The SandyHills of West Texas

Dear Mr. Reagan ...

2009-08-20T11:08:00.002-05:00

You once said ...

How do you tell a communist? Well, it's someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-Communist? It's someone who understands Marx and Lenin.

I am sure that if you were able to today, you would weep for your beloved office. The office that you brought so much honor to ... has been disgraced so badly by this wolf in sheeps clothing.

It is time for all American Patriots to find the writing's of Marx and Lenin. Read study and understand what these men wrote. We must arm ourselves with knowledge where we will be able to fight the good fight in the days to come. An American Revolution armed with the knowledge of communist tyrants will take us further than a yelling match at a town hall meeting. While we all know it is frustrating to talk to a liberal, we must prevail through solid reasonable words.

I am a woman ... I am a mother ... and I do not want single payer health care. I would rather pay through the nose for employer based insurance or even be self insured than have some committee decide whether or not I am viable candidate for surgery, or whether it is time for me to end my life. I do not want a committee deciding whether my child needs this, or that my daughter's have enough children and force them to be sterilized or abort. And while this health care bill may not say those exact words today. A government run health care bill will tomorrow be like other government programs. Tomorrow it will be written to reflect that administrations beliefs.

We are quickly becoming a country of no freedoms ... all to often those of us that fight for freedoms, are told we no longer have the freedom of speech, religion, privacy, etc ... because it is infringing on someone elses beliefs ... funny how we patriots don't fight to have THEIR beliefs taken away from them.

Park Ranger WolfMan

2009-05-14T15:32:00.003-05:00

WolfMan, you are absolutely amazing to me ... As a child, I couldn't keep my hands off of God's animals ... you really are even more Dr. Doolittle-ish than I was. If you find a hurt animal, you take it to safety ... like you did for "Lucy" the Scissortail Flycatcher today.

You gently checked her wings ...

and then, you

let her quickly know that you were going to take good care of her.

I love you so much, your gently ways with the animals ... you love for all God's creatures ... even that mean old rattler that you tried to gently shoo away,

that you ended up killing because it just wouldn't leave you and your brother alone ... and that is what makes you my official park ranger ... I know now why you weren't upset when you lost your BB Gun ... you take no joy in sport shooting.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-11T16:15:00.002-05:00

Three years ago, I took this picture of my little lovey's for Mother's Day.

It is hard to believe how much they have grown.

I'm a sick, sick woman ... I think I actually miss changing diapers ... SIGH!

National Day of Prayer

2009-05-07T05:12:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, May 7, our nation will observe the fifty-eighth annual National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is Prayer...America's Hope, based on Psalm 33:22, which says, "May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."

While I find it sad that we have to have a "National Day of Prayer", I do have to say that I appreciate the fact that at least our government will recognize prayer. Everyday that little saying things are going to Hell in a handbasket rings loudly in my ears as I read the news. I'm thinking right now that handbasket is getting a touch full with all of the ensuing insanity. From babies being slung from cars going down the interstate, to public official flagrantly lying about their adulterous behaviors ... what has this country, this country that so many honorable men and women have fought for - fought and died for become.

My prayer for this National Day of Prayer will focus on the hope that the citizen's of America will turn to face God, get down on their knees repent and pray for His forgiveness, grace and blessings. Otherwise what exactly do American's have to look forward to ...

Park Post ... Part Zwie

2009-05-06T11:51:00.003-05:00

Once we finished up at UTPB Stonehenge, we moved over to the duck pond area ...

The UTPB Ground Crew does a great job of keeping this lush green park area just gorgeous!

So, while the little girls went to check out the wall paper in the bathroom ... the boys found a tree to climb. And they loved it of course ... they love to get in the tree. And can't wait for Mr. Rooster to build their treehouse. (More later on that project!) And while they were up that tree, they found all kinds of flora and fauna to check out from their perch in this massive Oak tree.

Ring-a-ling-a-ding-ling ...

2009-05-06T09:30:00.002-05:00

You know how we all choose that “just” right ring tone to play on our phones when a certain special person in our lives calls us.

I have Darius Rucker’s “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” on mine for when my kids call me, because I realize it won’t be like this for long. So, I better answer them every time they call me. Then, when my Rooster-lovey calls me, well, “our” song plays - George Straits, “I Cross My Heart”. Or when Tatia calls, “Chicken Fry” by Zach Brown plays cause well … that’s my kid’s favorite song.

Of course the kid’s chose Alan Jackson’s “Small Town Southern Man” for their Poppa. And for their mother – they chose “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson … okay so I don’t like champagne or beer … but I know what they are saying – Momma keeps it real! That’s what happens when you raise your kids barefoot … hahahaha

And then there are those songs that come on and remind you of what you wished someone felt about you …

And then there are those songs that come on and reminds you of what you know someone truly feels about you each and every time you look into his eyes. So, my sweet Rooster-lovey, here is the song I hear, every time I look into your gorgeous hazel bedroom eyes…

Just One Woman … by Tracy Byrd

When Roy was a young man his friends used to tell all about
The girls they ran with and he’d just shake his head
And they’d get to laughing and asking
Well, Roy just how many girls you loving on these days
And he’d turn three shakes of red
But if you ask him now he’ll tell you
Boy, this old man’s been around
And I ain’t one to brag but you’d be hard pressed
To find too many other men around this here town
That’s loved the way I have

Just one woman
One amazing, worth the waiting
Angel from above
Just one woman is all I’ve ever loved

Well, I asked him once, Roy, don’t you think by now
She’d have wanted you to move on
He said, no, not yet
Cause once a man’s stared into the eyes
Of the most beautiful woman God ever made
Well, that’s something an old man don’t forget
But boy, don’t you worry about me none
My time here’s nearly done and I know when I’m gone
These old bones are gonna fly and I’ll be reaching for the sky
And I’ll be holding on

Just one woman
One amazing, worth the waiting
Angel from above
Just one woman
Is all I’ve ever loved

Just one woman
One amazing, worth the waiting
Angel from above
Just one woman
It’s all I’ve ever loved
She’s all I’ll ever love.

Yep, … that’s what you make my heart feel like … and while I KNOW your time isn’t anywhere near come, I understand … I really and truly understand what you told me this weekend … and I love you … just one man … you’re all I’ve ever loved … you’re all I ever will love!

Park Day ... Part Eins

2009-05-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

While Mr. Rooster was in Evanston Wy- Oh My Goodness IT IS GORGEOUS -ming, I took the Wild Bunch-Zoo Crew on the requisite trip to park for pictures and for fun. I mean gee this trip that Mr. Rooster took was so hard on the kidlets that Savannah literally made herself sick.

So here they are ... The morning of April 22nd ... all smiling and having fun at the UTPB Stonehenge replica. We love to take photos out there ... it is really just uber cool to have a bit of British history, replicated here in Texas, especially here in town.

My girls are so darn cute in pigtails!

LOL, See how sweet they all look here .... look at the first pose though ...

Sarah ... don't choke Jon~~~

Tune in tomorrow at the same bat place, at the same bat time ...

for the further park adventures of the Zoo Crew - Wild Bunch ...

I'm BAD ..

2009-05-04T05:00:00.001-05:00

Last week was ... well, YUCK ... nothing went right ... blogging was a go, no go situation ... LOL, can you tell I have been doing a K.T. Analysis ... well, probably not, but hey ya' learned something new today. Roo does K.T. Analysis at work and for his master's program. I do K.T. Analysis while consulting and while trying to maintain a normal level of life around this crazy house.

So, let's see ... to tantilize my edge of the seat readers, I have PICTURES of the zoo crew. AND, soon I will have an AWESOME giftie picture to share with you that Roo let me buy for myself. I was reading another homeschool mom's blog. She lost one of her precious little boys this last year, and her simply awesome siblings bought a locket for her birthday with his picture in it. So, I went on a major internet surfing expedition to find said locket where I could show Rooster. Hehehe ... the man so has my heart ... he loved it as much as I did and told me to order me one!

Hmmm ... well, let's see what can I plop in here to make ya' happy ...

Oh, I know ... how about some smiling faces ....

Here are my Easter Sunday smilling faces ... the Wild Bunch went out and chased down the Easter bunny, beat him up, and forced him to hand over his eggs.

"Lucy, You got some 'splainin' to do ..."

2009-04-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

Okay, so my name is not Lucy ... but well, I have some explaining to do. I've been VERY bad this week. I have been in a serious FUNK! I mean from Sunday evening on ... I have been just BLAH, BLECK, BLUB ... and several other horrid funky sounds.

Okay, so my explanation is this ... the Rooster is not in the nest ...

Today, we are cleaning like mad ... trying desperately to get some symbolance of order going in our lives. We did do school, and we did go to church last night. YESTERDAY, I drug children to the park with weiners in tow ... but it was like we really didn't want to do anything. We really need the Rooster home, or well, we just aren't a complete circle. I don't know how women raise their kids alone, I know I was a single mom for 6 years. I hated every stinkin' minute of it. AND I sure don't wan't to find out how to do it again.

So tomorrow when my nest is feathered again with my Rooster, I will get myself together, download the camera and post like a nut. But until then, well ... just know that his plane lands in 5 hours and all will be right with my world again then!!!

Catching up ..

2009-04-21T19:57:00.002-05:00

Okay ... last week the farm girl, put on her city duds and stayed the week at the Hilton working a training class ... way cool.

However by day three of said training class the farm girl was quite ready to ditch the city duds and run around barefoot in her Aggie shirt and shorts. Can I just say I'm glad last week is now over.

Now, this week the farm girl is home, and the Rooster has flown the coop. WYOMING ... I'm hearing that Wyoming is an awfully pretty place to be right now. LOL, hubby has fallen in love with another state.

This week the farm girl is trying to catch up laundry, cook for her kids, and just enjoy life at home. However since the Rooster is gone, his little Princess Peach is NOT doing well. She has run a low grade temperature all day ... been a lousy conversationalist ... can I say GROUCHY PANTS ... slept nearly all afternoon ... and well, has been VERY clingy!

Oh, and I am desperately trying to catch up on my grading/grade book ... sad state of affairs!!

Pondering something ...

2009-04-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, I get something stuck in my head ... and I can't get it out. I can't leave it alone. And usually it is one of those questions that there is no answer to. This week ... the question on my mind is ...

"What happened to Barabbas?"
Oh, I know ... we have Mel's Passion that shows him "realizing" what he has done. Hmmm, I think I need to drag that one out and watch it again. And I know there has been speculation, and Hollywood inference. But I want to know. That is one of those questions that will plague me until the end.
I realize the "story" isn't that Barabbas was set free. I realize that the story is that Jesus was crucified instead, and that the Jews chose to set Barabbas free. I realize that ... I just have this burning desire to know if Barabbas changed his ways, did he become a Christian, or did he turn back to his life of crime?

Beef ... it's what's for dinner ...

2009-04-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ode to Bubba T-Bone

Oh, dear cow friend

we have so loved you...

we have given you plenty of fresh grass

and freshly ground feed

cool fresh water

You have mooooooo-ed

your perfectly pitiful moo

when we pull in the drive

with groceries

whether they were for you

or us

You have looked at us

with your soft loving eyes

somehow I think

knowing what was on

our minds ....

Thank you Bubba T-Bone ...

Your 800 lb sacrifice has already been appreciated by the hands that fed you.

We have all thoroughly enjoyed your delicious ground beef, and

Last night we all noshed on Club Steaks that you have so generously provided!

You, my dear steer, will forever be remembered as our first freezer full of home grown beef!

Maine-Anjou's everywhere .... I salute you!!!

Okay ... enough silliness! The beef is the BOMB. Last nights steaks had NOTHING on them except for salt and pepper. That was to date the MOST flavorful steak I have EVER put in my mouth. And all I did was throw them in the broiler and cook them ... nothing fancy. No grilling ... no barbque-ing ... nothing except salt, pepper, and the broiler of my propane stove. It isn't the method ... it is the meat!

Fast Trip ...

2009-04-07T12:30:00.001-05:00

No real blog post today ....

I had laid aside time this afternoon to post ...

But alas instead of being at home blogging ... I'm defrosting the freezer, and getting ready to go to Wolfforth where I can pick up meat from the butcher shop!

I'll have pictures to show tomorrow ...

Bible Bowl-ing

2009-04-06T05:36:00.010-05:00

At first I thought this was some weird church sport. Okay, I'll admit, I didn't have a CLUE!!!! I'll be the first to admit it ... I'm not ashamed. Not at all ... well, of not knowing. But I am ashamed of me because ... I'm NOT smarter than a Bible Bowler ... MAN, these kids are awesome!!!

Do you know ... what book the Ethiopian was reading when Philip caught up to him? Or how about ... who spoke after Paul and Barnabas at the Jerusalem Conference? Or maybe ... before dawn, on the 14th day of the storm, what did Paul encourage everyone to do?

If those aren't enough ... I have more ... I have FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY-SIX more facts that these AWESOME kids learned.

Our church, Sherwood, sponsors our 4th, 5th, and 6th grade children. These kiddoes study for about four months in preparation for this one day awesome event. We traveled to San Angelo this weekend, and met other children from not only another local church, but also kids from around West Texas such as Bronte, Robert Lee, San Angelo, etc. I think all total there were 8 different churches participating with about twenty six - three or four "bowler" teams. Then, these kiddoes were divided up between experienced (the ones that had been there at least one time) and inexperienced (obviously the ones that had not ever been before).

Enter Smiley

and Ranger ...

Well, my little darlin's were on the inexperienced teams ... the Ranger and Miss Smiley had not had the opportunity at our last church to participate. The church didn't do Bible Bowl ... wow ...what a missed opportunity!!! I know every church can't afford this, but WOW ... what a ministry for the "FUTURE" of the church!!! These guys were well, can I just say "AWESOME" one more time ... and I'm not braggin' about my kids ... I'm talking all of these kids were just well ... OUTSTANDING. Everyone of our kids missed less than 20% of the questions.

Okay, okay ... on with the 'splainin' Lucy ...

Six rounds of thirty questions each ... One Hundred Eighty Multiple-Choice Questions!

With all the kids missing less than 20% of the questions that means they got at least 144 right ... well, our lowest score out of our 18 children was 159!! That's right ... the most missed was 21 questions ... and that means that child only missed 11%. And to add to that outstanding accomplishment ... our kids had at the top end of the spectrum a 179/180, a 178/180, a 176/180 (the Ranger), and a 172/180 (Smiley) ... now isn't that just incredible!!!

One book of the Bible ... Acts!

Each kiddie has their own cubbie with "A,B,C" flip cards. They must listen to each question being read nice and slowly by a very well eunuciated voice, with their three choices, THEN they can flip their card. And I'm not talking about three choices that you or I could go oh yeah that was this one ... we are talking about three choices with just MINUTE differences in the answers.

Anyway ... we went ... we saw ... and we had a BLAST. And we've got the t-shirts to prove it!

Let's see ... you say you want pictures of this fun time ... well let's see ... let's start with my guy ... hehehe ... he took a day of vacation to get us (our family, not the church) ready. But hmmm, guess he will be taking a day of vacation next year since he committed to helping with Bible Bowl next year as in he wants to be a team leader. He is such a good earthly Father ... a whole lot too hard on himself, but such a good example for his children. Okay, now I'm gonna get all weepy if I don't move on ... but hey it is POWERFUL when you see God move! We just have seven more years of Bible Bowl ... maybe in seven years I'll be smarter than a Bible Bowler ... hehehehe!

Also, in this picture you can see my grinning Wolfman, and the back of the Georgia Peach Princess' head ... she had a one-sided-over-the-head-catch-all-the-bangs-you-can-braided-do that day. Sir Hiss-a-Lot was also running around there ... he just moves too fast for the camera. These three guys were just AWESOME too ... they stayed out of the way, out of trouble, and were EXTREMELY supportive of their older brother and sister, and their teammates, too.

You will also notice lots and lots and lots of uhm, yellow in these shots ... man, I'm telling you if I never see yellow again it will be TOO SOON!!! YELLOW - ouch - my eyeballs hurt from all the yellow ... And it wasn't a bad yellow ... it was a rather mellow-yellow ... it was just well ... I really don't like yellow! Hahahahahahaaaaaa !!!! But the design on those yellow shirts was rather awesome ... their theme was "where the Kingdom began" .... and boy howdy ... what a Kingdom it shall be with these awesome kiddoes there!!! Every "kingdom" should be so lucky to have subjects such as these learning it's history.

Enough for this morning ... I gotta catch my breath, beat the washer into submission, coax the drier, and get my little dwelling back to "un-packed" status!

Teaching the little ones ...

2009-04-02T08:01:00.008-05:00

Lately, I have been wondering ... what am I supposed to be doing?!?!

I know some of the things I "WANT" to be doing, but I wonder if they are truly what I am supposed to be doing.

I SO love being at home with my children teaching and training them ... but I so love training others where they are aware and thus, they are safe / safer from harm, they are healthier, and our environment is protected.

I am torn between two hearts ... and I do not feel led to quit either path.

Mr. "D" asked me Wednesday why in the world I would want to teach, after I had him in the sixth grade. HAHAHA ... little does he know but that one class a day, with him was probably what spurred me more into being a teacher of my children. I remember the care that he took teaching us, making sure that even though we were the cream of the crop readers, we never stood still, we never sat back and just coasted. He challenged us ... he dangled the carrots, and he made sure we were stretching just as far as our little minds could possibly stretch. Thanks Mr. "D" ... you are one of the very best that OUR education system has to offer.

So, really why do I want to teach my children ... well, beyond the obvious reason of I want them to have a well-rounded academic base when they go to college that has been well nurtured in all areas, not just football ...

I also LOVE being the one that is there with them when they learn these new things. I love being the one that sees that "I GOT IT!!" moment.
I want to be there first hand to hear those cuties - Momma, I want to study about the pyramids where all the mommies live. Hehehe ...
I want to be the one that holds their little hands and explains the wonders of God's world while we sit outside at night gazing at the stars, walk through the zoos marvelling at all the animals or through the aquarium watching all the fish swim by, or when we watch a rain storm and they realize the water cycle that we have been discussing.

Now, I have added to my plate VBS for our church this summer. I get to teach 4 and 5 year olds ... I AM SOOOO EXCITED! I can't wait for VBS to get here. LOL, you'd think that I would get tired of teaching ... but I love it. It is a way of life for me ...

Wind ...

2009-04-01T22:19:00.002-05:00

Wind ... wind ... wind ....

Whatever happened to "in like a lion, and out like a lamb" ... I would love to know.

The wind has blown today at around 900 mph ... maybe more ... my head is just SWIRLING!

At church tonight we played "Are You Smarter Than a Bible Bowler?" WOW, our two Bible Bowlers might just be tough to beat. I can just imagine what the Wolf-man will be like for the next four years ... San Angelo watch out here comes the Wolf-man! Right now they better be careful because the sweet innocent smile of Miss Smiley is lethal when it comes to answering those multiple choice questions. She would reach over real stealthy like and press the buzzer - and then in her soft sweet voice just whip out that little answer with her award winning (not really but golly gee whizzy, Ms. Julia Roberts doesn't have a smile that pretty!) smile and just barely whisper her answer. LOL, she could charm the scales off a rattler with that smile. And then, there is the Ranger ... once he was able to take a breath ... well, let's just say there was no stopping him ringing that buzzer and answering those questions! He didn't need he multiple choice for most of his ... he just answered the quesiton flat out. AMAZING!!! My children amaze me daily!!!

I would like to say I have more to post about tonight ... but my allergies are KILLING me ... I have a horrid headache and I'm going to go find a quiet spot to lay down and crash for a few hours. I didn't get much sleep last night ... I snored all night. Needless to say, my poor Rooster finally got up and went to work at 3am ... just to be rid of me.

Nighty night ... dear friends ....

Ramblings ...

2009-03-30T22:51:00.002-05:00

Today was a really weird ... off kind of day for me ...

I am very unsettled in what I need to be doing.

However ... the Ranger read our history lesson about Jamestown to us all today saving my voice. I am VERY thankful for him. Today wasn't all roses between me and him, but it seems once lunch rolled around he was in a better mood. I know he and Sarah are very nervous. They are participating in our church's Bible Bowl competition this weekend.

Rooster finally tonight set them both down and explained to them that it was HIS job to get them to the church, fed breakfast, and dress appropriately. It is THEIR job to know the book of Acts inside and out ... I think the Ranger has that one covered. ((SHEW)) He is simply amazing how he can skim through something and commit it to memory. Sarah on the other hand is like her mom ... she has to STUDY for hours before she gets it right.

hahah ... Uncle Magic ... I consistantly posted everyday all last week ... hmmm, and I started this week ... don't get your hopes up, but I bet I even have something to say tomorrow after I get my self sorted out ... maybe I'll just post for you my GROCERY list ... not the bill, but the list ... geesh don't want anyone to die from shock ... even though I may ...

Rooster did point out to me a PERFECT spot for the raised beds. I am not fighting my ground anylonger ... I am installing raised beds to grow my produce in. Oh oh oh ... do you know what tomorrow is ... tomorrow is the day that Mr. Bubba T-Bone comes off the HOOK and starts the cutting up process! YEAH ... home grown grass and corn fed beef !!!! I may write an ode to the Maine-Anjou after that first steak!

Picturing Texas ...

2009-03-30T11:01:00.001-05:00

I love Texas ...
I love just nearly all things Texas ...
and old buildings in quaint little towns or metropolisis for that matter really trip this girls trigger!

This is the Santa Fe Railstation in Gainesville ...
I took these pictures when we were there last year in February. My mother-in-law lived there, we went to visit her in the last moments of her life. She lived in this neat little retirement apartment building. And right next door was the train station. It is an Amtrak station, but was orginally built as an Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Depot, and has a museum located on the first floor. Upstairs are city offices and a replica of a Harvey House overnight stay quarters. This beauty was built in 1901 and designed by C.W. Felt, the chief engineer of the Sante Fe Railroad (Henry, J. C., Architecture in Texas, 1895 - 1945). By the way if you are at all interested in Texas Architecture, I really enjoyed reading this book. I don't have a clue about architecture, I am not an architect by any means, so I have no opinion on the book. I like, no strike that, I love old buildings ... but I know what makes me feel at home, and comfortable when I am traveling ... and this by far and way was a place that washed me in emotion.

Hidden back from view on one side by beautiful oak trees ...

With the most quaint little "lamps" I have EVER seen ...

Truly a charming little place to visit and walk around with the Wild Bunch.

The America I Remember ...

2009-03-27T20:30:00.000-05:00

Telephones ...

Rooster remembers crank handle telephones. Where you called the operator and she connected you to the party you were trying to call.

Rooster remembers party lines. His family's phone ring was two longs and a short. Of course the phone numbers were also something along the lines of SHerwood - 54499. You had to search out the "S", the "H" and then the numbers.

We both remember rotary dial phones.
We both remember push button phones.

We both remember our first "hand held" phone.

We remember "mobile" phones that were wired into your vehicle and would honk like crazy when the phone rang.

We remember "affordable" mobile phones that came in a bag.

We now, no longer have a land line. We only have our cellular phones.

Do you remember any of these things ....

Of course these were simpler times, times where you were polite and did not listen in on the party line. If you had to break in you only did it in an emergency, and you apologized for interrupting your neighbors phone call.

Neighbor, now that in itself is a word that is lost on todays society. Do you know your neighbors? Neighbors were those people you used to sit on the front porch with in the evening while the kids played hide-n-seek, kick the can, or even tag football if you were from my neighborhood. We girls practiced the latest "cheer" on the sidewalks while the boys played ball in the street. Our dad's didn't have to referee, because the older brothers made sure that the game was fair, even for the littlest of players.

I miss this America ... the land of the free, the home of the brave ... the one that still trusts in God.

Tapestry of Grace

2009-03-26T05:00:00.003-05:00

Well, it is official ...we have become lovers of Tapestry of Grace. And while I will admit it did cost me quite a bit at first ... a new laser printer (BEG), a case of paper, a couple of toner cartridges, and a WHOLE STACK of 20% off books from Barnes and Nobles .... I LOVE IT!!! And what is even better than me loving it ... my kids LOVE it.

Okay, here it is ... we started with Year 2, Unit 3 - Of Crowns and Colonies. I'll admit again, I went a little over the top with the first purchase of books ... but I didn't buy everything they had listed on their website. Which was a good thing, because not only do the children have to be educated but they also have to be fed FOOD!

And we all know that the grocery store is the well, TAKER OF ALL PAYCHECKS!!! However, I am trying the Grocery Game out for four weeks to see how that is going to work out for us, but more on that later because I am really trying to become the un-Disorganized Woman. And not to mention either, since I am trying to post about homeschooling today that I am also crocheting a baby blanket, sadly not for one of my own, but for my neighbor's new little baby girl. I am using a pattern from Mary Maxim, Heart of My Heart pattern

.
Okay, so back to the ToG stuff. I have realized that a lot of the really good OOP books that I so love will work just fine and dandy for this program. So, what am I doing - I am substituting books I want my children to read in for some of the selections in the literature sections. And I am using a ton of books that I have found at The Baldwin Online Children's Book Project, American Colonists' Library, Annie Fellows Johnston, and many, many others ... oh, one more great resource for online children's books of yesteryear quality ... The World Public Library. Of course there are some really great books in print, I'm not knocking some of today's classics in anyway ... I just find that some of yesteryears books are too quaint, and charming not to mention history filled to pass up! We always have our Kingfisher History Encyclopedia to keep us straight if we find ourselves "wondering" (no, not "wandering because we always wander away from the specific topic, to hop down the bunny trails of things that interest us greatly).

So, here we are ... Thursday ... where did this week go ... I am absolutely befuzzled as I am sure, yesterday was just MONDAY!!!

Yesterday ...

2009-03-25T05:00:00.003-05:00

Wednesday in a Word ...

I love you more today, than yesterday, but not nearly as much as I will tomorrow ....

Finally ...

2009-03-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

you get to see that handsome Rooster guy ... as he walked across the stage. I am so far behind it is pitiful. I know I should do this blog thing more often ... as a dear family member told me over Thanksgiving ... I'm VERY inconsistent. LOL, maybe I'll get on a roll here before long. I heard a really good piece of advice this weekend ... I need to quit letting life get in the way of the things I WANT to do!

So, without any further ramblings or ado from me ... I present to you ... Rooster!! In his graduate cap and gown glory ...

Birthday Wishes ...

2009-03-22T05:00:00.001-05:00

Today ... is the 12th year that we have been blessed with ...

The Big Bubba ... he is the one that started our story ... and he is usually the one that instigates moments like these .... where all of my children are strangling a poor komodo dragon statue in the Fort Worth Zoo ...

or ....

all of my children perched on the ledge in the water park ribbiting like frogs ... because well they were near the water ...

Then, there are the moments when God's tiniest and very beautiful creatures catch his attention, and just don't let go. He was simply entranced by these beautiful little birds in the zoo. They bought little sticks with bird seed stuck to them to feed to the birds. He ended up with birds all over him ... trying to not only eat the food he had for them, but also nibble at his ears. Funny how their touch never concerned him in the least bit.

Of course of late, you will find him pestering his father with relentless questions about how this works, why this is the way it is, or what does this do, where is this or that, when does this occur, and on and on and on the questions roll ... And his questions are never annoying, they are thoughtful and though provoking. Of course those questions that come at 11:00 at night when we are trying to fall asleep are a bit frustrating. And no matter how many times we show him how to Google an answer to his more technical questions, he still comes to both Rooster and I first. Don't get me wrong, I love it! I love the fact that he thinks we are a fount of knowledge~~~

These boys have seen their share of rattlers since we live in the country, but alas they never seem to tire of any display of one especially one that is this long!!

Happiest of birthday wishes to my dear Big Bubba ... you are my tenderheart ... and I love you tenderly with all my Momma heart!

Edit ... sorry ... I have referred to the above mentioned child in this post as Big Bubba, and have been informed that he prefers the online moniker of Ranger ... ah, I love my children soooo much!

Tenderly my heart aches ...

2009-03-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

Another year has passed ... our precious little boy would have been seven this year. Years ago, I had a professor tell me that I should have more than one child. So, if something happened to that child, the other child would fill its void. For all his education, that PhD knew absolutely nothing about this mother's heart.

Dear sweet Austyn Wyatt Jordan, today you would have turned seven. Miss Baby-Girl never knew you, but she is so very sure that your sweet spirits were best friends up in heaven. I don't know if that is possible ... but I do know this ... it is a very comforting thought that my baby boy, and my baby girl knew each other long before she came to be with us on this earth. Maybe baby spirits do come straight from heaven ... I would like to think that God has a hand in which children we each are blessed with.

Smiley-girl and Big Bubba of course have the fondest and strongest memories besides Rooster and I. They miss you so much ... just as much I think as Roo and I do.

On your birthday, we laid in bed together looking up at your portrait ... so peaceful. Just as peaceful as when you laid in your carseat in front of the kitchen window snoozing ... your little heart so content.

Thank you God for the ten beautiful days you gave us ... with the most peaceful baby in the world. While we would have loved 10 years, times 10 ... we will take the ten days gratefully, knowing that it could have only been 10 hours or worse yet 10 minutes.

The 3's About Me!

2008-12-22T08:47:00.007-06:00

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!!

2008-12-21T16:23:00.003-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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

2008-12-21T09:09:00.002-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Making Homeschooling Easier ...

2008-09-21T06:42:00.003-05:00

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 ...

2008-09-17T10:47:00.005-05:00

~ Wednesday in a Word ~

The Simple Woman's Daybook

2008-09-15T11:17:00.002-05:00

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

2008-09-08T11:07:00.005-05:00

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?????

2008-09-05T11:59:00.006-05:00

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 ...

2008-09-03T07:26:00.007-05:00

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

2008-08-23T10:46:00.002-05:00

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.

2008-06-14T12:04:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2008-05-05T20:50:00.004-05:00

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

2008-04-28T14:47:00.008-05:00

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!!!

2008-04-09T15:29:00.006-05:00

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 ...

2008-04-06T15:42:00.003-05:00

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

2008-04-04T12:28:00.001-05:00

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!!

2008-04-03T13:55:00.006-05:00

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

2008-03-29T06:19:00.003-05:00

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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!!!

2008-03-26T12:21:00.006-05:00

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 ...

2008-03-26T11:39:00.003-05:00

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 ...

2008-03-26T09:08:00.006-05:00

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..

2008-03-09T08:56:00.001-05:00

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!

2008-03-07T08:18:00.003-06:00

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

2008-03-05T12:55:00.006-06:00

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

2008-02-23T21:54:00.004-06:00

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

2008-02-21T12:17:00.004-06:00

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

2008-02-20T13:33:00.003-06:00

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

2008-02-18T22:01:00.005-06:00

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 ...

2008-02-18T13:21:00.005-06:00

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]

A Valentine to Skip

2008-02-15T03:00:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!

What a day! And sadly, it isn't anywhere near over.

We're on the road, with heavy hearts, traveling toward my mother in laws apartment in Gainesville. She is in the final stages of liver cancer. She is dying.

My husband and his sister have such a terrible burden to carry with this ... this is their last parent. Many do not understand this, as there mother was not ... well, in my personal opinion she does not deserve the love and devotion of the two children she is leaving behind. However, at this point and time this is neither here nor there, she is still their mother. And all of my energy MUST be focused on them NOW, not the past. The past it done, and cannot be changed.

It is 9 pm, we have just made it to Abilene ... about another four hours to go before we come near our destination.

As each mile clicks off on the odometer, Rooster looks down - I wonder is he clicking off the miles there or is he trying to postpone the inevitable. We stopped for a kiddie break back in Cahoma, TC and I slipped off for a potty break. She and I are transported back three years ago, when we lost our mother. The waiting, the uncertainty ... the utter rage at the unfairness ... why her, why us, why why WHY!!! All questions that are yet again unanswerable.

My children are softly snoring behind me, one rests on my shoulder - yet none of them sleep their usual carefree sleep. And trust me when I say it isn't because we are traveling ... my kids sleep like rocks when we head to town to the grocery store. Smiley-girl wonders why she doesn't know her Granny, G-Wolfie asks if this is going to be like when Nini died ... oh I pray not, I don't want her to die like my mother did, but yet I don't want her nor her children, nor the grands and great-grands to suffer either. Big Bubba is ignoring the whole scenario, and is just looking forward to seeing his family again. Baby-Girl and Sir Hiss-a-lot remember her vaguely from our trip to see Sister-Sue & Uncle Magic at Christmas a couple of years ago ...

Experience ...

2008-01-10T04:59:00.001-06:00

First a picture from the SandyHills of West Texas ... a beautiful sunrise ... I love this time of morning ... I hear the animals rustling around in their hay ... baby goats bleating for their momma, Bubba mooo-in' to his friends down the road, Harley talking to me about what went on during the night,the girls barking to Harley, the chickens clucking, the roosters from all over the countryside crowing, and the silence ... the blessed silence - no vehicles running, no sounds from the highway, or the oilfield for that matter ... just the sounds of the country. That is one of the main reasons I have ALWAYS wanted to live in the country ... the silence so that I could hear God speak ...

Okay, first let me preface the next section of this post with ... "I usually keep my political opinions to myself." But, this ... this NONSENSE with Hillary Clinton has got me going this evening. I keep reading posts about how she is the "experienced" candidate. Experienced at what???? Being the first lady? Okay, I'll give her that one ... I'm experienced at being my husband's wife, chief bottle washer, cook, partner in life, business partner, etc. but does that mean I am going to go to his office and fill in for him??? I think not ... that would be like the joke I read yesterday ....

In a news conference Deanna Favre announced she will be the starting QB for the Packers this coming Sunday. Deanna asserts that she is qualified to be starting QB because she has spent the past 16 years married to Brett while he played QB for the Packers. During this period of time she became familiar with the definition of a corner blitz, and is now completely comfortable with other terminology of the Packers offense. A survey of Packers fans shows that 50% of those polled supported the move.
Does this sounds idiotic and unbelievable to you? Well, Hillary Clinton makes the same claims as to why she is qualified to be President and 50% of democrats polled agreed. She has never run a City, County, or State.
When told Hillary Clinton has experience because she has 8 years in the White House, Dick Morris stated "so has the pastry chef".

If it comes down to voting into office someone with her "experience", I think I would take my chances with the pastry chef!! I think that has to be the most absurd leap I have heard a politician take in a long time ... and this from the woman that believes politicians about 5% of the time. Sorry, but I take my politicians with a grain of salt. I do not believe that most of this countries leaders are what I instruct my children in as honesty. I listen to what the candidates say, and then I read ... read ... read ... and read some more. I don't believe you can take them at their word, and I surely don't believe you can take them at their "emotion". Excuse me but isn't that the oldest ploy in the book ... Talk about pulling the wool over your eyes ... what IDIOT would believe that nonsense ...whoots, sorry, I shouldn't have called anyone an "idiot", but really you have to wonder at the "intellectual" thought behind that move. PEOPLE she teared up over a question about her hair?!?!?!?!

People ask me frequently how I do it ... I go to school, I take care of my husband while he works 70+ hours a week and goes to school, I take care of our five children, I homeschool all five of our children, and we are active in the things that interest us ... but it doesn't bring a tear to my eye. When someone asks me "how I do it", I look them straight in the eye and tell them, "with a lot of prayer". That is how you do it ... no matter what you are doing. I just find this nonsense utterly ridiculous ...

Oh, yeah ... I've seen Hillary's village and I don't want her helping raise my children in any form or fashion ... no way ... no how ...

UPDATED Picture ... ah, see it pays to have talented friends in the blogosphere ... Big White Hat cleaned up my sunrise and made it look like what I experienced!!

The Key to my Heart ...

2008-01-09T15:44:00.001-06:00

For some odd reason ... I love sepia pictures of my children.

Aunt Cookie's Birthday

2008-01-08T15:31:00.003-06:00

Today is Sister Sue's birthday ... she is my dear Rooster's sister. I personally believe she is possibly really close to being able to walk on water ... but that is just my humble opinion. She is purely the definition of the Titus 2 woman, she has guided me several times when I felt that I was lost or straying from where I needed to be. She ALWAYS has time to chat - may be for just a second, but ALWAYS takes time to find out how her nieces and nephews are ... and her dear brother. Of course my husband's opinion of her is even higher than mine, but there again he is biased!! Ha Ha!!

So, here is a wish for our dear sweet Sister Sue to have one of the BESTEST Birthdays ever!! And hope that she knows how much we all love her, and that our prayers are for her to have MANY MANY MANY more bestest birthdays!!

Places to Visit …

2008-01-08T06:45:00.002-06:00

Hehehe, see my little tractor ... that's what I have to work with out here in all these mesquite bushes, sage bushes, cactus, tumble weeds, rocks, dirt, sand ....

This morning's cuppa liquid hug sure felt good, I left the heater down low last night … it was a balmy 80 degrees here under the mesquites. I had ruggle-rats running to and fro in SHORTS no less!! Asking frequently if it was SPRING … yes, here it is JANUARY the 8^th!! And they are asking if it is spring, but then again as we drove through downtown Odessa yesterday on the way to drop off the precious Rooster's Wranglers for their walk on their own starch job, we noticed that the trees had buds, and some were opening!! Not a good sign … the mesquites are smart enough to keep their buds closed and hidden – the omnipotent mesquite knows it isn't sunshine time just yet …

As I sat here enjoying my daily indulgence of coffee, hazelnut creamer, and hot chocolate … yummers, I started reading through the various blogs that I so enjoy reading. As I started catching up on a few back posts to my very dear traveling friends posts at Gone Walkabout this fabulous thought was inspired by her post on where she had actually gone walkabout. So, I started thinking … and from a previous conversation the precious Rooster and I had, I started compiling a list of places we want to go "walkabout".

First on the list is Germany – we want to visit all of the castles and areas that Rooster so vividly remembers from being stationed there … and I want to enjoy the country that my German teacher, Herr Gitchell, made me fall in love with so many years ago!

Then, I started thinking about all of the National Historic sites that there are to visit here … my boys would love a trip to Hawaii to Pearl Harbor … but then, I realized that here I am, a VERY proud Texan, and I have NEVER taken my children to the Alamo! I am so ashamed of myself!! So, here is just the Texas list of places we need to take our children to see …

The Alamo, The Spanish Governor's Palace - San Antonio, Texas

The State Capital, The Governor's Mansion – Austin, Texas

South Padre Island, Port Isabel Lighthouse – Port Isabel, Texas

Caprock Canyons to see the Official Texas Bison Herd!, Palo Duro Canyon, TEXAS! The Musical – Canyon, Texas/Quitaque, Texas (((OOOOH, WEEEEE – there is a LOT to do on that trip!!!)))

Colorado Bend SP, Gorman Falls, Caves, River trip through Canyons – Bend, Texas

Fort Davis – Fort Davis, Texas

Apollo Mission Control – Houston, Texas

Big Bend National Park – Big Bend, Texas

Okay, I need to consider this … and start planning my family some trips. I have to plan these trips quietly, or otherwise SOMETHING will come up where we can't go. Rooster always tells me that quiet spontaneous trips – spontaneous for him, quietly planned by me – are the best trips!

The best family is the one you pick ...

2008-01-05T18:53:00.001-06:00

Ha! Teri, I know, I know ... 3 days later!!

Me and the VISTA beast had to fight and argue a wee bit more, but I finally got all my software re-loaded. ROFL ... THEN, I had to figure out where everything was again ... I know whine whine whine ... sigh!!

This is a picture of G. Wolfie with our neighbor Mr. Joe. Joe has a granddaughter about the same age as G. Wolfie, and they hang out together. They are definitely best buddies! So, Mr. Joe takes the kids down to play with his goats, calves, and to buy cokes and candy!! Hehehe ... I decided I needed to document some of the time they spend together. These are the moments that G. Wolfie will always remember.

Stay tuned for more ... I had to get into the mood to scrap ... hehehehe ...

Crosswalk.com | Spring Cleaning Hearts At Home

2008-01-02T18:39:00.002-06:00

I thought you might enjoy this page I found at Crosswalk.com. Check it out:

http://www.crosswalk.com/homeschool/11537361/

Vista is a BEAST

2008-01-01T18:02:00.002-06:00

Have I ever explained just exactly how much I LOVE VISTA the crashing beast!! I was tooling right along ... bloggin', scrappin', and doing MY thing, minding MY business and THEN this beast named VISTA crashed my laptop AGAIN!! I had to do a complete system restore ... thankfully I have Gateway Backup otherwise NOT being a wise person this last month, I had NOTHING backed up to the external ... well, we are back up and in business, I have a new external drive, and I save NOTHING to the hard drive on the computer.

GRRR ... what a deal ... gee, I didn't even remember how long it had been ... December 23rd. That just drives me nuts ... I lost a lot of time!! Plus Christmas being in there ...

Oh oh oh ... my precious Roo bought me a digital camera for Christmas ... a Kodak Z712 IS. IT IS SO COOL. So, yes, I have been snapping pictures again. Today, I started working on a series that I want put together of my children for Christmas presents next year for our family. Photobucket has the best deal on QOOP goodies, they have either soft bound or hard bound books of pictures, and I can load them up for pretty reasonable prices. I'm thinking of doing a year or two at a time - just depends on the number of pictures I snap. The books are 8.5 x 10 I know my grandparents would LOVE to have something like that and Grand-Charlie has missed out on so much of the kids lives that I thought this would be a really cool way for him to be able to see them and what they do.

That is a really sad part of my life ... I have a grandfather, a dad, three brothers and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins that I, my husband, and my children never get to visit with because of one crossed wire with my step-mother. I have a very dear friend that says family is a four letter word. I tend to agree.

Ah, well .. we will be back on track tomorrow. I am going to scrap a bit tonight and then off to beddie bye!

Rooster love has two nights left and well, can we all say YEAH!!

His mid-winter semester class is a booger bear ... he took Macro Economics ... 15 chapters in 15 days ... he has finished nine of them ... bless his heart ... he has four exams to take and he will be DONE with that class. He is constantly amazed at how quickly school is flying by ... the Associates is completed, now we are on to complete the Bachelor's. Rooster loves being an Aggie; he is absolutely hilarious about his Aggie's!! Never in all my life thought he would go for being an Aggie considering the fact that he is a died in the wool Red Raider.

Well, it is time for me to sign off ... look for new scrap pages tomorrow ... until then ... have a wonderful evening ...

Smiley and Bubba da' Steer

2007-12-21T11:42:00.002-06:00

This is Smiley's steer .. Bubba. I took these pictures where she would have them to remember him by ... Of course being a steer, he is destined for the freezer. And while I am a realist and know that we have to have the meat for food, I am also the mommy. The mommy that loves my tender hearted little girl so very much.

Obedience and Giving

2007-12-20T10:27:00.001-06:00

I do believe Dr. Turansky and Ms Miller have my home bugged. Literally bugged ... because this is a topic that is REALLY bugging me at my home.

Parenting Tip

December 20, 2007

Obey First and Then We'll Talk About It

When parents give an instruction but children don't want to comply or it's not convenient for them, sometimes they need to learn to "obey first and then we'll talk about it." This emphasizes obedience.

If little Brian has pulled a chair over to the counter and is climbing onto it, you may say, "Brian, we don't climb on chairs."

"But I was just…"

"No, you need to get down. Obey first and then we'll talk about it." Once he gets down, discuss the problem and find a solution together.

"Karl, go get your pajamas on."

"I don't want to go to bed."

"No, obey first and then we'll talk about it."

http://www.biblicalparenting.org/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=2&idproduct=2

This is a serious issue at our home, that needs to be rectified like TODAY. Now, don't get me wrong, my children are not like this when they are out in public or with family – they are perfectly obedient, kind, and giving children. It is when they are at home that things get ugly! So, ugly that I have spent DAYS in tears, my ulcers are KILLING me. I spent the day in the bed. And I hold this all in

Right now as the mom to my precious horde of children, that I LOVE dearly, I am very disillusioned. Roo and I sacrifice just nearly EVERYTHING for them ... and they are turning into the most self absorbed humans I know. And sadly, I do not know what to do for them ...

So, first, Roo and I have come to the agreement that we are not sacrificing for them. This year instead of gifts under the tree from us, they are getting from others. Roo's thought of giving them a gift card to buy Christmas with didn't go well ... they spent $200 of themselves. ((SIGH)) My children do not have an inkling of the concept of "GIVING". All they know is "GETTING"!! And I am heartbroken. I have failed them somewhere along the way, obviously.

Smiley's Fall Bouquet

2007-12-14T10:49:00.001-06:00

Besides blogging each day, and crocheting each day, and working on my school lessons each day, and keeping up with Roo's lessons each day, and keeping up with the kids lessons each day, I am going to desperately try to keep up with another project each day. I am going to commit myself to working on a layout a day. Posting both here and at Gotta Pixel. I LOVE that site!! I swear they have the best deals on digital scrapping kits!! And their designers are simply the best!!

Yes, I am insane ... but I really want to do this for next Christmas. Photobucket has an AWESOME deal on binding your pictures into a book. So, I am going to strive to do a layout a day, upload them here, at Gotta Pixel, and at Photobucket. Then, when December rolls around next year, all I have to do is click and TA-DA ... Christmas is DONE DONE DONE!!

I love this set of pictures of Sarah. She loves cut flowers, and flower arranging so much. I have promised her a flower garden when we build the barn. I am seriously thinking that on one end of the house or possibly on one side of the house we need to have a sunroom/garden room type situation. I know she would love that just as much as I would - not to mention Roo would love it too. He is a bit of a flower hound just as I am. That man can grow the most GORGEOUS roses I have EVER seen. Not to mention leaving cut blossoms on my pillow ... hehehehe, he is a romantic at heart!!

A Moment for ‘Baby Grace’

2007-11-28T07:26:00.002-06:00

As a mother that has the distinct pleasure (NOT) of dealing with the death of a precious baby, that was wanted – so loved, by one and all – so missed, nearly 6 years later by one and all. I sat reading this article at MSNBC 'Baby Grace' I started shaking and was so sick to my stomach; I thought I was going to lose my breakfast. HOW, could any woman that has given birth to a precious child hurt them? I have yelled at mine and felt like the wicked witch of the west and lets don't even go down the road of how I feel when I HAVE to punish one of them. It goes beyond my capacity to reason. Why in the name of all that is pure and good would you bring a child into this world, and then tag team beat to death, drown, and throw a precious 2 year old baby girl?? That makes zero sense to me. Of course this brings me to why I blogged this today instead of yesterday ... yesterday, I would have told you all that I believe that they need to be tortured to death. Oh, wait ... my feelings haven't changed. My bad, friends, I haven't moved past that precious little blonde framed face ... it may take me a few more moments to forgive this mother for being ... gosh ... words fail me ... what do you call her? It cannot be "mother", because other than the fact that she bore the child, she obviously doesn't have a maternal instinct one in her body. It cannot be animal, because even animals only eat the young that will not survive and at that the mother does take pity on the poor critter and does not torture it. I don't see where this woman had an ounce of pity for her child. And sitting here looking at the picture of this precious baby – looks to me she was surviving just fine. So, maybe MONSTER is fitting ...

Moving on ... before I start to scream ...

I started a note here ... and it grew and grew ... all about the woman that was sterilized because children pollute the earth ... and then as my rant went on and on ... I realized that I was giving her the "fame" that she was seeking ... so instead ... I am going to insert a picture right here of my precious crew ... and say this ... IF having children is selfish ... then I will GLADLY be selfish!! All nine of our children are quite worth that label!!

There they are ... the snowman crew ... LOL, Miss Smiley has her nose in a twist, and the Georgia Peach Baby Girl ... WHO KNOWS what she was doing at that moment...

Pretty cool snowman if I do say so myself... yes sir, he surely is.

Well, it is that time ... time for me to close and move on to the laundry list of chores I have this morning. I've already done my kitchen blessing this morning, I've blogged my little rant or rave or tirade or whatever you want to call it, and now it is time to get children busy with lessons and momma busy with lessons ... it's 7am and daylight is burning ...

Our Furry Classmates

2007-11-27T06:53:00.003-06:00

Today's post from Alpha Omega gave me pause; it was like someone had read my mind.
"A righteous man regards the life of his animal." (Proverbs 12:10a) I know that my precious animals are well loved and cared for, by all - our children and me and the dear Rooster. We ensure that they receive the best quality of foods, supplements, shots, shelter, etc. BUT what about the daily grooming, exercise and just cuddles that they miss out on when it is cold, wet, and relentless outside? I will be perfectly honest ... I avoid the animals when it is cold. Yes, they are fed and watered twice a day. But, they don't get momma love, like I know they need. I know once the barn is finished, that there will be some things handled differently, but until that time – I need to do better for my precious animals. Miss Smiley went out and brushed Bubba da' Steer last week, her heart is very heavy. I know she loves her Maine-Anjou baby so much, but he unfortunately is scheduled for the table in 2008. Wolf and Lanky Big Bubba were helping me take the dogs ... the GIRLS for a walk every day, but there again, since that north wind has hit they have been as lax as their momma!

This weekend it happened to snow under the mesquites ... so much so that my precious little kidlets coaxed me ... the queen of the indoors out into the snowy world to build a snowman!! Yes, ladies and gentleman ... you heard it here first. I helped my children build a SNOWMAN! And I must admit, he was a quite handsome critter. And of course our precious Harley had a fit the entire time we were building Mr. Frosty. I know my precious furry buddy gets plenty of exercise, but I know he misses me so much when it is cold. Not very often will you find me out meandering around in the cold, I could whine and say it is because my joints hurt, but honestly it is because I just do not like to be out in the cold. Joints hurting aside ... I no likey the cold. I know he is frustrated with me cold, hurting joints and all ... the last two nights he has jumped up to the living room window, peering in, barking and whining at me. I told the children last night, before next winter ALL of the dogs will be house broke, kennel broke, and will live indoors next year. This is INSANE, I can't stand it. The only reason that I don't let them in now, is that Harley and Angel need a bath and neither of them are good bathers ... that is a CIRCUS!! Picture Tom Hanks in Turner and Hooch – Tom Hanks was outside with the pool brush scrubbing the dog. Now, picture me with three BC's on leashes, with shampoo, water sprayer, scrubbing two long haired and one short haired fur babies, while they try to eat the shampoo, the spray of water and give me kisses at the same time. Yeah, Tom Hanks had it easy with Hooch. Where is that pool brush!!!!

Mr. Rooster and I went to register for school yesterday, I am taking the dreaded evil math class this semester ... and he is finishing up the very tippy last bits of his gen. ed. requirements for his Bachelor's degree at TAMU! I am not mentioning what a stink I started yesterday while I was at the school either ... that one is just going to have sit and stew with you all for a bit. Just know this, IF you treat my precious Rooster unfairly, I do get my dander up a bit, and I will find away to FIX what YOU have done to him. BUWHAHAHAHAHA! I mentioned to him last night, while we were snuggling in the dark, "Have you realized that you are going to 'do it' yet?" And my precious Rooster, still obviously in awe of the fact that he has a brain rattling around up there between his ears, said he still did not believe that it was going to happen – yes dear readers he is 17 hours away from a Bachelor's degree at TAMU and he still doesn't believe. The man is down to one light semester at OC, and one regular semester at A&M and he is DONE!! ((Oh, and can I just take a moment, bowing my head for a moment of silence for all of my dear readers that are T-sippers ... I am sooo sorry that you got Gigged this weekend!! NOT!!! AND I am quite happy to see Coach Fran go bye-bye!! I do believe the Code of Honor should be upheld not only by the students, but by the staff and faculty as well!!)) Okay ... so maybe it still seems to be a "fairy-tale" to him, but I am here to tell you one and all, my precious Rooster is getting not only that Bachelor's degree, but he is prepping for the move right into the Master's degree. Maybe it will soak in when he walks across the stage ... the money is already being squirreled away - dollars, nickels, and dimes - for that graduation ring. Some small symbol, so that he never forgets what a wonderful thing he has done not only for himself, but for his entire family.

Well, I best be moving along this morning ... it is 6:35 am here under the mesquites. I have a laundry list of things to get done this week.

Finish typing Rooster's essay questions – due Saturday
Finish typing Rooster's discussion questions – due Tomorrow
Proof his proposal for him – due next week.
Take my history test – due Friday
STUDY for my Anatomy final – SCREAM of HORROR!!
Finish crocheting a knick knack for my Secret Santa person and for another friend
Work on my baby afghan – sigh ... I so wanted that finished by now ... it is SOOO pretty and sooo soft!! Little baby is here, and I feel bad that I haven't gotten it to his momma yet.

2007-11-26T11:22:00.001-06:00

Yes, my dear friends .. this is Thanksgiving at the Sandy Hills ... hehehe!! I couldn't believe it. This happened about seven years ago, the snow was so high that Roo couldn't drive to work. The snow was ABOVE the bumper on our 1/2 ton truck.

Of course the little SandyHills Childrens HAD to go build a snowman. And of course living deep in the heart of oil country, we had to have a Schlumberger Snow Dude.

2007-08-19T06:43:00.001-05:00

I COULD NOT resist this little video ... it is absolutely ADORABLE!!!

Little Girl and the 23rd Psalm

I was over at Rocks In My Dryer, trying desperately to catch up on some of my favorite blog reading. School did me in this semester when it came to ME time. I absolutely abhor SUMMER semesters ... to short, fast and UGLY for this girl. I like to be able to take my time and ENJOY my class. I think that is the problem, I am not allowed the time to ENJOY the semester.

This semester I am going to try to slow down a bit ... I have several projects I want to complete for Christmas presents. My sweet sister has been begging me for a special afghan for YEARS ... now to just find the pattern!!! **SIGH** I had it at one time, that is how she saw it to begin with, and now, I have lost it!!! I found a GORGEOUS filet Peacock for my grandmother. She has this beautiful blue theme going in her room .. she loves blues, birds, flowers ... so this Peacock is going to be PERFECT for her. I have some WONDERFUL friends that I would like to make some special things for ... and I have a Secret Santa with some wondermus Crochet Girls!! That one is going to be SUPER neat - whatever we do has to fit into a Christmas card envelope!! Too Cool!!
This is my very FIRST filet project and my very FIRST thread project!! I'm pretty proud of myself!! I have always been afraid of thread, and then my Dutch Country friend talked me into TRYING it ... makes a big difference when you use a GOOD thread!!

Well, I best skeedaddle for today .... it is just 89 degrees here in the house ... and need to figure out what we are going to do for din din!!

What exactly is a burden?

2007-08-18T00:19:00.001-05:00

Lately in my life, the question of what is actually a burden keeps popping up. My precious grandparents that raised me think they are a burden. Why?? Because they may need someone to be there for them the way they have been there for me all of my life. My husband thinks buying his school books are a burden. Hmm, husband going to school - going to need school books - I seem to think I knew that!! My son that broke his great toe on his left foot thinks it is a burden to care for him. Doesn't he realize that I signed up for the long haul, 11 years ago when he was conceived??? AND when I found out that I was carrying another "Hard-way"

Jordan

… well, I just knew I was in for stitches and broken bones. There are some cycles in families that well, just aren't meant to be broken.

Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your burden on the Lord, And he shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved."

I ~~have no burdens~~ wait, correction I TRY to have no burdens...I work at letting the Lord carry my burdens. I am practicing more and more every day to pass my worries and burdens on to Him. He will carry them on his shoulders instead of me trying to carry them on mine. It doesn't do me one bit of good to sit here and worry about WHEN the mega corp. is going to transfer my precious Rooster. I'll be old and gray before they make a move ... oh wait, I am old and gray. **SIGH** Talk about having a dowagers hump, WOW!! If I were to try to carry all of this nonsense and hubbub around on my shoulders, I wouldn't just have a dowager's hump; I would look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Some people have obviously NOT raised a G. Wolfie ... hehehe ... not mention the rest of the Wild Bunches escapades. But seriously ... what was that song, don' t worry, be happy ... where is my fruit juice and paper umbrella ... no, wait ... they have a hurricane in the Caribbean right now ... guess I better just continue to hang out here under the mesquite trees **GIGGLE** in W. Texas sipping some lemonade.

I have a lot of questions .. mostly Why's? some Why not's? But I figure those can wait until the time that I am sitting at my Lord's feet ... then, he can fill my little heart with all the answers I truly needed.

Broken

2007-08-14T10:53:00.001-05:00

Well, it is official ... we have our first compound fracture ... and yes, it looks as bad as what the picture makes you THINK it looks like.

You see ... as most of my dear, dear friends know ... we live in West Texas ... with CACTUS, RATTLESNAKES, ROCKS, THORNS ... etc. etc. etc. So mean Mommy instituted the rule ... SHOES ON, when you are outside. Well, Nathaniel went to feed his animals last night, and dropped the 8lb barrel lid on his great toe of his left foot.

Bad enough that he BLEW his toe nail right off .. but he also broke his toe, which in turn ripped through the skin. We took him to the Emergency Room ... of course it WAS after 5pm **SIGH** so we had to go to MCH!! We sat there for SEVEN hours ... soaking gauze wraps and pads for hours. Nathaniel bled so much he painted the floor (yes, they made him WALK to the room - "oh, really now ... he isn't hurt THAT bad is he!!") and the bed, and the walls with his blood. YACK!! I would have hated to be the poor housekeeping person to clean that room ... especially after the PA finished setting his toe, and sewing him back up. Since the bone ripped through the skin, he is going to have to go see an Orthopedic Surgeon next Thursday - the 23rd. We have to make sure he does not get an infection in his bone marrow. They also have to check to see if he broke the growth plate in his toe - poor baby may have a stubby toe!! He has nine stitches - three in his nail bed, two on the side of his toe, and FOUR to hold the toe nail on keeping the nail fold in place and protecting the nail bed.

He is taking it all pretty well ... when my precious Rooster went to town to get his pain meds and his antibiotic, he picked him up some paints and a book to draw in. Of course that made him HERO Number 1 all over again for his son. I think today ... we will move him to the living room and let him sleep in here. Last night was not a pretty night at all ... but we survived ... well, with what little sleep we got ... we are surviving! We didn't get home until AFTER 2:30 am ... ugh!!

Until I blog again ... jess

Mountains Outta Molehills

2007-07-26T04:45:00.001-05:00

Do you?... Do you make mountains out of molehills? I just finished reading the AOP Newsletter - Daily Focus and it gave me a good WHALLOP up side the head. One of those times, where you go, "YES FATHER, I am listening ... I am applying it to ME ... no one else!"

"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)

There is nothing in my life that is too hard for God to handle. But yet I find myself - struggling, hanging on to hurts, fighting anger and rage, withdrawing into my own world - as if I am the only person that has ever had to deal with my particular situation. ((SIGH)) Forgetting to be just thankful that I have the "problems" to deal with daily that I have ... instead of five little sticky pairs of hands to clean up after, I could have none.

Maybe it is more than just making mountains out of molehills, maybe it is also seeing the glass half full, instead of half empty. A negative spin always seems to make that molehill look more like Mt. Kilaminjaro, instead of the little handful of sand that it actually is.

SCHOOL!!!

2007-05-30T06:41:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were a little kid, and the first day of school came ... you were so excited!!! Oh, and how about all of us homeschool moms ... the minute we crack open that new curriculum, we breath in that "new" school year smell - better than new car smell.

My first day of college - in 8 years - was yesterday. Funny, I didn't get that childhood rush, or that palpitation from the new book smell - even at $300 - those books just didn't do it for me.

Why you ask???

FEAR ... FEAR that I couldn't do it. FEAR that I can't keep up. FEAR that I am too old (oh, yes hubby would SO smack me for that one). But still they are my fears and all very real!!

So, here it begins ... my journey back to college.

Attention Computer Friends

2007-05-29T20:48:00.003-05:00

If you ever find yourself networking computers, especially ones that run Vista and XP, together along with printers and routers and other such non-sense ... do yourself a BIG favor, do a search and find Network Magic. Download it, and install it on your computers. SOOO much easier!!!

After tearfully trying to re-install, re-configure, and all the other gymnastics that I tried to perform getting the computers to come together ... I downloaded Network Magic, and in about 2 minutes I had everything connected!! I went and took a shower ... it was too much for me!! ROFL!!!

So now I have happy children on computers doing lessons ... and mom ... not stressing out!!!

Now if I could just learn to look for the grace of doing these types of things where I don't stress out and then look for the answers. Why is it I won't let Rooster put anything together until I read the directions, but yet I tried to do this yesterday without research!! DUH DUH DUH me!!!

All the Curriculum in It's Place

2007-05-16T22:30:00.001-05:00

Well, I went to bed last night thinking, and praying about this disorganization. I joined a new group yesterday. It is based on the workbook by Cynthia Hancox. It is called Goodbye Chaos, Hello Peace. I already like the sound of it. Her demeanor has given me such a feeling of peace and tranquility!! I have barely started reading my first few pages, and I have a can do spirit. It is still hard to believe the work she has poured into this first unit and isn't charging a dime for it.

And not only has this given me the spirit to organize my home and get it under control, but it has shown me where I need to seriously dedicate my efforts to my other endeavors.

I train Border Collies to herd. Shamefully, since our two pups died, I have not worked with my best friend not one time. And I know he is SO FRUSTRATED!! Yes, he loves to come in the house and be with me, but he also needs to be outside, running, jumping, herding, fetching, and doing the Border Collie Hustle!! Right now he is curled up around my feet as I sit here blogging. His love for me is so evident ... so, I ask myself "what have you done for him lately?"

I am trying to lose about 45 - 50 pounds. It is so hard to not get discouraged. I was down 10 pounds last week, but this week since I have increased my work out I have gained 5 pounds back. I am riding my bike 8 miles a day (at 20 mph), and am doing abdominal workouts with the new Bender Ball. Today, I could barely bend over my abdominal muscles hurt so bad. I have had to stop and stretch several times today. BUT, I can tell a difference in my waist line already, under my ribs there is an indention instead of another lovely jiggly roll. ((SIGH)) Glad my hubby loves me!! Otherwise these love handles would be soooo depressing!! BUT, there again I am not going to allow those five pounds to deter me from my task at hand. I am going to work out everyday whether I lose ONE POUND or ONE OUNCE. THAT's it ... no getting out of it!!

Now for today mission of "In It's Place", all of the curriculum that I have been so carefully sorting by subject, publisher, method, etc. has finally been laid to rest in the filing cabinet. My shelves have been sorted also, so that our school books have a shelf instead of being moved from spot in the floor, to spot on the table, to spot on the chair, to ... well, you get the idea. And I found a place for all of our reference materials that we use frequently in our classes. There was also room for each one of the children's notebooks that are used daily. So, there notebooks have a home now too. I have two more tables that need to be cleaned off, but I am taking them one day at a time, one step at a time. BIG plus to all of this, I separated out our financials from the curriculum when I finally was able to get all the curriculum filed away in the new filing cabinet. Plus all of the boxes that Roo has so graciously hauled home from the office have given me a place to neatly store our notebooks until more shelves are built, the children's drawings & loose papers, and other misc. filing that we don't have drawer space for right now.

Organization - A Place for Everything

2007-05-15T18:51:00.001-05:00

A Place for Everything ... hmmmm ... Okay so everything needs to have a home of it's own.

Let's me think ... let's start in the kitchen because it is probably the most organized.

What needs a home:
bags of pasta that slide off of the shelves
bread that gets lost on top of the deep freeze
sack of pecans
cooking utensils
cleaning supplies under the sink
cleaning tools
gallon jugs when not filled with tea and fruit drinks
medicines on top of the refrigerator

Solution:
see thru containers for pasta set them on the pantry shelves
checked the sack of pecans and chunked them
cleaning tools need a rack on the South wall
cleaning supplies under the sink in a tote bucket with handle, gallon jugs in larger tote
install shelf in big cabinet on north wall for gallon jugs on top and sodas, unopened juices and coffee on bottom
meds on top of refrigerator need their own tote/first aid station
bread needs a bread box/extra loves go into the freezer
rearrange freezers - upright deep freeze: meats, chest deep freeze: veggies, refrigerator freezer: bread & ice
shelves on north wall that are deep enough to sit my crock pots on, along with my mixing bowls, measuring cups, and maybe my pretty baking dishes that belonged to my mother

This is more entailed than I believed ... so I will work on another room tomorrow. If I am going to do this ... I need to follow Colossians 3:23 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, nowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward fo the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. I need to work for my family as though I am working for God. If my work is done in honor of Christ, maybe organizing my house will bring an eternal reward. Ah, to dream of a home in heaven that is self cleaning ... tee hee!!

Organization of the Disorganized

2007-05-14T22:08:00.001-05:00

Disorganization ... THAT is what my mother should have named me. It would have been much easier, much more REALISTIC instead of naming her little girl Jessica Jean ...

SIGH

Oh, well, here goes! As I quipped this morning on a homeschooling list that I belong to, "I really need to lapbook Flylady and my routines!" Well, honestly, instead of a lapbook, I need a poster. I have seen a calendar at Office Depot that was a Post-It Note on a pretty colorful calendar. http://www.3m.com/us/office/postit/products/prod_notes_sn.html LOL, I need something where I can SEE what I need to do, physically check it off, and NOT have to make this list again or have it stuffed away in a notebook somewhere. That notebook while VERY useful for keeping track of all seven of us at home, is a problem when it comes to cleaning house. WHY??? I don't know ... please don't ask me, I've asked myself this question over and over ad nauseum!!

THEN, I get an article in the e-mail from Maria Gracia. The 7 Habits of VERY Organized People the VERY was my emphasis ... it is the way the article made me feel. This is it ... these are the very organized, they can do it ... you can't. And as I look around at my piles, I see that I can't. So, here goes ... starting in the morning (since today is GONE). I am going to tackle ONE habit a day. And as each day progresses I will add a habit. Now, I am not saying that I am going to adopt this habit immediately, but with each passing day I am going to blog my game plan as to how to implement these HABITS in my life. I figure one a day and I'll have a plan by next week. ROFL ... I may be stretching it ... but hey MIRACLES have been known to happen.

So, now as to why my blog is SO LACKING ... I clicked the feature to EMAIL my blog in and guess what ... I am the dufus that put the wrong address in the box. So there ... I am the goob, the dufus, the gizmo ... it has been written on the internet. Confessions of a disorganized woman!

Happy Mother's Day & Happy Anniversary

2007-05-14T00:11:00.002-05:00

Not only is today Mother's Day, but it is also my grandparent's 62nd Anniversary.

... My Rooster called me from work about 5:30 am asking if I needed anything, I sleepily told him that all I needed was some ice ... I don't think I was interested in talking and I am usually not like that. ((Giggles)) I had a very short, very mule-like bed partner that couldn't get comfy. So, I didn't sleep really well. Back to sleep I quickly went after hanging up with Rooster. Then, around 7:30 am my neighbor called to check on my kiddoes, since they have all been sick. Okay, two hours more nappy for mommy made her a bit more responsive to the outside world. So, I chatted with my neighbor while I made a pot of coffee. By this time I have little children creeping out of their beddy-byes.

G. Wolfie is still in bed however. This virus has hit him the worst this time. I don't know ... poor little guy, he is just BLAH!! I just hate when they get sick!! Well, of course Miss Hollywood-Georgia Peach-Baby Girl is still in bed too ... she is so cute in her new shades that I purchased for her yesterday on girl's day in town. The girls and I went to town all by ourselves, pretty scary for three girls that usually have an escort of at least three, usually four farm boys. ((WINK)) They are definitely the protectors of the milk maidens of the Rocker A Bar J. I went to get my nails done, and pick up my reader glasses (blind old bat that I am). Oh, I stayed a little longer and had a pedicure, too. Then, I took the girls over to the jewelry section of Wal-mart and let them pick out some play jewelry. Sarah found them each a butterfly necklace in each of their favorite colors. And I found them a pair of necklaces that had Big Sis on one and Lil Sis on the other one. I so want them to be close!! No rivalries, minimal fights ... I want them to have NOW what Auntie TC and I had to wait many, many years to achieve.

Now, this is CUTE!!! I learned a new little tidbit that I didn't know about my grandparents!! My great-grandfather Bennett bought a cafe when my grandmother (Maw Maw) was a young girl (gasp) ... about 14 years old from what I was understanding maybe younger. She worked for him in the cafe. My grandfather at the ripe old age of 15 to 16 had already dropped out of school. Bless his heart, he had to do something to help support himself, my Great-Granny Wilkerson and his baby brother since his father had passed about 10 years earlier. He would stop in the cafe to flirt with my grandmother and ask her out on Saturday nights. They had met a few years earlier when my grandfather was in the 6th or 7th grade and of course my grandmother was a couple of years behind him, there is about two years difference in their age. They were married a couple of years later in 1945. Sixty-two years ... and they are so awesome still!!

I think it would be so wonderful to be married to my Rooster for that long. Will we make it ... hmmm, probably not because my dear Rooster would be 104 and I would be 89. That's okay ... if he doesn't make 104 and I make 89 ... I'll still have been married to him for 62 years in my heart!! I love him so much and whether or not I show it enough ... I appreciate him from the very bottom of my red painted toes!! The blessing of being privy to such an outstanding sacrifice it takes to make a marriage work and the blessing of being married to a man that WANTS to give his all to make our marriage work ... humbles me and fills me with such love!! I can't wait until he gets home in the morning where I can throw my arms around his neck!!

A Day in the Life of Little Hands

2007-05-13T01:01:00.001-05:00

"Just one day, just one day ... of no messes" that is all that I asked as I SCREAMED at 5 of my precious little gifts from God.

Not a great precursor to Mother’s Day tomorrow now is it? ((sigh))

Well, I know better, really I do … but sometimes at the end of the day … just ONE more mess is too many for me to handle. And a bucket of spilled rotten paint was too much for me to handle. We have had three buckets sitting in our house for about 5 years now … one had red, one had white, and one had a creamy yellow. Well, precious little gift number 9, Sir Hiss-a-lot, tipped over the white paint in the bathroom floor amidst the last pile of dirty clothes, wet towels from their showers and their shoes all because he wanted to play monkey in the zoo to show off for his brother. ((BANGING HEAD ON DESK))

So after I mopped up about 2.5 gallons of white paint that STUNK to the high Heaven and the deepest pits of Hades and listening to Big Lanky Bubba fuss about how bad it stunk, I went to sit quietly in my chair as my babies slunk off to bed. Not a great end to an evening that should have been joyous. I blew it … do you see a common theme running here … Momma blows it quite often. I have no excuse … I have very little patience at times and I just let loose. I don’t think before I scream bloody murder. No wonder my babies didn’t care if they got a good-night kiss or not … who would want a good-night kiss from a grouch like me!! Well, once I made it my chair I picked up a book that my precious baby sister had loaned me and started to read. There is where God comes into the picture … he picked that book right up and proceeded to beat me about the head for being such an evil wretch to my children. I was reading Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul. So, I had been in the habit of just opening the book and reading whatever. As blessings would have it … here is where I opened to …

Little Hands by Judith Peitsch

Thank you Lord for dirty hands
That touch my stove and fridge;
For sticky little fingers that
Try to build a bridge.

For careless hands that go astray
In search of something new;
For hands to hold and show the way
As mothers often do.

For precious little hands in which
Great faith so abounds;
For silly little hands that reach
To touch a mother’s frown.

And thank you for your guiding hand
That leads me to the light;
That lifts me when I stumble
And points me to the right.

As little hands reach out to me
To show them what to do,
I’m steadied, reassured, and loved
As I reach up to you.

OH, Lord how you remind me in oh so subtle ways of what I should be thankful for … so no matter what messes I have to clean up, I will be thankful today, tomorrow, and all the tomorrows that follow that I have little messes (or big messes) that my precious gift’s little hands make. Just another instance to motivate me into being a better mother ...

Thursday Rants of a Selfish Wife

2007-05-10T13:54:00.001-05:00

Call to order! or whatever we need to do to get this meeting started!!

My precious Roo has to go back to work today! I hate that ... almost as much as I hated him having to go back after his vacation last week. Selfish ... you better believe it!! I am extremely selfish when it comes to my love. I don't want to share him with ANYONE!!

Now that I have that little rant and rave off my chest ... I have another for you!!

Last week, we were at the office. One of the ladies that works in the office popped off a comment about my lovie being a PITA. Oh that flew all over me!! I think one of the kids could have thrown a five gallon bucket of liquid pig poo all over me, and it wouldn't have upset me near as much as that did.

Call me old fashioned, but that female doesn't know my hubby nearly well enough to tell me he is a PITA!! IF anyone in this world gets to refer to his uhm, let's say demeanor - IT'S ME!! And I don't refer to him in that type of verbage. In my world, my hubbiness is about a breath away from being able to walk on water. This is the man that works somewhere between 94.5 to 108.5 hours in his seven day stretch - so I can stay at home, raise our children, homeschool, and sit here on my laptop blogging to my friends. Now, do I get a sharp pain in my seat ... every once in a while he surely puts a burr under my saddle, but that is for me to know ... I don't fight and tell. Besides I would be a liar if I said we NEVER get cross. We are two completely different individuals. So, of course we are going to NOT see eye to eye ... but I can tell you this, it isn't very often that we aren't tuned into one another. There may be 15 years difference in us, but there is usually only about 15 seconds difference in our thought process! I can't explain in words, even though I try, how much I love my husband. He is so precious to me.

And I, sure as the sun rises, do not tell anyone who will listen that my hubby is a pain!! That is just rude!!

Well, little boy is better, he is still rather puney though. That is hard for me to watch. I know how my G. Wolfie is - vibrant, active, and full speed ahead life!! I have been so tickled at him today. He and Roo have played musical chairs all day. He knows that it is time for his Poppie to go back to work. He is SO much like his mother in that respect. He abhors his Poppie leaving for work. They are watching tv together right now, "Growing Up Elephant" on Animal Planet. They would own a zoo if they could figure out how to get it done. G. Wolfie told his Poppie that he wants a barn where they can have an elephant ... I'm thinking barn for goats, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, and a horse or two ... he is thinking barn for a safari collection!!! Geesh!!

Okay, I am outta here for the day ... I need to go fix some hamburger meat and potatoes ... we are having tacos for dinner before love leaves!! Until the next time, much love and huggles!!

Mandatory HPV Shot Swirling in Flames

2007-05-09T22:35:00.001-05:00

Oh, listen to the joyous singing coming from Austin !!

YES!!

Texas has spoken quite loud and clear to Governor Perry of the Nanny Squad.

We do not want to be forced to give our daughters an experimental SHOT!!

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4787541.html

Sorry, but I have to go hug my girls right now ... I am so tickled!!

Three Little Pigs on the Road

2007-05-08T17:33:00.001-05:00

Okay, so we didn't get up on time!!

But we did make it to Klempke's Sausage Haus to drop off the "little" oinkers.

We left home about the time the sun was coming up. Kids had no more gotten into the truck and they started hollering and howling that they were hungry ... geesh!! Of course, being the evil parents that we are ... we FED THEM Mc Donalds!! HOW DARE WE!! So, as Rooster Love filled up with gas, I took kidlets into the truckstop for a pit stop - yes, I know we JUST left the house 25 miles ago - drinks, sausage pancakes, and hashbrowns. None of which, except for my Diet Dr. Pepper and water were on my WW diet. Thankfully, I have been REALLY good so I was golden. Twelve pounds in nineteen days, I don't be thinking that is too shabby at all. So, anyway, we get food, drinks, fuel, and a pit stop. Oh, and I found my Aggie a huge Aggie mug. So, we finally got on the road while munching on our Mikey D's food. Our path took us from Midland, to Lamesa by way of Patricia, then a trip trop over to Tahoka, Wilson, and then Slaton. Being the ding dong that I am about little places like this I didn't have a clue where we were nor where we were going, nor how close to Lubbock we were actually going to be. DUH ... I could have planned a cool day in Lubbock for us. Oh, well, I'll have to do better next time.

A Tale of Three Little Piggies ...

2007-05-07T23:07:00.001-05:00

Yes, family ... and friends that are interested ...

It has come time again to make the trip to the butcher shop!! I didn't think about it before we loaded the pigs up tonight - IN THE DARK BY THE WAY!!! but I should have taken pictures. One of the hogs that we loaded - I SWEAR to you I am NOT LYING - weighed about 500 lbs. I will post when they call me as to the weight. When, that hog stepped up into Mr. Joe's trailer, I just knew the back end of our pick-up was going to sink into the ground. That hog was longer than I am tall I bet!!

So, we finally got them loaded ... it took FOREVER!! Obviously no one had been loaded before and having had rain, the trailer was slippery, Roo was buried up to his gorgeous he-man calves in muck, mud, and goo. You know the kind of stuff that you step off in and it literally SUCKS your leg down into the murky, deep, dark! Then, he took a step and you could hear that sucking noise ... UGH!! I hate that feeling!!! Roo finally had to take the big gate and section off the feeder pen, where they would quit trying to go back to the back to lay down. Of course it was pitch dark by this time. So, we rounded them up in a chute type situation with the big gate to the back, a tall panel to one side, and a short panel to the other side leading into the gate of the trailer. BIG PIG tried to come over short fence once, but Mr. Joe had him under control pretty quick. Roo was still stuck in the mud, holding the big gate panel. And me ... I got to be the fearless, hide behind the trailer gate, gate closer!!

Okay, my Rooster is looking sweepy ... I'm off to beddy bye!!!

The Unseen Playmate

2007-04-25T23:24:00.000-05:00

The Unseen Playmate

by Robert Louis Stevenson

When children are playing alone on the green,

In comes the playmate that never was seen.

When children are happy and lonely and good,

The Friend of the Children comes out of the wood.

Nobody heard him and nobody saw,

His is a picture you never could draw,

But he's sure to be present, abroad or at home,

When children are happy and playing alone.

He lies in the laurels, he runs on the grass,

He sings when you tinkle the musical glass;

Whene'er you are happy and cannot tell why,

The Friend of the Children is sure to be by!

He loves to be little, he hates to be big,

'Tis he that inhabits the caves that you dig;

'Tis he when you play with your soldiers of tin

That sides with the Frenchmen and never can win.

'Tis he, when at night you go off to your bed,

Bids you go to your sleep and not trouble your head;

For wherever they're lying, in cupboard or shelf,

'Tis he will take care of your playthings himself!

Grace of God ...

2007-02-27T22:45:00.002-06:00

Grace ... as I understand it is "the undeserved gift of divine favor in the justification and then sanctification of sinners (from the Greek term charis)." God has given me many undeserved gifts, and has left how I use them or care for them up to me.

This morning, I blew it ... my dear Rooster (undeserved gift number 2 - my salvation being number 1) got up in a bit of a tizzy at 3:30 am because it was his first day back to work, after a long weekend off. I had not picked up from the laundry the starched jeans that he wanted, and I didn't have washed the particular shirts that he wanted to wear ... tough you say ... well, maybe, but more likely not. I know ... I can hear you all ... he's a grown man, he can take care of himself. But I tell you, I blew it ... because I did not anticipate my Rooster's needs. He takes care of me, he works UN-Godly hours - sometimes in excess of 90 hours, and not much less than 70 hour weeks, and affords me all the little niceties that this homeschooling mom of 5 thinks she needs ... to include this laptop that I am click, click, clicking on while I sit here all comfy in my chair. So, there we go ... me pouting - him fuming ... and then, I hear it ... the noise that sends chills up a mother's back. The sound of one of her babe's hurling their little guts all over the place ....

My precious G. Wolfie (undeserved gift #6), was leaning over the tub - the TOY tub that is ... hurling his guts all over every stuffed animal his precious sister, Baby Girl Peach (undeserved gift #8), loves to play with. **BIG SIGH** So, what do I do ... no ... I didn't handle that gift very well either ... instead comforting my hurling boy ... after I brusquely hurry him off to the bathroom to finish ... I growl unceremoniously at my husband about having to clean up that mess, too! So, needless to say ... by 4:30 am - I had very effectively wounded two very important people in my life.

The day did get better ... and I did apologize to both of them for being an evil wretched wench ... and both of them forgave me. One with hugs and kisses - and a promise that he preferred for me to spend his last day off with him instead of the washer or a trip to the laundry - and the other one came and gave me a big ole' kiss (yeah I'll probably be sick too - but hey, it is what I deserved after being so tacky to him - poor baby). So, as my day was getting better, and I was becoming human and less evil, I began to reflect on my morning ... and in turn that made me think of my precious gifts from God .... and that led to me thinking about the most precious gift of all from God ... my Salvation. Do I care for my Salvation the way that I cared for my other gifts from God??? ... WOW ... what an eye opener!! Most days I 'try' to care for my Salvation in the way that I know I should, but then there are the evil wretched wench days ... the days that I don't even LOOK at my Bible, pray - pray for what days, the days where I am so miserable that ... **PING** - light bulb moment ... the days that I shun God ... so that His grace can't shine down through my obviously lead umbrella. So, I thought about it ... what was the first thing I went to do yesterday morning ... ah, yes ... headed to the alter of the coffee pot ... instead of taking an extra second to lay there in my bed next to my awfully cuddly Rooster to talk to God about my day, I jumped up like my hair was on fire, ran to the coffee pot and started the day. Tsk, tsk, tsk ... needless to say, I am going to have to rethink my mornings ....

Now, don't get me wrong ... I do not worship my coffee ... coffee is just essential to make my body run.

My point is ... that "I" personally need to spend an extra few moments in my bed, in the quiet, talking with God before I rush out into the morning. And I need to remember this each and every day ... "there but for the grace of God go I"

Tiny T-rex Arms ...

2007-02-20T09:09:00.002-06:00

Each morning I gather my little chicks together ... we sit together at the table or at various points in our living area ... me cuddling my coffee mug, my girls - Smiley and Baby Girl Peach sitting in the swivel chair ... the boys - the near twins - G. Wolfie and Sir Hiss-a-lot sitting on the recliner and Big Lanky Bubba leaning up against the wall or door (looking like he is waiting to BOLT!!) So, today Rooster-love came in just as we started our morning "staff" meeting. As I started down the list of chores that we needed to accomplish, I hear a growl. Trying to keep my composure, I continue talking to Big Lanky Bubba about the particular extras that need to be done because he uhm, well, glossed over them yesterday. **SIGH** Then, I move on to Smiley ... 'and when you are vacuuming the bedroom, Peach will be your pick-up buddy' **GROWL** -- I turn to see my precious little Peach slashing the air and growling, not at me mind you ... at Rooster, because he has his little t-rex arms up slashing and growling at her. Needless to say it took me forever to get through the morning staff meeting - between bouts of growls, and tiny t-rex arms -- which by the way is HILARIOUS on a 6 foot plus Texas sized cowboy!

So, now here it is 9:30 most of our chores are either done, or well under way. I have little happy faces sitting around me at the table as I blog ... eating their oatmeal and toast. Lanky Bubba has lost his bolt look - hehhehe ... the best thing for him ever morning is his first morning run out to the pens ... he doesn't get that look because he wants to run from me, it is pure - he loves his animals. G. Wolfie is swaying to the soft music playing on the radio, happily eating his second or third bowl of oatmeal ... you know you lose count after a bit. Peach has jelly smeared from ear to ear, and is laughing and eating with her brothers. Hisser is quietly eating his oatmeal, stirring, taking a bite, stirring, swirling ... bless his heart it takes him forever to eat a bowl of cereal. I have to keep after him though, there can be no skimping on his part. And Miss Smiley ... little momma, she makes sure that all her brothers and her sister has enough to eat. She is such a blessing to me ... she has oatmeal down cold. I think she is going to be a great cook. Her cream gravy isn't too shabby, either.

Well, enough from me today ... I need to get along with my work. I am working on a co-op lapbook Blackbeard and Pirates - units from Hands of a Child. We are reading American History about the colonies from "A First Book in American History", "Stories of Great Americans for Little Americans"and "American History Stories Volumes I & II". And I think I am going to have Lanky Bubba start working on the Multiplication Pizza Party Lapbook from Hands of a Child today too. He is doing so well changing over from addition/subtraction to multiplication/division. I love that boys mathematical mind ... it amazes me. Heheheh obviously this is from a woman that has to have a calculator, and software to balance her checkbook.

Being Thankful

2007-02-17T13:26:00.001-06:00

You realize occasionally in life, that it is NEVER to late to start counting your blessings. There are days that life jumps up and does a spinning, flying back kick at your nose ... and hits it dead on. This weekend is one of those times. Our local country station, that we listen to frequently, is supporting the St. Jude's telethon.

First, let me say that listening is hard enough. Adding to that the fact that we have eight healthy, walking, talking children and one heavenly angel. Well, let's say that just pretty much pushes it over the top for this mom. And then, my beloved came home yesterday, fell into my arms and sobbed ... well, that was just too much for me. So, here I have sat with five of my bevy of busy bees buzz buzz buzzing around me today. In and out of my lap, under the dining table where I am working using my feet for ramps to jump their cars off and over. I have counted my blessings over and over this morning. And I still come back to the fact that I am so unworthy of these precious gifts from God. While my children are far from perfect, they CANNOT walk on water, but they are mine, and they are awesome sights to behold.

Shew ... too teary eyed ... LOL!!

Well, today is wash day for mom ... we have a system worked out, finally that looks to be working. Or at least it has for the last three weeks. Now, at any moment it could fall apart, but for now we are having less stress in the laundry department. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday are boy wash days - three boys hence three boy wash days (Thank you God for five work days in a week! No arguments over who washes when!!) Then, we have the girls wash days on Tuesday and Thursday. As it works out, usually the girls wash on Tuesday and are done until next Tuesday unless they "want" something extra washed. Sarah strikes yet again ... she keeps their laundry washed! Now, Nathaniel and GW are a little slower about it, but they are figuring out a system ... it usually works out to Monday=dark, Wednesday=reds, and Friday=lights. I bleach whites on Saturday, and do mine and Rooster's laundry on Saturday or Sunday after church IF I am lazy on Saturday. Which today ... for some strange reason, I have washed, dried, hung, folded and put away 4 loads ... so nanner nannner nannnner I don't have laundry to do tomorrow!! YIPPEEEEEE!!! Now, I just have to wrangle those kids back in the house to fold their socks and unders. Today for the record is the first BEAUTIFUL day we have had in a bit ... it has been colder than I care for!! Obviously there are MANY reasons I live in warm West Texas ... and lack of cold is pretty close to the TOP!!!

until we chat again ...

Valentine's Day with my Family!!

2007-02-14T21:00:00.001-06:00

oh, what a DAY!!! We left La Granja de Jordania around 7am ... that translates for those of you that don't know my crew ... of me rising at 5am ... poking the Rooster with one hand for about 15 to 20 minutes with a hot cup of coffee in the other hand, and then going to drag 5 sleepy children out of the bed where they can have their 'wake-up' showers ... well, let me back track on that. I drug three boys out of the bed where they could have their showers ... the girls ... well, Sarah bounces out of the bed and is dressed at about Mach 10 and Savannah the baby T-Rex she snuggles in her Poppie's spot until it is time to walk out the door. LOL, I LOVE brushing her hair in the truck ... that's FUN!! <>

So, anywho ... we have a day in town starting with our beloved Poppie getting his feathers trimmed. He looks so pretty once his barber is done. I love his silver hair! Then, we took the babies out for pancakes at I-Hop. Geesh is it me being cynical or has their quality of food gone down?? Oh, well, my children enjoyed it, I got breakfast out, and was able to sit and drink coffee with Poppie and had a good time. After breakfast he took us over to Cavendar's ... it was time to outfit some feet and Wrangler bottoms!! Oh, and Mommy found a too cute skirt too!!! Couldn't believe it ... finally found a LONG straight skirt - plain jane denim to boot!! So, we purchased everyone two pairs of Wranglers to cover growing legs - boy was that fun ... Nathaniel went up TWO sizes ... how in the world he was fitting into those jeans I will NEVER know!!! G.W. is going to be a cowboy heart breaker when he grows up, Rooster put a chocolate Stetson on him and I nearly fell over. Too GORGEOUS for words! LOL, I wish I had my camera with me for this outing. Of, course my little bonnie lasses did not look shabby in the red felt Stetson that he put on them either. Now, Poppie thinks they need horses ... hehehe ... he is such a sucker for these GIRLS!!! Shhhh ... don't tell anybody but I am a sucker for my boys too!!! I wonder how those kids have kept from being totally spoilt stinking rotten!!!! LOL, we left Cavendar's for a sashay through Wood's to pick up Poppie Rooster a new pair of steel-toes to wear at the office and happened up on him a quite gorgeous camel and black denim shirt. I'll have to have pictures of that one!! Next we dashed into Dillard's ... Poppie bought me a new flavor of perfume for Valentine's Day ... Valentino's Rock n Rose .. it smells SOOOO GOOD!!! I knew I was needing a new flavor ... my Obsession was turning rather stinky on me!! YUCK ... but now according to GW and Rooster ... I smell good again!! LOL, all is right in our world again ...

My girls never fail ...

2007-01-30T22:04:00.001-06:00

to remind me of how I need to be! Sarah especially reminds me frequently of things I either need to be VERY proud of, or of things I need to mind my peas and ques over because she is watching me. She is watching me closely. I am an early riser, it just makes my day run smooth if I am rolling out of bed long before ole' Mr. Sol. And about the time I am sipping my first hot mug of coffee, here comes Miss Sarah, padding quietly through the house find me. Some mornings she sips a cup of tea, and some mornings she has a cup of coffee with me.

She is becoming more disciplined and organized everyday. Thankfully this is an area that she sees me take hold of the bull by the horns so to speak and handle the task at hand. She wakes up, has her tea or coffee, dresses to feed her pups, then comes in and exercises to her ballet video, showers and is at the table read for lessons - and I best not be late!

Chocolate Milk

2007-01-29T15:21:00.001-06:00

I love chocolate milk ... I love everything about it ... UNLESS it somehow ends up in my keyboard, on my mouse, mouse pad, desk top, pens, well, okay let's just say on EVERYTHING within a 3 foot radius of my desk is just coated in the sticky residual effects of chocolate milk. And to top it all off, I have a three year old standing the other side of the dining table sucking her thumb, asking me through the slats of the chair back "your 'puter okay Momma ?? I can do Polie Bear lessons?" Now, I ask you ... how in the world can you be mad at that. I can't ... See she knew she was doing a no no ... She knows she isn't supposed to be on Momma's desk with chocolate milk. But the picture on Momma's computer was just toooooo enticing for her to stand. My fault, no ... but I have to cut her a bit of slack. I tempted her sorely with my pictures.

Well, I have a sticky enter key, but other than that everything seems to be drying to a super sticky state quite nicely. Chocolate milk is back at the table, and I still have my pictures scrolling by. And the funny thing is ... it was a picture of herself that was flashing by on my screensaver.

She is so funny ... I love the awe and amazement that fills her sweet face when she sees herself in pictures.

Carefree and Breathing in God ...

2007-01-28T20:53:00.000-06:00

I thought about posting pictures of the kids today ... I hate studio pictures, they looks so posed and fake to me. I guess it is because no one has ever "caught" the spirit of my children on film in a studio setting yet. So, for Momma's Day last year, I gathered up my little sweetly dressed chicklets and took them out to the University of Texas - Permian Basin duck pond. I just let them go ... wander around ... be kids, carefree and breathing in the beauty of God's creation. But the best part of all of this is before I started, I took a moment and asked God to be with us, to be with me as I took pictures of my children, to help me not to stress over "perfect" shots. And it happened ... I took some of the best shots of my children I have ever taken ... a few they "posed" for but for the most part ... I just snapped them off as they came ...

Polar Habitats ... in West Texas ???

2007-01-27T22:00:00.001-06:00

I don't know what it is about the cold this year ... but I am definitely not enjoying the winter this year. We have had a little snow, a good deal of ice, and a good deal of rain ... which I am extremely thankful for!! But I have not enjoyed the temperatures in the teens!! My ole' bones just do not handle it well, I guess. That and the fact that I do not appreciate not having electricity and phone due to ice and raid ... utterly ridiculous!!

Oh well, enough grousing 'eh ...

But we did get quite a bit of school work done. Thankfully, I had printed out most of my Polar Habitat unit activities where I could slowly get them cut out over time. I even enlisted the help of my dear Rooster ... that man can cut out fast!! He uses his utility knife like a chef carving up a turkey!! I couldn't believe how quickly he cut those little pictures up for us.

So, I had done, certain things for Miss Savannah and Mr. Jon ... on a preschool level. BUT, WOW, did I get into BIG trouble with them. I had to rework part of their lessons, where they "looked" like the big guys!!! LOL, it was definitely a challenge at last minute, but their joy at being like the big guys, was absolutely rewarding to the nth degree!! Ya'll don't ever forget that - ya' hear ... the littlies really need to have things that look like the more advanced levels. Thankfully, most of the activities had been "preschooled" during the co-op but those that had not got overhauled by me!! Being a Super Member at Hands of a Child has already paid off. I will definitely be renewing my membership with them!! Kudos girls for a great job!!!

We had a slight moral malfunction at our house, Mom hates to be lied to!! So, ole' Mr. TV has been very SILENT this week. The only time it has been on has been for a educational video to go along with our unit. We watched March of the Penguins, The Polar Bear King, and Eight Below. I absolutely ADORE all three of those movies, so it was definitely not a hardship to enjoy those movies along with the children. But, one thing I did realize, Miss Savannah has been watching way to much tv!! I am going to have to watch when my Rooster is on nights, he sleeps with the tv on during the day so the changes in house noise doesn't disturb his sleep. LOL, poor guy can sleep through Hurricane Children, but the moment it gets quiet in the house he wakes up!! Go figure!!

Well, I think that I shall sign off for now ... ya'll have a wonderful Saturday!! I'm off to wash a load of laundry!!

Just in case ...

2007-01-20T22:00:00.001-06:00

you didn't know ... computers don't work real well, when there is no electricity. We have had one wild and woolly week! Sometimes, we have electricity, sometimes we have blinky lights, sometimes we have no lights ... ROFL ... and then part of the week I generated enough heat to create my own electricity I think. Not to mention run up a bill for my poor husband to have to worry about paying with a 3 hour trip to the E.R. Talk about feeling like a gizmo ...

Oh, well, here we are ... back on track hopefully if the weather will hold and I stay well.

Due to the inclement weather, of both the outside world and the inside of me, we did about ZIP in school this week. So, here I am feeling like I am behind the eight ball. While it is only the end of the third week of school for us, I still feel so guilty for not being there teaching my children all the things I had planned for the week.

But as I have slowly come to realize, Sarah still practiced her math facts, Nathaniel still read, GW plugged along learning to read. Learning to trust my children's early dedication to their own education is obviously an issue I need to deal with, quickly.

Well, for today ... I need to sign off ... but before I go just remember it isn't about "schooling" it is all about helping them to love to learn!!

in the Beginning ...

2007-01-14T21:00:00.003-06:00

In the Beginning ... there was a young woman with a little girl called Pig-rami. She knew a man with character, honor, and Christian beliefs ~ she knew he could help her raise this little girl right. So, she set out one day on a mission to find out if this man would perhaps like to help her raise this little girl.

Unbeknown to her ... this man had loved her for a very long time! He just didn't know if she would love him and not break his heart again. Being very bold, bold like she had never been before, this young woman walked right up and planted a kiss and a big warm hug on this man. And to her pleasant surprise, he kissed her back and wrapped her in the warmest bear hug she had ever had. And thus begins the tale of Rooster and the Sandyhills Momma ...

One day Rooster's son came to live with them, and then his daughter, too. They were a very happy family, but something was still missing. They being silly people just didn't realize what all was missing. Over time the Lord blessed them with what was missing. A beautiful son called Bubba, a beautiful daughter called Smiley, a beautiful son called Wolfie, a beautiful son called Angel Bubba- God had other plans for Angel Bubba, so He took him back to heaven to wait on his family there after 10 glorious days with them, a beautiful little girl called Baby, and finally along came a grandson called Hisser that really needed a new home, so they adopted him. And that is how their little family grew and grew and grew ...

Shew ... I'm tired now ... hehehe ...

So, it hasn't been all roses and fairy tale kisses ... it has been hard work, tears, sweat, feast & famine ... just like any other family, but there surely is lots of laughter, hugs, kisses, smiles and joy. BUT ... I would not trade one second of our time together. We have been together for nearly 16 wonderful years.

I started this blog this morning to journal the homeschooling lives of our children. And bits and pieces of our family's daily lives on our little farm, too.

In our homeschool, we attack learning from a rather mixed view. We are a little Charlotte Mason, a little classical, a little hands-on un-schooler, and a bit unit-studies.

So, as I prepare for next weeks lessons ... I drag out CIMT math, Singapore Math, HOAC Lapbooks on Polar Habitats, Penguins, and American Revolution, oop History tomes that transport my children back to yesteryear, copywork to remind them of great lessons of our forefathers, grammar so they don't talk like their redneck momma (oh, I am so giggling here), I work on some lessons of citizenship to satisfy the great state of Texas, word lists for Spelling Time, and so on ... all neatly packed into a very fun, loud, rowdy morning ...

And so begins our blogging journey through the Sandyhills of West Texas!