It comes in Three's....hey didn't the wise men come in three's??!!

I am sure that by now you have heard the old adage that everything happens in three's...of course it is usually assumed that these are bad things but still, it seems to hold true, or at the very least we find a way to add the "it's" up to three...whatever they may be.

First, I want to add a disclaimer for this post as I have basically had no sleep for the past few nights due to one of those "three's things".  This morning I put dirty dishes in the fridge, dirty clothes in the dishwasher and was about to put the milk into the washing machine so I don't know how much validity I'd put in today's post, but, here are my observations nonetheless.

I know that some of you remember reading my last post about our "car troubles" so that is what I am calling "thing one".  Thing two, would present itself in the way of our bank deciding to get "a new and even better computer software program" which was supposed to ease the banking efforts of both the bank and the customer.  Well let me just say that on last Wednesday it was good that I didn't have a Capitol one representative before me either in person or on the phone because I would surely have been up on assault charges or at the very least broken some big vulgar language laws.  It was a true Rube Goldberg moment...when the ball got rolling it went all the way down the hill.  Thankfully, my wonderful mother-in-law deposited some money into our account to pull us out of the money pit we found ourselves in.  AND the bank had made a error so we were able to get our overdraft funds put back into our account with their deepest apologies.  This was money that we had to use later on a emergency trip to instant care on Sunday night...or...THING THREE.

Hannah my five year old, had begun to complain about having a sore throat on Saturday morning. I gave her some Motrin figuring it was drainage, she felt better and that was the end of it....till Saturday night.  By Sunday morning the pain was extremely bad and she sounded like someone had her around the throat. ( Did I mention that  it was Mark's weekend to work)  Sunday night we decided that Hannah needed to get some relief that could not wait till Monday so she and Mark went to the only instant care place that was still open at 6:00 on Sunday night, in Slidell.....and, of course, the most expensive!!  God was good though, the funds were there between Capitol One's brain fart and Grandma Dee:) And yes, all three girls eventually came down with strep, which was what Hannah had.

What I learned is that God's got your three's (or whatever number you are currently dealing with) and He does take care of us.  He took care of the car problem; he took care of the bank problem; and he took care of the children in the midst of their illness allowing me to be off with them and them to be off of school.  I  realize that I do have so much to be thankful for in my family; my parents; my children; my home; my food; my freedom; and I could go on!

I challenge you to take hold of your three's (the good, the bad and the ugly) because they are all opportunities for us to grow, let go and let God. Have a FANTASTIC THANKSGIVING and much love to you and yours!

Sometimes Life IS a Monty Python Sketch

I think we'd all be lying if we didn't agree that our lives, at times, are a comedy of errors.  As with all comedies, it is always easier to laugh when the joke is not on you. Such were the events of the past few days, although if I had to be honest, I did laugh a little, if for no other reason than to keep from going "wonky". You're thinking, "Quit rambling and get on with it"! So,on with the show!

I had begun to notice a faint squeaking sound coming from under the hood of my SUV about 2 months ago and had assumed it was the belt.  I took it to my dad, who promptly "soaped" it, and the squeaking stopped...for a while.  It soon started back again but with more vigilance and it brought a friend in the form of a grinding/rattling sound. It was a very unsettling sound, kind of like putting a bunch of marbles into the washer on the spin cycle; and, it got louder.  It had become like a small child trying to get attention. Blatant!
I had my dad look at it again and he decided that it was, in fact, the air conditioner compressor going out.  Which it did, soon after.  However, he had surmised that even though the compressor was not working the belt should "free-wheel"; meaning, that it would rattle as it ran through the dead compressor, but it would run.
All seemed well with the vehicle and because it was cooler now, just having the windows down seemed to cool everyone enough.  Mark and I had decided to begin saving money for a new compressor in the Spring and that was supposed to be the end of it. 

On last Friday, I set out for my Dr. appointment in Slidell.  It was a particularly beautiful day to be sure.  It was sunny and cool with a wonderful breeze and I was zipping down the road.  I stopped to get my lab-work done and then went on to the Dr.'s Office.  I had a good visit with the Doctor and then got back into the vehicle and turned the key.  It made this vain attempt to start...kind of like the little engine that could...only IT couldn't.  I soon realized after several subsequent attempts, I had a problem.  I had it narrowed down to two possible culprits, the battery or the alternator. Then, I did what any self respecting girl would do....I called Dad!!  He answered and I explained my dilemma to which he said he was leaving Purvis, MS and would be there ASAP.  I will skip the time frame here so as not to get him into trouble with mom:) but he arrived and I gave him directions to the office.  He pulled up, popped the hood and prepared to jump me off.....unsuccessfully!  He was puzzled by that but more disturbed by the fact that the battery had "juice" when he hooked his meter up to it.  This indicated that the battery was not the problem.  He checked the alternator...also fine.  He then decided that it must be the starter that had gone out, although he had never seen one go out suddenly and without warning.  We asked the office if I could leave it there for a day or two and they said that was fine.  I hopped into the truck with dad; we called a mechanic to go look at it for us and tell us what was wrong; and, we headed home.

The mechanic called us back within two hours and told us that the belt surrounding the compressor had "seized" and that was why it wouldn't start. So much for "free-wheeling".  We would either have to replace the compressor or bypass it with another belt.  After discussing the options($$$$) with Mark, we decided upon bypassing the compressor for now and just get a smaller belt to fit, so we could get it running.  On Saturday, dad and Mark headed back to Slidell to get a belt, fix the problem and get the SUV back here. 

That WAS the plan!  Upon getting down there and taking a good look under the hood, they found that the belt diagram on the front panel under the hood didn't actually match the engine that was in the SUV.  Upon further inspection, of several hours and many attempts, they were unable to get the new belt(s) to fit because the compressor was wedged too close to the pulley and they couldn't squeeze the belt in-between. Failure (or at least surrender) was declared and they had reconciled themselves to going back down on Sunday to tow the SUV back.  It was NOT pretty!

This is where my friend from Canada comes into our little story.  Her name is Danielle and she is pretty good around anything electronic or mechanical and has a background in those areas. I have been keeping in touch with her and told her of our "little problem" to which she explained that she knew those motors well and there WAS a way to bypass the compressor and to give her a little time to find the schematics on line so she could send them to us.  She did!  We got the plans via email and Mark and Dad looked at them.  It was basically getting a smaller pulley to replace a larger one and getting the right sized belt (both of which she had sent part numbers for)  We thanked her profusely and, on Sunday, Mark and dad headed back down again armed with knowledge!  They popped into the parts store, bought the parts, and got them on the SUV.  Within TEN minutes, the engine was humming. They even made it back in time for church!  I called my friend and told her we had succeeded and thanked her for being a total genius...which she is!  This now allows us the time we need to save money for a compressor and get it put on before Summer comes. So it all worked out to a good end.

In the future, however, I'd thank Monty to just throw a coke bottle and be done with it!

How many ways to make Turkey & How am I Thankful let me count the ways...by Hannah O'Neil...with a little help from mom:)

Here are Hannah's latest projects for school.  They were optional, and each was worth 25 bear bucks (these things are better than gold)!!  As you can see, she went "all in" for the maximum 75 bucks!  She is saving her bucks to try for a chance to take home the stuffed monkey named "Marvin" for Thanksgiving break. It's a tight race but she is dedicated and with my help made all three projects. (Which I have the hot glue gun burns on my fingers to prove it!)  But, Monkey or no, she had a blast doing these and we had some bonding time along the way!

All three Projects:

Tissue Box Turkey:

Hannah's Thankful Tree (on which she wrote things she was thankful for):

Hand and Foot Turkey:

I just Thought it was funny: Political Correctness Gone Amuck!

Hannah had to do a thanksgiving project in which she disguised a turkey so that he wouldn't be eaten for Thanksgiving.  Well, I looked on line for ideas and found this one from 2004.  Which as you can plainly see is displayed in a school window.  If you want to see them all you can visit:Turkey Disguises

This IS funny....how can you not laugh!

Well, I thought it was too funny AND you can probably guess where I went from there. In my defense, I did make another "politically correct" turkey to send to school for actual display.  The principal, upon seeing my attempt at political satire, was not amused though.  I just thought it was funny.  Oh well, live and learn:)

Just for fun....I mean it made me laugh!

Hannah dressed as a Roseland Park Roadrunner Cheerleader in front of a photo of the school.

Why Vote...

Our Halloween 2010

Customize a digital slideshow

Halloween costumes

Although I usually make a smilebox for Halloween, I thought I would post some pics of the girls in their Halloween costumes as well. Enjoy!

Kayci is a Fairy Angel Princess. The dress is recycled from  Zoe's lyrical costume from her year of dance.  I added the wings, wand and halo.  

Hannah is a black cat (of course).  We added a purple skirt (her favorite color) because I needed something to attach the tail to...worked like a charm!

Zoe's costume was the most challenging (for me). She is a Datamation.  I bought tights and a body suit and hot glued black felt cut out spots.  Bought Dalmatian ears, tail and bow-tie which I attached to the ear:)   It turned out really well and she was thrilled as you can see!

HAPPY HOWL-OWEEN

Zoe's Burmese Python Project

Well, as promised, here is her Snake Project. It is an Albino Burmese Python...cuz those are the "coolest".  She had great fun making this one too!  We used dough, shaped and cooked it, and then painted it.
TADA

Hindsight

Now that its all behind me, I can discuss it!  Last week was probably one of the most frightening weeks of my life as far as my health was concerned.  I had been feeling tired, irritated, and just generally bad for several weeks but didn't know why.  Last week I had begun feeling very bad and so I automatically checked my blood sugar-being type 2 diabetic-I thought that was the culprit! Digress: About 8 months ago, I was able to discontinue my diabetic medication because the diet and weight-loss was keeping my blood sugar in line.  However, I had to begin taking Crestor for my cholesterol and one of the side effects was higher blood sugar so you can see how I jumped to that conclusion.  However,upon checking it, it was fine--as usual.

It was Mark that suggested that I check my blood pressure and I am so glad that I did. Over the period of last week my top numbers ranged from 140-170 and the bottom numbers were from 90-110. It was high blood pressure that was making me feel so bad and I began to be frightened that I may have a heart attack or stroke.  Well by Friday night it felt like I had a dead elephant on my chest and that night my arms, face and ears began to get tingly and numb and I had a terrible pain in my head and neck.  Saturday morning I went to the instant care because I was sure that these were symptoms of a  heart attack.  She took my pressure and it was 150/90 so she prescribed me a fluid pill immediately.  Upon listening to me explain my symptoms and examining me she felt that I had not had a heart attack but wanted me to follow up with my PCP on Monday.  The fluid pill began helping my blood pressure as the top number began to come on down but the bottom number was still hovering in the 90s--but not spiking into the 100s.  I still felt really bad through the weekend though. 

Monday arrived and I went to the PCP.  I told her my history and what I and done the past week/weekend and she listened.  She then ordered a ECG and heart ultrasound.  The ECG she performed in the office and it came out NORMAL!  I then went to the hospital to get the ultrasound done.  I do have to say that it was very humbling to see one's heart in action. She prescribed a blood pressure medication and I have already began to see the results.  My top number has dropped into the 20s and my bottom number is in the 70s and low 80s even after a normal activity is done. I do have an extra beat from time to time but it is normal in many people and NOT life threatening - just annoying as you get that head rush with it sometimes.

I got a call yesterday from the Dr. and she said that my heart ultrasound-ECG was NORMAL.  I have no blockages, no thinning, no abnormal heart problems of any kind. My heart is very healthy....this made my heart super happy believe me.  Both Mark and I thought that I was blocked up for sure!  It was wonderful to know that my heart was not the root of the problem.  She said that I have anxiety induced hypertension and that lots of people have it and it is treatable with medication. I will continue to improve with time and treatment and I see her in two weeks for a follow-up.

So that was my week and I am SO glad that it's over!

482ef0ce-f292-4351-bd92-d282fac4f178

1.03.01

Zoe's latest project

I knew that when I asked for my friend, Candace, to be Zoe's teacher that her school year would be filled with projects of one sort or another.  In fact, if you look back on an earlier post, you will see the project she completed on 'Horses'.

Her most recent project was to research an endangered animal, write a paragraph about it and make some sort of  3-D representation of that animal.  She chose the Hyacinth Macaw.  Below is her 3-D model.  We chose to make an eatable representation (yes, total irony for an endangered animal) but it came out very well I think.  Please excuse the toothpicks in the picture. I had forgotten to take the photo prior to getting it ready for shipment to school.

Be on the lookout for her next project coming soon: SNAKES!

What a 'crock'

Got your attention, good, but it's not what you think.  Nor is today's blog going to be any profound statement of thought or family, but, of food.  Specifically crock pot food.  I do love to use my crock pot to cook a few staple dishes like roast or chili but as a whole I don't use it that often, or didn't up to now that is!  Can I just say that I love the networking abilities of facebook. This little gem of a website I got from Tammy Rigney after she posted a chicken dish she had been inspired to try.  Well, after looking the site over, I think that my crock pot will be getting more use as the recipes sound just delightful and fun especially in the fall and winter months. Yes, I see many crock pot moments to come:) The Crock Pot Blog here I come!

Horsing Around and Silly Socks

Being in second grade, Zoe is now having to do some research and projects (with my help) and her first was to research a farm animal (she chose horse) and to make a poster about her animal with photos and decoration of some sort. She glittered her horses and made the one in front 3D. Other 3D effects were the fence, tree and clouds (all made from cotton balls and pretzel sticks) She had quite a good time making it and was very proud of the finished product!

Hannah had silly socks day today and chose to wear a pair of cute little sweater slippers with dogs on them.  She was also very pleased!

The night the lights went out in Picayune...DURING THE SAINTS GAME!!

As promised, I am going to attempt a blog once a week or as the spirit moves me so to speak...oh look at me I'm Dr. Seuss. 

Anyway, I have to say that I have appeared to have been pulled into the aura that is the Saints.  I know, I am not a joiner, but I have come to just love this team!  Well, as any 'Sainted' follower knows, we had a game last night. While Mark headed over to 'The Link' to watch with all the men on the big screens; I was at home getting everything cleaned up and the girls settled so that I could watch myself.  Of course,  it did take a little longer than I expected to get everything 'ready' so the game had begun; but, I was still able to listen.  I had finished up by the time the score was 9-7(Saints) and was settling in to watch till the half at which time I could go take a quick shower and be back for the 2nd half.  Well, that was the plan.  Unfortunately, a random squirrel had decided to take a nightly run on the power-line and before we all knew it, we were in the dark!  I saw the lights flash for a brief second and then heard the oh to familiar sound of the transformer BOOM.  This was followed by the sound of banshee screams and panicked doorknobs and in ran my girls.  Poor Zoe was three at the time of Katrina and for about a year after every time we lost power she'd exclaim, "Momma, Daddy, it's another hurricane!"  Thankfully I had lit some candles earlier to relax the atmosphere after the long day so I was, at least, a little prepared for the darkness. A "flashlight for each child" hunt began and soon we all had lights. Shortly after, I began reading stories to the girls while we waited for the lights to return.

In the darkness, I did make a few observations though.  It's funny what you notice when you are deprived of power.  Of course, I do remember Katrina, but that was a true state of panic where this was a minor inconvenience so my senses were focused in a different way.  I first noticed how quiet it was, amid the chatter and sniffles, there was a different state of quiet.  Power has sound within itself, not to mention the noise of a TV, music or computer.  With power gone the only sounds were human noises and noises of the night, and that, to me, feels strange.  I have become comfortable with the 'hum" of energy, just barely out of our senses but it's there.  Another thing that I noticed right away was the darkness.  When you loose power it's not just your house but all the houses around you as well as street lights so you don't just have darkness, it's like 'advanced' darkness.  It truly wraps around you like a heavy blanket, not smothering, just covering. My children,also, seem very uncomfortable with this level of darkness. I talked with them about it being dark when they sleep but Zoe said, "We know the lights are there if we need them and now we can't use them because they are not there".  It's always interesting to get a child's point of view because they usually have such clarity of thought, or I think they do.

When Mark came in shortly after, he was not surprised by the power outage because he could clearly see that the whole street was out.  Once he arrived home, the power truck, that had been working on the problem, got the lights on to which Hannah declared, " Daddy fixed the lights!"  Though we had lost power for about an hour, all was soon back to normal and I did get to see the end of the game.

However, one thing that stuck with me through our hour of no power was how important light truly is.  Whether it is the light of a candle, a flashlight or a life we should never take it for granted and be ever thankful for its continued presence!

Blessings on this bright  and sunny day!

Fall 'Friskies'

When I opened the door this morning and the cool air hit me in the face, I thought  of cats.  Specifically, my cats that I used to have throughout my childhood and into my single days as an adult.  I remember how the first cool snap of the season would send them into fits of frisky and then it would begin.  Darting and dashing throughout the house with reckless abandon until, of course, they would run into something knocking it over or even breaking it.  At which, I would begin my chastising of their careless behavior.  Isn't it funny what a particular sensation will call to our remembrance?

I have found that the same happens with children.  That first change in temperature and they are set ablaze with renewed energy, as if mine even needed more than they have!  I have to say that fall is my favorite time of year. Though it's true that fall is like twilight in a way; nature, readying herself for slumber.  For me, fall seems to bring a renewing of the spirit. Old things passing away and the early beginnings of something new on the horizon.  To me, fall is all about one's senses.  The roar of the yellow school buses down the road; crunching leaves under our feet; smell of cinnamon and pumpkin spices; laughter of happy children playing; rustling of leaves blowing in the breeze; taste of hot teas, ciders, pies and soups.....etc.  It's a season as rich as the colors we use to celebrate it and I, for one, am happy to see it's arrival!

A Birthday Timeline

With all the birthdays that have happened of late, I began thanking about what I like to call, the timeline of a birthday.  It begins when you are a child and can understand what the word 'birthday' means to you.  Not so much the gaining of another year, but the celebration of cake, presents and friends.  This continues to build, in story-like style, until it reaches a climax...usually with the gift of something big (like a car or huge blowout party--vacation style).  Let me say that I HAVE had some parties in my time but never to this degree--for which I elaborately mourned over at the time...however, in retrospect, am extremely grateful for what I did have. Perhaps age is a great teacher...or perhaps our perspective changes as we age...or perhaps it's both.

However, I found that with the passage of a 'milestone birthday' my birthday perspective began to radically change.  I found that not only was my list of desires becoming  more practical in nature, my birthday was beginning to mark some physical changes as well.  Changes that I might add were not particularly what I would call desirable in nature.  Of course getting married and having children could factor into some of this; but, I could not deny that birthday's were an irreversible part of this whole process.  Like a book's decline into resolution and ending, I had found that I too, had finally reached that climax, and passed it (although just barely;) as to anyone you ask I am still 29 and holding) 

It was with the approach of my father's birthday, which is today Happy Birthday Dad!, that a chord was struck within me as to my current view of the 'birthday timeline'.  As I observe birthdays of all ages I began to see that within each, a story was being written, like a painting across the Sistine Chapel, our own life is being poured out in vibrant and sometimes violent color and brush strokes. Each day, each hour, woven into a tapestry along with the other lives we touch.  It occurs to me that perhaps it is the process, more than the destination, or in my case the desperate cling to that 'magic year'. The one which it appeared to me that all was perfect; or, that like in the days of Columbus, any forward movement would sail me right off the end of the world.  When I look at my dad, or anyone who is older than me, I see life poured out for something and in pursuit of something, not a vain or empty effort.  I see lessons learned, experiences made, and relationships formed.  I see a road of possibility and promise.  I see that there is life to those years not just years in that life!  Perhaps that is the greatest gift of all, God's gift to us, living and experiencing.  Not that our destination is not of utmost importance as well; but, that He wanted all those little experiences for us along the way. 

So, I guess all these birthdays around me have taught me something.  Don't get me wrong, as I am still 29 and holding.  But perhaps I won't hold as tightly as I don't want to miss a minute of this beautiful, wonderful gift given to each one of us....LIFE and living it every day! 

Happy Birthday Dad, thanks for sharing your life with me. I love you!

DBB0097D-D93B-0BAE-4B6D-FF2F2B66439E

1.03.01

Lest we forget

9/11 quotes and sayings are something many want to remember today. Remembering the 9/11 terrorist attacks is very important for every American. This year, 9/11 is met with even more tension between the US and the Muslim society. Even the Muslim community within the US has been met with anger and animosity mostly due to the 9/11 mosque 300 yards from the WTC Ground Zero which is something that is unacceptable to many Americans. Although legal, the appropriateness of placing a Muslim place of worship so close to the site where many Americans lost their lives, I feel, is controversial at the very least. Neither can I condone burning the Koran as a Florida pastor discussed doing today.

I am not sure if I will ever be able to wrap my mind around the grave injustice of that day but I am sure that it will not lie in a burning book or strategically placed building. What I did want to do today was post some quotes from that day and the days shortly after that reflect the thoughts, feelings and emotions shared by all Americans from this tragedy.

“Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended.” “We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail,” George W. Bush


"Are you guys ready? Let's roll!" -- Flight 93 passenger Todd Beamer, apparently as a signal to other passengers to attack the hijackers, Sept. 11.


"This mass terrorism is the new evil in our world today. It is perpetrated by fanatics who are utterly indifferent to the sanctity of human life, and we the democracies of this world are going to have to come together and fight it together." -- British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Sept. 11.


"Commending the victims to almighty God's mercy, I implore his strength upon all involved in rescue efforts and in caring for the survivors." -- Pope John Paul II, Sept. 11.


"We completely condemn this very dangerous attack, and I convey my condolences to the American people, to the American president and to the American administration, not only in my name but on behalf of the Palestinian people." -- Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Sept. 11.


"We will find those who did it. We will smoke them out of their holes. We'll get them running, and we'll bring them to justice." -- Bush, Sept. 15.


"Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists. From this day forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded ... as a hostile regime." -- Bush, Sept. 20.


"I may never be normal again. But this is my life now. I have to live it." -- Manu Dhingra, 27, a securities broker who suffered burns over a third of his body but was released from the hospital Oct. 2.
May we truly never forget! I'd like to close my post with this:

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to publish good tidings to the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified." Isaiah 61: 1-3

Lagniappe

Wow! It has been a long long time since I have actually posted anything. I had been very loyal with blogging and posting my thoughts and happenings.....then...along came facebook! It was more streamlined, faster, and met my needs more accurately with my busy lifestyle- BUT- I still want to continue writing because I feel that it is a good outlet for today's society in general. We have gotten so lazy about the way in which we express ourselves....vocabulary's shrinking, written self expression's shrinking, mind's shrinking.....well let's just say I would love to have better words with which to express myself...
ANYWAY, I have decided that even if I can only post once a week I will do, at least, that if for nothing else than to have a stimulating conversation with myself;) I did post earlier this week a smilebox of Zoe's water-slide birthday, without actual photos of the water-slide, which I had apparently forgotten to ask Mark to do for me while I was being "party mama"! Luckily, my friend had gotten some with her camera so I will be able to add them later.

Changing subjects, Hannah has Ms. Moore for kindergarten just as Zoe did and she is enjoying some of the same fun projects--which will be a challenge for me not repeating the same style projects that I did with Zoe--glad I took photos to help remind me!

Her first project was one in which they had to make some form of transportation and this is what we came up with.

Front of project: Her basket says: Hannah's Hot Air Balloon Rides, Come Take Flight Adults $10.00 Children $5:00



Back of project:



Kayci got a big 'kick' out of it and laughed hysterically when she saw it! Yes, you CAN see her tonsils!

DBB0097D-D93B-0BAE-4B6D-FF2F2B66439E

1.03.01

Zoe's 8th Birthday

Slideshow personalized with Smilebox

DBB0097D-D93B-0BAE-4B6D-FF2F2B66439E

1.03.01

Hannah's 5th Birthday at OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hannah's Graduation at OneTrueMedia.com

My little Hannah-bear a preschool Grad!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Hannah's water day at school 2010

Free digital scrapbooking design personalized with Smilebox

Our Zoo trip 2010

Customize your own free scrapbooking design

Our Easter 2010...so fun having three girls!

Free scrapbook personalized with Smilebox

Hannah's Easter Party and Egg Hunt 2010

Slideshow design generated with Smilebox

Hannah's Wee School trip to Global Wildlife Center

This free photo slideshow customized with Smilebox

Kayci's Birthday Smilebox

Digital scrapbook customized with Smilebox

Happy Birthday Kayci

Well it is hard to believe that my little Kayci is three years old today! Seems like yesterday that I was single, looking into what the future held for me, so many blessings to count these past nine years...so many indeed!
Kayci has certainly developed in personality and character these last three years and it is so funny to see how the three girls now interact as sisters. All so different, yet bonded together in family. Kayci has taken an interest in Veggietales, to say the least! So, I am attempting to make a veggietales cake (Larry and Bob anyway) and will post a birthday smilebox so everyone can enjoy it! We are having a family dinner.....trying to hold off those birthday parties as long as possible...with three girls....we may have to mortgage the house again...LOL

Anyway, I just wanted to tell my little Kakadoodles how much I love her and HAPPY, HAPPY birthday to you my littlest charmed one!

If you never read anything else please take the time to read this!

YES....It's in there!
This is from an actual Judge from Texas who has reviewed the bill.

From the desk of theHonorable Judge David Kithil

"I have reviewed and am opposed to HB 3200 for a number of reasons. Please feel free to check these pages for yourself as I assure you they are in there.

** Page 50/section 152: The bill will provide insurance
to all non-U.S. residents, even if they are here illegally.

** Page 58 and 59: The government will have
real-time access to an individual's bank account and will have the authority to make electronic fund transfers from those accounts. (Yes folks they will have legal access to your accounts)

** Page 65/section 164: The plan will be subsidized (by
the government) for all union members, union retirees and for community organizations (such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now - ACORN).

** Page 203/line 14-15: The tax imposed under this
section will not be treated as a tax. (How could anybody in their right mind come up with that?)

** Page 241 and 253: Doctors will all be paid the same
regardless of specialty, and the government will set all doctors' fees.

** Page 272. section 1145: Cancer hospital will ration
care according to the patient's age.

** Page 317 and 321: The government will impose a
prohibition on hospital expansion; however, communities may petition for an exception.

** Page 425, line 4-12: The government mandates
advance-care planning consultations. Those on Social Security will be required to attend an "end-of-life planning" seminar every five years. (Death counseling.)

** Page 429, line 13-25: The government will specify
which doctors can write an end-of-life order.


"Finally, it is specifically stated that this bill will not
apply to members of Congress. Members of Congress are already exempt from the Social Security system, and have a well-funded private plan that covers their retirement needs. If they were on our Social Security plan, I believe they would find a very quick 'fix' to make the plan financially sound for their future."

Honorable David Kithil
Marble Falls , Texas

HAD ENOUGH YET........CALL YOUR CONGRESSMEN!

Happy Anniversary

Nine years ago today I married my soul mate! I have been on an incredible journey since then! We moved into a fantastic house with a pool (a childhood dream of mine) I have had three wonderful children in which to experience a second childhood with! I am married to the most extraordinary man and God created him just for me! I am an successful entrepreneur (another dream of mine) of an at-home daycare/preschool. I have a wonderful family and extended family! I have fantastic in-laws that are wonderful grandparents to my children! But, most of all, I have Gods love which fills my life to overflowing and all the blessings that he provides. Things have not always been smooth (living rarely is) BUT the sustainer has always been diligent in taking care of me through his grace!

I am in awe at all he has blessed me with, though undeserving, He has given me a new song each morning and a beautiful family to share it with! My heart is full!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV)

Happy Birthday Paige

Well Monday was my sister's birthday and we celebrated Sunday with her at Mom and Dad's house. I can't believe that she is an adult....makes me feel old, being the oldest I can say that though:)

Anyway, she will be leaving Wednesday for Austin to work until August or until she hears which law school she was accepted into. I am so very proud of her and all her accomplishments and I know that she has great and wonderful things planned by God for her in the future!

Love ya Sis!

These are the flowers I placed in the church sanctuary in honor of her birthday and my parents anniversary but she has claimed them for her own (hehe)


These are pics of the girls and Paige