congregation that a woman was rejecting the authority of male leadership.
Head coverings..play NO PART in our culture. Men have their role, women have theirs. We are their "help mate" we compliment them. I can live with that. Mike works hard, takes care of us, makes sure we want for NOTHING. When funds permit, we might have extra. I know that John does this for you and the kids too. So the trade off is this: His Respect for my love, security and a special place in his heart, just for letting him have his God given place in the pecking order? I think I'm getting the better deal.

So, to the maybe two people that read this blog...What is your take on the whole submission thing? Does it still play a role in today's society?

Tim Hawkins - The Government Can

Thought this was so funny!!!

Dancing with The Stars Fall 2009

Alrighty!!! Let's see if I get it right again this year.

The contestants for my FAVORITE show were announced today. I'm excited that it's almost September only for that reason!! Amanda decided that she wanted to play soccer this year so it looks like I'll have to tivo the Tuesday night show of DWTS. Wonder if I can watch it on my phone???

Anyway...

The complete cast for Dancing Season Nine

Mya, singer:Who is she??? I looked her up and couldn't find a picture that I could post on here without feeling ashamed!!

Melissa Joan Hart, actress: She's still around??? Wasn't she the "teenage witch"?

Michael Irvin, former Dallas Cowboy:WOOOOO HOOOOO!!! The Play maker!!! Guess who I'm picking to win??

Ashley Hamilton, actor, comedian, singer-songwriter: George's son, does he have the same charisma as his Dad?

Aaron Carter, singer: hhmmm...he might be able to do this.

Kathy Ireland, former supermodel-turned-businesswoman: I'll say she's a maybe.

Debi Mazar, actress:OK, forgive me, but I look at her and think something nasty is going to come out her mouth.

Natalie Coughlin, U.S. Olympic swimmer: She's an athlete, she's the woman I'm picking for this year.

Louie Vito, snowboarder:?

Chuck Liddell, ultimate fighting champ: I wouldn't mess with him...

Donny Osmond, singer: ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Wow, we will never hear the end of it.

Tom DeLay, former Republican congressman: He's a politician, of course he can dance, around anything you want him to!!

Macy Gray, singer: Not sure about her. She might be able to get with it.

Joanna Krupa, model and actress: Sorry, models tend to go first.

Mark Dacascos, Iron Chef personality: I love Iron Chef!!! We'll see.

Kelly Osbourne, reality star: WHAT?? Now this'll be interesting!!!!

I hope this season is good! I've been looking forward to it.

My Student

It's week 3 of Darcy's Not Back to School Hop. Here's my student! My one and only student! God blessed me with 2 children but they are 10 years apart. The oldest went back to college today and Amanda won't start for 2 more weeks. We didn't home school Michael. He attended the same school that my husband and I did.

When God laid it on my heart to home school Amanda she was beginning 3rd grade. So we are not a "seasoned" homeschool family. We're still learning about it.

I can't imagine the stress and responsibility of teaching more than one student! I freak out over the one I have!!! However, we are looking forward to gettin' started. Happy School year y'all!!!

School Room Week

It’s another week of Not Back to School Blog Hop at Darcy’s. So I’ve posted a few pictures of where Amanda does school. 

Here at Cooper Academy we don’t have a “classroom”. The first year we decided to homeschool we set everything up in our bedroom. When the oldest took off to Gospel for Asia we turned his room into a classroom/bedroom. Now he’s back attending college and living in his room. Last year, we used the living room/dining room for our school. The great thing about homeschooling is you can do it anywhere! There were times we even took things outside!

Above is our curriculum closet. It’s full of curriculum for this year and next year. I’m trying to keep a bit ahead so the cost isn’t so bad.

Here’s our couch. This is where Amanda and I sit, have our bible study and do our silent reading. This way I get a little sit down time and check out some good books.

Above is Amanda’s computer. It’s where she does her math, Spanish, webkinz, typing and searching for anything Jonas Brothers.

She has her desk in her room where she will whiz thru Spelling, Reading, English and Handwriting. This will be the first year for her to actually use it for an entire year. We are trying to get her to work more independently. It seems as though she thinks I should be sitting right beside her in case she has any questions. Does anyone else have this issue?

And last but not least, the Teacher’s desk. This piece of furniture belonged to my Mom. It’s a mess right now since we are trying to get ready for the big day. I started planning the first lesson for Science Co Op. I’ll be teaching  the first two lessons in Apologia Botany and thought I would get a head start on it.

I hope you enjoyed our little classroom environment. It isn’t much but it’ll work!

Not Back to School Blog Hop: Curriculum Week

After catching up on the all of the laundry that we had, going to the grocery store and doing the yard work I sat down to browse through some blogs. I ran across Darcy's and thought I would join in. I have to admit that our lessons plans have pretty much been done since May. I like to plan ahead and buy little pieces of curriculum at a time.


We began homeschooling Amanda when she entered into the third grade. After much prayer and research we choose to use Bob Jones. I know, I know...textbooks, but it works for us. I like the Spelling in their curriculum. You have workbook pages to do, a list of words to study, a writing prep and a section that gives you information about a word for each week.

One thing Amanda doesn't like to do much is read. She had trouble in the beginning reading but has come such a long way! In fact, she's a pretty good little reader. The reading book and workbook are great! This year starts Vocabulary which is in the back of the workbook.
Handwriting is something Amanda needs to practice on! This year she will have to do much more in cursive than just the pages in this book.
What can you say about English? Bob Jones does a good job covering this subject. I did, however purchase a English Handbook from Rod and Staff.
Botany will be done in our Co Op class this year along with Spanish. We've already studied Apologia Astronomy and Land Animals. Everyone agreed that we loved this curriculum.
Ok, this is what we sit down and do this first thing in the mornings. Yes, it's reading the story and doing some little page in the workbook. But it's easy to come up with hands on projects with the lessons in the book.
Last year, we veered off and tried the Beautiful Feet American History, WE LOVED IT!! Which was pretty much the whole reason we took off on our vacation. Next year, we'll pick some place out of this subject to go.
Something new we are going to try this year is Art. I've tried to incorporate some throughout the years. I'm hoping that with an actual curriculum Amanda will be able to enjoy some sort of Art.

We did switch from Bob Jones Math to Teaching Textbooks.

Piano lessons are still on Friday along with Spelling Test. I've enjoyed sharing our upcoming school year and reading about others. I love to see what others are doing and to get some good ideas!! So, what does your 2009-2010 year look like???

vacation 2009

This year we took a family vacation to different parts of the east coast. Amanda had studied American History so we headed to Washington DC. Here's a picture of when we set out on our journey.
We hit Memphis sometime on Saturday and couldn't resist driving down Elvis Presley Boulevard.
I was "in love" with Elvis in the 3rd and 4th grade. His house is behind the tree. It isn't as big as you would think.
Tennessee is a beautiful state!! We all "awwwed" over it as we drove thru the mountains. Guess we needed to clean the windshield before taking the picture, ooops.
Here is Amanda's favorite part: Miley Cyrus' house in Thompson Station, TN. or at least the gates. It is gorgeous in this area!!!
Amanda knocking on the White House Gates.
World War II Memorial
I really thought the Lincoln Memorial would be much bigger!!! But it was still impressive!
The Constitution of The United States of America.
This was probably my favorite part of the trip! The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Judy Garland's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. We watched this movie for 2 years, it was Amanda's favorite.
We made it to Jamestowne, Va. This is a statue of Pocahontas.
We ended our trip on Wrightsville Beach, NC. Mike and the kids enjoyed the Atlantic Ocean. I was a bit skeptical. I laid out mostly. I have this thing about not being able to see the bottom where water is concerned. We had a FABULOUS time! I'm so glad we were able to take this time to get away!

One Year

It was one year ago on July 29th that my sisters and I decided to take Mom off all of those machines at the hospital.  That was one of the hardest things we had ever had to do. We all knew that Mom wouldn’t have wanted to be hooked up to all of that.

We along with our spouses sat in the room, listening to her heart give out and her breathing stop. It still seems strange. I keep expecting her to show up in her white truck, barge into the house, throw her purse in the recliner and ask what’s for dinner.

We all miss her.

new york minute-don henley

Years ago, my sisters and I went to the "Hell Freezes Over" tour and then caught Don Henley when he came to Dallas. We all love Don Henley's music. I keep discovering things that I like to do and listen to. That might seem simple to you or even corny but music is one of those things that I enjoy.
While listening to Pandora today I heard this song. I started thinking about the past couple of days and the past year. On Tuesday, sister #2 ended up in the hospital. She has an abscess on her kidney. We didn't know if they would be able to treat it or do surgery. Thank God they sent her home today with antibiotics and said see you in 2 weeks.
This all freaked us out since it was a year ago yesterday that Rhonda and I took Mom into the ER for her problem. A problem that we didn't know she had.
Rhonda and I both had this on our mind as we sat in the room waiting on the doctor.
It's so strange how things can change from one minute to the next.
I've spent one year of my life trying to keep busy so I wouldn't have to think about all that's happened. Have you ever thought about not hearing the voice of someone? Not ever hearing them laugh, joke or even yell.
Have you ever thought that all of the things you did with your love one would really become memories and that's all you would have of them?
And maybe all you would have left of them is a trunk that sits at the foot of your bed? or little knick knacks that end up in your curio cabinet?
We all whine and become overwhelmed with our lives. But you know, in one minute every thing can change.
Be grateful that we can whine and be overwhelmed. When your kids are running wild, be happy. When your about to pull your hair out because you can't get math across to your child, count it as a blessing.
When your Mom or Dad complains about their health or whatever, pay attention and enjoy listening to those complaints.
Everything can change...

List, plans and trip

In a few weeks we will be heading east to Washington DC. Needless to say, I am so EXCITED!!!!!

This year Amanda studied American History so what better place to go than to our nations capital. Come to find out Mike knows some people that use to live in Singapore when he did that now live in the DC area.

One even dresses up and runs around Colonial Williamsburg, VA.!!!! My eyes nearly popped out of my head when Mike shared this information with me!!!

Our plans are to head out early one Saturday morning. Make our way to Nashville and find Miley Cyrus’ house! LOL! that’s what Amanda is expecting. Like we would be able to find it, anyway. We have to pass thru Memphis so maybe I can convince them all to stop by Elvis’ place!

After Nashville, we’ll hit Arlington, VA in about 10 hours or so. Then off to see the sites in DC. Of course, you have to do all the monument things, Smithsonian and The Declaration of Independence!!! After DC, there’s Mt. Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown!!!

I’ve got my list going and will be scratching things off one by one.

1) Get Prissy groomed

2) Stop mail for that week

3) Take Prissy to friends house

4) Pack

5) Make sure cameras and phones are ready and charged!

6) Take chargers for camera and phones.

7) Take trash out before leaving!!! This is a must!!!

8) Clean car and gas up. Praise God that gas prices are pretty much the same between here and that direction!!!

9) Get a few things at the store.

10) Pray that we have a wonderful time!

11) Set timer on pool.

12) Water grass and plants good.

The list goes on and on…

Anyway, I’m thrilled that we are able to take a trip like this! God willing, we’ll be able to do this every summer. Next year, Amanda will be doing the Beautiful Feet Geography study, wonder where that will take us?

Just think, she'll have to learn about ancient places to0, Rome, Pompeii, Greece...Woooo Hoooo!!!

Things I learned from being raised in TEXAS

I received this from a high school friend and wanted to share!

Armadillos sleep in the middle of the road
with their feet in the air.

There are 5,000 types of snakes on earth and 4,998 live in Texas .
There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000
live in Texas , plus a couple no one's seen before.

If it grows, it sticks; if it crawls, it bites.

'Twiced' is a word.
People actually grow and eat okra
'Fixinto' is one word.

There is no such thing as 'lunch.'
There is only dinner and then supper.
Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you
start drinking it when you're two. We do like a little tea with our sugar!

'Backwards and forwards' means I know
everything about you!
Djeet is actually a phrase meaning 'Did you eat?'

You don't have to wear a watch because it
doesn't ma tter what time it is. You work until you're done
or it's too dark to see.

You don't PUSH buttons, you MASH them.
You measure distance in hours. Like its 6 hours from Houston to Dallas .
You'll probably have to switch from 'heat' to
'A/C' in the same day.

'Fix' is a verb. Example: 'I'm fixing to go to
the store.'
You install security lights on your house and
garage and leave both unlocked.

Yes, Friday night high school football games is serious football!
You carry jumper cables in your car . . .
for your OWN car.

There are only four spices: salt, pepper,
Tabasco and ketchup.
The local papers cover national and
international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and sports.

100 degrees Fahrenheit is 'a little warm.'
We have four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer,
still Summer and Christmas.
Going to Wal-mart is a favorite past time
known as 'goin' to Wally-World.'

A cool snap (below 70 degrees) is good
pinto-bean weather.
A carbonated soft drink isn't a soda, cola or
pop. .. . . it's a Coke, regardless of brand or flavor. Example:
'What kind a coke you want?'
Fried catfish is the other white meat..

Hope you liked it…

I am kicking myself in the....

Whoa! What a bizarre day it was in the entertainment business yesterday. First Farrah, then out of the blue, Michael Jackson.

Now by NO MEANS am I praising him or elevating him but what a sad thing it was, especially for the three kids he left behind.
I saw many people and groups in concert during the 80's, Michael Jackson was not one of them. Although I remember wanting to go. We played Thriller many, many times and wondered how a person could dance like that. We even tried to learn the dances!

His musical talent and dancing will be the thing that I will always remember. Last night I started digging around for our copy of Thriller. I had the album and cassette. I couldn't find either of them and decided to call my sister to see if she had it. What would I have done with that? Why would I have gotten rid of THAT! I am kicking myself in the butt! I mean, I have cheer uniforms from the 4th grade to my senior year! I still have a copy of Urban Cowboy, go figure!!

Isn't it so weird how music and shows bring back so many memories? I guess the thing that really weirds me out is...Michael Jackson was only 8 years older than me. He was a big part of my generation! 8 years is not that much difference! My generation is dying and that is a very solemn thought.

Yes, he was a weirdo! Maybe he didn't start out as a weirdo, he just ended up as one. He was a son and a father. I feel badly for them all, especially the kids. He was 500 million dollars in debt! Who knows if his children will ever see any of the royalties from all his hard work and talent.

I remember Mom saying she remembered where she was when JFK was shot or when man landed on the moon. Now I can say I remember when Elvis died, what I was doing when Jackie Kennedy was buried, staying up when Princess Diana crashed, the feeling of 9/11, the loss of a 70's icon, and that I was making spaghetti when Michael Jackson died.

A look at the View

The past 2 days in Texas have been extremely HOT!! OK, I know, I live in TEXAS so it's to be expected. We scheduled to have windows put in the house on the hottest 2 days so far. I felt so bad for the two guys doing it. We are praying that the new windows help with the heating and AC in the house. Anyway, we finally have all of them in and caulked. The thermometer now reads 79 degrees. The air hasn't shut off since 11ish.
BTW, Farrah Fawcett died today. She was the same age as my mom. Not that my mom looked like Farrah or anything. 62 must be some kind of fatal number. I'm just saying...I so remember going into the shop to get my hair cut like that!! Everyone wanted the Farrah Do!! And when they turned me around, needless to say, I didn't look like Farrah! I ran out of the shop to the car and cried!! Mom laughed her head off!
AND everyone played "Charlie's Angels". Isn't funny how things like that come to mind. The silly little things we did and wanted when we were kids!!

Imagine my excitement when I read this!!!

Health experts have long warned of the risk of obesity, but a new Japanese study warns that being very skinny is even more dangerous, and that slightly chubby people live longer.PRAISE GOD!!!!

People who are a little overweight at age 40 live six to seven years longer than very thin people, whose average life expectancy was shorter by some five years than that of obese people, the study found.

"We found skinny people run the highest risk," said Shinichi Kuriyama, an associate professor at Tohoku University's Graduate School of Medicine who worked on the long-term study of middle-aged and elderly people.

"We had expected thin people would show the shortest life expectancy but didn't expect the difference to be this large," he told AFP by telephone.

The study was conducted by a health ministry team led by Tohoku University professor Ichiro Tsuji and covered 50,000 people between the ages of 40 and 79 over 12 years in the northern Japanese prefecture of Miyagi.

"There had been an argument that thin people's lives are short because many of them are sick or smoke. But the difference was almost unchanged even when we eliminated these factors," Kuriyama said.

Main reasons for the shorter lifespans of skinny people were believed to include their heightened vulnerability to diseases such as pneumonia and the fragility of their blood vessels, he said.

But Kuriyama warned he was not recommending people eat as much as they want.

"It's better that thin people try to gain normal weight, but we doubt it's good for people of normal physique to put on more fat," he said. AWW SHUCKS!!!

The study divided people into four weight classes at age 40 according to their body mass index, or BMI, calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by their squared height in metres.

The normal range is 18.5 to 25, with thinness defined as under 18.5. A BMI of 25 to 30 was classed as slightly overweight and an index above 30 as obese.

You can read the actual article here.

Sometimes I forget that I really like something...

Thursday I worked outside all day long while Amanda and her friend went swimming. Yard work is therapeutic for me! I truly don't mind sweating while working this way!!
Cause most know that I haven't done too much physical activity since the late 80's...I'm just saying.

While whistling while I worked I remembered that I have a "smart" phone! I can receive mail, text, set up my calendar, get directions, check out facebook and all sorts of wonderful things!!

I downloaded an application called Pandora. You can type in an artist name and make your own radio station. For instance, I typed in Donna Summer! Donna Summer!! I listened to disco music the entire day while working and let me tell you, I did more than whistle!! I boogied!! I like songs with the word "boogie" in them. I had forgotten how much I liked it!

While growing up here in Podunk, Tx. a couple of my friends, who happen to be twins, family owned a disco! A teen disco! I can remember Mom taking me up there so I could spend the night with them and stay up there with them while their parents ran the place.

I don't know how long the place stayed opened but we had a good time while it did. Listening to some of those songs brought back so many memories! Actually, the place is still in GBC. It's across the street from Sears but now it's a church!

I have also found out that walking while listening to 80's music makes the time go by so much FASTER!!!! As long as the music is fast you can make it around that pavilion in no time at all! But once a ballad comes on, my pace slows WAY down! Which doesn't mean a whole lot since my legs aren't very long...Anyway.

Sometimes I forget that I really like something until I find it again. Like old stuff. I enjoy going to antique/junk stores. I had forgotten how much I like that until Mike and I went to Jefferson in November.

Sometimes you just get focused on one thing and forget about all of the other stuff around!

So if you happen to see me walking around the pavilion or doing yard work, WATCH OUT! I might break out into the hustle or the moon walk!

45 minutes

Wow! it's been crazy around here and it seems like we've been on the go since the beginning of May. I really thought that it would settle down after May.

I have 45 minutes to blog. In 45 minutes, Amanda and I will be sitting down to go over some of the problems that she missed in math. She's been doing her math and daily lessons for 2 weeks now. She still gripes about it but she is getting to have a summer also. You know girl stuff, sleep overs, swimming, getting together with friends. Important stuff!!

The week that Mike took off I have recovered from. We did end up having to call the plumber for the hot water heater since a pipe broke under the house.

Our windows should be put in sometime next week!! We are praying that it helps with the AC running ALL the time! We still might have to invest in the attic fan!!

The pool looks GREAT! now if we could keep the June bugs out! Speaking of bugs...I bought some of that Ortho bug spray for inside and out. So far, so good.

A group of people from our church have been walking up at the park here in town. Let me be the first to tell you, I am NOT a fan of walking!!! I didn't even run track in school! Didn't want to run unless it was in basketball, softball or even volleyball.

Walking and sweating, sweating and walking. Now I don't mind sweating as long as I'm doing something productive, like mowing, gardening, building something.
A couple of the people that walk actually run a few laps...RUN!!! I haven't ran since the 80's...I'm just saying.

A week or so ago I borrowed my friends carpet cleaner and let me tell you, this one is great!!!
You have got to try it. Speaking of trying things...I wear Mary Kay Makeup. I have since Michael was in 1st grade. A friend of mine use to sell it and she got me hooked up. Anyway, I've always used the cream to powder foundation. Well let me tell you, I tried the mineral powder the other night at a Mary Kay party and I was so impressed!!!

My friend Shanna suggested that we hold a Mary Kay party for younger girls and their moms at the church just to show the girls how to clean and take care of their face. It would also be an opportunity to teach the girls how to wear makeup for when that time comes. I remember going to a party like that when I was younger. My friends and I enjoyed it. I think some of the young girls I know would like it also.

I received this in an email today: Parental rights Please, please call and email your representative if their name isn't on the list already! We can't afford to ignore our rights as parents!

Later on this summer we are planning a trip to Washington DC. Who knows, maybe we'll get invited to the White House! Doubt it!! Anyway, during history this year we read about some of the founding fathers and Michael is now reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine. So needless to say we have learned some things you don't learn in the main stream studies.

Yesterday I ran across a few quotes from Thomas Jefferson. Most people always link him to the "separation of church and state" but he also said these things too: Thomas Jefferson said when people fear the government, that's tyranny but when the government fears the people, that's freedom. ...

If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency...their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.-Thomas Jefferson

A government that is big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. -Thomas Jefferson

Why are we not remembering any of these quotes? Seems to me that we should.

Gotta go...my 45 minutes are up!

Blog VS Facebook

I’ve mentioned before that I have 3 younger sisters. All four of us are on Facebook. One of us posts on it more than the others. Recently, I spent a day with sister #2 and laughed my head off!She is so funny and brutally honest!

Let me describe my siblings to you…

One is a teacher who is trying to rid the lake area of ignorance and will tell ya what she thinks. And could care less what you think.

The next one has some sort of anger issues. She’ll jump on whatever band wagon there is and bless her heart we believe she might be bipolar, which would explain a WHOLE LOT!!

The other knows a bit about the law which is just enough to get you into trouble when this one starts in on something the one above jumps right in with her.

Anyway…

Sister #2 and I were talking about Facebook. For the life of her she can’t understand WHY people want to post what they are doing. And WHY other people would care. She has many former classmates on the site that post things and most of it, according to her, is bragging. I had to laugh because if you stop and think about it…it is.

Sitting by the pool drinking margaritas…which there is nothing wrong with but when your 40 something, isn’t it time to grow up?

Going to the farm this weekend…even when said “farm” is 25 minutes from your current home and your parents still live there.

Heading to whatever for whatever…to meet clients or buy a helmet.

Going to a fancy, expensive restaurant…because I have to the money to do it.

I’ve gotten in touch with many cousins that I haven’t seen in a long time, especially ones on my Dad’s side of the family.

But isn’t it funny that we feel the need to “share” everything? Or do we just want approval? Is it therapy, whining or just a way to get attention??? I’ve thought about that when it comes to my blog. Do I want “traffic”? Am I writing for me or others? Does it matter if my space is popular or not? Or is it like a train wreck? You can’t help not taking your eyes off of it because some outrageous thing might happen and I might miss it.

This blog started out as a homeschool journal type thing. I’ve gone from that to God stuff, to whining, to depressing, and to chronicling my problems with siblings, to missing Mom and keeping up with how long she’s been gone. It’s a whole gambit of emotions that show up on this blog, but do I do it for me or the reader? All 2 of them…

Yes, I write because my life is so exciting that I must share it with others! I want them to experience all of the wonderful things that I get to do…NOT! Sarcasm…I’m just saying.

I write because it’s a way of getting things off my chest. Also, it’s for Amanda so she’ll be able to see all of this when she’s older. A digital scrapbook, so to speak.

As far as Facebook goes…I love to check out others pictures! I guess Sister#2 will just have to get with it.