Ramblings of a Mothers Mind

2011-12-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go."

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...

And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Have a blessed Christmas and that 2012 will be prosperous for all!

I took this from an email I received......and I want to explain how you can tie Santa to religion. You see, Saint Nicolas was born in the third century of our era, and died in the year three-hundred and forty-five. As a young boy he was made Bishop of Myra, patron saint of mariners, money-lenders, thieves and children; protector of travelers, turners, dyers, coopers, boatmen, bootmakers, sayers, seedmen, mercers, merchants, Greeks, cities, Jews, packers, spinsters, pirates, Russians, pickpockets, haberdashers, children, fishermen, pilgrims, prisoners, parish clerks, sailors and unwedded maids; defender of the Faith and maker of many true miracles. In those days, families would often put their stockings outside to dry and St. Nicolas was known to put money, fruit or trinkets in the stockings of children. For the years that I read my "Night Before Christmas" books to elementary and Jr. high students, I always asked if they believed in Santa Claus and when a few said no, I explained why they were wrong. Sure, like so much that we modern day people touch, Christmas has become commercial and gaudy....but it's up to you to put the Spirit in the Season. Today, you can ask my own children if they believe and they will tell you yes! (They are 25 and 30) Because when you stop believing.......he stops coming. I'm a Helper.....and I believe..... do you?

Tis The Season.....

2011-12-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

The weather outside is dreary, no rain, no fog, just bleary. Don't think we will ever see rain, maybe snow, I don't know, I don't know.

Getting into the Holiday Spirit has been difficult this year, but, the cold weather is certainly helping! Now if the stores would have the things they advertise, people wouldn't be rude, gas/diesel prices would go down, and I could win the lottery.....ahhhhhh it would be grand!
For today..... I will settle for my loving family, healthy and happy and anticipating Christmas.

Get in the Spirit! Life is too short to be Scrooge! Merry Christmas!!!

Be careful what you wish for.......

2011-10-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

Hmmm.... is this how it began 50+ years ago in Russia? Did the people there play into the hands of the elite few who were leading that country? Did their pride and honor get so tarnished that they gave up the idea of being their own person? Why are Americans getting angry at their brothers and sisters who have been fortunate enough to aquire great wealth and prosperity? Isn't that the American Dream.....to achieve all we can achieve? Where do you think the ipad would be if Steve Jobs was born in Russia? Why are Americans angry at rich Americans? Jealousy and greed, not that of the rich, but that of the misguided so called "middle" class will be America's down fall. Do I think government should have let the banks fail? Hmmmm...I'm not wise in the ways of economics, but I do think they should have stricter accountability for the bailout money. I didn't think it wise to give large bonuses to those high up the coporate ladder while lay offs were rampant in the lower rungs. But people, think about what these rioters are asking for......."Socialism -1. theory or system of social organization by which the means of production and distribution are owned collectively and controlled through the government."That's where these peoples ideas are heading.. and when you go that direction you can omit two words and get to this: "Communism - system by which the means of production and distribution are owned and managed by the government and the goods are shared by all citizens." Is this really the direction America and Americans want to go? Do we really want to give up our dreams and be soley controlled by the government? The government which is made up entirely of the rich people they are so set against? There are jobs in America. Some people think they are too good to do them but I know if it meant keeping food on the table for my family....I would do anything. No one is too good to wash dishes or scrub toilets if it keeps your family fed and together. America needs to stand up, quick sticking it's hand out for a "gimme" and put those hands to work. If field work is the only work you can find.....what's wrong with rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. Minimum wage is a wage. America needs to get off Uncle Sams payroll and stand up for itself! This country was founded by people who wanted to be independent not dependent. Do you really want to share everything you have worked for all your life with those who haven't worked at all? Socialism, Communism........just saying......be careful what you wish for.

Pick me up.....

2011-08-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we just need that....a pick me up.....I do today so I looked for my friend Nancy's blog. It always does the trick and it did again today.

The first day of school, wow! How many of you thought you would be checking on Grandchildren now? We had our first day traditions, a picture of my kids all dressed for the day. My Mom met with Mrs. Hodgin for coffee even after John and I were grown. In fact, I think they only missed once. Mrs. Hodgin called me on the first day of school after Mom died.....it was sad. I suppose they had coffee yesterday and watched my grandson go to school.

Can you remember the smell of the Nifty Notebook, paste, chalk, new pencils and THE best thing of all.....a new lunch box!!?? I know we got shoes three times a year....school shoes, church shoes (winter shoes), and easter shoes....and hoped our feet didn't grow much in between times. One year Mom cut the toes out of my saddle oxfords cause they got too short. I think Hayes Sammons and Ben Franklins were the school supply places. If we got new clothes (not homemade) we went to Mission Dry Goods or Ben Sams (if we had the money) and we didn't need a ton of back to school supplies. Paper, notebook, pencil, satchel (to carry it in) crayons (which we probably had already). If we had a runny nose we brought our own kleenex or handerchief. Lunch money consisted of milk money and sometimes an extra dime for an ice cream. Bryan School had the best ice cream sandwiches! We had to take care of our school supplies, cause we used them again the next year. Remember how excited you were when you got to change the size of your notebook paper in Jr. High? Remember your first locker? (also in Jr. High)
The only free lunch anyone had was if someone brought an extra sandwich. We had recess and play time after lunch. After lunch we put our heads down on the desk to relax (while the teacher prepared for the next lesson). We didn't have a/c...lucky we had heat. We didn't have a/c until High School, well they said we did in Jr. High but it didn't work very well. Remember all the songs we learned in elementary school, especially the patriotic ones?

Things change. That's one thing we can count on. Sometimes change is good but these days I wonder. Has technology jumped us too far ahead? I miss recess, jungle gyms and playing red rover red rover with all my friends. Guess that's why they call 'em "the good old days".....you always remember the good.

The latest photo of my grandkids! Morgan & Caleb!

Cool off.....

2011-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Susie & Morgan

Morgan & Ryan

Alex & Caleb

Bill keeping everyone cool.

The Frio was low but not our quest to have fun! We played in the river, had ice fights, smore's, lots of good food and time away from work.

and this is how it turned out....

2011-07-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here is the last photo......

It was a wedding well done.

and the time goes on....

2011-07-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm slow...but I'm back to posting about the wedding and events leading up to it...If you read the previous blog...the first day they tried to take engagement photos was VERY windy...but I took a few and I like 'em.

Caleb has really learned to pose (when he feels like it)

He loved their trampolene.....

and Morgan....well.....she loved being free!!! They didn't get the exact look they wanted that day, so their photographer scheduled another try ( I didn't go) and those photo's were amazing.....she captured their love so well .

If you looked at the pictures or were at the wedding... you may have noticed that the bridal portrait is a different dress.....Susie's expression in this next photo tells it all.

This is not what I want.....

Although she took it home, took her bridal's in it.....on her own.....she found her dream dress....and it was beautiful. Running out of time...but I will finish this story in the next blog....with photo's and all the oops and oh no's....

Life goes on.....

2011-05-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Susie.....

The time went by sooooo fast. Seems like just yesterday they were fighting the wind to get some great engagement photos. In fact, there were so many good ones it's hard to pin down a favorite. Being a "photo" person that was the one expense that I didn't blink on and so far I haven't been disappointed.

At times things seemed to drag on and on and then all of a sudden theren wasn't enough time left before the big day! And there were SO many OH NO's during that time, right up to the day of, but we, they,everyone made it through.

Oh, my! I've looked at these 100 times and I'm just noticing the guitar in the background!!!! But the peacefulness and ease they have with each other is easily captured. Even if it took two sessions to capture their best photos it was worth the time.

We did manage to get a family photo that day. Morgan sat for possibly the snap of the picture and then was up and running!! She loved the freedom of the huge yard!

This was taken right before I took them home so they could get on with the photo shoot.

I'm limited on time today (who isn't) but want you to know that I wll treat you to more stories and photos after while.

Sometimes....we spy

2011-03-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

My country home isn't as "country" as I would like it, but there are no city taxes. The Alton Police Department has taken it upon itself to change our speed limit and write tickets but informed my neighbor that we are "not in their jurisdiction" when it comes to checking on someone who has followed her home. They haven't been in on any of the drug busts across the road, only the Sheriff's Department, so evidently only the road is in their jurisdiction. I am currently looking into getting them OFF our road and back to their own area, Alton.

On another note......here are a few pictures that I don't know if they look as bad in a picture as they do live?

If you call them live. Let me know what you think.

This is the mare.

This is their pasture.

Now, my pasture doesn't look too hot either but I feed to my one horse, what they feed to 3.

As you can see, she looks pretty good or I think she does.

Don't think you can count any ribs on her!

I"m just saying.....if you are going to have an animal....take care of it or give it away but don't starve it and mistreat it. Oh, by the way, my horse Abbey is older.

Today......he would be 62

2011-02-22T06:47:00.000-08:00

Today, February 22, 2011, he would be 62.

Enjoying a hug from Dad.

I joined the family.

Yes, he had polio and he loved to pester me even then.

Christmas was always special.

Weren't we cute!

He was a Mighty Mission Eagle.

He survived lots of trials....a 1st grade teacher who hit his hand with a ruler, trying to force him to use his right instead of his left. As I mentioned, he had polio back when it was sweeping the Valley in the 1950's. He was one of the lucky ones and only wore braces for a while. He played football with a passion (and had his share of concussions) and loved his Mustang that he bought with his own money.
He never finished high school because of a personality clash with Mr. Groogan....

He farmed with Dad a while, worked in Houston, even drove a truck with Dad.. but finally got a job that later on.....killed him. He drove his work truck, pulling his backhoe, for perhaps over a year, with no power steering....the pump was out and his boss wouldn't fix it. He honked every morning at 5 a.m. to let me know he was going to work (we lived across the road from his work yard) and honked every evening as he came in.....sometimes after dark. He did the best he could for his family and was very proud of his sons. The last place I went with him was to Embassy Suites to look for a cousin that was playing in a softball tournament in McAllen. (he wasn't in). Then one evening....I got the call.....from his wife.....that he was gone. It was 3 or 4 days before we were told the truth about what happened. His boss was picking up the workers on a location in Hebronville and for some reason decided to back down the road instead of turning around. Most of the guys were on the back of the pickup....the windows were up.....at a rough spot...he was bounced out and then...even though the guys were banging on the truck...he gunned the engine and ran over my brother.
They say he died instantly...if God is truly merciful...he did. He was not strong when it came to pain. It was a life lost too soon. We were just getting close again. He had plans to come watch Amanda play softball, and was excited that Ryan was going to college. Today.....he would have been 62. Al Dennis Rhyne...I miss him

It's one of those days.....

2011-02-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

OK, so if you are white, born in Africa and move to the United States are you African-American or is that title only for African-Americans of color? I saw a Mustang Fastback at a light today....not unusual, but it said Driving Instructor on the side. Still not unusual but....he made a right turn at an intersection where there are signs posted saying..."No right turn on red"....Hmmmmmm. Local school districts are trimming their staff to stay within their budgets due to expected shortages in funding. Is it better to fire a teacher than a secretary? Why isn't the administration passing out pay cuts to their staff or even getting rid of some of them? How do you justify your $200K plus position? Why is every sport except football getting huge cuts? Did you know some student athletes won't get fed after a game next year if they didn't travel far enough?

Did you read the survey that says we should put recess back in grade schools? Teachers found the students concentrated better after the physical activity of recess.....seems they settled down better.Hmmmmm something old is new again.

Isn't it funny......McAllen's Mayor didn't get his wish to change how the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council distributes Federal money so his city and all big cities would have the edge over the smaller ones...so.....he terminated their lease and gave them 180 days to vacate their building.

How about all those people that got deductions for buying a house.......and now they have to pay back the money.

It's crazy out there......

Another apology?

2011-01-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

The other day I blogged about needing an apology from my old school district. Some of you got the irony....some didn't, then yesterday....I read online that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer was going to be edited....leaving out the "N" word. I think I'm a little bewildered by the people who feel the need to apologize for or change history so that it is socially acceptable to everyone and not controversial at all. Do people really not understand that when that book was written that's the way things were? That's the language that was used and the "N" word was not always used in the connotation that we hear it today. It was descriptive of who they were. Don't get me wrong, I don't condone the use of that word today, by anyone , but I can tell the difference between then and now.

I guess what I am really confused about is our incessant need to apologize for history. I was not at Custer's Last Stand, The Little Big Horn, nor was I on the committee that established reservations. I was not in Africa as the Africans sold their "brothers" into slavery nor on the boat with them as they were taken to many countries including the U.S. I was not in Egypt as their slaves were building pyramids nor was I loading the Chinese into boats to come build railroads.

Should we put clothes on "Venus de Milo"? Should we paint in a camisole for the Mona Lisa? Should we put robes on the Angels in the Sistine Chapel? Should we change the "Diary of Anne Frank"? Should we take everything out of the Bible, Torah, Koran,etc, that might offend someone? Where do we stop? Where do we draw the line? Why can't we accept our history , learn from it, and improve our future? Why do any of us, today, owe an apology to anyone for our history of the past century? Shouldn't we get on with the business of making sure none of the bad things from the past are repeated in the future? To coin an outdated phrase....."I'm just saying....."

A little Christmas....

2011-01-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

Amanda helps Morgan gently peel the paper off her package......

Caleb, Amanda and Morgan...

Susie looks on as Morgan rides her Christmas pony....with a little help from Daddy (Ryan).

Need an apology....

2011-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

I was watching an old television show this morning and it really got me to thinking about how hard I had it growing up. The more I thought about it, the more I decided that I needed an apology from the Mission ISD, school board and any surviving teachers for the way I was treated in elementary school. I was forced to sit in a classroom with no air conditioning. I was forced to learn the pledge of allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner, My Country Tis of Thee and numerous other songs that I remember to this day. I was forced to eat my home made lunch out of a lunch box while sitting on hard concrete in the fresh air. I was forced to go to recess and play. I was forced to attend Halloween Carnivals at school, go through the spook house and participate in the cake walk. I was forced to participate in the live nativity as a Shepard (because I broke my arm, but that's another apology I am owed) at Christmas time. I was deprived of Spring Break and only had a long weekend for Easter in which to rest my weary brain. I was taught to obey my teachers and behave at school or deal with the consequences when I got home. I was forced to make friends with other children that I didn't know. I was not allowed to ride a school bus because I only lived 1 1/2 miles from school instead of the required 2 miles; therefore, I was forced to ride my bicycle to school in good weather. My teachers were not concerned with my self esteem when they gave me a failing grade on a test and they definitely had no problem sending a note home to my mother. I was not allowed to wear shorts or pants to school unless they were under a dress.
I am sure I suffered many more injustices but I am probably to traumatized to remember them. How did any of us survive those terrible conditions?

Christmas 2010

2010-12-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

It wasn't the Christmas I imagined, it wasn't the one I hoped for, it wasn't the one I wanted but it was the one I got and sadly, it has come and gone so quickly...

Christmas Eve we zipped down to Harlingen to have an Italian supper with Jim, Judy and their family. It was an accident prone evening....Judy started it...she broke a glass, BB was talking and knocked her Cosmo glass over....and it broke....then ( I missed the shot) just a few minutes after this photo of Katie and Amanda.... Katie dropped her phone in her Ranch dressing covered salad!

Amanda meets Monroe Paige Buck. She was so sweet for it to be way past her bedtime.

We did make it back home, sleepy but safe. Looking forward to Christmas day.

We messed around, fed the animals, and all the routine stuff and finally settled in to open presents. Ryley got hers...she is the only dog at our house that got a present....and we opened ours and I think everyone was surprised...I know I was. I love my wii and can't wait to hook it up and my Donnakarran perfume- Cashmire Mist...is mmmmmjust the best. I would post more photo's but it seems my computer has decided that I shouldn't. So, like the rest of this Holiday....I'm following someone else's agenda but that's ok. For today, a king was born, a saviour, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger, visited by Wise men and Sheppard's, who became King of Kings.

Tis the Season.....

2010-12-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Ho,Ho,Ho, Merry Christmas!!! As promised.....here is the complete poem that I gave you a preview of in November.

Twas the day after Thanksgiving when the panic set in. The time to buy presents was about to begin.
Black Friday sales and online twitters, with hopes that by Christmas, all would be delivered.
We rush through the malls "as dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky"; looking for the perfect present to buy.
Trust nothing to Santa, the elves or his sleigh, we just need those gifts to be opened on Christmas day.
Hunting, and pecking through store after store. Do we remember why we are here anymore?

Finally all gifts are wrapped and under the tree, hoping to fill each and every receiver with joy and glee.
We set out baked cookies and milk in a glass , and fall into bed where we weerily crash.

Christmas Day dawns clear and bright, with none of the panic we felt last night.
The cookies are gone as well as the milk.
The stockings are full and hang with a tilt.
As that moment of silence still hangs in the air, we send up to Jesus a special prayer.
Thank you dear Lord for a glorious day, for the shopping and baking that paved the way.
For all or our family here and away, let each of us celebrate your birthday today.

Merry Christmas to all as we remember the reason for the season.

I'm going to share a photo of my sweet angels.....sitting on Santa's lap. This is Morgan's first Christmas and she wasn't afraid. Caleb asked Santa for a BB pistol....Santa:" You'll shoot your eye out". Caleb: "Just like Ralphie!"

Shopping.....the holiday's......

2010-11-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

I just came back from the only "Black Friday" shopping I intend to do....with no prize. The crowds weren't what I expected. Looked like a typical Saturday crowd and the salespeople were just as rude and in-attentive as usual. So what's the big deal? If they would have great sales like this every week til Christmas I think they could continually pull a crowd. My big question goes to those of you that are the first one's into a store....did they really have what you went for? My opinion?--- I think a lot of the stores never had what they advertised to begin with.

With that, I have Part I of a two part poem for your Holiday...I will run the entire thing in December; but this fits today.

Twas the day after Thanksgiving when the panic set in,
The time to buy presents was about to begin.
Black Friday sales and online twitters, with hopes that
by Christmas all would be delivered.

We rushed through the malls "like dry leaves before the hurricane fly when they meet with and obstacle and mount to the sky"; looking for the perfect present to buy.
Trust nothing to Santa, the elves or his sleigh.
We just need those gifts to be opened on Christmas Day!
Hunting and pecking through store after store.
Do we remember why we're here anymore?

Look for the rest...next month!!

Our Thanksgiving was really nice, HOT and WINDY, but nice. There were certainly large gaps at the table and each one absent was greatly missed. Jessica and her family were elsewhere as was Amanda (my daughter) and Mrs. Hancock has been in the hospital but we all spread the food around and ate their share. This was Morgan's first Thanksgiving and after she got used to all the people she was quite a ham. Her "uh,uh, oh" was a hit with everyone. Her onesie says "I'm stuffed". I'll have to steal a photo of Caleb from Susie....he was being shy when I was taking photo's.

Those of you who replied to my question....hope you are keeping warm, home in bed....if you were crazy and went shopping...I hope you found all your bargains. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks.......giving........

2010-11-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

We are such last minute people.....but I think we have finally decided that we are not having Thanksgiving at home but in Harlingen....I think..... Not so much work for me (not that I mind) and we will be with family....but sometimes home is nice.

Tackled our bedroom this month...new carpet...new bed.....If I could just find a spot for all the stuff I had to remove from my room I would be happy. It is so nice and uncluttered right now!

Know anyone looking for a great dog? Amanda has 3 AKC Lab puppies for sale.....(well, the male might be spoken for) They well be large.....as you can see in this photo at just over 8 weeks....they are catching up to their Mom fast!

Left to right: Bear, Dora, Goldie and Ryley-the Mom.

They live in Denton so if anyone is interested???????

Have also decided to try my hand at upholstery......without taking the chair apart. Slow going but I might actually get it done soon! Of course, TODAY my hubby offers to take it apart for me......uhmmmmmm too late.

This is short, I will surely blog more later...and I added a quiz.....I will be interested to see your answers... Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Advertising....what's the message?

2010-10-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

With bullying being such a hot topic these days I've started really looking at some of the commercials on tv. Have you seen the one where the boys have a jump rope competition to see who gets the sandwich???/ Great premiss, good idea, but then it goes astray when it has the little girls tie them up and ....steal the sandwich. Is that a good message to send, that it's OK to steal their sandwich??? That is just the most obvious of the commercials running today supporting bad manners, bad ethics and/or bad parenting. A local bar has an add inviting people out....and if you don't "I'll slash your tires". Makes ya wanna run right over and have a drink doesn't it? Goes along with the country song that promotes keying the guys 4 wheel drive. What kind of messages are we sending to our youth? If you think I'm over the edge, next time you sit down to relax and watch tv, really listen to some of these ads. You will be surprised.

Today is my husbands birthday. I've known this man for 40 years......guess we've had fun cause time has flown! His biggest decision today???? Where to eat tonight.

Looking forward to Nancy Carmack's next blog. I'm sure it will be filled with beautiful wedding photo's and all her thoughts. Since we are in the planning stages of a wedding, I'm looking forward to seeing if we are on the right track to a successful event.

Well, can't publish this without mentioning the Texas Rangers. Ok, there, I mentioned them. I am just a bit angry with them so you know the saying, "If you can't say anything nice....." I'm sure all of Texas is hoping they can shake it off and make a comeback.

Have a great day and a safe Halloween!!!

Why ????

2010-10-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Why do people drive the wrong direction in a parking lot, even when they see a very large red Excursion coming right at them? Why do you have to know Spanish to get a job but not English? Why does diesel (that is cheaper to make) cost more than gasoline? Why have parents stopped teaching their children manners? Why do we enforce the seperation of church and state and take Christmas and Easter as holidays? (I like them, so don't change that) Why are we not allowed to pray at a football game but all the kids can openly cuss on campus? Why do they still call Pigskin Jubilee a marching contest when all the bands walk? (No high knees and pointed toes these days..) Why do they call it babysitting when you rarely get to sit? Why can't anyone have a personal opinion anymore? Why do clueless people always want to give advice?

I'm sure there will be more "Whys?" later.

Just going to add a few photo's to brighten your day.....

This is the rig my son was working on in Alabama....
He worked nights so don't think he got to look around much while he was there.

This is Morgan......she really likes to make faces now.

This is one of my favorites!

I think this is Goldie....one of the "monster" pups that Amanda's dog had. This is at 4 weeks and that is a standard size laptop....not a notebook. She sent a picutre the other day and their paws fill up her hand. They will be large hunters!!!

As I write this I think of several of my friends who are having personal issues this week....good and bad. Diana's Mother is holding her own but could use lots of prayers for God to do what is best...and I'm sure my friend Nancy is beside herself counting the minutes until the backyard wedding is a success. I'm sure both of these problems will be solved with God's guiding hand.

Think I may have posted the pup photo....but it's so darn cute...who cares!!! Till next time....

Thoughtful weekend

2010-10-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

See this amazing young man? This is my son....looks like lightning is coming from his fingers. His fiance gets singing wake up calls from him....(he's on a rig in Alabama) isn't that romantic?

By the way, he was performing with his band at Zoofari at Gladys Porter Zoo .

Saturday I went to my Grandson's soccer game....5 year olds play great soccer; then to lunch with his Mom , her Mom and Morgan, at Arturo's in Weslaco. Afterwards we stopped at Well's of Weslaco....wow, hadn't been there in years!!! What memories that brought back! If Dad's crops did well, Mom would take me there and I could get 2 dresses!!! (this was during my high school years). I don't know if I grew up or if the store has shrunk but it didn't seem as large but still very elegant.

After that trip, Caleb came home with me. We rode everything there is to ride here, played washers, and T-Ball and keep away (with Stitch). Then he called his Mom to see if he could stay all night. He did. For once he didn't sleep cross ways in the bed, which was great!!! He stayed 1/2 the day Sunday before he wanted to go home. I think not having the golf cart to drive (Bill was using it) made it boring. But what I am getting at with this whole story is....while riding around with him I thought...wow, I really have a lot of stuff that needs doing or that I should be doing....I am getting further behind...blah,blah,blah...and then it dawned on me. What I was doing was 10 XXXX's more important than clean dishes, mopping the floor, laundry or any of those other things that are still waiting as I write this. I was spending time with family...creating a bond that lasts (I hope) for a long time....I was sharing moments with a little boy that will never come again...moments that once they are gone...you can't get back.....and.....we were having fun. So today, I will get back to work. I will load the dishwasher, vacum and mop but yesterday...I made memories.

things that make you go ahhh or awwwww.....

2010-10-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

First the awwww...this is Goldie...she is 5 weeks old and looks to be a computer geek. Just so you know her size...this is a regular size laptop...not a notebook. And....she's the runt..... Don't think there is anything cuter than a baby....

Now an ahhhhh....his name in the marquis lights......(he sings that song too)...same great music, just going from Texas Heat to.....Ryan Lee Baker or the Ryan Baker Band......or what ever....just wish fame would call him up....but...whatever will be will be....

And of course, another awwwwwww.....Morgan is such a happy girl....and sooooo much fun. Babbling and giggling and making all those cute baby noises.....and crawling every where. Hmmm I must ask Susie for some Caleb photo's....course I have some in my video since we are back on the soccer field...but they take brain power to post...and I'm just a little lazy today.

Susie is working really hard to find a place for their wedding....I'm helping but...wow...it has really gotten expensive!! I did get invited to see her try on dresses....that was so much fun we all wished we could find some more for her to try....but...she found one, totally different from what she was looking for, and it is gorgeous!!! and.....looks awesome on her...

Well, just wanted to start October with some cute photo's and simple talk....I'm sure I'll have more to say later.

Hmmm....just thinking

2010-09-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

This wasn't the photo I was going to post today...but it wasn't near as cute anyway! Thought this would remind everyone that although summer is about over, along with the heat.....somethings of summer are just too sweet to let go of! Susie really takes some great photo's!!!

Ok.....what happened to Halloween and Thanksgiving? Christmas is taking over all the stores!!! Hello!!!! It's September!!!! On that note, it has me thinking of making a video. Long, long, far, far away...I would dress like an elf (well I had REALLY short hair and was pretty slim) pack up my collection of "The Night Before Christmas" books and read them at Garza Elem. where my children went to school. Even read them at a Jr. High and for the Jr. Service League's Dios Festivos...but as I said, that was a long time ago. So...I think I will. That would be something my kids and grandkids can watch at Christmas....and I do have a variety of books. Things like that get started when you have friends who own a Hallmark store and want to dress up at Christmas!! I'm pretty sure they were the only store in the Valley that had an elf work at Christmas. My favorites are writtne and illustrated by James Rice....the start of the whole collection was when I paid fifty cents for "A Cajun Night Before Christmas" at the flea market. It is still my favorite. Ok, well that's the plan. I'll let you know how it works out.

Just a side note........it's raining.

ramble, ramble, ramble....

2010-09-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to learn that patience is a virtue. A "hot" truck doesn't always turn out to be the best thing for you. Bill and I spent Labor Day trading vehicles, returning "Blue" to her owner once again and "Grey" will go to the shop. Of course when Grey got unloaded at the mechanic....she worked fine. Hmmm....

On the way home we drove by some future wedding sites. Of the two the kids are thinking of...this one seemed more intimate. The Winfield Inn in Kyle, Tx. Joy of joys...Ryan and Susie are thinking of moving up the date....which excites me cause I just love the idea! But...also means we all have to get on the ball to get things done.

On our way home from Buda/Kyle...(that's where we made the switch) I captured this sunset! It was rather dramatic with the pouring rain looking as if it was washing the sun away. At one point , it was raining on both sides of the sun....isn't God grand?

In front of us was a triple rainbow.....but I could only get two bands in the photo....one very distinct and the other just to the righ was lighter and there was another band to the far left...(sorry about the dirty windshield)..Nature was surely at work on Monday evening.

And then........my favorite. As we came into George West on Hwy 59 (?) we were treated to a brilliant yellow sunset that this photo doesn't even capture the brightness of.

All in all it was a fast trip but a good, safe one. Got to see Amanda (however briefly) and her friend Austin, some glorious scenery and was indulged by my hubby.......we stopped at the Dairy Queen for a Blizzard. Now that you are truly bored... I will go eat lunch and watch my soap opera.....it will end on 9/17....such a shame. It will be replaced by another game show.....wow...greed and goofyness....(sp?) just what we need more of. Hope you at least enjoyed the photo's....until next time...be safe!

Hmmmmmmm......

2010-08-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else noticed how strange and perhaps silly the world is becoming? How people often say things that just make you go.....HUH? Mr. Obama recently stated that oil evaporates......Our local news anchor evedently has changed the way we are to say Benjamin to BenHa-mean.....a courthouse employee is going to put an ad "on" the paper.....a local sign company makes "magentic" signs....(magnetic?)....does anyone feel their high school English teacher cringing?????? Not to mention your journalism teacher....I for one still look for the " who, what, when, where, why and how" when I read a story.....alot of times it isn't there! Funny how we are spending more and more on education and the kids know less and less. Is teaching to a test really working? Sure the kids are doing math and other things earlier and earlier but where is penmanship, sentence structure, spelling.....If our education was so bad how can we be teaching our youth? A person can be smart as a whip but if they can't string words together to make an intelligent sentence what good are they going to accomplish in the job market? How will they apply for one? Ahhhhh yes, I forgot! The computer! The do all, say all, fix all, know all of our society....yep I'm typing on one now. That's not to say I condem them...they are great when they work but when they don't? Ever been shopping when a stores computer was down or there was a power failure? Know very many people who can make change in that situation?
Ahhh the good old days! Spelling tests, writing all those continuous circles, all those term papers with proper sentence structure.....

2010-08-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

We had our family vacation again...we almost didn't but now I intend to bore you with some photo's! My granddaughter Morgan surprised us all and was a great rider (in my Excursion) and liked the Frio! Her Dad is letting her dip her feet.

It's very seldom that you come across anyone famous when you vacation. They usually don't frequent places that us common folks do....but it was a nice surprise to meet country singer Kevin Fowler's Mom and Dad on the bank of the Frio River. Such nice people...I've met the son so now I see where he gets it... Ryan and Mr. Fowler had a nice chat and got some good advice concerning his singing career. The Fowlers had spent time at Kevin's ranch and were on their way to Corpus to drop off their grandson (?) I didn't quite catch the relationship....

Early morning coffee drinking caught these workers singing atop a home they were building up the hillside. The zoom makes them look close but as you can see in the next one....they weren't.Caleb and Alex were the water assasins!

Morgan looks ready for the rapids!!! She wasn't really all that impressed to be in her floaty...she couldn't see or reach for the rocks in there.

This is a shot of the steps that my kids made a hundred trips up and down when they were younger and we stayed in our motorhome at the now closed Bee's Camp. I didn't get the chance to ask but I think the park is being turned into a subdivision. The deer below were in the backyard of the home we rented!

And my final photo.....do you remember S'mores?

Hmmmmmm

2010-08-04T09:33:00.000-07:00

I really should blog more.....since I always have to hunt for my sign in information....or do I just have too many passwords and user names to remember??

2010-06-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

Morgan Avery

2010-06-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Took a road trip yesterday. Just up to Kingsville for the 2010 National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show, to visit a friend who was helping out his friends ( well, guess they are mine too). Transported us (hubby went) back in time as we remembered all those show disappointments...the conversations never change. These shows are judged by humans...still...and it's only one man's opinion on that given day, at that time, about that animal. Sure don't miss that part of it. Got to walk not one but two cows back to their pen....haven't done that since 2003.....if I even did it then!! Two of the nine there joined us for a great dinner at Kings Inn....mmmmm...frog legs, shrimp, catfish, onion rings and french fries....all preceeded by a plate of tomatoes and a great salad!!!

I heard today that our friends did much better at the show! Congrats!!!
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Our grand daughter is sooooooo cute! (Isn't everyones?) We got to babysit the other night....but....she's old enough now to miss her Mom. She was a little fussy but we got her to sleep. They had a good night out and we enjoyed Morgan...fussing and all. I'm sure if her brother had been there she would have been fine....they are crazy about each other.

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Just Rambling

2010-06-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Do you have different passwords for all the different sites you visit? I have two books that all that information is written in because somehow my brain just can't keep up with it all. It started out simple...then sites wanted numbers and letters, some wanted harder passwords, some longer...so now I always hope that I am guessing right and if not....the search is on in one of my two books. Computer life can be so challenging sometimes.

2010-04-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Blue #5...Caleb is up in the air for soccer!

Being a grandparent, so far, has been lots of fun. The only draw back so far is I can't just sneak into their room at night to check on them or just to look at their sweet faces. Grandparents don't get to see those sweet kids much if the parents or the grandparents lead a busy life. If you stop by while in town..you either don't want to leave or you leave wishing you could have stayed longer. So....I take pictures. I take my own or I borrow what is posted of those great moments in life that Mom's and Dad's get to share with their kids. Missing those great moments is tough but I'm sure it's not as tough as guiding those great kids through the world day to day. Hope you enjoyed looking at two of the best kids in the world, Caleb and Morgan , but if you have kids or grandkids I'm sure they are the best too!

2010-04-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

Is there anything that can make you smile faster than a baby?

Morgan Avery sure knows how to do it.

2010-03-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

Land of the Free, home of the brave.........to my friend Nancy....you might want to play the Star Spangled Banner and My Country Tis of Thee at the tea room. No telling how much longer you will able to before these songs are banned or replaced. The people that we have elected to office have taken a giant leap towards Socialism..is Dictatorship or Communism far behind?
This healthcare bill is a step towards socialized medicine. Unlimited pay out? No claims denied? Forcing businesses to offer insurance to all employees? Remember when insurance was a plus or an extra benefit offered? Does the government think the insurance premiums aren't going to go through the roof with this? What this country needs is LESS government.
The insurance companies have gone wild; auto and health. Frivolous lawsuits have fueled the insurance companys ability to gouge everyone. The discount healthcare cards are also a big waste of money for people looking for a break in the high cost of medical care. I found out that procedures are cheaper if you tell the doctor/hospital that it is private pay instead of presenting one of those stupid cards.
Has anyone stopped to wonder why we find it necessary to punish rich people for living the American Dream? Why are they responsible for funding medicare and social security? Why should the percentage they are charged be different than what everyone else is charged?
We all stood by as they removed prayer and the pledge from our schools. We stood by as they removed prayer from our sporting events. We stood by when government gave themselves huge raises and removed themselves from the Social Security pool. We stood by when we were warned that terrorists would attack us at home (before 911). We stood by as illegal immigrants marched to Washington, demanding rights and waving foreign flags. Is that what America has become....the country that "stood by"?

Come election day....will you just stand by? We need some people with common sense in office....too bad they have too much common sense to run.

I leave you with the 4th verse of the Star- Spangled Banner: "O thus be it ever, when freeman shall stand, between their loved home, and the war's desolation; blest with victory and peace, may the heaven rescued land, praise the power that hath made, and preserves us a Nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: In God, is our trust; And the Star-spangled Banner, in triumph shall wave, O'er the lad of the free, and the home of the brave"

2010-03-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Opening for Gretchen Wilson (then Dodge Arena)....couple years back.....Nothing better than hearing him sing.

Time Flys

2010-03-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

Time Flys.....on Tuesday my son will be 29!! Where did it all go? Soccer, T-ball, Coach Pitch, kindergarten, grade school, jr. high, high school college....trials, troubles, good times and bad, girl friends, new love, lost love,one country band then another, moving out, girl friend, live in, new baby daughter, fiance', step father, son. Thank you God for letting me be here to share, witness, teach, learn and love this amazing young man. I hope you let me stay to see his family grow and age.

2010-02-12T09:25:00.000-08:00

Miss Morgan Avery and I had a very nice one hour of alone time yesterday. Got to do my first of what I hope will be many baby sitting duties. Big brother Caleb had soccer practice and it was too messy for Morgie to tag along. Hard to believe she will be one month old on Saturday. I'm sure time will continue to fly by.

Changes

2010-02-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Things have changed!!! I have a new grand daughter!!!! So cute, so fluffy, so perfect...7.3 lbs, 19 1/2 inches, Miss Morgan Avery Baker made her appearance the evening of January 13, 2010 ..actually at 6:03p.m. Now the hard part has been not pestering them to death to see her. Course Caleb has been an awesome big brother and is still the fun loving little guy that I just love to squeeze!

The Lee Ann Womack fund raiser went pretty good. The sound equipment worked great for Texas Heat and her but not so much for Joe Nichols....he was kind of a smart a... so think he kinda got his just due.

My new dog, Stitch, the French Bulldog, has adapted to Valley life pretty well. He's a bit of chicken and kinda scared of Bill but he keeps us entertained with his goofy antics.

Post Holidays....

2010-01-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

A cold crisp weekend has crept into the Valley. Ice in the bird bath, water trough, bath tub (rainwater catcher) and even on the hood of my truck. Not something we see everyday here but it has been twice this winter.Of course it will warm up as it always does and we will be wishing for cooler weather again. Amanda has been here almost since Thanksgiving. She went home for a week and came back for her truck, went home again and turned around 4 days later and asked to come home again. First time in 6 years we've had her for both holidays and for so long. Fattening her up a bit as she is not quite her "catching" weight anymore. She cut her hair and it really looks cute cause it's not in a pony tail all the time now. Ryan has been doing a few gigs and has a big one coming up on 1/20 when he will open for Lee Ann Womack and Joe Nichols. It's an acoustic fund raiser for St.Jude Children's Research Hospital. Can't wait as I love to hear him sing. Caleb has been in a great mood around us all through the holidays; a great feat for a 4 year old!! Susie is ready for her baby to get here as we all are. She is such a sweet girl and a great Mom with Caleb. She certainly keeps Ryan on his toes too.
Bill, Ryan,Caleb and our neighbor have gone off to the deer lease today. I think to just get away from it all mainly...but if they relax and have fun it's a weekend well spent.

2009-12-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night, Texas Heat played at Shotz's Bar...Amanda jumped to help sing a song with them. Amanda, Dondi, ?, and Ryan checking to see if she's singing!! It was a "blue moon" event!!!

2009-12-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

Sunday we had a baby shower for Susie and baby Morgan. Me, Susie, and Nancy were being good sports!!

2009-12-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is upon us. Amanda was home for the holiday for the 1st time in 6 years. It was really a fast week. Will post a few picks of what we did just so you can see how busy we were. Wet and cold and more to come! Puts you in the spirit I guess, but what's the deal with everyone having their tree up while I'm still looking!!!! It may have something to do with my thinking I might want a fake tree this year. Spend the money for one that smells great, makes a mess then gets thrown away or on one that doesn't smell, might not be as pretty but I can use it from now on? Hmmmmm....might not have one until Christmas Eve at this rate. This Christmas will be good but the next one will be great...will have my new grand daughter then!!!! Although Caleb is not to be slighted. He is so funny and cute and serious and all boy! So much fun to have around unless he's not having a good day...but isn't that the way everyone is? I really don't get these old women that want to have kids. I couldn't keep up with one all day every day!!! It's nice to have them for a while and then....they go home. And then you miss them till you have them again. Anyway....I'll write more as it gets closer to Christmas....enjoy the photo's!!!

New steps....

2009-11-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

Well, here we go entering a new phase in life....where to go for the holiday's. It was always a big deal when we were the "young kids" but now...I see that everyone wants to share your time. Bill and I will be going to the future in-laws again plus we will probably do something at home too. This is the first time in hmmmm 6 years (?) that Amanda will be home for Thanksgiving so I think that is what brought up the question of where to go. Our neighbors have asked us to join them and for the first time in a couple of years other relatives will be gathering in Harlingen and we have been invited there; but to accept any of those invitations would be leaving our son and his fiance out and I just don't want to do that. Next year I hope to have this all ironed out way before the Holiday season hits. Next year...there will be a grandchild and a wedding so major time share will have to be planned!!! I don't remember it being so difficult but maybe that was because my Mom was easy..she would go with us or to my brothers...her choice and didn't cook for Thanksgiving. She also surrendered Christmas to my in-laws. She would join us on Christmas Eve and have us over for breakfast Christmas morning and then go back to my in-laws if she felt like it. Now my heart breaks realizing how little Holiday time we gave her. The last year she was with us she spent Thanksgiving with my brother and his family. She didn't feel well and was also "put out" with one of Bill's Aunts so she opted to stay in McAllen while we made the treck to Harlingen. That was the last Holiday I didn't spend with her, her last holiday ...1994. So although I don't want to be a Holiday pig....I am looking forward to spending lots of Holiday time with my growing family. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Just Ramblin'

2009-10-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

Nice overcast day! I was really getting tired of all that hot weather. So nice out that the a/c hasn't come on today.
Just have rambling questions today. Why does it take so long to clean house when it only takes seconds to get it dirty? Why does it seem like there is only one person per household that knows where the trash can is and what should go in it? How do friends know just when to call and cheer you up? Why do flowers grow better outside the flowerbed than inside? How does raising the price of everything help the economy? Why does rasing taxes always seem to be the answer to any government problem?
Why have our expectations of how children should behave been lowered? When did parents stop disciplining their children? When did kids stop worrying about what was going to happen when they got home if they got in trouble at school? Why do some parents think the school should raise their children? Why does anyone like reality TV?
What happened to good animation for Saturday morning cartoons? What happened to good Saturday morning cartoons? Is everyone happy with the "change" we have so far?
What do dogs dream about? Do cats dream? Do scientists really want to cure diseases?
Wouldn't that put them out of business? Why can we cure some diseases but not a cold?
Why are the side effects of some medicines worse than the illness they are supposed to treat? Did Jules Verne have visions of the future? Why didn't our troops receive the Nobel Peace Prize? Why is every crazy thing people do news worthy? Is there truth in journalism? Is the new media impartial? Did you know there really was a Saint Nicolas?
Well, that's just a few of my questions today. Hope you're enjoying wonderful weather and I'll ramble more later.

2009-10-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

My friend Nancy has the nicest blog. It's always warm and friendly and makes you feel good. Her last one reminded me that it has been 20 years since she lost her sister. Wow! Where have we all been that the time has flown by? I can still remember when the White twins arrived at Bryan Elementary. They were so confussing....mirror images! I'm sure they delighted in our confusion and I must say....it took a long time to be able to tell them apart. Speaking of passing time....40 years since high school graduation? I don't know if I've been having so much fun that it has flown by so quickly or if I've just been running to keep up!!! Funny how we have all turned into the older generation. Sometimes I don't recognize that person in the mirror with the grey hair and wrinkles. Where did she come from? If my Mother was still on Earth I would say she was pulling a prank on me! I really laugh when people tell me I haven't changed a bit. I don't remember having grey hair, wrinkles and bi-focals in high school...but I do look like an older version of that Friday night twirler with all that energy and enthusiasm. I can still twirl but if I did the splits I would never get back up! I'm a little sedate now but still have that fiery temper and still don't mind sharing what's on my mind.
I guess we have all aged in one way or another and that's ok. I don't relish the alternative and hope I'm around at 100.

2009-10-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's about time that the citizens recognized that we as a people can no longer sit back and let the minorities run our country. Have we sat back and watched for too long? That's going to be the question. We have a bi-racial President who would not produce a birth certificate. What happens if it's proven that he is not a US citizen? Do we get our money back? I would really like for him to stop flying around the world on my dime. His trip to Denmark, on my dime, to "pimp" Chicago is the grossest waste of taxpayer money so far. If he felt compelled to do this he should have taken a day off without pay, booked a flight on a commercial aircraft, paid for it himself, and gone as a regular citizen. What is he neglecting while he does this public service for Chicago? People who won't stand, much less say the pledge of allegiance to the flag now have their kindergarten classes pledging allegiance to Barack Husein Obama, chanting his name in songs. There have been Muslim prayer meetings on the White House lawn...(so they say on line) but our children can't observe a moment of silence during school because they might pray? No prayers at football games? Funny how no one was offended by these pre-game prayers when all of us 50 somethings went to school.
Folks, we need to stand up and take back our country if it's not too late! Go to a County Commission Meeting, a City meeting, find out what is going on in your neck of the woods. Join your PTA/PTO, go to school board meetings, get involved with your children and school. We have to see what's going on and stop the negative impact of our government on our society. Our President thinks our kids need to attend school year round and that their day should be longer because they aren't keeping up with other countries. They don't need longer days or more days, they need quality days. Get rid of the TASP and other tests that don't really measure anything except how much money is going into the test companies pocket. Give the time back to the teacher so he/she can TEACH what the kids need to know to survive. Final exams should be the ONLY exit exams for high school Seniors. For college entrance, do well on the ACT or SAT. If the teacher can get back to the basic principles instead of teaching to tests, students won't need remedial college classes. Some where along the line we have decided that EVERYone should attend college. Why? We have millionaires who never finished high school, we have genious's who would rather be janitors. Isn't that their right? Isn't that what freedom is? The ability to chose one's future should be left to each individual. Teachers should be allowed to do their jobs, free of over testing, so that students are prepared. Education has turned into a money maker. The colleges make more money the longer a student has to stay there. That's why all these tests need to be eliminated. If you make a good score on your ACT or SAT, go to college. If your classes prove difficult, hire a tutor, study more, party less and be determined to suceed. Too many students that don't test well are wasting time and money in remedial classes that don't count for anything. Give them the knowledge they need to suceed, not tests.

Joy

2009-10-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

To have such joy..what a wonderful thing.

In honor of All that perished and survived 9/11

2009-09-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Oh! say can you see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming! Whose broad Stripes and bright Stars thro' the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the shells bursting in air! Gave proof thro' the night that our Flag still was there: Oh! Say does that Star spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes..What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, as it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, in full glory reflected, now shines in the stream; and the Star spangled Banner, Oh! long may it wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, that the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, a home and a country shall leave us no more? Their blood has wash'd out their foul foot step's pollution! No refuge could save the hireling and slave, from the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave; And the Star spangled Banner, in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave!

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand, between their lov'd home, and the war's desolation; Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n rescued land, Praise the pow'r that hath made, and preserves us a Nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: In God, is our trust; And the Star-spangled Banner, in triumph shall wave, O'er the land of the free and home of the brave.
......Francis S. Key

Hope you ALL knew there was more than one verse. Never forget......9/11