Oma's thoughts

Email from my boss.........

2010-03-09T13:57:00.002-06:00

LIFE EXPLAINED

On the first day, God created the dog and said:'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.

'The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'So God agreed..

On the second day, God created the monkey and said:'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.

The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said:'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.

'The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years.. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created humans and said:'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.

'But the human said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?' 'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.

'So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves.

For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family.

For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain thegrandchildren.

And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you.There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service.

My Dinner Date

2009-11-19T22:15:00.007-06:00

Caleb and I had a wonderful evening.

I picked him up after work today & took him out to dinner. Plans were to go to Rolo's but my shopping errands was on the opposite end of town. So I thought I would really treat him & take him out to Beauregard's instead. (As a little boy he used to LOVE that place, his favorite place to eat!) But tonight he told me that we could just run by Burger King & get him something and then go on to Beauregard's. But I decided no, I could eat at Burger King as well! He later told me that he had really wanted Rolo's cause that way it would take us longer & he could spend more time with me. Awe, how sweet. But when I told him we were going shopping, he realized that he would have more time with me so he decided on Burger King so we could eat quick on go on shopping. What a smart boy.

Gave him his turn at the camera for some reason, I never get a picture of me to prove I'm there! LOL

He kept talking about this "awesome game" that he wanted to go check out. It was something to go with the Nanovor game he plays online when he comes to my house, so he wanted me to see it. We went to Best Buy and he found it - we took a picture of it so his dad would know what he wanted for Christmas.

He really was excited in this picture - promise!

I did get him a character figure & a DVD for the same game. Hopefully he can put it on his mom's computer and be able to play it - she doesn't have the Internet so he isn't able to play the game online there. He was thrilled I bought for him - It was only $5, but you would have thought I gave him a million bucks! I was happy I could make him happy.

After we left Best Buy we headed out to Walmart. But I failed to get a picture of it. But we just bought groceries, so no biggie there.

Our last stop was at Sam's. We had a great time & we just enjoyed each other's company.

Here I caught him goofing off! But then I took a better picture of him.And then again to prove I was there I took a picture of us together, my arm wasn't long enough so this is the best out of the 3 we took!

We had a wonderful evening and it is definitely one we will repeat.
Tomorrow night him & Emma are coming to spend the night with me. Hopefully I won't forget to take pictures! I promised him we would create a FaceBook page for him! Good times!

Laughter - still the best medicine....

2009-11-02T14:38:00.002-06:00

Kids Are Quick
______________________________________
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America .
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables. __________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it. (I Love this kid) ____________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago. WINNIE: Me!
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are. _______________________________________
TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with ' I. '
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.' ________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.. ______________________________________
TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook. ______________________________
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
__________________________________

Cute Costumes.....

2009-10-30T12:14:00.006-05:00

Just wanted to share some cuteness with you, no words needed! - Thanks to Sis Priscilla!

Oompa Lumpa from Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Story

Thoughts......

2009-10-28T07:53:00.003-05:00

Without GOD, our week would be:

Sinday
Mournday
Tearsday
Wasteday
Thirstday
Fightday
Shatterday

Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes one WEAK!!

The Old Paths.....

2009-10-27T15:47:00.002-05:00

I liked the old paths,

when Moms were at home.

Dads were at work.

Brothers went into the army.

And sisters got married BEFORE having children!

Crime did not pay;

Hard work did;

And people knew the difference.

Moms could cook;

Dads would work;

Children would behave.
Husbands were loving;

Wives were supportive; A

nd children were polite.

Women wore the jewelry;

And Men wore the pants.

Women looked like ladies;

Men looked like gentlemen;

And children looked decent.

People loved the truth,

And hated a lie;

They came to church to get IN,

Not to get OUT!
Hymns sounded Godly;

Sermons sounded helpful;

Rejoicing sounded normal;

And crying sounded sincere.

Cursing was wicked;

Drugs were for illness;

And divorce was unthinkable.

The flag was honored;

America was beautiful;

And God was welcome!

We read the Bible in public;

Prayed in school;

And preached from house to house

To be called an American was worth dying for;

To be called a Christian was worth living for;

To be called a traitor was a shame!

Preachers preached because they had a message;

And Christians rejoiced because they had the VICTORY!

Preachers preached from the Bible;

Singers sang from the heart;

And sinners turned to the Lord to be SAVED!

A new birth meant a new life;

Salvation meant a changed life;

Following Christ led to eternal life.

Being a preacher meant you proclaimed the word of God;

Being a deacon meant you would serve the Lord;

Being a Christian meant you would live for Jesus;

And being a sinner meant someone was praying for you!

Laws were based on the Bible;

Homes read the Bible;

And churches taught the Bible.
God was worshiped;

Christ was exalted;

And the Holy Spirit was respected..

Church was where you found Christians on the Lord's day,

rather than in the garden, on the creek bank, on the golf course,

Or being entertained somewhere else.

I still like the old paths the best!

Never Forget....

2009-10-13T15:21:00.003-05:00

She will be arriving in NY harbor on Nov 1, 2009 and commissioned in the US Navy Nov. 7. If you are planning a trip to NY, you will be able to tour the ship during that week.

Here she is

Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from theWorld Trade Center !

This is from CNN today:

"Strength Forged through SacrificeOctober 13, 2009 - 12:17 PM by: Maggie Lineback
The USS New York is, in some ways, heading home, even though this is its maiden voyage.
The Navy's latest amphibious ship was built in Avondale, just outside New Orleans, by shipbuilders who continued working through Hurricane Katrina to get the job done. They knew their mission was special. The ship contains seven and a half tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center after 9-11. It's at the leading edge of the ship.
This morning, people lined the Mississippi River here in New Orleans, hoping to get a glimpse of the USS New York. She left Avondale for New York to be commissioned November 7th. Along the way, she'll stop in Norfolk to pick up Marines. The USS New York will be in New York for ten days and they're expecting about one hundred thousand people to come aboard and visit while the ship is open to the public. More information on how to visit is at www.ussny.org
Some of the people in the crowd this morning were men who built this ship. The head of Northrop Grumman's shipbuilding operations told us he got a chill every time he stepped on board. He said while they've worked on ships before, everyone understands the importance of the USS New York. They were sad to see her go, but happy to finally see her headed out to sea.
The weather matched the mood in New Orleans. When the ship came by our liveshot spot in New Orleans, it was eerie. A fog had settled in across the river and the USS New York looked like some kind of ghost ship."

"The ship's motto is: "Strength forged through sacrifice. Never forget"

NOMINEE FOR "EMAIL OF THE YEAR"!!!

2009-09-28T15:37:00.002-05:00

After being interviewed by the school administration, the prospective teacher said:

'Let me see if I've got this right.

'You want me to go into that room with all those kids, correct their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse, monitor their dress habits, censor their T-shirt messages, and instill in them a love for learning.

'You want me to check their backpacks for weapons, wage war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, and raise their sense of self esteem and personal pride.

'You want me to teach them patriotism and good citizenship, sportsmanship and fair play, and how to register to vote, balance a checkbook, and apply for a job.

'You want me to check their heads for lice, recognize signs of antisocial behavior, and make sure that they all pass the final exams.

'You also want me to provide them with an equal education regardless of their handicaps, and communicate regularly with their parents in English, Spanish or any other language, by letter, telephone, newsletter, and report card.

'You want me to do all this with a piece of chalk, a blackboard, a bulletin board, a few books, a big smile, and a starting salary that qualifies me for food stamps.

'You want me to do all this and then you tell me. . . I CAN'T PRAY?

Dog Pack Attacks Gator In Florida

2009-08-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

At times nature can be cruel, but there is also a raw beauty, and even a certain justice manifested within that cruelty.

The alligator, one of the oldest and ultimate predators, normally considered the "apex predator", can still fall victim to implemented 'team work' strategy, made possible due to the tight knit social structure and "survival of the pack mentality" bred into the canines.

See the remarkable photograph below courtesy of Nature Magazine.

Note that the Alpha dog has a muzzle hold on the gator preventing it from breathing, while another dog has a hold on the tail to keep it from thrashing. The third dog attacks the soft underbelly of the gator.

Not for the squeamish !!!But trust me

Laughter is good for the soul.. Have a Great Day!

Updation.......

2009-08-19T08:53:00.002-05:00

Just letting everyone know (who reads this) that I am still alive......have been having too much fun over on FaceBook & couldn't get on Blogger at work. Decided to 'check' out a website I was given & realized it was on blogger! YEAH.
Life is good, busy for sure. Anticipating the birth of the twins in 13 days! Then my life will REALLY be full! But, its a good full, so its ok.

Enjoying a lazy Saturday afternoon

2009-06-20T19:12:00.002-05:00

Did these 2 layouts for a sketch challenge on one of my Yahoo groups. Just wanted to share.

To make you smile.......

2009-06-10T13:03:00.005-05:00

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be.. It's the way it is.. The way we cope with it, is what makes the difference.

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

2009-05-15T09:27:00.003-05:00

Six married men will be dropped on an island

with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.
Each kid will play two sports

and either take music or dance classes.

There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids;

keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework,

and complete science projects, cook,

do laundry, and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.

In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays of all their friends and relatives,

and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment,

a dentist appointment

and a haircut appointment.

He must make one unscheduled

and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.

He must also make cookies or

cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for decorating his own assigned house,

planting flowers outside and keeping it presentable at all times.

The men will only have access to television

when the kids are asleep and all chores are done.

The men must shave their legs,

wear makeup daily,

adorn himself with jewelry,

wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes,

keep fingernails polished

and eyebrows groomed.

During one of the six weeks,

the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps,

back aches, and have extreme,

unexplained mood swings

but never once complain or slow down from other duties.

They must attend weekly school meetings,

church, and find time at least

once to spend the afternoon at the park

or a similar setting.

They will need to read a book to the kids

each night and in the morning,

feed them, dress them,

brush their teeth

and comb their hair by 7:00 am.

A test will be given at the end of the s ix weeks,

and each father will be required to know

all of the following information:

each child's birthday,

height, weight,

shoe size,

clothes size and

doctor's name.

Also the child's weight at birth,

length, time of birth, and length of labor,

each child's favorite color, middle name,

favorite snack, favorite song,

favorite drink, favorite toy,

biggest fear and what they

want to be when they grow up.

The kids vote them off the island based on performance.

The last man wins only if...

he still has enough energy to be intimate

with his spouse at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,

he can play the game over and over

and over again for the next 18-25 years

eventually earning the right

To be called Mother!

After you get done laughing,

send this to as many females as

you think will get a kick out of it and

as many men as you think can handle it.

Just don't send it back to me.... I'm going to bed.

Shared with you from another mother!

The Kohl's Shopping Trip

2009-05-12T08:47:00.003-05:00

(recieved this in an email this morning - thought I would share)

Clutching their Kohl's Department Store shopping bags, Ellen and Kay woefully gazed down at a dead cat in the mall parking lot. Obviously a recent hit -- no flies, no smell.

"What business could that poor kitty have had here?" murmured Ellen. "Come on, Ellen, let's just go...."

But Ellen had already grabbed her shopping bag and was explaining, "I'll just put my things in your bag, and then I'll use this tissue paper." She dumped her purchases into Kay's bag and then used the tissue paper to cradle and lower the former feline into her own Kohl's bag and cover it.

They continued the short trek to the car in silence, stashing their goods in the trunk. But it occurred to both of them that if they left Ellen's burial bag in the trunk, warmed by the Texas sunshine while they ate, Kay's Lumina would soon lose that new-car smell. They decided to leave the bag on top of the trunk, and they headed over to K & W Cafeteria.
After they went through the serving line and they sat down at a window table.

They had a view of Kay's Chevy with the Kohl's bag still on the trunk. BUT not for long!

As they ate, they noticed a woman in a red gingham shirt stroll by their car. She looked quickly this way and that, and then took the Kohl's bag without breaking stride. She quickly walked out of their line of vision. Kay and Ellen shot each other a wide-eyed look of amazement. It all happened so fast that neither of them could think how to respond. "Can you imagine?" finally sputtered Ellen. "The nerve of that woman!" Kay sympathized with Ellen, but inwardly a laugh was building as she thought about the grand surprise awaiting the female thief. Just when she thought she'd have to giggle into her napkin, she noticed Ellen's eyes freeze in the direction of the serving line. Following her gaze, Kay recognized the woman in the red gingham shirt with the Kohl's bag hanging from her arm. She was brazenly pushing her tray toward the cashier.
Helplessly they watched the scene unfold: After leaving the register, the woman settled at a table across from theirs, put the bag on an empty chair and began to eat. After a few bites of baked whitefish and green beans, she casually lifted the bag into her lap to survey her treasure. Looking from side to side, but not far enough to notice her rapt audience three tables over, she pulled out the tissue paper and peered into the bag. Her eyes widened, and she began to make a sort of gasping noise. The noise grew. The bag slid from her lap as she sank to the floor, wheezing and clutching her upper chest. The beverage cart attendant quickly recognized a customer in trouble and sent the busboy to call 911 while she administered the Heimlich maneuver.
A crowd quickly gathered that did not include Ellen and Kay, who remained riveted to their chairs for seven whole minutes until the ambulance arrived. In a matter of minutes, the woman with the red gingham shirt emerged from the crowd, still gasping, and securely strapped on a gurney. Two well-trained EMS volunteers steered her to the waiting ambulance, while a third scooped up her belongings. The last they saw of the distressed cat-burglar was as she disappeared behind the ambulance doors -- the Kohl's bag perched on her stomach!
God does take care of those who do bad things! (AND once in a while He allows us to witness it!)

Happy ONE month Anniversary!

2009-04-22T08:09:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe its been one month already! Happy anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Jason Luna!

Wow!

2009-02-17T09:34:00.005-06:00

I'm really behind in my posting aren't I? Sorry about that to whoever is reading my blog! I found Facebook to be easier & quicker to post on! LOL
Getting in high gear for the wedding next month! Getting the dresses done has been a high priority on my many lists! I'm getting there which I am very thankful for. Doing the rounds of showers, parties and meetings and such! So I guess life for me is 'abnormal' right now, so if I don't 'talk' much on here, that is why!

I just needto remember to STAY CALM NO MATTER WHAT! lol

Color is good....

2009-01-23T07:58:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my yearly physical.

My blood pressure was high, my cholesterol was high,

I'd gained some weight, and I didn't feel so hot.

My doctor said eating right

doesn't have to

be complicated and it would

solve my physical

problems. He said just think

in colors...
Fill your plate with bright
colors... greens,

yellows, reds, etc.

I went right home and ate an
entire bowl of :

And sure enough, I felt better immediately.

I never knew eating right

could be so easy.

Happy dreary - dreary day!

2009-01-10T16:11:00.002-06:00

Ok, some family members are down with the crud that has invaded Huntsville :( Niki went to the ER this am and they came in and looked at her and said - you have sinusitis! UHM, NO I don't think so. Achey, feverish, can't talk, gasping for air, back hurts, couphing/choking. Overall miserable. As a mom I believe she either has that crud that some other people have around her or she has Phemonia - Jonathan had walking Phemonia several years ago - and her symptoms are very much like his were. So I took her home ( I really really wanted to bring her home to take care of her, but with others in the house, I don't want to intentionally bring it in the house, you know?) Got her some juices to drink, soup to eat, and then she vicksed her self down & went to bed.
Faith, Anthony & Emma all have the cruddies too. Anita was sweet & took Emma home with her to care for her till her mommy gets better and is able to care for her again. Which works out good since I have to work and all and that way we don't have to constantly get her in & out in the weather. So, if you don't want the sickies, then I guess don't come visit us, which makes me sad.
So, now I am off to go get some sewing done. Ta-Ta for now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR :)

2008-12-31T09:03:00.003-06:00

Believe in yourself.

To my blogging friends.

2008-12-23T11:46:00.000-06:00

Tuesday..

2008-12-16T13:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!

2008-12-05T10:06:00.002-06:00

THE TIDE HAS RISEN........

2008-11-29T20:20:00.000-06:00

2008-11-27T09:30:00.000-06:00

Free Comments and Graphics

Welcome.........Ethan Robert Towry

2008-11-11T07:42:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Tim & Amy on the birth of thier new bundle of joy.

Ethan Robert was born Friday, November 7, 2008 at 2:01pm.

He weighed in at 6lbs. 7oz and 19" tall! Mom & baby are now home & doing well.

Just wanted to stop in and say HI

2008-11-07T08:12:00.005-06:00

Sometimes, when I feel like

nobody understands me,

it helps to think of YOU!

Nobody Understands You EITHER!!!

Have an awesome day, and know

that someone who thinks you're great

has thought of you today.

Remember to vote.......today

2008-11-04T07:59:00.001-06:00

Praising God just to be alive

2008-10-30T15:45:00.002-05:00

I just took a walk around our wonderful lake here at work & had my MP3 player - playing songs from the MC Fellowship CD. I'm not sure if people passing by were giving me funny looks or not, but I really didn't care. I was too busy singing along (not loudly) and praising God for his goodness to me. For saving me from that pit of sin that I was in, changing the person I was once to a person who, by God's grace, can live a holy life on a daily basis. If you knew where I used to be - wow, what a change. I praise God again for his goodness. I don't ever want to forget what God has done for me.

Happy Wednesday Everyone

2008-10-29T11:02:00.005-05:00

Its cold but beautiful outside! I'm glad I am warm and cozy inside. Well, I will be for a while anyways, have a meeting in the East tower in about an hour! Can you say BRRR.......wouldn't be so bad if the lake wasn't between here & there! But I thank God for the pretty lake too at my place of work....Thought I would share a picture of the campus I work at........

I am blessed with my job & the beautiful place I work at. God has been so good to me. I praise Him daily.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAVANNAH DESIREE`

2008-10-27T09:27:00.003-05:00

My granddaughter Savannah turns 3 years old today. I made her a 'chocolate' dress for her birthday & of course had to scour the stores to find her some 'chocolate' shoes to go with. Then I had her Great-grandma to make her baby doll a matching dress! Too cute.

She was very proud of her 'chocolate' dress

Her gifts

Her 'cake' was all cupcakes put together to form this "Pooh" beehive - it was with whipped icing and had clear edible sprinkles on it so it appeared wet. It was delicious & some people wore the icing very well.

Today is her actual birthday, but since I have her on the weekend we decided to do her party on Sunday. She wanted to go to El Camino (her version is "EL CAMITO") for lunch and then we gathered at our house for cake and gifts. We missed Emma and Caleb.

Happy birthday Savannah - Oma love you 'as wide as the ocean, and as deep as the sea'.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLIE NICOLE

2008-10-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

I love & miss you!!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday today.

Playtime

2008-10-18T20:39:00.006-05:00

My sister Beth brought over her grand-daughters to play with Savannah - no matter how old they are (one will be 13 this Saturday) they love to play 'kitchen'. Tonight they had a 'gourmet' meal, one was a chef - other was a server and then they had to have 2 'customers'. They played rather well together - but only after i threatened them - heehee. I think they got what I meant!

Here are some pics of them all playing - forget the cleaning part - they were too busy destroying it all, so I just said forget it for right now....

Chloe` ....... Mia...........Lilly.............Savannah

Mia & Chloe`

Paul Newman

2008-10-17T07:42:00.002-05:00

A Michigan woman and her family were vacationing in a small new England town where Paul Newman and his family often visited.

One Sunday morning, the woman got up early to take a long walk. After a brisk five-mile hike, she decided to treat herself to a double-dip chocolate ice cream cone. She hopped in the car, drove to the center of the village, and went straight to the combination bakery/ice cream parlor.
There was only one other patron in the store: Paul Newman, sitting at the counter having a doughnut and coffee.

The woman's heart skipped a beat as her eyes made contact with those famous baby-blue eyes. The actor nodded graciously, and the star-struck woman smiled demurely. Pull yourself together! she chided herself. You're a happily married woman with three children; you're forty-five years old, not a teenager! The clerk filled her order, and she took the double-dip chocolate ice cream cone in one hand and her change in the other. Then she went out the door, avoiding even a glance in Paul Newman's direction. When she reached her car, she realized that she had a handful of change but her other hand was empty.

Where's my ice cream cone? Did I leave it in the store?Back into the shop she went, expecting to see the cone still in the clerk's hand or in a holder on the counter or something. No ice cream cone was in sight. With that, she happened to look over at Paul Newman.

His face broke into his familiar warm friendly grin and he said to the woman: "You put it in your purse."

Noah's Ark

2008-10-15T07:45:00.008-05:00

Someone shared this with me & I would like to share it with you.

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opens In Schagen, Netherlands

The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open Saturday for the first crowd of curious Pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.

Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold. A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine. Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been. Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy.

Construction began in May 2005. On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel. Visitors on the first day were stunned. 'It's past comprehension, ' said Mary Louise Starosciak, whohappened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw The ark looming over the local landscape. 'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.'There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark.

Huibers said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years. ''If You Need Help, Ask God. If You Don't, Thank God''... 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23:6When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FLORA ELIZABETH

2008-10-13T23:04:00.004-05:00

27 years ago, God blessed me with another baby girl! You have grown to be a beautiful young lady, have brought me many happy moments (and just a few gray hairs) but praise God those days are behind you and now you are a great blessing and encouragement to me. Love you baby girl. (Sorry sweetie, but you'll always be my "baby girl"). Happy birthday.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

2008-10-13T08:04:00.004-05:00

To TWO VERY SPECIAL people in my life. I love & appreciate them very much. I am so glad they found each other & that God is blessing them. I praise God for them.

Its Friday ----- are YOU ready for it?

2008-10-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

The Obamamobile

2008-10-09T10:43:00.003-05:00

Official Democratic Party campaign car designed exactly the way Obama lays out his message

'A NEW DIRECTION'

You figure it out. I have a headache.

(Thanks Beth)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA GRACE

2008-10-08T09:58:00.004-05:00

You are beautiful, funny, busy, and a joy to be with. I love you baby girl!

I'm so glad God placed you in our family! You've have taught us many things in the 2 years you've been with us. Happy birthday sweetheart.

Welcome to the family Mason Peter Smith!

2008-10-06T09:53:00.003-05:00

Born on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 3:26pm. He was 7lbs 14oz and 19 1/2in long. Mommy & baby are doing great - praise the Lord.

Big brother Elliott is admiring baby brother Mason - adorable.

Good morning

2008-10-04T08:17:00.001-05:00

"Scatter seeds of kindness everywhere you go;

Scatter bits of courtesy--------

watch them grow and grow.

Gather buds of friendship;

Keep them till full-blown;

You will find more happinessthan you have ever known.

- Amy R Raabe

CURTAIN RODS----PRICELESS

2008-10-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

She spent the first day packing her belongings into boxes, crates and suitcases . On the second day, she had the movers come and collect her things.
On the third day, she sat down for the last time at their beautiful dining room table by candle-light, put on some soft background music, and feasted on a pound of shrimp, a jar of caviar, and a bottle of spring-water.
When she had finished, she went into each and every room and deposited a few half-eaten shrimp shells dipped in caviar into the hollow of the curtain rods.
She then cleaned up the kitchen and left. When the husband returned with his new girlfriend, all was bliss for the first few days.
Then slowly, the house began to smell.
They tried everything; cleaning, mopping and airing the place out.
Vents were checked for dead rodents and carpets were steam cleaned.
Air fresheners were hung everywhere. Exterminators were brought in to set off gas canisters, during which they had to move out for a few days and in the end they even paid to replace the expensive wool carpeting.
Nothing worked!!!
People stopped coming over to visit. Repairmen refused to work in the house.
The maid quit.
Finally, they could not take the stench any longer and decided to move. A month later, even though they had cut their price in half, they could not find a buyer for their stinky house.
Word got out and eventually even the local realtors refused to return their calls.
Finally, they had to borrow a huge sum of money from the bank to purchase a new place.
The ex-wife called the man and asked how things were going.
He told her the saga of the rotting house. She listened politely and said that she missed her old home terribly and would be willing to reduce her divorce settlement in exchange for getting the house
Knowing his ex-wife had no idea how bad the smell was, he agreed on a price that was about 1/10 th of what the house had been worth, but only if she were to sign the papers that very day.
She agreed and within the hour his lawyers delivered the paperwork.
A week later the man and his girlfriend stood smiling as they watched the moving company pack everything to take to their new home........
And to spite the ex-wife, they even took the curtain rods
I LOVE A HAPPY ENDING, DON'T YOU?

Compliments of Bro Moore :)

The new Dollar Bill

2008-10-01T14:55:00.001-05:00

Another Birthday

2008-09-21T22:06:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Faith & David! Faith - I'm so glad God gave you to me & that God gave you a companion to share your life with you. You are both a blessing to me & I love you both.

Faith's is Monday & David's is Tuesday!

We are blessed & blessed

2008-09-14T14:44:00.004-05:00

I just love these little girls - and I stand in awe of what God has done for us at Westlawn. A few short years ago there were no little girls or boys at Westlawn. There were only 12 adults and 4 children who had to be thier own best friends....and now look how He has blessed us. These little girls play so well together..........even "sing" together if you will, that is when they are holding still! LOL But, we are blessed & I am so thankful for our children at church, its sweet to hear a baby's cry even. It is like music to our ears. We are blessed.................

Happy Birthday to Mom & Harvey

2008-09-12T08:56:00.002-05:00

Love you both - wishing you both the happiest of birthdays.

A shopper in training........

2008-09-01T21:06:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago we were getting ready to go shopping. Little Emma, who will be 2 in October overheard us and this is what she met us with. She found a pair of knee highs in our bedroom and put them on, and with her little purse on her arm, she was ready to go.........

Have a safe holiday weekend everyone.

2008-08-29T15:40:00.001-05:00

I am Thankful.......

2008-08-28T08:13:00.002-05:00

I know its not Thanksgiving yet, but I praise God that we can be thankful at anytime and not just on a national holiday. God is so good to me, actually spoils me at times. I am blessed.

I have been busy........as you can see.........and I need to do some more of it.

Happy Birthday............

2008-08-21T08:08:00.002-05:00

I love you and am very thankful you are saved.

Good morning.....a little encouragement

2008-08-20T11:11:00.003-05:00

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Thanks to Sis Shelia for sending this to me this morning.......Thank God, He is my stress reliever!
Have a great & wonderful day! Its Wednesday after all - we get refueled tonight! YAY

Wonder........

2008-08-13T11:20:00.002-05:00

How the recycle our old telephone cords?

Someone said I needed to update......

2008-08-12T09:07:00.007-05:00

So consider it done.

Life is good. I am blessed. I have my 3 daughters saved. At Westlawn Church of God we've had 5 people saved the past 5 services. God is blessing. I am thankful.

We are experiencing something that Westlawn has not seen in over 50 years - we are once again sitting in chairs during church service. Not because we are outgrowing the sanctuary with people, but because WE HAVE NO BENCHES. Nope, not one. Someone came in on Saturday and wiped us completely out of our benches.......we are dealing with chairs. They are not the most comfortable chairs, but at least they are a bit padded and that helps.......we are looking for better things to come.........and I will end my updation with this......

Ring around the Rosy.....Pocket full of Posies........

Ashes to ashes we all fall down.

Jaqi, Mari, & Vanna

Side note - we sold the benches - now waiting on our new benches to come in.....heehee.

Politics - UPDATED THE LINK WHERE YOU CAN SEE IT

2008-08-05T08:24:00.007-05:00

I don't usually get into discussions of politics - its not something that I enjoy at all. The campaigns and all seem to be vicious between the Canidates. But I have a real fear for the 2008 election. I came across this post today - don't know how to get the video on here, but here is the link to her page & she has the video on hers. I found it rather bone chilling and wanted to share with my blog friends who can pray and vote.

HERE

Question.......

2008-07-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

Wanna know something cool?

Check out this blog.........

Pretty cool, huh?

The grow up so fast......

2008-07-19T22:31:00.003-05:00

Look who is helping FloFlo1981 was dishes tonight? Yep, thats right. Florabeth fixed a fabulous lunch for her honey today of baked ziti, homemade banana pudding. We got to enjoy leftovers tonight with Faith & David. And we enjoyed mom's fresh cantalope! Afterwards, Savannah wanted to help with the dishes and pulled a chair up to help her! Too too cute.

2008-07-18T10:42:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Anita.............

2008-07-14T07:53:00.000-05:00

This is for BASPSOGP's benefit

2008-07-10T14:58:00.002-05:00

Don't be overly concerned about your weight - its ONLY a number!

HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY JONATHAN

2008-07-09T08:35:00.002-05:00

May you have many more! I love you.

No subject........

2008-07-08T08:59:00.001-05:00

Went to class last night - was sort of boring - am taking a Business Commnications class & had to do a resume` in class - I've already had one for years that I keep updating as needed so it was a redundant class for me. I think several of these graduate classes will sorta be that way - but I can stand some refreshing in areas so its all good! Anyways, what I don't like about this is that I have to do a research paper! UGH - but from what I understand I might as well get used to it - I will do a lot of them from here on out till I graduate, which I'm not sure when that will be. My work pays for my classes and fees, but I have to come up with the book money - do you realize how expensive these things are? I had mom go check out a used price of the current book at the local bookstore - bless her heart, she about had a heart attack -

"$80 FOR A USED BOOK, THAT IS JUST HIGHWAY ROBBERY"

I just found out the next book I need will be $250 NEW - but thank God, I have a co-worker who is taking the same class this semester, so he is letting me borrow his book for the class - but I still might have to go online to get the code for my homework stuff & its $57!!!!! Guess I should take out a loan just for my books for the next couple of years! LOL

Have a great day - it will get better......

Language trouble

2008-07-01T16:45:00.004-05:00

A Polish man moved to the USA and married an American girl. Although his English was far from perfect, they got along very well until one day he rushed into a lawyer's office and asked him if he could arrange a divorce for him.

The lawyer said that getting a divorce could depend on the circumstances,
And asked him the following questions:

'Have you any grounds'?

'Yes, an acre and half and nice little home'.

'No, I meant what is the foundation of this case'?

It's made of concrete

'I don't think you understand.

Does either of you Have a real grudge'?

'No, we have carport, and not need one'.

I mean, what are your relations like?

'All my relations still in Poland '.

'Is there any infidelity in your marriage'?

'We have hi-fidelity stereo and good DVD player'.

'Does your wife beat you up'?

'No, I always up before her'.

'Why do you want this divorce'?

'She going to kill me'.

'What makes you think that'?

'I got proof'.

'What kind of proof'?

'She going to poison me. She buy a bottle at drugstore and put on shelf in Bathroom.
I can read, and it say:

'Polish Remover'

My Evening........

2008-06-30T22:14:00.002-05:00

After I went to class tonight - which btw, was interesting. I am taking a Business Communications class and am learning all kinds of neat things I should already have put into practice in the work force, but hey - things change in 10 years - especially when it comes to Technology, right? But I digress.

On the way home I stopped at Faith's and asked if she would like to go bike riding with me. So, that is what we did tonight. Came home, got mom - went to BK for a quick bite to eat, came home and washed up a set of Antique Jade dishes that someone had put nails in to keep them for some odd reason & they had been left on the outside back porch far too long. They did turn out very nice and clean. Now they will take up residence in my Curio Cabinet to collect Dust Bunnies Took garbage out and then came in and took a nice HOT shower.............And now, I am ..............................

and I will be sore tomorrow.............but life goes on, right?
Good night.

My Silly Nilly's

2008-06-27T15:04:00.003-05:00

You want what?

Emma with a goofy grin.

Vannah got sticker happy

She thought she was cute - and she was right.

Happy Thursday.......

2008-06-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

Poison ivy is NO FUN..........NO FUN at all.

Happy Tuesday everyone.......

2008-06-17T08:49:00.002-05:00

Good morning............

2008-06-11T07:43:00.004-05:00

Ever heard of a "computer party"? - Yeah, me neither! But we had our fist one last night.

Anita and I played scrabulous on the Facebook while mom played a game on hers and Flo checked out websites & talked on the phone! We had a good evening. I think it might be a repeat...........and we had taco salad to nourish us - YUMM

This is the little kitchen VK picked up for Savannah a while back.

Happy hump day everyone.........

THE OLD FISHERMAN......a little long, but good.

2008-06-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

Our house was directly across the street from the clinic entrance of Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore . We lived downstairs and rented the upstairs rooms to out-patients at the Clinic. One summer evening as I was fixing supper, there was a knock at the door I opened it to see a truly awful looking man. 'Why, he's hardly taller than my eight-year-old,' I thought as I stared at the stooped, shriveled body. But the appalling thing was his face, lopsided from swelling, red and raw Yet his voice was pleasant as he said, 'Good evening. I've come to see if you've a room for just one night. I came for a treatment this morning from the eastern shore, and there's no bus 'till morning.' He told me he'd been hunting for a room since noon but with no success; no one seemed to have a room. 'I guess it's my face. I know it looks terrible, but my doctor says with a few more treatments...' For a moment I hesitated, but his next words convinced me: 'I could sleep in this rocking chair on the porch. My bus leaves early in the morning.' I told him we would find him a bed, but to rest on the porch. I went inside and finished getting supper. When we were read y, I asked the old man if he would join us. 'No thank you. I have plenty' And he held up a brown paper bag. When I had finished the dishes, I went out on the porch to talk with him a few minutes. It didn't take a long time to see that this old man had an oversized heart crowded into that tiny body. He told me he fished for a living to support his daughter, her five children and her husband, who was hopelessly crippled from a back injury. He didn't tell it by way of complaint; in fact, every other sentence was prefaced with thanks to God for a blessing. He was grateful that no pain accompanied his disease, which was apparently a form of skin cancer. He thanked God for giving him the strength to keep going. At bedtime, we put a camp cot in the children's room for him. When I got up in the morning, the bed linens were neatly folded, and the little man was out on the porch. He refused breakfast, but just before he left for his bus, halt ingly, as if asking a great favor, he said, 'Could I please come back and stay the next time I have a treatment? I won't put you out a bit. I can sleep fine in a chair.' He paused a moment and then added, 'Your children made me feel at home. Grownups are bothered by my face, but children don't seem to mind.' I told him he was welcome to come again. And on his next trip he arrived a little after seven in the morning. As a gift, he brought a big fish and a quart of the largest oysters I had ever seen. He said he had shucked them that morning before he left so that they'd be nice and fresh. I knew his bus left at 4 a.m. , and I wondered what time he had to get up in order to do this for us. In the years he came to stay overnight with us there was never a time that he did not bring us fish or oysters or vegetables from his garden. Other times we received packages in the mail, always by special delivery; fish and oysters packed in a box of fresh young spinach or kale, every leaf carefully washed. Knowing that he must walk three miles to mail these and knowing how little money he had made the gifts doubly precious. When I received these little remembrances, I often thought of a comment our next-door neighbor made a fter he left that f irst morning. 'Did you keep that awful looking man last night? I turned him away! You can lose roomers by putting up such people!' Maybe we did lose roomers once or twice But, oh! If only they could have known him, perhaps their illness would have been easier to bear. I know our family always will be grateful to have known him; from him we learned what it was to accept the bad without complaint and the good with gratitude to God. Recently I was visiting a friend who has a greenhouse. As she showed me her flowers, we came to the most beautiful one of all, a golden chrysanthemum, bursting with blooms. But to my great surprise, it was growing in an old dented, rusty bucket. I thought to myself, 'If this were my plant, I'd put it in the loveliest container I had!' My friend changed my mind. 'I ran short of pots,' she explained, 'and knowing how beautiful this one would be, I thought it wouldn't mind starting out in this old pail. It's just for a little while, till I can put it out in the garden.' She must have wondered why I laughed so delightedly, but I was imagining just such a scene in heaven. There's an especially beautiful one,' God might have said when he came to the soul of the sweet old fisherman. 'He won't mind starting in this small body.' All this happened long ago -- and now, in God's garden, how tall this lovely soul must stand. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' Friends are very special. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear and they share a word of praise. Show your friends how much you care.

Westlawn Vacation Bible School 2008

2008-06-08T07:59:00.008-05:00

They did a fantastic job...........as always...........the adventures of Dave & Lucy - this time in Granddad's Garden..........very cute. The children worked hard as well & it showed.

Savannah was so excited

Grand-dads House (Bro John Casteel)

Mrs. Crabgrass's House (Sis Faye Flanagan)

The Sunflowers in the Garden

Jaqi Thompson, Cody Bricknell, Tyler Walker, and Sam Nordstrom

Brittany was the horse & Bro John was plowing his garden

(I know its not very plain, but they wouldn't hold still for me - hehee)

Elana & Suzy (Christie Jones) visiting Mrs Crabgrass

Mrs Crabgrass

Bro Curtis witnessing to Mrs Crabgrass of the gospel

Jesus (Bro Jef Nordstrom) praying in the Garden

The cast at last - Bro David Persle was the Cowboy that rescued Bro Curtis and got him to the hospital.

The animals Jacob Thompson was the Cow,

Brittany Thompson was the Horse

Brenden Casteel was the Rooster

And Zach Nordstrom was the Pig

Like I said, they all worked hard on this. Sis Jeni Nordstrom was the narrator and Song Leader, Sis Faith Persle lead the daily Bible verses. Sis Vicki Kirby made the costumes, and Sis Kay Casteel was the director and artist. Brad Nordstrom was the pianist.

A very good program. If you weren't there - you missed it, stay tuned though - next year Lord willing the adventures of Dave and Lucy will continue.......

This Weekend......................

2008-06-07T09:32:00.003-05:00

My nose is in the book - and doing homework. My first class is Monday and I already have 2 assignments to turn in.............now THAT is a sign of the age we are in - I got my syllubus & my assignments all in an email! Boy Howdy..............

Have a great weekend everyone!

Need I say anything more??

2008-06-06T10:11:00.001-05:00

I love a bargain.........

2008-06-01T16:17:00.004-05:00

I've been eyeballing these cute little tables, but didn't feel I could justify paying the price the stores wanted for them. I went with Faith & David to the auction last night & came home with this for $11.25! Savannah loves it & its perfect for her as she is ALWAYS cooking in her little

kitchen Ms Lady picked up for her last year! Too too cute.

So many Memories..........

2008-05-28T10:55:00.002-05:00

Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Psa 62:8

2008-05-27T14:07:00.005-05:00

Life is easy when you're up on the mountain
And you've got peace of mind like you've never known.
But things change when you're down in the valley.
Don't lose faith for you're never alone.

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
If things go wrong, He'll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.

You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain.
Talk comes so easy when life's at its best.
Now it's down in the valley of trials and temptation
That's when your faith is really put to the test.

For the God on the mountain is still God in the valley.
When things go wrong, He'll make them right.
And the God of the good times is still God in the bad times.
The God of the day is still God in the night.

Today I am...........

2008-05-25T14:27:00.002-05:00

Sad, very very very sad.

Moving on UP

2008-05-22T16:36:00.004-05:00

I was blessed to attend Caleb's "Moving Up" celebration yesterday! He is moving up to MIDDLE SCHOOL - can you believe it? WOW, time marches on doesn't it? So, with that being said, I will share some pictures with you.

CONGRATULATIONS CALEB.

Proud of another one..........

2008-05-20T14:44:00.003-05:00

Congratulations Ben

Omaloriann

2008-05-17T21:51:00.001-05:00

Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com

HE DID IT, HE DID IT, HE DID IT, HE DID

2008-05-17T21:17:00.004-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS POPPI So very proud of you............... And just to prove he really did it - I took a few pictures of him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTHONY...................

2008-05-14T08:04:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday - Enjoy

2008-05-13T08:53:00.002-05:00

I've no idea who put this together, but
they did a really terrific job.

Long ago and far away,

in a land that time forgot,

Before the days of Dylan,

or the dawn of Camelot.

There lived a race of innocents,

and they were you and me,

For Ike was in the White House

in that land where we were born,

Where navels were for oranges,

and Peyton Place was porn.

We learned to gut a muffler,

we washed our hair at dawn,

We spread our crinolines

to dry in circles on the lawn.

We longed for love and romance,

and waited for our Prince,

And Eddie Fisher married Liz,

and no one's seen him since.

We danced to 'Little Darlin,'

and sang to 'Stagger Lee'

And cried for Buddy Holly

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

Only girls wore earrings then,

and 3 was one too many,

And only boys wore flat-top cuts,

except for Jean McKinney.

And only in our wildest dreams

did we expect to seeA boy named

George with Lipstick,

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

We fell for Frankie Avalon,

Annette was Oh, so nice,

And when they made a movie,

they never made it twice.

We didn't have a Star Trek Five,

or Psycho Two and Three,

Or Rocky-Rambo Twenty

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

Miss Kitty had a heart of gold,

and Chester had a limp,

And Reagan was a Democrat

whose co-star was a chimp.

We had a Mr. Wizard,

but not a Mr. T,

And Oprah couldn't talk, yet,

in the Land That Made Me, .. Me.

We had our share of heroes,

we never thought they'd go,

At least not Bobby Darin,

or Marilyn Monroe.

For youth was still eternal,

and life was yet to be,

And Elvis was forever

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

We'd never seen the rock band

that was Grateful to be Dead,

And Airplanes weren't named Jefferson,

and Zeppelins were not Led.

And Beatles lived in gardens then,

and Monkees lived in trees,

Madonna was a virgin

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

We'd never heard of microwaves,

or telephones in cars,

And babies might be bottle-fed,

but they weren't grown in jars.

And pumping iron got wrinkles out,

and 'gay' meant fancy-free,

And dorms were never coed

in the Land That Made Me, .. Me.

We hadn't seen enough of jets

to talk about the lag,

And microchips were what

was left at the bottom of the bag.

And Hardware was a box of nails,

and bytes came from a flea,

And rocket ships were fiction

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

Buicks came with portholes,

and side shows came with freaks,

And bathing suits came big

enough to cover both your cheeks.

And Coke came just in bottles,

and skirts below the knee,

And Castro came to power

near the Land That Made Me, .. Me.

We had no Crest with Fluoride,

we had no Hill Street Blues,

We had no patterned pantyhose

or Lipton herbal tea

Or prime-time ads for condoms

in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

There were no golden arches,

no Perrier to chill,

And fish were not called Wanda,

and cats were not called Bill.

And middle-aged was 35

and old was forty-three,

And ancient were our parents

in the Land That Made Me, .. Me.

But all things have a season,

or so we've heard them say,

And now instead of Maybelline

we swear by Retin-A.

They send us invitations to join AARP,

We've come a long way, baby,

from the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

So now we face a brave new world

in slightly larger jeans,

And wonder why they're using

smaller print in magazines.

And we tell our children's children

of the way it used to be,

Long ago and far away in the Land That Made Me, ... Me.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO 2 SPECIAL COUPLES

2008-05-12T14:14:00.002-05:00

Anita & Peter (Mr Charlie to some) Davis and Jef & Jeni share the same anniversary day -5 years apart.

Peter & Anita celebrating 13 years

Jef & Jeni celebrating 8 years

I want to wish both couples an awesome day.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2008-05-10T22:10:00.003-05:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful mothers out in blogger land. God couldn't be everywhere - so He created mothers! Have a great day.......................

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-09T09:07:00.001-05:00

A wonderful Revival

2008-05-06T08:19:00.004-05:00

The revival was awesome. It was a blessing all the way around - the testimonies, songs, preaching of God's word, fellowship of the saints, the visiting saints that came in - Thanks Morgan City Saints for your physical presence and support to us. The saints that came in from Hattisburg to surprise all of us, namely thier pastor, Bro & Sis Sanford. God really blessed us all. If you want to get someone else's thoughts, go here. And like she said, if you missed it - you really missed out on something. I have pictures too, but I took mine for scrapbooking! Now I just must get them printed out and get to work! Looking forward to the next one.

Enjoying...........

2008-05-02T15:04:00.003-05:00

A wonderful revival this week. Wonderful.

God is blessing our efforts with increases to our souls.

Like I said, wonderful.

Praise God.

Updation

2008-04-21T21:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we had an interesting service - the lights went out just before Sunday School was over - but the emergency light came on and that gave us enough light to not be 'scared' we have no windows in the building anymore save the ones in the front doors. Thank God it was a pretty sunny day! We sang our congregational songs with a guitar and then took prayer requests - by the time we got down to pray - the lights came on. So you could say "We SAW the light" LOL

Last evenings service was good too - what we do to our body - we are what we eat - God wants us to prosper in both soul and body - so what are we feeding our bodies? You know they have to last us a lifetime - how are we treating it? Very thought provoking sermon. I know I will be more careful then ever what goes into my body. Facing the issues I have right now makes it even more real & truth be told can get down right scarey. But I am looking for good results of the biopsy this week. God knows just how much I can handle. So if you can say a prayer, I would most certainly appreciate it.

Now, for today, I was able to go to work all day - put in a 10 hour day and then came home, got little bit - took her home & since it was just mom and me - we went out to Rolo's for dinner and then got a call from my sister & we met her at the new eatery here in town, Frizzles, and had a good frozen custard, and then home. Its been a very LOONNNNG day for me. I should be in bed now so I guess I will sign off and hit the hay!

Fear......

2008-04-16T15:12:00.003-05:00

According the the Merriam Webster dictionary:
FEAR
Function: noun

1 a: an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger b (
1): an instance of this emotion (2): a state marked by this emotion
2: anxious concern : solicitude
3: profound reverence and awe especially toward God
4: reason for alarm : danger

BUT, The word of God says:

2Ti 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I covet your prayers.

Deu 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Congratulations to the NEWLYWEDS!!!!!!

2008-04-06T20:52:00.003-05:00

Thats right, Jonathan & Kimi got married this past Friday - April 4, 2008!!

CONGRATULATIONS YOU TWO!!

Good Monday Morning

2008-03-31T08:29:00.001-05:00

Still here...........

2008-03-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

Have a great weekend everyone.

When Grandma Goes To Court

2008-03-25T15:12:00.001-05:00

Lawyers should never ask a Mississippi grandma a question if they aren't prepared for the answer.

In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know me?'.

She responded, 'Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher.

Yes, I know you.

The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?'

She again replied, 'Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife.

Yes, I know him.'

The defense attorney nearly died.The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said, 'If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair.'

I'm still alive

2008-03-10T10:03:00.003-05:00

Good morning - thought I would just let you all know I am still here! Enjoying life & staying busy as usual.

Found these 3 little girls on the back bench enjoying each other before services started yesterday!! Thought it was too cute. They were back there just talking with each other & looking at little books - just like big girls.

They are Savannah, Jaqi Thompson & Katelynn Casteel.

2008-02-19T14:56:00.000-06:00

A redneck was stopped by a game warden in Central Mississippi recently with two ice chests full of fish. He was leavin' a cove well-known for its fishing.
The game warden asked the man, 'Do you have a license to catch those fish?''Naw, sir', replied the redneck. 'I ain't got none of them there licenses. You must understand, these here are my pet fish.'
'Pet fish?'
'Yeah. Every night, I take these here fish down to the lake and let 'em swim 'round for awhile. Then, when I whistle, they jump right back into these here ice chests and I take 'em home.'
'That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that.'
The redneck looked at the warden for a moment and then said, 'It's the t ruth Mr. Government Man. I'll show ya. I t really works.'
'O. K.', said the warden. 'I've got to see this!'
The redneck poured the fish into the lake and stood and waited.
After several minutes, the warden says, 'Well?'
'Well, what?', says the redneck.
The warden says, 'When are you going to call them back?'
'Call who back?'
'The FISH', replied the warden!
'What fish?', replied the redneck. ...
Moral of the story: We may not be as smart as some city slickers, but we ain't as dumb as some government employees.
You can say what you want about the South, but you never hear of anyone retiring and moving north. .

The sickies

2008-02-10T15:19:00.000-06:00

No one likes to be sick. But when a baby is sick and can't tell you where they are hurting or how they are feeling, that is the worst. You would rather be sick instead of them anyday. You feel so helpless when children are sick. Thank God for prayer though.

Emma was at the house on Friday and she was sick - bad cold, congested really bad, just overall not feeling good.

Then Thursday night - Kimi got sick so Jonathan asked me if I would watch Savannah for them while they made an ER trip. Savannah felt fine on Friday - happy go lucky all morning. Even went to work with me for a while on Friday morning (thank God for a job that will let you take your child/grandchild with you if needed). We came on home then around 10am, she took about a 20 minute nap. Then started feeling bad. She was running a temp, came up with a bad cough, not sure but I would say body aches, sore throat - they way she acted. She hardly drank anything or ate anything other than a yogurt on Friday. Saturday she ate a bit more but still wasn't feeling up to her usual happy self. During the night last night she ran a very hot fever again. You know, they kind where they almost burn YOU when you touch her. So I prayed that God would help her & then took a 'wet one' and wiped her little face down. The fever broke by the time we woke up but you could still tell she wasn't feeling well. So I stayed home with her this morning. Can't afford to get others sick at church. I know it will spread because the whole household where she lives is sick! :( So that is how I am spending my Sunday - home with a sick baby.

A Riddle For You

2008-01-28T20:31:00.000-06:00

What do you call this?

A HILL-BILLY

My little treasures

2008-01-22T20:02:00.000-06:00

I had Emma & Savannah this past Saturday basically by myself since Florabeth had to work in the AM and mom went off with my brother Harvey to do some shopping. I don't normally have the girls by myself because they are so jealous over each other - if I hold one other cries until I hold her too! Anyways, back to my story.

I gave them both a bath and as I got Emma out of the tub - Savannah started crying because I didn't get her out too! Sorry sweetie - but only have 2 arms! I got them both dressed - diapered one and then the other, tights - check - onesies - check - jumper - check. Anita had given me one that she had for one of her little ones she kept and didn't know that I already had one for Savannah. So it worked out perfect!
They were so cute - they played very well together which is not the norm either for them. Mommy came then around 2 and picked Emma up.
Then we went on down to Hartselle for our annual seafood dinner at Kathryn's. We were pleasantly surprised to see her son, Clifton & family.

And also Floyd & Lois B from Macon surprised David for his birthday and joind us too! We had a great time.

Disclaimer:

Seafood Pictures - compliments of my sister

Thought for today - SMILE

2008-01-04T12:52:00.000-06:00

Welcome 2008

2007-12-31T23:06:00.000-06:00

Enjoying wonderful services this weekend - what a wonderful way to celebrate a new year! Praise God.

God blessings.......

2007-12-26T22:31:00.000-06:00

All the family was able to join us at Kathryn and Davids house in Hartselle for Christmas eve - except poor David. Kathryn had to take him to the ER late Sunday evening due to what was believed to be a gall bladder attack. They admitted him around 4am. We were scheduled to gather and eat around 5 or so - so our brother Harvey went to the hospital to see if they would release David so that he could come home and enjoy in the festivities - needless to say, they wouldn't let him come home. So we ate the turkey in his honor. :)

We had a wonderful time - I do believe everyone enjoyed themselves that were able to be there. As I was watching mom - I was thinking of how she felt being surrounded by all 7 of her children

and her children's children and thier children. I am sure she felt just like I did on Christmas day with 4 of my children, and my 2 son's in law and 3 of my 4 grandchildren, my mom and my sister Anita and her husband. BLESSED.

(Go to Florabeth's site for more pictures - we enjoyed music and singing with my talented family)

God has been good to me another year, praise God. I've not had to sin one time since last Christmas and I got to enjoy Christmas with my mom & six siblings and then my 4 children and thier families - David's mom, Sister Dorothy came and joined us for lunch. Then in the evening my brother (and NEW brother in Christ) Gilbert and family came down and enjoyed a good Scrabble game and other games, good snack foods and just enjoyed a wonderful evening on Christmas night. Again, BLESSED.