The 3's About Me!

This is something that my daughter sent me. I thought you might enjoy reading myanswers whether you comment or not. So without out further ado ... here are the 3's About Me!

Three Names I go by: 1. Momma - Rooster and the kids ... LOL!! 2. Jessica - my friends and some of my family and a few co-workers, 3. Jae - family that has known me since I was yeah high to a grasshopper's knee.

Three Jobs I have had in my life: 1. Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Scienc and Engineering - UTPB, 2. Special Assignment - QHSE Schlumberger, 3. Housewife.

Places I have lived 1. Odessa, Texas 2. Midland, Texas, and 3. Missouri City, Texas.

Three TV Shows that I watch: 1. NCIS, 2. House, and 3. Monk.

Three places I have been: 1. Mexico, 2. Arkansas, and 3. Memphis, Tennessee.

People that e-mail me regularly: 1. Teri, the Wild Woman, 2. Sarah, and 3. My Rooster-love.

Three of my favorite foods: 1. Rooster's grilled sausage, steaks, and chicken, 2. Charley's Bar-b-que chicken, and 3. My green chili chicken enchiladas!

Things I am looking forward to: 1. Christmas with family, 2. a trip to Wyoming, and 3. a trip to San Antonio with the kids to the ZOO!! (And a trip to San Diego to the ZOO!!!) We love zoos!!!

Nathan's Been Elfed!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

See what a bachelor's degree will do to you!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Making Homeschooling Easier ...

I have to admit there are all cool kinds of curriculum out there to be used ... and with nine very different children passing through the "halls" of this here school ... well, the one thing that I have found that consistently pleases my children are the great FREEBIES & collections that Homeschool Radio Show delights it's listeners with.

My homeschoolers range from the five year old just learning to read up to the thirty year old that has become a voracious reader now that he is grown. But the one in the middle is the one that can't wait to get his hands on the next installment from which ever collection I allow him to listen to - and yes ... I have had to take the cd's away and hide them. Otherwise he will sit and listen to them all - one right after another.

Today, I have the subscriber "extra" freebie ready and waiting just for his sweet ears to devour ... here ... take a look at the "ad" for this freebie. Ah, but I won't be a bad momma and give you the link so don't even ask! You are going to have to register for their letter at Homeschool Freebie of the Day. Okay here is this weeks freebie extra ...

The Tale of the Pine Tree Shilling Storybook & Audio Dramatization

For years, the American colonies had no regular monetary system. They used and depended on money from other lands -- from Spanish doubloons to Dutch guilders to Portuguese joannes -- foreign currencies circulated side by side with English coins in the colonies, whose merchants were eager to trade with all comers. Many times, the ebb and flow of these currencies in the new world created a chaotic economy. It was illegal for the colonies to mint their own money, for that would be a major step toward independence. Would anyone step forward and try to create our OWN money? In this delightful ebooklet and audio dramatization, read the fascinating true story of the very first coin ever minted in the American Colonies, as written by early American novelist and historian Nathaniel Hawthorne, and then listen in to a great dramatization of the story of the Pine Tree Shilling along with other Colonial stories in a great 1936 episode of Cavalcade of America! You and your kids will find this a fascinating story from our Colonial history. PDF storybook & 30 minute mp3 audio.

And here is the link to this weeks regular freebies that everyone can download. http://www.homeschoolfreebieoftheday.com/

In light of the last week's hurricane Ike - I'm sure some Texas / Louisiana homeschoolers would have loved to have this first freebie!

Monday, Sept 22: Emergency Prep for YOUR Family

Print this out. Read it. Make a plan with your family.
Keep this handy "just in case".

Tuesday, Sept 23: What to Do When Your Daughter Hates Being
in the Kitchen

Excellent little ebook on motivating your young folk to do their share
of the household work, and understand the reasons they are doing it.
Gets at the attitudes & heart of the problem. Good stuff!

Wednesday, Sept 24: Sew Modest Tips

A collection of very helpful sewing and modest dressmaking tips
and ideas from the Ringger family.

Thursday, Sept 25: The Morals of Chess by Benjamin Franklin (MP3)

Great audio recitation of Franklin's classic essay on how the game of
chess teaches real-world lessons and develops strong character.
You'll definitely be wanting to teach your kids to play chess after
listening to this. Extra: Great beginners' Chess rules guide included!

Friday, Sept 26: Treasure Island: A Paratey Literature Seminar For Kids

Wonderful 12 lesson unit study based on the famous Robert Louis
Stevenson book, by Lydia Netzer. Perfect for kids who love
pirates, adventure and fun!


Oh and if you have a problem "remembering" to download your daily freebie like I do ... then I suggest creating a "task" in Microsoft Outlook like I do. Every morning at 5:30 my little reminder pops up, bells ring, and tada ... I am reminded to go download my cool freebie. IF you don't have Microsoft Outlook, then you could make a folder in your email program and just keep this weeks reminder in that folder marked as unread!

Now, go sign up for this newsletter where next week you can get a cool extra freebie TOO!!

Studying ...

~ Wednesday in a Word ~

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY September 15, 2008
Outside My Window...

I hear the laughter of my children as they go out to feed their animals and to check on the new litter of puppies.

I am thinking...

of all the blessings God had given me.

I am thankful for...

the mind that God has given me - that allows me to reason, think, learn and grow.

From the kitchen...

I hear my daughters radio softly playing my favorite Bluegrass album.

I am wearing...

my favorite soft cuddly sweater, a tank, and some palazzo pants that look more like a skirt than pants.

I am creating...

a sweater for my daughter, and a sweater for myself.

I am going...

to finish my bloggie dues and then I am going to crochet until after lunch - NO SCHOOL TODAY!

I am reading...

Created to be His Helpmeet

I am hoping...

that this nice cool weather is here to stay for a few days.

I am hearing...

Tiggers bell tinkle as she jumps up to the window to tease Harley again!

Around the house...

I smell the wonderful smells of clean sheets, Clorox green cleaner, and cranberry candles.

One of my favorite things...

a hot mug of coffee to snuggle up with on a cold morning!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

finishing the chapter in Astronomy, completing one more of my classes sans project, and working on my sweater and Miss Smiley's sweater.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

He believes I am a traitor for allowing a cat to sit in my lap.

If he only knew ... He is so very dear to my heart! I have entrusted my morning talks to his soft silky ears - fears that are never shared in gossip, worries that never bother another soul, my deepest thoughts only shared with God ... he hears and never judges me.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today...

Outside my Window...it is raining, just a light refreshing rain.

I am thinking...I really need to change the radio station.

From the learning rooms...Astronomy, New World Explorers and Famous Artists.

I am thankful for...the rain this morning, being home, and Sarah, she has blessed my heart today.

From the kitchen...sausage, a mixture of lentils, and cornbread.

I am wearing...long navy leggings, a lime green Tinker Bell t-shirt, and a soft cuddly sweater

I am reading...Raising Maidens of Virtue, and Created to be his Helpmeet.

I am hoping...more rain, we need it and to hear good news on my class.

I am creating...a long winter sweater/coat for myself.

I am hearing...my favorite song on my mp3 player ... Joe Nichols' I'll Wait for You.

Around the house...we desperately need to mow AGAIN!

One of my favorite things...is a warm hug from my toussled haired baby girl.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...get ahead in school, rest, and exercise more.

Here is a picture I am sharing with you...

You have WHAT, living WHERE?????

Today, I think … we have finally come to a complete understanding.

The cat is in control.
















I never in all my life thought I would say these things.

I now have conversations with cat. (Yes, I still talk to Harley-he is still #1 dog in the world!)
I allow cat to sleep on my pillow. (No, Harley never slept on my pillow – he sleeps on Roo’s.)
I actually have come to realize … I like cat. And yes this beautiful green/grey eyed Tabby does have a name.
















Her name is Tigger – no not original, but I have a chocolate eyed girl that thinks Tigger is tops, whether it is Tigger and Pooh or Tigger and Smiley! I call her Tiggity-Tig Cat … and she comes to me … she follows me … she seeks me out. I have a theory on this … it is because I am allergic to cats. LOL, oh, yeah did I mention I have purchased stock in OTC Zyrtec®. My little green capped bottle and I are BEST friends.


















Of course the most hilarious part about Tiggity-Tig is her 5:30 am playtime with Rooster. While my precious one is in the bathroom doing his morning routine, he has Tig either playing with her toys under his feet, pouncing off laundry baskets at him as he moves back and forth, jumping out from behind the door, watching him shower and shave, and last but not least jumping off of the cabinet shelves at him!! Well, I don’t know … her jumping out from under the bed as he walks by is pretty funny too!!

Oh, What a Feeling ...

Assignment: Take time this week to write about YOU and your feelings of trials and triumphs with homeschooling. Touch on when you first heard about the concept of home schooling and whether you tip-toed into the idea or just jumped in and never looked back. Share your schooling as a child and how you compare it to what your goals are for your children.



Why is the first assignment always the hardest - especially when you have to write about yourself?!?!? Ah, I know I can make this easier ... just one bite at a time ... you know like eating elephant! LOL

((chewing sounds))

Homeschooling … WOW … once I heard about it (fourteen years ago) I just literally jumped in with both feet. My precious Rooster introduced me to homeschooling - both he and his sister homeschooled before we started dating. **My MOST PRECIOUS Sister Sue that has homeschooled all of her children to some degree ... some she took out of school and homeschooled, some were always homeschooled, and one started homeschool but ended up graduating from a small town school where he played football. I am as proud of my nieces and nephews as I am my own children. I can only hope to raise my children to be as intelligent AND to walk with Christ as they do ... beautiful, beautiful people! ** The only time I have ever looked back is to see how far down the rabbit trails we have traveled. Hmm, makes you wonder from reading this first paragraph who it actually is that gets off of the rabbit trails ... ((GIGGLING))

I look back now ... we started in 1995 homeschooling my daughter and my step-daughter joined our homeschool in 1997 (my step-son who was also homeschooled had already left home to start a family) with boxed curriculum. Then sometime that year, I found unit studies. Rooster and I sat down one weekend, picked a topic and we designed a whole unit around Charlotte's Web - language arts, math, science, history, ... it was all there ... LOL, he calls our units "Prego Units" ... "it's in there!" I don't even know if that is their tag-line anymore, or if it's Ragu's ... LOL, I don't know if they are even in existence anymore - not only has my homeschooling changed from boxed but so has my cooking ... I make food fresh now ... very little mixes or packaged foods! **RABBIT TRAILS**

How do you judge triumphs? Are they the "grades" that your child makes? Are they the fact that when you child is mixed company, they carry on intellectual conversations about their studies? I believe our homeschool triumphs come in many different sparkles I see everyday when I look into the eyes of my children as I talk with them. When I cracked open Amy Pak's New World Explorer CD case, I saw the pure delight in my eight year old Wolf-boy's eyes. He had been watching the mail for days to be the first of my five "mail carriers" to snag the history goodie! Each day when we open our Exploring God's Creation with Astronomy book by Jeannie Fulbright, Miss Smiley (10) and Miss Boo-Bop (5) clap their hands with glee and delight. Bubba-bear looks on with pride as he leaps further and further into his math ... he may struggle with diagramming a sentence, but the maturity and pride I saw creep across his face as he helped ME understand my college algebra problem ... well ... that just said it all for me. Lately, my greatest triumph though was to find for my lost boy ... Sir Hiss-alot his niche if you will, in the academic world. Sir Hiss-alot has fallen in love with MATH! My lost boy, which most of you know is our adopted son - came to us with a myrad of issues - however the failure to thrive due to starvation and attachment disorder (and no he was not adopted from a third world country - he was a relation's child - rolling eyes, spitting, and growling) are the greatest obstacles that we have to get around at this time.

The trials however, fall in line with the triumphs ... it is a trial when a child comes to me and says XYZ is not working for me - but it still works for the other five children. Figuring out a way to make XYZ work for all of my children is definitely my trial. Balancing my class work, work, and home educating my children is another trial. My genius boys just suggested that I get up earlier - how much earlier than 4:30 am can a person actually get up and still be a viable human until 9 pm that night???? Hehehehe ... they are my boys ... I swear I love them ... but "Ethel, there are days ... STRAIGHT TO THE MOON"!

Now I know some started school this week, but we being very traditional homeschoolers (and by traditional I mean we have to do everything different from the system) start our school year in January. We took a longer than usual break this year, as my Rooster and dearest Sister Sue lost their mom. We took some time off to visit Sister Sue, and help her clean out some storage. We also took some time off to be with Rooster-love while he adjusted to his new job and our new schedule (EVERY WEEKEND OFF - no more seven/three/seven/four insanity - no more 6 am to 6 pm that turns into 4:30 am to 9:30 pm - no more nights and VACATION ... we actually get VACATION now!!!!) and we had a couple of mini-vacations mixed in there. So, we "kinda" put some things off until now and are just starting a new study in science and history.See my happy homeschoolers ... this was our "first" day of Exploring God's Creation with Astronomy. We have been "lap-n-notebooking" this year. I have seen such a tremendous difference in how my precious ones learn. Better yet, I see the joy my children have in learning ... now isn't that the ultimate homeschooling "feeling"!

2 Corinthians 7:4

Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

Just as Paul turned to God for comfort during the tribulations of Corinth, I have found great comfort turning to God during our trials of homeschooling. And as Paul found comfort and joy from the Corinthians in his time of need ... I have always found comfort and joy being a part of the homeschooling community - whether it was a time a needed a suggestion for curriculum, or if I needed help on teaching a child! This is only one of many verses that has become my favorite while homeschooling.

Happy Birthday ... to Miss Smiley

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday Miss Smiley,

Happy birthday to YOU!

It is hard to believe that this was you (Christmas 1998) just ten very short years ago. Where did all the time go Miss Smiley ...

Your Nini Angel was so very proud of you. My little chunky girl ... just weighing in at 9 lbs 8 oz. ... you made your big strappin' brothers looks rather small and helpless.

We brought you home from the hospital ... less than a day after you were born. I was so tired from labor, but I just wanted to get you home and get into my bed ... where I could cuddle you up and SLEEP while your Poppa Rooster watched over us.

Of course I should have known that the love affair was sealed between you and Nini Angel when she fed you mashed potatos and gravy your first Thanksgiving (shaking head). Your Poppa Rooster threatened her with driving you back to town where she could soothe your little gassy tummy ... unfortunately for her, see she would have loved to soothe you ... you nursed and slept through the night. ((Rolling-eyes)) So, at just three months old ... you started eating homemade babyfood.

And here you are now ...

So beautiful ...

Laughing and smiling ...

Enjoying your moment in the sun ...

You have become such a helpful, caring, young lady. Giving your best, caring for our family ... you have embraced the biblical sense of the world service, and actually enjoying blessing your family.

This is a picture of my little guy at a walking park here in town, this used to be a buffalo wallow back in the day ...

Finals Are Over and Rats Run to Play!!!

FINALLY - finals are OVER for the semester. This semester has really STUNK!!

And NOW it is time to PLAY!!!

We have had so much go on, that it was REALLY hard to focus on the semester. With Rooster's mom passing, Rooster changing jobs, and Rooster traveling back and forth from here to Oklahoma, to Sugarland, to Denver - and back around again, well it was really hard to focus and get everything done. AT LEAST I made a "B" in Algebra!!! WOOHOOO I AM DONE WITH MATH!!!


Shhhh don't tell me little homeschoolers that though ... they think they are supposed to LOVE all subjects!!!

Well, anyway ... since we had NO ELECTRICTY - TXU blew a fuse - GRRRRR TXU!!! I went to Starbucks to take another final, while Rooster and our munchkins went to the park to play.







Missy Smiley sitting upon a tenacle of a purple desert octopus.
















Mr. Hiss sitting upon another tenacle ...








The little "Lamb-a-kins" on her tenacle ...









And here is are my little indians perched up a "cactus" looking out over the "prairie" at Prairie Dog Pete's park. The clouds may look ominous, but it really was a BEAUTIFUL day ... it was cool but not too cool to run around in shorts and capri's!

Well, I made a "B" on that final, but honestly WHOOOO CARES!!! It's Economics and well, to be honest

WHO IN THE America UNDERSTANDS ECONOMICS ANYWAY!!!!!

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies Everywhere

Puppies, puppies, puppies ...

sweet little black and white puppies ...

puppy kisses on your nose, puppies chewing on toes ...

puppies, puppies, puppies as far as my eye can see ...

Introducing Callie's Girls ...

This little sweetheart is the Sarah-special. She is already chasing big daddy - Harley - from one end of the yard to the other. And when he sleeps in the house, she sleeps with him! I lovingly call her "Missy" or "little Miss". She has longer fluffy hair, like Harley, but is patterned like her mother Callie.

oh, Sarah sayd she is Peek-a-boo-baby-boo! today!

I have a sneaking suspicion that she is going to turn out to be just like her mother and her father - full bodied and VERY strong. But with the great personality that the both have also.

This little doll hangs around with Savannah. We nicknamed her "Rosebud", there is just something very quiet and gentle about her. She is out of Callie's litter and she is short haired like her mother. However, she is more "slight" in build than Callie or Harley. She loves to be held and loved on, but she also loves to be down running around chasing after her litter mates. As you can see, she has some very interesting patterns - white toes on the right foot and a solid white leg on the left side, not to mention the white tip-tip of her tail!!!

This little angel is one of my blue-eyed treats ... the right eye - on the white side of her face - is very pale blue. She is showing promise of being a great replacement for one of our other dogs. She is very good tempered.

And finally, we have the one the one I call Pandy - because the white streak down her face reminds me of a panda bears face! She has GREEN/hazel eyes!! That are absolutely GORGEOUS. She is very sweet and gentle!

It would be a tough call for me to say which one my dear, dear Sister Sue should choose. So, I'm leaving it up to her ... hahaha!!

Maybe tomorrow I will get brave, and try to take pictures of the other nine puppies! SIGH ... might have to wait until I finish my government research paper!

F150 + F350 = CRASH!!!

What do you get when you add a F150 to the rear end of an F350?

You get a CRASH!!

Let me transport ya'll back in time to Friday, the 13^th 4^th of April in the early evening.

Miss Smiley calls her Poppa and asks him oh so sweetly if we can take Strong Bubba Bear and the Princess Baby Bop out for their birthdays.

Of course being the most perfect Poppa Rooster of all time, he immediately agrees and tells us he will take us to the Hog Pit. The Hog Pit is a bar and grill that has the absolutely best bar-b-que'd ribs in the world. Hands down … a toothless baby could eat the meat off those ribs!!! Not that I would EVER feed a poor baby FOOD!! ((Shaking head vehemently!!!)) Okay okay back to the story …

So, my dear Rooster love comes to the house and picks up his happy family.

We traveled down the road to the Hog Pit …

And while we were there we noshed on Texas toothpicks – fried onion sticks and friend jalapeno strips, brisket, ribs, grilled chicken, mashed 'taters, green beans, and oh so good sweet tea! Oh, and Roo and I had "house salads" – house describes it quite well – that salad has everything in it that you would find in the house, and it is as big as a HOUSE!!!

I gladly handed over $128. Knowing that I wouldn't have to cook for the rest of the weekend – yes, we intentionally purchased way too much meat so we could have MEGA leftovers.

We climbed happily back into the "brown puppy" as our children lovingly call Rooster-loves new (to him) pick-up. We started down the road, cruising along in true Rooster fashion – ya'll know what a speed demon he is (HUGE EYEROLL) – yeah you know it barely cruising along at 55 on the service road.

We pull off the 1788 service road and approach the intersection. In true Super Safety-Dude form, my dear Rooster looks left, right and then left again. He shifts and moves into the intersection under a GREEN light. Notice I said GREEN! Green as in grass green or maybe green like this green snake. And my dear Super Safety-Dude Rooster looks left once again as we cross the right lane and to his horror there is a pickup bearing down on his door and Bubba Strong Bear's door. My quick thinking – whether he be on his feet or in this case on his butt shifting gears – Rooster-love quickly shifted gears, jammed his foot through the floor board and jumped the brown puppy from the middle of the left lane to just nearly out of the way this other STUPID fast-moving F150 pick-up. This guy never hit the brakes, he just plowed into us! Now, I am a really happy woman – I'm now wearing tea soaked pants/shirt sitting in a tea soaked seat spinning 270 degrees around in a ¾ circle. You know how time slows down to just a crawl when things like this happen … you see the horror of the situation in slow motion … I remember seeing tea literally splash on the windshield, Princess Baby Bops hands grab the arm rests of her car seat, Rooster-love with one hand on the wheel-one hand on the gear shift and feet quickly moving between clutch, brake, and accelerator, I hear Strong Bubba Bear cry-out, I hear Miss Smiley sob, I feel the truck lean sideways and then thud back to the earth on all four tires … and we finally slide to a stop going NORTH from traveling WEST!

Strong Bubba Bear hit his head on the window, banged his elbow on the door, and the seat belt reached up and bit that strong lined jaw he inherited from his Poppa Rooster. I had back spasms, and am very sore. Rooster-love's arms and wrists hurt him. Sarah has a horrid headache, but is beginning to feel better ... she whacked her head on the door frame of the pickup.

((SIGH)) and this
... is what $460.00 worth of diesel looks like when it leaks out in your front yard from a wrecked 1 ton.

It Was Me ...

The second song on King George's new CD "Troubadour" is definitely our love story ...

It Was Me

The first time I met her

She walked right up to me

And said, "You're who I wanted to find."

There was a man she had seen in her dreams

And it was me

She said, "I can't believe it."

'Cause I've never been in here.

And I've passed this place so many times."

It was her night to find destiny

And it was me.

And we danced every song that they played

And talked until closing time

The closer I held her

The more I knew her destiny

Wasn't that far from mine.

Then I saw a reflection of someone unfamiliar

Looking back when I looked in her eyes

The happiest man I'd ever seen

And it was me.

And we danced every song that they played
And talked until closing time
The closer I held her
The more I knew her destiny
Wasn't that far from mine.

She wasn't looking

And I wasn't looking

Ain't it funny?

That's when love was found

She still calls it her lucky night

Yeah, someone was lucky

She's right

But it was me.

Written by: Buddy Cannon and Randy Hardison

Ah, but my Rooster-love it was truly me that was lucky that night. I danced right into your arms and knew immediately that was the place for me. There in your safe strong arms is where I wanted to be for the rest of my life. We went through it all getting there ... but have made it for nearly 16 years. Loving ... laughing ... finishing each other's sentences ... making each other coffee ... and taking the time to take care of even the little things. I love you so much ... you have given me so much.

Love to my favorite Troubadour

I purchased the new George Strait CD today. I brought it home and took it for a test drive (after kicking small children out of the house) … funny but this CD is just nearly written for me and my love. The first song on the CD, Troubadour, sounds so much like Roo. Well, except for the part about the honky-tonks and pretty women … the only pretty women he runs with now days are our beautiful little girls. And that honky-tonk time is long over … we spend our evenings at home with the school books!! Ah, but he definitely is a troubadour – he is a writer and singer of love songs, and while he doesn’t stroll around – he dances me all over the kitchen, living room and front yard singing to me!!

“Troubadour”

I still feel twenty-five
Most of the time
I still raise a little cane
With the boys
Honky-tonks and pretty women
Lord, I’m still right there with ‘em
Singin’ above the crowd and the noise

Sometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothing’s gonna change
What I am

I was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone
Well the truth about a mirror
Is that a damned old mirror
Don’t really tell the whole truth
It don’t show what’s deep inside
Or read between the lines
And it’s really no reflection of my youth

Sometimes I feel like Jesse James
Still trying to make a name
Knowing nothing’s gonna change
What I am

I was a young troubadour
When I rode in on a song
And I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone
I’ll be an old troubadour
When I’m gone

Written by Monty Holmes and Leslie Satcher

Oh, I am SOOO Embarassed!!

Okay, first let me say this ... I truly believe there are some smart blondes in this world. My sister - which is now a red head thanks to our hair magician - used to be one of them. My sister is one of those students that never had to crack a book, she can whip a calculus problem with one hand tied behind her back, blindfolded, while hanging upside down from a 40 ft. crane! And we won't even discuss her science skills ... can we just say DOCTOR material and leave it at that.

As I watched this video ... I laughed until I just nearly well ... lost control of myself. IF this is an indication of the education level of some, we truly need to check some diplomas!!!!

Seeds are on their way

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((dancing around the living room))

Seeds are on their way - I can't wait!! My Rooster love is building me a "greenhouse" where 1) I do not have to fight the weeds and grass - yes you heard me GRASS anytime you till a spot of dirt on this farm burmuda grass grows THICK and 2) I don't have to crawl around on my creaky knees with the rattle-bugs.

GW killed the first rattler this week ... made this Momma's heart sink. First my baby isn't old enough to be out killing snakes, and second the carefree days of Spring are already over. While I do realize that snakes have their place in our ecosystem, I really wish they would find some place else to live besides my little spot o' heaven. When I fussed at him, it made him cry - not because I "fussed" but because the snake nearly bit his little brother therefore he may have saved his little brothers life. Now, anyone that knows our little Jon would sagely shake their heads in agreement with GW's assessment - little guy is no bigger than Savannah and sure doesn't have the immune system to fight even a graze from a rattler. So, in truth he did save his brother - now I ask you ... can I just lock them up in the house until winter????? No - because there will be NO sanity left in this mother and there will be NO house left standing.

And for any of my readers concerned about a puppy update ... ahem ... ya' know who ya' are ... they are all GORGEOUS ... I have some BLUE EYED PUPPIES THIS TIME!!!! The first litter - Callie-girls are SO hilarious - they are up walking and barking and howling and whining ... I had one get bit by momma last night trying to get into her food bowl. They were three weeks the 26th ... little stinks are just like kids - grow up way too fast!!

Well, I guess this is about it today ... I need to get my day going ... as it is right now this is the only voice I have - yeah yeah yeah my lucky husband and children don't have to listen to me as I don't have a voice above a whisper due to a STUPID SUMMER COLD!!! ARGH!!!!!!

Top Ten Stupid Things I've Heard this Week!!!

Military Recruitment Station Attacks



Okay, now this has to be number 1 on my TOP TEN STUPID THINGS I'VE HEARD THIS WEEK list. I am talking about the SAGE words that came from Jodie Evans, co-founder of Code Pink. She says and I quote ... "We're trying to end the war, and military recruiting is a way that continues war. One of the pillars of war are soldiers that fight it." Funny, back when I studied US Government it wasn't the MILITARY that continues a war, but even funnier than that it isn't the President that continues a war - it is CONGRESS. Does she not realize that wars will be fought whether there are recruiting stations or not. IF a young man or woman wants to join the military - they will. And from what I understand West Point STILL has a waiting list of alternates each and every year! Go figure, I guess there are brave men and women just looking for the chance to join the military. I find it quite sad that these "peace" protesters have no compunction whatsoever about destroying other people's property, spitting on soldiers that are "JUST" doing their job, or saying outrageously stupid things about these brave men and women that ensure them the RIGHT to stand there and say IDIOTIC NONSENSE and for me to have the right to sit here and tell them how STUPID they are in my little ole' humble opinion!!



While I am not a war monger, does Ms. Evans not realize that ending the war in Iraq will just bring Al Qaeda to our front doors. Am I to assume that she was still on the turnip truck when September 11 occurred, or does she think we deserved to have planes flown into the Towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania. I do not see ending the war in Iraq as a good thing - right now Iraq is the central battleground in our fight against Al Qaeda - and that is not just my assumption but is straight from the "horses" mouth. Bin Laden, General Petraeus, and Senator McCain are in agreement Iraq is the battleground in the fight against Al Qaeda, so that leads my little simple mind to believe that if we, American Military Personel, leave Iraq - Al Qaeda is going to follow us home. Al Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden, and any of their ilk are not welcome in my front yard, however I bet I could warm up some brisket, some pork ribs, 'tater salad, a pot of beans, chocolate cake, and the 16 gauge if they come for a visit. So, instead of having to waste a good bbq on them - I'd much rather host that for a bunch of military boys and girls - I would absolutely prefer for the brave fighting men and women to continue the good fight and continue to win the war in Iraq. I hate that these men and women are dying, I hate that they are away from their families ... my daughter is in love with a Navy man ... but I would prefer to have these dedicated soldiers fighting for us in Iraq.



Remember ya'll ... when you pass a soldier on the street, take the time to thank them!



Enough of my ranting and raving this week ... okay ... so at least for today!!!

Further Thoughts on What A Woman Should Know and Have ...

As I sat here tonight thinking more and more about the poem I posted earlier today, I began to answer each of the statement with thoughts of my own, and knew that it was too good an opportunity to pass up.

enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A woman should have enough money in her control to move out and rent a place of her own – we should never put neither ourselves, or our husbands, or our children’s safety in jeapordy. If something was to happen to my dear love, and I could not access money to take care of us, what kind of wife and mother would I be?

something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

Oh, definitely – I have a special outfit just for my dear love’s “calls” to meet him for a “date”. Whether we are going to Sonic for happy hour, or he is taking me out to eat at our favorite little Italian restaurant.

a youth she's content to leave behind....

Why would any woman want to drag her youth with her … women that try to re-live their youth are missing out on the spectacular part of being a WOMAN! I know who I am, and how special I am because I am a woman.

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A past juicy enough that I look forward to retelling it – sure, who’s to say what is juicy though. Juicy pasts don’t have to be anything dirty – they can be a fairy tale story of falling in love. Juicy just means, in my opinion, a story worth telling. And I have a love story so worth telling …

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

Yep, I have the screwdrivers, the cordless drill, and the lacy things to go with … AND, because I want to bless my dear love – I know how to use them! It is one thing to own the screwdriver, the drill and the lace – but it is another to know how, and when to use them. He knows what my lace looks like, but no one else does!!

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

Sisters are so important – whether they be the ones that you share DNA with, or just the ones that you share commonality with – I don’t think a woman should try to go through life without her sisters!

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

Yes, but she should also take great care of those pieces passed down through her family – and never forget to tell the stories that go with those beautiful pieces of your family.

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored..

A woman should also take the time frequently to bring those honored guests together. What good is it to have the plates, glasses, and a recipe – if we don’t ever use them. This recipe doesn’t have to be a London broil or a rack of lamb – it could be a fabulous bbq meal. Recipes are a lot more than the ingredients, they are the love and care that it takes to prepare, and serve your friends and but most importantly your family.

a feeling of control over her destiny.

Okay, I know you are sitting there going HOW can I – someone that is my husband’s helpmeet –be in control of my destiny. That is ridiculous right? Wrong!! I have free will, I make my choices, I have not checked my brain at the door. My dear love values me for much more than my housekeeping skills – which is probably a VERY GOOD THING ((looking around at my piles!!!)). Not to mention the fact that I chose Jesus Christ as my savior, therefore I have controlled my destiny yet again by my choice to be a Christian.

how to fall in love without losing herself.

Impossible, nope … quite simple in fact all you have to do is BE yourself when you FALL IN LOVE!

how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship..

Don’t lie, be genuine, and be true to yourself – all the rest will sort out in the wash. I’ve never quit a job that my employer didn’t want to hire me back – why? Because I didn’t lie to them, I did my job to the best of my ability, and they knew I could count on me! Same goes with my friends – they know they can count on me to be there!

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

There again, if you are genuine you know when you have to try harder and you know when a situation is impossible. You have to know when to butt your head on the wall, and when you are just making a migraine for yourself!

that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

But this isn’t Carte Blanche to let yourself go nor is it the go ahead to give up on your parents. Your parents are the ones that gave you life – no matter if they are the best in the world, or if they are the worst in the world – they are the ones that brought you into this world. Course I am a fine one to talk about letting one’s self go, however, I am putting my hoof’s to the pavement each morning. This ole’ heifer is going to look good again in that lacy stuff her Rooster loves so much!

that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

And boy am I glad that it is over over over!! I don’t want to be 18 again, I don’t want to be 16 again, I don’t want to be a child again! I like being nearly forty … IT IS UBER COOL to be this old!!

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

I will lay down my life for my love, but I will not give up myself for his love. He loves me for who I am – not what he could change me into!

how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

I can live alone, but I hate it. Hopefully, when my Rooster love slips away to our farm upstairs, I will be strong enough to ramble around in our barn all alone – I hate to think about it, but it is truly a possibility.

whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

Maybe this is the thought that we should really ponder daily … who we can trust, who we can’t, and how not to take it personally … In the words of Michael Coreleone … "Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer" – that is probably a GREAT path to take in life!

where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing...

I know the numbers, the email addresses, and the doorsteps to go to when my soul need soothing. I know exactly who to call when I need a friendly ear, when I need my butt kicked, and when I just need to bawl like a baby for no apparent reason. But the best part is, the souls at the other end of the phone/email/door know that they can call me anytime day or night and I will be there for them!

what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year...

Ah, but sadly knowing exactly what I can and cannot accomplish in a day / a month / a year does not stop me from trying to do it all in one hour! I have so little patience at times especially for things that I “THINK” I have control over!!

A Woman Should Have ...

I love this ... it is so very true! It doesn't matter if you are liberal or conservative, these are all things any woman should have - we may all end up at different "answers", however we really should have these things.

MAYA ANGELOU'S BEST POEM EVER

by Pamela Redmond Satran

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... ..
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored..

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a feeling of control over her destiny.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year..

More BABIES ....

Well, Miss Angel graced us with an easy delivery while we were at church Sunday morning ... the black and white count at the Rocker A bar J has drastically increased from 3 to 16. Of course anyone who knows me very well - well, if you just know me a little bit - you know how bad this increase in black and whites upsets me ... ((Passing out towels for the dripping sarcasm!!))

Then, on the homefront of weird way for the dog to let her pups have their dinner we have Callie ... sorry, I know the picture is dark - but I had to snap it quick thru the glass on our back door, otherwise she would have jumped up and walked off.

Finally Friday!

What a WEEK!! Well, actually what a last few weeks!! It has been a whirl-wind since February 14th, when we left to visit our family in East Texas. Finally, we are getting settled back down into a decent routine. School is getting caught up - ARGH ... it is SO hard to catch up college. The kids just fall right back into their routine, but Rooster-love and I have literally plodded along trying to get back in the college groove. PLUS, my dear Rooster-love has been taking advantage of his new career allowing him to have a family life. "Big Blue" said that they are all about the family, however, his last position didn't allow for his family - wonder what family they were talking about!! BUT, we have finally realized that "Big Blue" is all about the family. YEAH go team!!

My homeschool is rolling right along - I updated some of our curriculum, stayed with some that we have been using, and changed a few things that I felt like were just not doing the job I needed. We completely changed our history and geography. We are going to be studying Story of the World, and the Trail Guide Geography series. I do not feel that our current history / geography program is really producing the results that we want for our children. Rooster-love and I have set a rather high standard for our children, and we are not seeing the results that we want. For one, they are only getting about a paragraph of solid history - uhm, that doesn't work for this history lovin' momma. And the geography well, it is just lacking also ... so ... yeah, yeah, yeah, I know the geography thing is an even bigger pet than the history for me. So, here we go - new year expanding our curriculum, stepping outside the box. Yeah ... go team! Well, at least until I can get back to writing my own - whimper, I so miss our unit studies!!!

Of course today, my little homeschoolers are just beside themselves. Since their Poppa started his new job, were were able to aquire a second vehicle for the family. Well, today we get to meet our homeschooling group at Chick-fil-a for lunch. So, the condition was we get to go if we have lessons and chores done ... my children were up at 6:00 am this morning doing their chores and getting ready to go ... we don't leave for about TWO hours still ... hahahahah!!! They are being SO GOOD this morning. I think it is SO funny - little stinker kids!!

Well, I must hustle off to do my morning thing ... were I can get ready to go!

Talk to ya'll later ....

Callie Girl - Birthin' them Babies

PUPPIES ON THE FARM!!!!!

I love the birth process - no matter who me, the dogs, the goats, the hogs, or the cow down the road. I love the birth of a baby. It renews my spirit, it gives me a chance to look into the miracle that God has given each of us. While I am INCREDIBLY jealous of the woman that gave birth to IDENTICAL triplets this week (can we say UBER BABY LOVE), I will take my miracle of seven puppies this morning and cherish those warm puppy noses, the sweet smell of a newborn animals, and the content look on my Callie girls face.

Yesterday, woe was the puddy dog. She had such a BIG belly, and couldn't get comfortable anywhere except flat of her back on the hard, cold, entry way tile!!

Oh, being hand fed Cheetos wouldn't have anything to do with that big ole' belly!

Then, at 6:30am Texas Time this fine March morning what do I find ...

the beginnings of a puppy pile!

And the pile grew ... from three to SEVEN by 10:30am!!

And here is one of the two little girls ...

And this is one of FIVE little boys ...

Hmm, which of these handsome little guys will be a Cherokee for my favorite Sister Sue? Oh, dear, oh me, oh my ...

Good News

Tuesday is the day …

Tuesday is the day my Rooster love gets to move into the safety department.

Reda Pump, a Schlumberger division is the lucky recipient of my dear hubby's expertise and knowledge.

I have wanted to spill my guts for way too long. Hahaha … and now, I can dance and shout from the roof tops.

I haven't seen my precious husband this happy, in many, many months. He has been so down and out. Not because he didn't get the transfer, but because of the obvious disregard for what he could do. When you have someone treat you like you are stupid, but yet you know you are an intelligent man it hurts you. There is something quite depressing about the situation, something that will eat away at the joy in your heart. My Rooster love is a hoot and a half. He will usually be the first one to cut a joke, and LOVES to make a bad situation light. But I have watched over the last year, as he has been beat down, told that he is a stupid "blank", and cheated out of so much. But, come Tuesday morning it is over … it is DONE.

FREEEEEEEEEDOOOOOOM!!!!

A Poem to Consider

All the rest came

They tried to make me laugh

They played their games with me

Some games for fun, and some for keeps

And then they went away.

Leaving me in ruins of games

Not knowing which were for keeps and

Which were for fun and

Leaving me alone with the echoes of

Laughter that was not mine.

Then you came

With your funny way of being

Not quite human

And you made me cry

And you didn't seem to care if I did

You just said the games are over

And waited

Until all my tears turned into

Joy.

By Sheila, written for Torey Hayden

Oh precious family of mine ... do you know how happy it makes me to see you all smiling and laughing!!!

My dear Pop's wanted to know why I wasn't using my SLR ... hahaha ... this is why, I couldn't immediately have a picture of him to have, hold, or see the way I can with my digi! Besides the fact that Kodak has yet to come out with a 420 count roll of film.

Dedicated to our Granny

I will never forget the day you sat in the recliner all day holding Bubba teaching him to blow raspberries ... and to this day he blows raspberries better than any of my other babies ...

Tomorrow is your day Granny ...

You have brought to this world two beautiful children ... my Rooster-love and my dearest Sister Sue, which in turn have brought into this world, 12 beautiful souls ... which in turn have brought into this world another 12 thus far.

Listening for the bell ...

Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing....

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse’s halter is a small bell.

It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse, trusts that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....

Good friends are like that... you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. And remember...be kinder than necessary-everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. [author unknown]