REALLY??? I MEAN....REALLY???

So I had (have) a few really good ideas for what to blog on. And, now that my schedule is slowing a bit, I hope to increase my post frequency.

I keep a "document" for blogging ideas. Yes, I know. I'm a goof, but still.....the reason I tell you this is that my 2 really good ideas are having to be put on hold. As I sit here doing my computer work (read "chatting on message boards") a topic presented itself.

I won't have a lot to say about it...I'll just tell you what I heard and saw.

The news told me:

"DO NOT BUY GROUND BEEF FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!"

REALLY? I mean....REALLY?????

I was confused, 'cause I was JUST on my way out the door, hoping to stumble across a truck, on the side of the road, and score me some really cheap ground beef.

I AM LMBO!!!!

(here is the link to the story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22420648/)

O HOLY NIGHT

M - MESSIAH

E - EVERLASTING LIFE

R - REDEEMER

R - RESURRECTION

Y - YESHUA

C - CHRIST

H - HEALER

R - RAPTURE

I - INCARNATE DEITY

S - SON OF GOD

T - TRINITY

M - MAJESTY

A - ADONAI

S - SAVIOR

May God bless you and your family and see you safely into the new year.

ALL IN MY HEAD

I had a candy cane today. It was SO good.

I don't really like peppermint, normally. It just tastes a lot better in the shape of the "J" and at Christmas time.

Just like turkey and dressing are OK, unless it is served at Thanksgiving...then it is darn good.

Just like you can't suck on a Hershey's Kiss or a Dove candy...you have to chew it up to really enjoy the flavor of the chocolate.

My hubby laughs and tells me that I'm crazy and it is all in my head.

WHATEVER! You know I'm right!

TEXAS WEATHER

Texas weather is a bit crazy. Well, not just "a bit." In fact, it is downright wonky!

I'll give you a brief rundown starting last Saturday and then what we are expecting through this upcoming Saturday.

Last Saturday, we got up to 80 degrees. I'm in north Texas. My children and I were in shorts. I ran the air conditioner most of the day and then all night. (We like it cold in our house....67 at night.)

Woke up Sunday to 69 degrees, but knew we were expecting "stuff." I dressed the kids in winter clothing. We got to church (2 hours after I woke up) and it was in the low to mid 50s. Throughout the day, we enjoyed DROPPING temps and wet.

Monday (yesterday) was drizzly and dreary all day...and cold! We ran the heat Sunday and Monday. Monday night, we turned the heat off, watched the temp rise and woke this morning to temps in the mid-60s.

Today, at my house, we reached 72. Meanwhile (my neighbors, and some family) just 4 hours north are under one of the worst ice storms they have seen. Right now my air conditioner is running. We will be in the 30s tonight.

We expect rain and only 40 tomorrow....with thunderstorms! But, alas, a warm up is expected Thursday. However, Friday, we will have cold rain and a possible wintry mix.

I went shopping with some "northerners" last weekend. We met in Nebraska. They laughed at me when I asked what kind of clothing I should bring. Well, friends, THIS is why I asked!

Stay warm, stay cool, stay dry!

CALORIES

Why is it that a racing mind doesn't speed up your metabolism. I mean, REALLY! If I were able to get a cardio workout simply from my brain...well, I wouldn't need to spend my $52 every month for the Y.

I have had SO MUCH going on. I'm not saying that in order for people to pat me on the back and say, "Good job" or "I don't know how you manage with all those kids and your hubby gone a lot." Honestly, it is hard, but I'm more than capable of doing it.

What I'm having to focus on this year is simply ENJOYING all that is going on around me. I love the hustle and bustle. I love the bright lights. The smells are intoxicating. The music is divine. And the air of magic in the air...I mean NOTHING beats seeing your child's eyes light up when he sees a sparkling, glittering Christmas tree in the window of a home or business.

I love to go through the Christmas section every trip to Walmart JUST to hear Rudolph sing his song....yep...I still love it, even though we OWN that same Rodolph (for the 3rd time....2 have gone "kaput")

I love the food. Not just any food, mind you, but MY food. I love to cook and bake. And this time of year, I go a bit crazy. NOBODY is allowed to worry about calories or diet OR fat content...'cause I can guaran-dang-tee you that weight will NOT be lost in my house.

I do a lot of baking and candy making. I use this as gifts for a lot of people. Since a lot of people receive it, then a lot has to be made. It is expensive and quite time-consuming. I always have to wait until DH comes home to run interference while I bake. A lot of this stuff can't be left alone until complete. While planning what I want to bake and who I want to give it to, I succumb to a moment of temporary insanity (please stop laughing, Honey!) Anyway, more than one person (including my hubby) have told me to "take it easy," "don't do so much," "nobody expects you to do so much."

Well, that is not entirely true...I expect me to do it all. My friends can't seem to understand that even though it is a bit stressful, I LOVE IT! It is the type of stress that drives me. Every year I plan what I'm going to do for the holidays...I start around Labor Day. I plan and tweak and make my lists...then finally fulfill my dreams for that year. While the dreams are being fulfilled...I make more plans for the next year.

OK...so I don't know why I blogged about this, but needed to say it. I will be on before Christmas passes. But, in the meantime...have a HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!

I KNOW YOU'RE JEALOUS!

OK. I've been looking at all the stuff around me. I have so much to be thankful for. It is so easy to be "warm and fuzzy" when thinking about this. The whole "healthy family, happy home" idea is wonderful and I'm TRULY thankful for that. But, I am a "gifts" person. THINGS are important to me. I know...that is not PC, nor does it sound nice coming from a person like me, but there it is. I'm a material girl. The point of this blog entry is this: I only want to brag about my connections. AND, I want to RUB IT IN!!!!

I know you don't know this, but I have all of the following AT MY FINGERTIPS! All of this has come, via my email, within the last 4 hours. I don't know if any of you could get so many wonderful opportunities so quickly. I have been thinking about all the people I know...I just don't think they have what it takes to be selected for such blessings. Nope, they can't do it. All I know is that my reputation must be such that all these "people" are courting me. SO, read 'em and weep. I know you're jealous.

1. I am able to see some pictures of "singles" in my area...I'll bet they're "purty!"

2. My "secret lover" has left me MULTIPLE messages...he (or she) is almost like a stalker - leaving messages DAILY!

3. If I want to become a police officer, I have been sent an official link to become one...me with a gun...a BIG gun...I like that.

4. I could get $500 in Burger King Burger Bucks! (Of course, if I do that, I might not have a secret lover anymore.

5. Walmart apparently has a shipment ready for me....I just have to go through pages of "free offers" and apply for a credit card to get it sent out right away.

6. I could have the holiday of my dreams...as soon as I qualify for a loan.

7. Somebody is obviously thinking he (or she) is "Juicy" enough to send me a picture..."Juicy".....hmmmmmm....how does a person look "juicy?"

8. If I have bad credit, it is OK, but I am rewarded if I have good credit...I'm so relieved.

9. OH, and get this, I can "Fly on American Airlines, On Us." What does that mean? Of course it's "on" them. LOL!

10. I can get $1500 in my bank account in "ONE HOUR"...and I'll bet dollars to donuts I could get it OUT of my account in MUCH less time.

11. There are more people out there sending me pictures...and they will make me sweat! Um...no thanks...I don't DO sweat. ICK.

12. This is interesting: "Two Sneakers, One Challenge, Your Choice." Well, I can see that - assuming I don't know left from right. There is your challenge right there, then it's a 50/50 shot, right?

13. I can be in demand and advance my career. Well, let me tell you something, as a SAHM of 4 boys (not to mention the local sex goddess of the estate)...I AM in demand!

14. Dish Network has all the products and services I want. I will sign up (with the $1500 in my account) as soon as they show me which laundry service they will provide for me.

15. Am I looking for a nice jewelry present? SHAH!!!!!

So there you have it. Are you jealous now? I knew you would be. Although your holidays will OBVIOUSLY not be as wonderful as mine, please feel free to live vicariously through me.

HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS!

So, I did a google for "cornucopia" for my last blog. (scroll down to see the beauty of the "horn o' plenty" I got.)

Anyway, SOMEHOW, I got this with it. Following are a few excerpts of the several posts I read:

"Many people have tried to stop or limit the use of particle accelerators for fear of the destruction of earth and possibly the universe which would be predicted to happen within seconds."

"1. Black holes are possible at energies <10TeV
2. An extremely finely tuned collision to create a gravitationally bound black hole
3. No Hawking radiation
4. The black hole colliding with many many many times more particles than the average weakly interacting object (like a neutrino) would in order for the Earth to be destroyed by the black hole before the Sun dies in 5 billion years."

"If there is no Hawking evaporation then if a black hole was to be created it would start going to the center of earth, in the process slowing down due to the interaction of matter, it would then rest at the gravitation center of earth, where more mini black holes could combine. The pressure on the black holes would then make them get larger. This would be similar to the neutron starts except much slower growth rate."

I have, in the past, thought myself relatively intelligent.

Do YOU know what they are talking about?

Me, neither....but I'm fairly alarmed. :O

ENJOY YOUR THANKSGIVING...IT MAY BE YOUR LAST!

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOOD

Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood -
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding",
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood
Trot fast, my dapple-gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood -
And straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood -
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

EEEEEEEK!!!!

OK....we have a mouse.

That alone is enough for a full post, but I feel you might get some sick enjoyment from my suffering, so here I go talking about trauma.

We first suspected a mouse....heck, we KNEW there was a mouse when my hubby saw it. It ran from the hallway into the boys' bathroom into a gap between the baseboard and tile. I immediately jumped into action and scoured the bathroom. I mean...EWWWW! My babies are in there. I needed the hard stuff. So I started to reach for the Clorox.

Alas, my tried and true cleaning friend is not allowed in my house because we have a septic system. It seems that Clorox eats whatever does not need to be eaten in a septic system. Next cleaning buddy on my list...Lysol!

SO, with tons of liquid Lysol, hot water and soap, I scrubbed every surface of that bathroom. I then wiped down every surface with Clorox wipes :)

I had pushed red pepper into the crack, in hopes that the critter would go away. He did...right into MY bathroom. Now that, my friends, is SERIOUS!!!! My hubby left just hours after seeing this fanged monster run into and disappear from my bathroom. He, being the great white hunter, had to go sight in his guns for his trip to hunt REAL game. Meanwhile, I was contemplating moving!

I had a phone call to make. When we have to make phone calls, and we are the only parent in the house, we have to go through a little ritual that allows us to hear and speak clearly on the phone. We make sure the door to the outside is locked (with the chain), then we lock ourselves in the master bedroom. Since kids follow that far and bang on the door, whilst yelling "OPEN THE DOOOOOOOOR!" we go into the back bathroom and shut THAT door. We sit on the throne (lid down) and have our conversation.

SO, here I go. I begin dialing. I get through the first 3 numbers, check the chain, dial and walk, lock the door, dial and walk, shut the door, finish dialing, sit down, something catches my eye......

Now keep in mind that there is NO WAY you can understand how I feel, or my surprise, to see this furry beast spring into a spasmodic fury to jump over the edge of the tub, that he somehow got himself trapped in. My first reaction, naturally, was to scream and run out. It wasn't a dainty little squeak that some might mistake for a small, ladylike sneeze. It was a scream! The words "blood" and "curdle" can come into play here. The audience that is outside the door yelling "OPEN THE DOOOOOOOOR!" starts yelling "WHA'S WRONG, MOM MOM? OPEN THE DOOOOOOOOR!"

I hang up on whomever might have been on the phone and call my hubby. Remember, he is at a gun range...about 1 hour away.

"YOU HAVE TO COME HOME!"

"I can't. I just got here. What's wrong?"

"YOU HAVE TO COME HOME!" (tears were added...not for sympathy, but from hysterics.)

Needless to say, he did NOT come home. It was now up to me to defend my home and my family from this small, yet potent killer carrying goodness knows what kind of disease and germs. AND...HE POOPED IN MY TUB!

First....plug the drain. I don't know how the vermin got into my tub. Can it come up the pipes? Well, it can get down. I grabbed the toilet brush to knock it closed. This caused further craziness from "Mickey" as he tried to jump over...no doubt to run up my leg and head straight for my jugular! I could see the menacing look of a cold-blooded killer.

I briefly thought of burning down the house. Not a good idea.

I did think of turning the trashcan over in hopes of trapping him, but I was afraid that in that fraction of a second, in which I correct my aim, that he would catapult up my arm and claw my eyeballs out...sucking out the juice, thus rendering me blind, and as I'm crying out and bumping into walls blindly, this murderous infestation runs after my innocent babies...hoping to gnaw off their pinkie toes and taking it to his nest for some sort of sacrifice that they consume, all the while thanking their big-eared gods for allowing such a successful coup!

Using hubby's piece of advice, I managed to toss the trap in the tub, obviously hoping he would get hungry with all of the physical exertion he was suffering from. With tear-streaked cheeks and trembling fingers, I lock the door. (STOP LAUGHING! I'm not stupid. I know that the snake bait can't get out the door....I had to lock out the boys.)

A few hours later, I'm calm. The boys keep excitedly asking about the mouse. My hubby finally makes it home. He gives me a little peck, says, "Hello" and is immediately sent to the holding center for this monster with fleas. He comes out and says, "No mouse" to which I calmly reply, "We have to move."

DH was nice enough to clean out my tub and reset the trap. That night, I am awakened by a loud SNAP! I wake up hubby. (How can he be sleeping, anyway? This thing knows where we live. He has probably studied us and knows where we sleep, as well as the best time to rid us of life and limb.) NOTHING! Ooooooo, the sly little devil!

We finally got one. However, my hubby has informed me that where there is one, there are probably others. SO, you won't mind if I get the bleach, right? I tried to get him to get the traps up while he's gone. He left them out. He told me to get some gloves and a bag and just go from floor to sack, throwing away the trap which contains the victim. WHATEVER!

I think it will be worth a couple of bucks for one of my kids, dressed in a body condom, of course, to dispose of it properly.

If "Mickey" does have a family...they are going DOWN!!!!!!

YOU CAN'T JUDGE A BOOK....

OK, I wasn't exactly tagged with this MEME, but I kind of "borrowed" this idea. I thought it was a fun idea. So those of you who read me (except the one I took...ahem...BORROWED this idea from) have a go, would ya?

Total number of books:

Hmmmmm....truly too many to count. No, I CAN count that high, but they are everywhere and I haven't the time to sit and count. Keep in mind that I am a schoolteacher, so I have my own library for my students. Seeing as how reading is SO important, I don't keep books from my children. AND, being an avid reader myself, I have my own "stash." SO...that being said....one day I did decide to count (only in my boys' bedroom) and stopped at about 500. I have about a third of that of my own (I do the library a lot) BUT, I have at LEAST that in the garage. So...ballpark...about 1200 or so. WHEW!

Last book read:

"Plains of Passage" by Jean Auel. Before that, it was "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." I enjoy period novels (like the first book mentioned) and really enjoy fantasy. I do not read horror. I like a few mysteries and totally gag while reading romance. BLECH! I would rather do my laundry! LOL!

Last book bought:

I just bought a new one a few days ago....from "The Last Eyewitness" series. I think it is "John" by Tim LeHaye

5 meaningful books:

Hmmm...does it have to be meaningful? I mean...can't I just read for the enjoyment of it? LOL! OK, here we go.

The Bible, of course. Great thing about this book is that you can read it out of order and there is always something to get out of it.

"The Strong-Willed Child" by Dr. Dobson. If you know my children, you know why I like this book.

"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis. What a wonderful representation of grace of Jesus Christ and the ultimate victory.

OK....so this can count as the last 2 books.

ANY cookbook! LOVE THEM!

Top 5 favorite reads

"Gone with the Wind"
All Harry Potter books
"Jane Eyre"
Anne of Green Gables series
Any Dr. Seuss

MYSPACE REVISITED

Those of you who have been "reading me" for awhile know my feelings about myspace. If you don't know, or you have forgotten, you can see it HERE.

I have browsed around myspace....only friends and friends of friends. I usually just see my friends' sites when I have an email alert saying that someone has said something.

So the other day, I was reading an update from a friend and decided to "nose" around her page. There were a LOT of people on there. WHO in the WORLD has 419 friends? There weren't even that many people in my high school! I am happy with my 14. (What makes it a bit sad is that in my 14 friends is "Tom." I think he is a moderator and is self-proclaimed friend to all residents of the myspace world.)

All was going along OK. I mean, it's been a year since I have opened my myspace account. I have my blog addy listed on there, should any of my 14 friends care to look at it....I can think of about 3 who do just that.

Anyway, I read updates and decide to see who the friends are. Then, if I see someone I know, and look at THEIR page, I see a banner that says I am in their "extended network." Is that like 3rd cousin twice removed?

The other day, I had a "friend request" pop up on email. Well, I'm ALWAYS open to new friends and figure it is some long-lost buddy from back in the day who wants to reconnect and get to know the new, improved, and BEAUTIFULLY more mature me. So, I open it up and see who wants to chat. Well, the name was a name I use for at least 4 friends that I have. (Not myspace friends, but my "for the reals" friends.) In order to hone in on the identity of this gal, I click on her account. Hmmmm there are children...I don't recognize them. SO, I click on her photo album. FINALLY I recognize her.....and she doesn't know me from the man in the moon! I KID YOU NOT! If I grinned really big and said "hello" upon passing in Walmart, she wold clench her purse close and hastily say, "HI" as her footsteps quicken in a bolt for the door.

A similar thing happened a few months earlier. I was invited to be a friend. (Isn't there something cosmically wrong with that? And INVITATION to be a friend?) Sorry...I digress. So I get the invitation, but don't know who it is. I approve it so I can peak into this person's "privatized" page. No pictures. UGH!

Not one to be insensitive and say, "Hello...who the heck are you?" I look at HER friends...praise be, there is a friend that I AM in contact with who is on her "buddy list." So, I email and say, "I don't mean to sound stupid" (cause really, the whole world would be a LOT better if we could just keep from looking or sounding stupid, right?) "BUT, who is this person? Is it so-and-so?"

Her reply? "I'm not too sure."

WHAT?

That is crazy! I mean CRAZY!

I use the excuse that I have dial-up...which I DO, but I use it to poo-poo the fact that I can't tolerate myspace. The fact is, fast or slow, I just don't think I could take it. It is techno-sensory-overload. There is simply too much for my taxed brain to deal with! And it makes me sad because, I'm a GOOD FRIEND, gosh darn it all, and I have a lot of GOOD THINGS to say! DON'T SHUT ME OUT JUST BECAUSE I'M A myspace RECLUSE!

So, if you are one of my 14 friends....well, not Tom - you're not invited...I invite you to email me and/or read my blog. If you are TRULY a friend that I keep up with, you have my email. If you want to get in touch, via email, just leave a comment on my blog with your email. The comments are moderated, so nobody need know your addy!

I will just feel a bit more comfy if I keep my space truly MY space.

A WHOLE "NOTHER" MEME

The Game of Tag about your MAN

1. Who is your man? DH
2. How long have you been together? 16 years married, dated about 3.5 before that
3. How long did you date? a bit over 2 years in H.S., 8 months in college, then engaged for 4 months
4. How old is your man? 36
5. Who eats more? I eat more regular food (still fattening) and he eats more sweets
6. Who said "I love you" first? I have no idea!
7. Who is taller? He is.
8. Who sings better? I do. He does sing better than most, though
9. Who is smarter? I like to pretend it's me, but I can't deny it...ME. LOL (he is)
10. Whose temper is worse? Mine is...remember THIS?
11. Who does the laundry? I do, but he helps when home
12. Who takes out the garbage? He does when home
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do
14. Who pays the bills? He does
15. Who is better with the computer? ROFL...I ride the "Short bus" when it comes to the computer
16. Who mows the lawn? We share the task.
17. Who cooks dinner? I do, except for the grilling that's his job.
18. Who drives when you are together? he does
19. Who pays when you go out? OK...perhaps my profile is not clear. I'm a SAHM, and to my knowledge, they don't get paid...of course he pays...he pays for it ALL!
20. Who is most stubborn? ROFLMBO!!!
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? He does
22. Whose parents do you see the most? mine
23. Who kissed who first? He did...and it made me weak in the knees. HUBBA HUBBA!
24. Who asked who out? He did (after his BF helped him pour ice down my britches.)
25. Who proposed? He did, April 2, 1991
26. Who is more sensitive? Who's asking? Why do they want to know?
27. Who has more friends? He does, by far.
28. Who has more siblings? He has one sister, I'm an only
29. Who wears the pants in the family? He does...and looks DARN GOOD in 'em, too.

I was tagged by Seven4Heaven. Mommy Spice...you're up!

GET READY!

"No, no. I mean 'Jingle Bells'. You know, deck them halls and all that stuff."





OK...we've talked about this before...well, more than just once. I just want to be that ever-friendly bug in your ear, who reminds you of what is just around the corner. Take a look at the top of this blog...you don't have too many more "sleeps" before Christmas.

I know that for the "common man" the holidays start a week or so before Thanksgiving. But you, my dear, faithful reader, are HARDLY common. Well, I need to correct that. My hubby (when it comes to this subject) is PAINFULLY common. LOL. (He knows, so don't feel like you have to tread lightly around him.) HA!

No, for me, the holidays start with The Great State Fair of Texas! And The Great State Fair of Texas just happened to start this past Friday. WOOHOO! Though you are one to keep the holidays and other important events at the forefront of your mind, perhaps you did NOT know that we are officially in the holiday season.

OK. I sense that there is one, MAYBE two, of you who does not believe me. You are thinking, "I can start the holidays with Halloween, but September 28? Surely not!" Well, one of our American institution agrees with me. WALMART! In fact, if the holidays start for me, when it starts for them, well, I'll have to start my holidays about September 15th. If you think I am jesting, just go to the garden center where a NEW AISLE (added to the 3 already established) of these really pretty black and white ornaments, stockings and tree skirts just went on display.

My hubby does a good job of humoring me. I seldom see his eyes rolling, as he is quick to turn away. He listens to my excitement as I make my plans and discuss all my desires for the holidays. He will even go into Walmart or Gardenridge with me....granted, he'll only do it once or twice, but that's OK. What is important to remember is that he knows I'm a complete kid when it comes to the holidays...and he lets me be that kid! I LOVE THAT MAN!

He does wonder, I'm sure, why I am like this. Well, frankly, 30 days...even 60 days is simply not enough time for me to get the holidays out of my system. Thank goodness there are others who feel the same. The radio stations help...you know...all Christmas music, 24/7 starting after Halloween. WOOHOO!

My sons (well, my 3rd anyway) has watched "Polar Express" almost daily for the past 2 years. (no lie, there) AND, whenever we sing songs, "Rudolph" is always on the play list...for the past 3 years, now. So see? My hubby is almost outnumbered.

Please, dear friend, be mindful of the date. You don't want these holidays to sneak up on you and catch you by surprise. Thankfully, you ARE a faithful reader...and being so faithful, you will NOT be caught off guard. You know I'll be reminding you frequently.

DOWNLOAD

OK. I'm sure this isn't going to be all that interesting. It is more of a download (as my pastor puts it.) I'm just going to dump what has been going on. For a few of you, this will shed some light as to what is going on. Some of you won't care. Some of you will laugh at my psychotic self. Whatever. I just feel I owe it to SOME to KIND OF explain what is happening.

I have had my temper tantrum and other issues because of several things that started happening all at once. And though I love to ACT and THINK like Superwoman, there really is only one word the "S" on my chest stands for...and it ain't "super."

To the outsider looking in, it is no big deal. To me, it is/was huge. To my hubby, he is just glad things are starting to settle a bit. I know I'm driving him crazy. To Mommy Spice, you will totally understand. In fact, it is out of respect for Mommy Spice that I couldn't download sooner. I couldn't "spill the beans" until SHE was allowed to "spill the beans." And that took SO LONG, but my writing here has been a bit therapeutic.

Anyway, if you will look in the column to the right and click on Hunanspice, then read the entry from Saturday, the 22nd, you will see her entry. But, I can give you the Cliff's Notes here. Of course, this will be a skewed, totally selfish point of view.

OK, in a nutshell (of a very large nut).....

My children's pastor is leaving. By children's pastor, I not only mean the pastor for my own children, but the pastor over the children's department of my church. Now what does that mean for me? I DON'T KNOW!!! And that is what is driving me bonkers! (I will warn you now, this post will be selfish and totally about me, so if you want to know how Mommy Spice is feeling, you will have to look at her blog.)

So what I was saying is that my "boss" is leaving. He has been at our church for about 3 years, I guess. He is SO good and his wife is a peach. I just love them both SO MUCH! About two months ago, I had gone in for a meeting (as I did about once a month to touch base and tell him what was going on.) Hmmmmmm.....maybe I need to set that up a bit better. I'm the Director of Christian Education for our church. (Fancy title, huh?) Simply put, I help "manage" our Sunday school department for kinder - 6th grade. I make sure the teachers are in place, have all their supplies, talk with the cherubs who are a little rambunctious, and pray with the teachers should the need arise. Now, I'm honestly not looking for any kudos when I say that I feel inept at a lot of this. It just sets the mood.

I go in for a meeting and, looking back, I know Daddy Spice was going to tell me then, what was going on. However, I was having one of my moments with stress and scheduling stuff. I was dealing with the logistics of getting everything done the way it should be done. And as a good pastor, he listened, offered advice...he even rolled his eyes at me, but I'm not bitter. (heh....that's kind of an inside joke) He never said a word about what was going on with himself. How selfish is that of me? I didn't even ask. (Sadly, that personality trait follows me everywhere.)

So fast forward a few weeks, I go in for another pow-wow...only my dh gets to attend. We talk a bit about what is going on: what I need, what I'm planning...you know, feeling really good about myself...a bit cocky in my post. So then, the bomb drops. He says that he is being "reassigned" (for lack of a better word) and will be leaving our church at the end of September. I told him, "Man, that really blows." YES...I KNOW...I told my pastor that. But it does. (Now, for a bit of trivia, my dh swears that I said "damn." I say I didn't. I haven't been able to guts it up to ask Daddy Spice, so I'll have to ask Mommy Spice to leave a comment when she finds out.)

The whole time (and admittedly to the present) I have been asking, "What about me?" I know...it's not the best thing to ask. It's not empathetic. I'm sorry, but I'm all a-tizzy over it all. Though I know how to do what I've been doing, there was a certain amount of "got your back" that I enjoyed from having him around. AND, I have been getting to know his sweet wife. You know, you get to the point where you think, "AWWWWW, I have a buddy!" Well, now they are leaving! *sniff* When he first told me, devastated was a fairly decent word to describe my feeling. As a matter of fact, most of the directors of the various departments just walked around looking at each other with looks of sadness and uncertainty in their eyes.

BUT, I'm happy to say that I'm doing better and feeling better about it all. I put myself up as a prayer request in my small group this past Sunday. I told them that I didn't know how to do all this without my pastor here. I feel better because (and granted, I knew all this before, just have to keep repeating it) GOD IS IN CONTROL. And hard as it is for me to admit, I DO need to BUTT-OUT!!!

TEMPER TANTRUM

CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! CRAP!

Let me describe the scene. I am saying this with an emphasis on the last "crap." My fists are clenched and the tension can be followed up my arms into my shoulders and neck. I have thrown in a foot stomp just to prove my point. I'm not crying, but I don't look very good. And I don't care who knows it.

The thing that REALLY bothers me is that I can't really blog about what is going on. I can just allude to what is happening and trust that you, my discerning reader, will be able to "feel" my frustration. In fact, I can think of 3, possibly 4, readers only, who will know what is going on. In fact, after this, I wouldn't be surprised if one reader's DH calls me for an "AA" meeting. (attitude adjustment)

I have been praying, lately, about what I need to do to "grow" in the Lord. Those of you who don't understand my meaning or desire...well, you need serious prayer yourself...give me a call. Anyway, God has told me, and it has been confirmed, that I need to "butt-out." It seems that, though I have faith in what God CAN do, I have trouble accepting what He WILL do through me. Because of that, this little bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, go-getter is really messin' with HIS plans. So, I have been lovingly told to sit tight and wait to be told to move. When He says "jump," I should ask, "How high?" What do I usually say? "God? Let me go over here and jump...then my landing will be softer."

CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! CRAP! (repeat opening scene)

I read in the Bible about those who struggled in their walks. They overcame great, almost insurmountable, obstacles. They had the faith to move mountains. I have faith to CLIMB mountains...provided I have the right shoes and a bottle of water. That is totally jacked up! In the back of my pea-sized (largely left-sided) brain, I feel that I don't have what it takes to be a warrior for the fight. And what is worse? Today, I don't want to!

I have promised to stick around for a bit. Though there are MANY who could do a much better job than I, I know that it would make it harder on the whole to take the time to find the right fit. I feel beat up. I'm tired. I'm frustrated. I want out! I don't know how much more I can take. (I realize that 95% of you have NO clue what I'm talking about...but it's my blog...I can make sense, OR NOT, as I want.)

I have a feeling that my 2 Dr Pepper a day habit is on the rise. Y'all might want to invest in DP stock soon.

MY WORLD IS COLLAPSING!!!

I hate to alarm anyone. I am fairly alarmed, myself.

RIGHT before my eyes, while I've been doing my "work." (OK...not work, but reachin' out and touchin' my peeps) Well, anyway, before my very eyes things are changing.

BLOGGER has changed! My comments section looks different. My "new post" screen is different.

To make matters worse, my yahoo mail screen has changed.

I DON'T DO CHANGE! I DON'T! I DON'T! I DON'T!

I need to go now and just breathe....my heart is racing. (Slightly, but there is a definite increase in speed.)

EEEEEEK! Sadly, some of you are chuckling....and probably only my DH and possibly Mrs. T, know that I'm serious about this.

I am going now into my room...my sheets are the same as last night. I haven't repainted. I won't even put anything away. Hopefully, it'll be EXACTLY the same when I wake up.

*sigh*...I don't even know how to load a picture. Mommy Spice? Mischief Managed? Claudia? HELP?!?! (That should mimic, somewhat, the Wicked Witch of the West's cry that she's "meeeelting!"

A BIT LATE....OR AM I EARLY?

I am working on spring cleaning. THAT'S RIGHT!!! I AM!!!

Here in North Texas, spring brings many things that make it difficult, unpleasant, or just flat undesirable to do the stereo-typical "spring cleaning." It is often windy, wet, tornadoes around, storms, hot...makes it difficult to go out and beat rugs and wash windows.

I have read a book that says that spring cleaning came from back in the day when people had to "hole up" for the winter. Soot from the wood stove, lanterns and candles would coat everything. The house had to be aired out. Windows were so grimy, they couldn't be seen out of. So, along with the first tiny plants pushing through the cold hard ground, came airing out feather beds, beating rugs, hanging out laundry and all the other fun stuff that comes with housekeeping.

We are fortunate here in that winter doesn't always drive us in. Sure, we have an ice storm or 3 that keeps us in doors for a day or so, but really, we can still get out when we must. We don't have to wait to dry out or warm up. We can do what we want, when we want (heh...as long as tornado sirens aren't blowing.)

SO, I feel the need to clean. I'm a bit more motivated to get into the dark recesses of my home that are often neglected and used as a catch-all. (In fact, I only do this during this time of year because if I do it when it starts to get really warm...well, I don't want to suffocate.)

You might think that I'm six-months behind on my spring cleaning. I like to look at it that I'm six-months early...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

PROUD, AND PROUD OF IT

BUT, I probably need the chip knocked off my shoulder.

I'm not saying that's a good thing. My problem, really, is that I don't think anyone will do it right. What is "it?" Anything, really. Sadly, another one of my issues is that when someone realizes one of my own deficiencies, I am personally (and secretly) upset.

Now, for some STRANGE reason, I'm going to continue typing and prove this all to you. LOL!! Some of these examples may not be exact events that have taken place in my life, but if they are, they will be accurate. If they are fictional, I know it is how I would handle, or consider them.

When I go to a potluck, I enjoy all the different foods. BUT, if someone pays particular attention to someone elses dish and talks about how good it is. I feel the need to share my recipe of said dish...even if I have never made it.

When I am a good friend with someone and only invited TO the wedding...and not invited to participate in...I wonder why. I'm a good friend....RIGHT? (Don't answer that, Mrs. L!)

I joined PTO board last year, because I had time on my hands and nothing better to do. WHATEVER!!! I did it because it was a way to get my nose into peoples bee's wax and be "important." Truth be told, I was stretched too thin with all the other stuff I do and have (just yesterday, as a matter of fact) resigned from the board.

I see a flute player on the worship team and I think, "They should have asked me to play. I'm GOOD!" Well, I'm stupid. I WAS good....15 years ago. And, I have to try out to be on the worship team. In my defense, I could probably make it...I can sing and I CAN play the flute, but I'm not as good as I used to be.

When I see that a good friend of mine has written about their best friend, I expect to see my picture pop up or hear some reference to me.

When people self-proclaim that they are OCD, I am sure to tell them, and anyone around, that I am soooo organized...just don't look in my closets, purse, FTUs, notebook, pantry, cabinets, vanity...any of that.

So is it pride? Is it arrogance? Am I misguided? I don't know. I certainly have an inflated sense of self. I can't believe I have put it out there. Some of my readers (heh....all 2 of them) I see occasionally. This is quite embarrassing. But, there it is. Inflated ego. Just like a big ol' honkin' balloon. Make sure I'm close to the ground when you pop it.

A WHOLE "NOTHER" MEME

OK....thanks Absolutely His...I yanked your idea. Anyone else want to do this, please do.

Name: ~LL~
Birthday: February 2
Birthplace: Odessa
Current Location: Texas
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Blonde
Height: 5'6"
Right Handed or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: German
The Shoes You Wore Today: barefoot, so far
Your Weakness: can't say "no"
Your Fears: Heights, tornadoes, dentists
Your Perfect Pizza:Pepperoni
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: get my closets cleaned out, purge the clutter, mainstream my housekeeping
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger: I don't know
Thoughts First Waking Up: What day is it?
Your Best Physical Feature: Probably my smile
Your Bedtime: between 10:30-12:00
Your Most Missed Memory: Ummmm...I don't know how to answer this
Pepsi or Coke: Whatever....DUBLIN DR PEPPER
McDonalds or Burger King: McDonalds
Single or Group Dates: since they mostly involve my 4 boys...I guess group dates
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Luzianne
Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee: Dr Pepper
Do you Smoke: No
Do you Swear: it slips sometimes
Do you Sing: yes...and pretty good
Do you Shower Daily: Yes
Have you Been in Love: still am
Do you want to go to College: would love to get my PhD some day
Do you want to get Married: I have been married for 16 years
Do you believe in yourself: Sometimes.
Do you get Motion Sickness: OH, YES!
Do you think you are Attractive: Sometimes
Are you a Health Freak: No
Do you get along with your Parents: Yes
Do you like Thunderstorms:Yes!!!!!!
Do you play an Instrument: I can play piano, flute and piccolo
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: Yes
In the past month have you Smoked: No
In the past month have you been on Drugs: No
In the past month have you gone on a Date: Yes
In the past month have you gone to a Mall: No
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: A box? Chocolate covered oreos, you mean? Nope
In the past month have you eaten Sushi: BLECH! No
In the past month have you been on Stage: No
In the past month have you been Dumped: No
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: No
In the past month have you Stolen Anything: No
Ever been Drunk: Yes
Ever been called a Tease: No
Ever been Beaten up: Physically, no; verbally, yes
Ever Shoplifted: No
How do you want to Die: I don't intend to die
What do you want to be when you Grow Up: I don't intend to grow up :D
What country would you most like to Visit: Germany or Austria

In a Boy/Girl..
Favorite Eye Color: brown
Favorite Hair Color: Brown
Short or Long Hair: Short
Height: 5' 9"

Best Clothing Style: fits
Number of illegal drugs I have taken: None
Number of CDs I own: I haven't the foggiest idea
Number of Piercings: three in each ear
Number of Tattoos: None
Number of things in my Past I Regret: Some, but not many

ACCOUNTABILITY

As a Christian parent, I had always hoped that Jesus would return before my kids reached the age of accountability. However, one can't just wait and hope....'cause what if it doesn't happen soon enough?

I have been raising my children "in the way that they should go" for as long as I've had them. We pray. We teach them to pray. We take them to church. We talk about the importance of having Jesus in their hearts.

He knows.

My oldest is "there" in understanding. He woke up "accountable." I don't mean woke up in the literal sense, but the light came on.

He knows.

He went around meeting a lot of family members at the latest family reunion. There were a few aunts and uncles who had passed away before he had met them. Instead of going to the next person for an introduction, he asked "Did they have Jesus in their hearts?"

He knows.

He has decided to be water baptized. We have talked about it and the importance of it, but have never pushed him...as it is a decision he needed to come to on his own. When they announced the next opportunity, he told me "I should do that."

He knows.

He knows that he is being obedient.

He knows that he is following the example of Christ, Himself.

He knows that he is going to Heaven.

He knows that he has Jesus in his heart.

He knows that we are very proud of him.

POTTY TALK AND OTHER FORMS OF ENTERTAINMENT

If we could get paid for the natural gas on our property we would be rich. Rarely does a day go by that somebody doesn't do something that rumbles and smells. It doesn't end with these Oscar worthy performances. The planning, describing and reminiscing of said noises could win a Pulitzer Prize.

I can remember, when very young, popping up from the backseat of the car and proudly (and obnoxiously) asking, "WHO STINKIED?" I was quickly "shushed" by my mother as my dad did his best to hide his chuckle. Proud he was to have a daughter so acutely aware of the important things in life....only to be quashed by the female in the family.

Today, it's an embarrassing phenomenon. I try to be the proper mother, but am sadly outnumbered by these rude, crude and socially unacceptable males who are not only adept, but darn proud of what they can make their bodies do. Realizing my defeat (and not wanting to admit it) I have decided that I can accept these occurrences, as long as the audience includes the immediate family ONLY! Though they can scarcely understand how the grandparents (well the grandmother, anyway) truly aren't proud of their accomplishments.

Not only have these fumes been able to peel paint from the walls, but they have been known to save lives...or at least make it a bit easier.

"How," you ask?

Let me explain.

MANY times, I've had to scold my oldest for something such as hitting a brother, taking a toy, hitting a brother, talking back, hitting a brother, not instantly obeying...you get the picture. And often, right slap in the middle of said scolding, with a VERY serious look, my oldest will ask in a whisper, "Do you smell that, Mom?"

Now, how can I compete with that? I mean, think about it. These little noises of rumbles and fluff were cute in the past....much like baby's first "doody." Now these noxious odors could kill a cat. Once a parent realizes the difference between cute and horrid...well, frankly, it is often too late.

It doesn't end in air turbulence. Often, I hear one son beckoning from the bathroom to another son, "COME LOOK!" My children, though young, are very well-versed in...heh...I'll let you imagine.

When sick with any type of tummy ailment, it is not unheard of for the well child to ask (with an abundance of sympathy, of course), "Did you throw up?" AND with weakened utterances, the puny child will give a very clear description of all symptoms, sounds and smells that accompany said ailment.

So infiltrated is my home that even on the bookshelves, resides a funny little character named "Captain Underpants." In fact, my son just finished reading, "Captain Underpants and the Preposterous Plight of the Purple Potty People." These are great reads for boys...actually, you could just come over for dinner and get a lot of the same stuff.

Alas, I am a parent outnumbered. Even when my partner in crime is home, he is more THEIR partner than mine. The boys are apprentices in this art. Perhaps some day we will host and Olympic game, of sorts.

You know what? Bad Idea!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Tomorrow is my 16th wedding anniversary. I don't feel old enough to have been married 16 years. We have had a lot to go through and deal with. Unlike so many we know, we still love each other. AND I'm happy to say, we even LIKE each other (a very important quality in a happy marriage.)

My hubby and I were in the same 1st grade class. We were in the same classes all through high school. We dated for 2 years, then broke up. We went to the same college, and during our 2nd year, we got back together and soon got married.

We had 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen. My dad gave me away, then performed the ceremony...so special to me. My piano accompanist from high school played the wedding march. My high school choir teacher sang. It was truly so wonderful. I had my dream wedding. My colors were forest green and ivory....or to hear my mother tell it, "EMERALD AND MOON GLOW." LOL! Isn't that great?

My cousin, a caterer, gave us our wedding cake: 3 tiers with 5 satellite cakes - all different flavors with the flavored cream filling. YUM!

As previously stated, we have gone through a lot, and accomplished SO much.

We have lived in Lubbock, Austin, Florida, Alamogordo, NM, Silver City, NM, then back to Texas.

We have successfully brought into the world 4 beautiful, healthy boys.

We have graduated college.

We have decided that DH does NOT really want to be a lawyer, hence moving from Austin (law school) to Florida (flight training.)

We have lost a parent.

We have had nieces born.

We have had siblings marry.

We have had friends divorce.

We have bought homes.

We have bought vehicles.

We have yelled.

We have cried.

We have laughed.

We have argued.

Most importantly, through it all, we have loved.

To hear people describe their own marriage...well, I can't imagine what a lot of these people go through. They don't like their mates, or they are always fighting, or...so many things.

We are SO BLESSED! We worship together. God is the head of our household, with DH as His personal representative for our family. I have to make more decisions than a fundamentalist would approve of a woman making...and please....my dh is gone 50% of the time...I have to. BUT, when he is home, he slips into the boss's chair. AND, when I do make decisions, I always take my hubby's wishes in mind.

My hubby is one of THE BEST men in this world. He will do anything for me. He will do anything for his children. He respects me. He helps me. He understands my personal issues. He chooses to learn about me. (Heck, he even knows about bottle nipples, breast pads and nursing bras.)

He is my soul mate. I am very blessed to have him in my life. I ache with the love I feel for him. I pray that I never disappoint him. He is the man of my dreams.

Happy anniversary, Honey! I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF!

EMOTIONS

So DH came across a set of questions that was to determine your personal level of anger. DH proudly stated that he was "normal" and laughed at approximately 1/3 of the questions he asked me. My rating? "Run to a psychologist as quickly as possible...you have anger management issues."

Anyway, as he read the questions, and I answered "true" to about 70% of the questions, I figured he would say that the test said I was depressed. But NOOOOOOO, I'm ANGRY! So now, instead of others walking on eggshells around me because I might crack, they walk on eggshells because I might explode.

BOOM!!!

My hubby seriously jokes...you know those, don't you? Comments that are veiled in humor and dripping in truth? I would say something to the kids and dh would grin (in his sarcastic way) and say "Are you angry?" chuckle, chuckle. Either way, I don't know how to respond...I'm either in denial, or proving his point, right?

Well, last night was one of THE WORST mommy moments of my life. My oldest son, at the tender age of 8, accidentally spilled something. I told him to pick up the cup. In my defense (shaky as it is) he did not instantly obey...which is rule number 1 in school and we are trying to keep that in the house. When he didn't, I lost it. I kept yelling at him. I jumped up to get a towel, came back and my son had been completely defeated. I have never seen him crushed so harshly. He was sobbing.

God INSTANTLY convicted me. I have never had my words ricochet and hurt me to the core, as those did. I didn't curse. I didn't swear. I didn't call him names. It was all in my tone. The volume and force of my voice, pushed my child...the one I would kill for, AND die for...to tears. :(

I was/am heartbroken. I took him to his room to talk. I told him that I had messed up and should not have yelled. I told him that I knew it was an accident. I asked him to forgive me...he did. I hugged him and gave him a kiss and told him, "I love you." And I still feel terrible.

Last night saw more than his tears....there were a lot of mine. The guilt I felt, and still feel, is sharp. I thought I was over it until a friend said I was a "good mom" for making the breakfasts I do. I laughed and confessed my shortcomings. I fought back more tears.

My son is in school right now. I pray that children are as resilient as people say. I pray that he forgives AND forgets. I pray that I haven't scarred him. I pray that his memories are NOT of Mom yelling and losing control, but of Mom loving and spending quality time with him. Above all, I pray that I DON'T forget and learn how to deal with my obvious anger issues.

GOD HELP ME!!!

Another Meme

I was tagged for another meme by Make you work more. Here are the rules:

1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had.
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts.
4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog


Mine is easy: ANN

A - analytical (think about the first 4 letters....that is me.)

N - nice...I guess. I mean, I'm nice to most folk. :D

N - nerdy

Ok....tagged: Mischief Managed, Seven 4 Heaven and Absolutely His.

Try this....

My computer is FRIED. POOR ME!

Anyway, I know my dear, dedicated readers, that you are aching for me to post. Since my poor desktop's passing, I have been limited to the time I have. I hope to be able to fix that very problem by the end of the weekend. At that point, I shall be able to share my thoughts, ideas and rantings in the fashion you have come to expect.

Please excuse my tardiness and come back soon.

I Scored a 100%!

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

My friend, Mommy Spice tagged me for this meme. I need to answer these questions about myself with one word only.


Yourself: insecure

Your partner: soulmate

Your hair: blond

Your mother: sad

Your father: awesome

Your favorite item: cookbook

Your dream last night: uh....

Your favorite drink: DP

Your dream car: large

Dream home: clean

The room you are in: family

Your fear: tornadoes

What you are great at: friendship

Where you want to be in 10 years: alive

Who you hung out with last night: boys

You're not: extroverted

One of your wish list items: kitchen

The last thing you did: doctor (heh...THAT sounds bad, huh)

You are wearing: shorts

Your favorite weather: cold

Your favorite book: Bible

Last thing you ate: hamburger

Your life: blessed

Your mood: anxious

Your best friend: Jesus

What are you thinking about right now: asthma

Your car: FTU

What are you doing at the moment: typing

Relationship status: married

What is on your t.v: nothing

When is the last time you laughed: yesterday

OK...time to tag some others: Mischief Managed, justdawn, Seven 4 Heaven, and Mom's my name.

How many sleeps?

So, last time we talked about this, we were a mere eight months away. It ain't long, folks! I posted on April 25th...with URGENCY...the need to start thinking about Christmas. You can read about it here. Well, guess what? Almost FOUR MONTHS have passed! Have you been keeping up? Are you getting ready? How many sleeps before Christmas?

It really is a family joke...a serious one, but still, something my hubby and I laugh about. He teases me about my passion for the holidays. And I don't mind because I know that HE knows that I'm truly serious about it all.

It usually goes something like this (and it generally starts in June.) Picture this...we are in bed. (Stop right there. Don't imagine anything. It does not matter what we are...or are not...wearing. The point I'm trying to make is that my hubby is usually asleep...or close to.) I roll over to face him and usually, I just grin. When he feels my intense stare, he looks up and says, "WHAT?!" I continue to grin and say, "Honey? It's June." Then, he knows. He knows exactly where I'm going with the opener. He knows that I'm going to tell him that Christmas is ONLY 6 months away. He knows I'm going to reach for my pad of paper and a pen and start to jot down gift ideas, or a card list or menu ideas.

And honestly, I am not being silly....I really do all of that. And though my sweet hubby rolls his eyes, says "Oh my gosh" and tries to roll over to sleep, he knows that all the squeaking he hears would be from the wheels turning in my wee brain. He knows that the smell of smoke is just a by-product of all the activity in my noggin, AND if he is lucky, the inhalation will lead to a quick and peaceful time of unconsciousness.

We must get real, folks. It is no longer June. We have only 4 months and a few days to get ready for THE day. Well...not get ready...but to celebrate. You only have about 3.5 months to actually get DONE being ready.

Stick with me and I will walk you through the holidays relatively unscathed, going crazy over what to get whom, what and when to bake, possible menu items and the whole insanity which is the holiday season.

Your homework...and this should be done by September...is to choose and order your Christmas cards. I have. :D If you order through Walter Drake by September 5, you get FREE personalization on your envelopes.

WOOHOO!!!!

GET BUSY!!!

I'M OFF!

Just a quick note....

If either one of you miss me, I am going on a small vacation. I'll post this weekend.

Pray for me....with 1 hubby and 4 kids 8 and under...well, it'll be interesting, but fun.

Have a great week!

Psycho...I mean PsyCHIC

OK...I'm not one to watch a lot of talk shows. Every now and then, I might watch Dr. Phil, but those times are few and far between. I REALLY don't like Oprah and anything besides those two are just trash. (I'm sorry to offend anyone, but please...don't you have underwear to fold?)

Well, I was flipping through all 12 of my channels (LOL...really, only 12. Nope, we don't have a TV with a channel dial, but I don't have cable, dish or anything else fancy and can ONLY get 12 channels through my antennae...of course, if I were Mexican and if I could "hablo espanol" I could get another 12 or so...but I digress.) ANYWAY, while skating through my 12 channels, I saw a book flash on the screen about psychic children. The author? Sylvia Brown. Now, if you are worth ANY Christian salt at all, you know this woman is PURE EVIL!

I watched for about 4 minutes. Montel was promoting her book and excitedly showing off this spiritual freak to anyone insecure enough to need assistance. These people had "ghosts" in there homes. Their houses were "haunted." They wanted info on "spirit guides." It all came back to, "Children see more than we can...you should encourage their psychic abilities, should they start to exhibit them."

This statement gave me chills. Not only is she going to hell, but she is telling these TRULY CONCERNED parents that it is OK what they are seeing and hearing. She said, "There are no evil spirits, just evil people." WHAT?

She said that if you want to get rid of the spirits in your home, you should call them by name and tell them to go. You are to remind them that they are dead and ask them to "go home to God." ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

When it came to one dead person that happened to be terrifying a 2 year old child, the mom was told to tell "Jeffery to go back to the 'Christ consciousness.'" I have no retort...I am still stunned about that one.

I am like the cowardly lion on The Wizard of Oz: "I do believe in spooks! I DO believe in spooks! I do, I do, I DO believe in spooks!"

OK...not quite in that manner, but I do believe there are evil spirits. I do believe they can haunt a home and a person. I believe they can cause harm, whether directly or indirectly. The only difference is this: instead of trying to figure out who (because I KNOW who) is behind all of the vile events happening in the neighborhood, and asking them to "please go to God...you are dead." I will remind this EVIL SPIRIT that it IS from the pit and that it is CAST OUT of my home in the name of JESUS CHRIST and cannot approach my family, nor my home, ever again.

All believers out there need to hit your knees and start praying the blood over your families, especially your children. We are at war! BRING IT ON!!!!

WHAT THE...?

This is a test post. For some reason, the last 2 posts do not allow comments. Now I know that I only have about a dozen faithful readers, but I also have 2 (or so) faithful commentors.

I was really starting to feel neglected about the "no comments" thing when I got an email from a friend saying that she tried to comment and there was no way to do it. I've tried everything my sad little brain can do. If you know what I'm doing wrong, PLEASE let me know. I have looked at the "settings" section and the "comments" section on that TRYING to get it up, but to no avail. HELP! I NEEEEED validation.

MY MAN HARRY!

I had a friend ask me about Harry Potter. The question was, and I quote, "What do you think about Harry Potter?"

Hmmm...what do I think? I needed context for the question. I asked, "What do I think, as a Christian?"

Harry Potter is a wizard. If you have lived in the US for the last 8 years and don't know that much you are sad. The books have swept the nation...well, the world, really. It is full of witchcraft and darkness and will, no doubt, lead good little girls and boys down a wicked path full of demon possession, animal sacrifice and hell. But, didn't the Beatles do that some 40 years ago? I mean...their music got REALLY good when they discovered drugs.

I read the first Harry Potter book during my 2nd year of teaching. I read it so that I may be "in touch" with what the kids of the day are interested in. I taught a gifted 2nd grader who would sit, during recess, and read these REALLY FAT books. A friend of mine had the first 3 books. (Yes...it took me that long to crack open a book.)

My first impression was that it was well-written. I was mildly interested until book 4 when I thought, "HOLY SMOKES! There are real spells in there! Kids don't need to read this!"

Then I started hearing arguments from adults (who HADN'T read them, by the way), "Well, if it gets kids interested in reading, I'm all for it." Well, let's follow that idea down a very short road. "I want my child interested in math, therefore let's teach the difference between a dime bag and a nickel bag." That is SO lame.

These books are bad for kids. I will not let my kids read them. Perhaps when they are driving cars...and I can trust them NOT to run over black cats, whilst wielding a wand to move bushes out of their way, will I let them. But then, being a responsible parent, I will "discuss it" with my children to make sure they know the difference. The difference in what? It certainly isn't reality vs. fantasy...not by my beliefs, anyway. It's VERY real. It is evil. It is a BIT far fetched, but can be a dangerous gateway...much like cigarettes as a gateway to Mary Jane.

I will never read them to my students when I teach. I want the parents to know that they can trust what I present to the kids.

If I ever see my kids pretending (like I did) that they can cast spells, fly on brooms or apparate from one place to another, I will certainly seek Christian counselling in order that I may build a wall of protection around my cherubs. It is my duty to keep them safe. It is my job to make sure that they know our beliefs and where we stand on views such as witchcraft, the occult and other deviant behaviors and beliefs.

BUT, before I do...I will be sending my hubby to Hastings AT MIDNIGHT, so that he can pick up my PREPAID, RESERVED copy of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" AS SOON AS IT GOES ON SALE! WOOHOO!!!!

IT'S MORE THAN FAITH!

For the third time, in a matter of months, I have heard or read a disturbing sentiment from some friends. This is not a direct quote, but it goes something like this: "I'm a Christian, but I have had hard times. Therefore, I have lost my faith."

OK...I have serious issues with that statement. I really do. First, I have a question for you. Is it a matter of faith? I mean, come on. What is faith to you? I know what faith is to me. It's the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

It disturbs me because I start to think that you (and I'm being general here) are only a Christian to have an easy time. Well, if you are having an easy time, then I would suggest to you that obedience is a very serious problem for you.

Ever since I have heard statements such as this, I have been on the lookout for evidence suggesting the proverbial bed of roses. I have not seen ANYWHERE in the Bible that says, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men....and rich, and beautiful, and lucky and have an easy life." PLEASE! If you have found it, let me know, because I am totally missing the point of the Word.

I told a friend, just this past weekend that if a Christian is having a hard time, perhaps he or she is doing something right. I mean, an effective Christian would be dangerous to Satan, right? He would then try to thwart all that was being done.

Now I'm not saying that a flat tire is reason to doubt your faith. Actually, I think a flat tire should make you consider your path to work. Don't be a bozo. God expects His children to take a certain amount of responsibility for his or her actions. If something so petty as car troubles has you questioning your faith...well, you are slow on the upswing. You should have questioned it LONG AGO!!!

While I was away this weekend, I had a lovely opportunity to bond with a dear friend, add a dear friend to the ranks, and unfortunately, intimidate a possible friend. I didn't mean to do it, but I can come on a bit strong. (Those of you who know me are laughing.)

It was a wonderful time of fellowship and ministering. (That is a concept that I still have trouble with, but I do try. Honestly, I don't feel that I have the knowledge to minister or preach or witness or even share what I KNOW...and that is sad...I'll be working on that.) However, this third person should have been back-up for me while I spoke to my new friend. She is in a position that shouts knowledge, grace and FAITH. I didn't see it. She will be in my prayers.

In my prayers, also, will be the other people who seem to have lost their way on the path of faith. If they read this and end up upset with me, I encourage them to email me. You are in danger. If you are that easily shaken, then you are an EASY TARGET!

I truly believe that once you have true faith, then you can't be swayed to believe otherwise. In fact, I'm counting on this for a few DEAR friends of other faiths. They are going to hell because they do not believe in the one true Savior, Jesus Christ. Please be in prayer with me.

That is all my ramblings tonight. If you need someone to pray with you, please leave a comment. If it is private, I will not publish. God bless you all!

I DID IT.....and I'm NOT ashamed (I don't think)

I always swore I wouldn't.

I don't know why I finally succumbed to peer pressure.

My hubby was indifferent.

It's an expensive habit.

I don't know how I could possibly maintain a normal life after this.

I have many friends who have done it...many who still do it...yet I always said, "NOT ME!"

Why did I give in? I have (for the past 15 years) been adamant about NOT participating in this...this thing, this beast, this monstrous activity that pulls you away from family and friends and forces you into seclusion.

I was dead-set in NOT doing this...just like I was dead-set in not gaining the "freshman fifteen" (several years in a row, but who needs 120 pounds, anyway? I mean, 120 pounds...that is SO EIGHTIES!)

So, I went to see a friend. We were alone when she began to discuss this habit of hers, all the while trying to nudge me...using soft tones and understanding words...to woo me, if you will, into this place...this place I swore to never go.

So nervous was I, at one point, that we had to stop so that I could calm down with a drink. Oh, how it calmed my nerves...burning as it slid down my throat in it's ice-cold, effervescent goodness. (Dr Pepper is good that way. :D)

After my old friend (the fully-leaded one) soothed my nerves, I turned to my other friend..the Jezebel. She told me I didn't have to do it if I didn't want to. I didn't have to do as much as she was used to doing. I could just start off small. In fact, if I didn't like it, I could always stop...that is IF I had the will-power to stop. That's how these nasty habits usually go.

After a bit more discussion, and seeing her stash, I was assured that it would not hurt. I could use from her stores if I didn't have all I needed and wanted. There were some others who said I could take from their stash as well. Only 5 of us...and I'm the one who doesn't know what she's doing. So many colors. So many things to choose from. How could I dabble without committing so much of myself? My friend offered to help as much as she could.

SO, this weekend I will be going with my friend and 3 "will-be" friends to a scrapbook retreat.

PLEASE don't judge me!

Well, shut my mouth!

OK...one of my favorite lines from a movie comes from Mary Poppins. She had just slid up the banister. Little Michael Banks backs into a wall with his mouth wide open. Mary Poppins says, "Close your mouth please, Michael. We are not a codfish." *this is said in a wonderful British accent.

Well anyway, I saw a blog rating thingymajig on a friends blog. And she uses WAY worse language than I do. I love my friend dearly. I'm not offended by what she says or how she says it (and I am a faithful reader.) SO, when I saw her rating as a "NC-17...no one 17 and under admitted" I was interested to see mine. I mean, it has to be a rated G...I'm talking a Disney film, here.

SO...here it is:

Because I said "drugs" 4 times, "hurt" 3 times, "hell" twice, and "kill" once. (And I probably said "hell" when I was witnessing on my blog.)

SO...I'm a codfish!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, H-MAN!

Well, today my oldest turns 8. EIGHT!!! I can't believe it. In every birthday post, I've asked "where has the time gone?" Well...I ask you...."WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?"

My oldest had to be one of the most anticipated of children. We waited a long time for him. I was to the point that I thought we would just realize one day that we had "forgotten" to have kids. My uterus was jumpy from about the age 22. (I had already been married for 2 years, so it was expected by friends and family for us to start our family a lot sooner than we did.)

Nope...it was a LONG time...well, long for the female in the relationship, anyway. I was 5 months shy of turning 28 before H-man was conceived. We were very nervous...being so grown-up and all...about the responsibilities of starting a family. We understood the seriousness of having children. And though we always wanted kids and loved children, we had NO CLUE how much our lives would change and how we could fall so completely and hopelessly in love with a person...a person who could bring tears of joy, tears of anger and tears of sadness in one fell swoop.

Being educated and of some questionable intelligence we knew what we had to do to prepare. I went to the doctor to make sure that everything was percolating as it should and to find out if there were any tips on making it happen really fast. (I think I was afraid my hubby would change his mind on the timing, LOL)

I went in for an exam and when asked, I explained to the nurse the plan for making babies. She asked my age and my past preventive measures. I answered everything. As I waited in the examining room, in my little (and I mean LITTLE) shirt with the strings that tie in the front and the breeze cooling the nether regions...I mean really...opening up the front? I would MUCH rather be there naked....but I digress.

As I sat shivering on the table, trying to cover my legs with the paper tablecloth I heard the doctor ask about his next patient. He was from Spain, so I couldn't understand him very well. (You would think that all my time in west Texas around all the Mexicans would help...it didn't.) Anyway, I heard a heavily accented "mumble mumble mumble." Then the nurse said, "She is ready to get pregnant."

"Mumble mumble mumble."

"NO! She is married...has been for 8 years!"

The doctor and the nurse came in with huge smiles. After the exam, as I left the office, the entire staff wished me luck and "quick conception." I guess it's pretty unusual for a near 28 year old, who has been married for 7 years to actually PLAN and go about baby-making in a seriously mature and responsible fashion. (LOL...they don't know us very well.)

I had been told that since I had been on the pill for so long (since the beginning of marriage) that I would take 6-12 months to end up preggers. Time ticked very loudly in my ears, but at least I was OFF the pill. That was Labor Day weekend in 1998. I confirmed pregnancy on October 10th. YEA ME!

I called my folks...the hardest thing I've ever done. I'm an only child. My parents had been subtly asking about grandkids for years...and had finally stopped. When I called, I about died of embarrassment. (For the record, I felt color shade my face EVERY time I told my father I was pregnant. I mean, you don't have to be a genius to know HOW one gets pregnant do you? Well, I guess in this day and age you can question, but still.)

I called and said, "Daddy, it looks like your little girl is going to have a baby in June." There was nothing but silence for a VERY LONG 5 seconds. Then he said, "Here's your mom." He wanted to see her face when I told her. I asked her if my dad was OK. She said that he was, but he was looking at her funny. I said, "Well, it's probably because he just found out I'm pregnant." She screamed then I heard Daddy say, "I'm going to the other phone!" Such excitement.

Everything went well...no sickness, no high blood pressure, no serious issues, AND I only gained 22 pounds. Not too bad, huh? DH's best friend says I looked like I was smuggling basketballs. You couldn't tell by seeing me from the back that I was "in a family way." I loved EVERY BIT of my pregnancy....then came my due date.

Came and went!

My doctor examined me and said I was a whopping 1 cm dilated (this was a Tuesday) and he said that he would induce on Sunday if I hadn't popped. Well, some advice from family told me that I could jump start things. I was in summer school. I had to talk to my instructor about missing the last week of summer session (quite a lot to miss in summer) but we got it worked out. So, on the 24th, we decided that I would follow the advice.

So (and I have a rigor just retelling this) I mixed about 4 tablespoons of castor oil with a small jug of OJ. Let's just say it was a very "pulpy" juice as the globules of oil slid down my throat. PRETTY NASTY! Not only that, but it left an oily residue on my lips that I tasted for a bit. I know, I know.....but you know what? I was THE MOST cleaned out person in NM! (very important for someone who fears pooping on the table)

This was at about 4:15 p.m. By 11:15 that night, I had to run to the little girls room. I didn't wake my hubby or my mother. I just got off the floor. (HA! I should go on about how my hubby was mean and made me sleep on the floor, but that would be mean. Actually, we DID sleep on the floor for the last 6 weeks because I was TOO HOT anywhere else. We slept right in front of the window unit, on high, with a ceiling fan. DH slept in long jammies and had a sleeping bag and extra blanket. I slept in any t-shirt big enough to cover my belly and that was it. You could hang meat in my house.) SO, I got off the floor and did my business at 11:15, then 12:30 a.m., then 1:00 a.m. By 2:30, I finally considered the possibility of my being in labor.

Now pooping on the table was not my only fear. No...bigger than poop was false labor. I DID NOT want to be sent home. I got out my "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book and read on labor signs. It said to walk the floor. Well, after 30 minutes of walking the floor and stopping, stooping over and breathing through a cramp did I decide that perhaps I should go to the hospital. SO, we woke my mother, grabbed my bag, and all went to the hospital.

Where I had my little guy was in NM...the sticks. They are pretty backwards. Not nearly so much as the deep south, but still pretty jacked. They had no drugs...NO DRUGS!!! I did know this beforehand and I had a wonderful attitude about it. I knew it would hurt, but I am woman, I am tough, I could do it. I did....ONLY because I had to. It hurt. It hurt bad. And that's all I have to say about that.

My beautiful son was born at 11:31 a.m. on June 25. He was 6 pounds 10 ounces...and absolutely perfect. Today he is a blond-haired, blue-eyed hunk of 8 year old. I'm so proud of him. He is in Royal Rangers and Junior Bible Quiz. He plays the piano. He is super smart...I brag, but I am not making this up. He taught himself to read at 4. He spelled his name at 2. (And his name is quite long.) He is always surprising us with his realizations and rationalizations. He is awesome!

Happy birthday, H-man!

Today you are at church camp with your father. I know that you will be touched by God. You will hear Him just like you have been wanting to. I pray that God uses you for His purpose. I pray that I don't screw that up. I want so much for you, but above all, I want you to be a vessel. I want you to shine with the love that Jesus has for you and for everyone you come into contact with. I pray that you realize how much I love you. I pray that the growing pains we both feel are as labor pains....hard to understand and hard to bear, but the end is the most beautiful and fulfilling thing we can imagine.

I am very proud of you! I love you!

THE SOUNDS OF SUMMER

"I WANT MY WATER SHORTS!" (my 3rd wanting to go swimming)

"Remove Shrek's earwax....$800 dollars!" (the older 2 playing Operation)

"Mommy, can I watch "Tornados?" (that is what we call "The Wizard of Oz")

"LOOK! The babies are sitting together and they're NOT FIGHTING!" (This was truly an "AHA" moment for my older 2.)

"HE DIDN'T SAY 'PLEASE!'" (My oldest voicing out against all injustices of the world!)

"Wanna go take a 'map,' baby?" (My 3rd asked my 4th...he wants to watch a movie on the computer.)

"I WUV OOOOO. OOOOO UH MEEEEEEEEEEE!" (my 4th catching sight of a Barney video)

"Ubba ubba wurl so HIIIEEEEE!" (My 4th singing as he is accompanied by # 2 on the piano playing "Twinkle twinkle little star.")

SLAM!!!! "HEY!" (My 3rd slamming the door in #4's face and #4's response)

"OWWWW!" (who knows? But it probably involves #1 and #2)

"OW....SIGH!!!!!" (My 3rd wanting to go out to play)

This has all happened while I was typing this post! LOL!

I wouldn't change a thing!

How wonderful is my life?

Have a great day!