Random Ramblings

2012-01-28T06:42:00.002-07:00

Future Coupon Queen (& Princess)???

2011-03-03T14:31:00.004-07:00

So I know I never ever seem to blog - I guess I never know what to blog about but I think I've found it!!!!! COUPONS!!!! I know - crazy! The last 3 weeks I've been figuring out this whole couponing thing. You know, those people who walk into stores without paying for anything because between the deals and coupons they've gotten it for FREE! I always thought they were nuts too but with gas prices, grocery prices, health care costs....just everything rising something had to be done. I thought for sure there had to be a way to do this without going.......dare I say......extreme.

I started a 3-week class at our church "Wise Stewardship Through Couponing" This class was lead by Lori Clayton, who just so happens to be The Coupon Consultant! If you are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia you really need to meet up with Lori at one of her many classes in the area (she's got them going on all the time) and learn how to use your coupons wisely! If you are not in the area - check out her website as she's alway posting valuable savings information including freebies!

Now, as I said I've been doing this only for 3 weeks. I've only hit a couple stores to test it all out. I've been learning things like to think about the PRODUCT not the BRAND (that's saved me some $$). I'm learning what the stores in the area have to offer like double coupon days! I'm a "commissary shopper" being a Navy wife of 23 years and believe it or not this really has been a change of the way I shop. I had no idea the commissary was so different. You can use coupons in the commissary but I've just never thought to split my shopping (thinking it'd be too much of a hassle or take too much time). I'm learning STORE SALES + COUPONS = LESS THAN COMMISSARY!

Yesterday I saved 22% in coupons alone at Farm Fresh! Not to mention I took advantage of a couple of their Buy One, Get One sales. Today I hit up Walgreens. I know what you are thinking - a drugstore? an expensive drug store? Again - store sales, plus store coupons PLUS manufacture coupons = not as much as you thought! Yes, drugstores are becoming my best friend - who knew!?!

Here's what my daughter and I did at WALGREENS today.

4 Monster drinks (2/$3 store deal)
4 Colgate Toothpaste (BOGO $5.29, $2 in manufacture coupons)
1 Thermacare Back Wraps ($3 store advertised savings, $1.50 manufacture coupon)
2 Valentines candy hearts (75%off)

I had a total of $23.68 savings. My final cost was $19.54 and best of all 2 of those toothpastes were FREE!!!!!!

My daughter is learning from me (the best thing I can do is teach my children!). Here's her purchase:

2 Maybelline Blush (store sale 40% off plus $3.00 off 2 coupon)
1 Maybelline Lipstick (store sale 40% off plus $2.00 coupon)
2 Valentine heart candy (75%off)

She had a total of $9.78 in Walgreen advertised sales plus $5.00 in manufactures coupons for a total savings of $14.78 and only paid $7.57!!! Is she on the way to being a Coupon Queen or what??

It has taken me a couple of weeks to "get it" but I think I'm getting the hang of it now. I'm much more aware of how I do not have to pay full price for anything! It might take a little planning on my part but it's gonna be worth it. My plan is to keep track of my savings to see my total savings for 2011. I cannot wait!

While We Were Sleeping ~ by Casting Crowns

2010-12-10T11:58:00.003-07:00

**after originally posting this, a friend shared this video HERE - very moving, very powerful - watch both if you can!**

I really do not know how I missed this song over the last few years. I adore Casting Crowns. Their music just touches the depths of my soul probably like no other. They are truly gifted by God to share his Word.
Take a bit of time to listen to this song....it's a good Christmas song, an original and one that can be listened to year round as far as I'm concerned.

"America, will we go down in history; As a nation with no room for its King"

That one line of lyrics leaves much for thought doesn't it???

If you are reading this in your email; CLICK HERE to see the video.

Oh little town of Bethlehem
Looks like another silent night
Above your deep and dreamless sleep
A giant star lights up the sky
And while you're lying in the dark
There shines an everlasting light
For the King has left His throne
And is sleeping in a manger tonight

Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
For God became a man
And stepped into your world today
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

Oh little town of Jerusalem
Looks like another silent night
The Father gave His only Son
The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
Jerusalem, you will go down in history
As a city with no room for its King
While you were sleeping
While you were sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent night
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children
And while we're lying in the dark
There's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky
For the Bridegroom has returned
And has carried His bride away in the night

America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
Will Jesus come again
And leave us slumbering where we lay
America, will we go down in history
As a nation with no room for its King
Will we be sleeping
Will we be sleeping

United States of America
Looks like another silent tonight.....

(Lyrics from: http://www.elyrics.net)

Craft Junkie

2010-08-30T11:21:00.005-06:00

I'm a crafter at heart. That's just a small FYI for anyone who reads this and does not know me very well.

I spent the last weekend at my first scrapbook convention. It was a good experience and I hope they come back next year.

You can read all about my time and my classes on (by clicking here on)MY CRAFTING CORNER - My craft blog.

FYI I also have a photography blog - doesn't get updated too much but occasionally. You can get there by clicking here on: MY SERENDIPITY PHOTOGRAPHY

I'll promise to try to blog here on my Random Ramblings more often. I just never seem to know what to blog about but....I have been chasing some mermaids this summer so maybe I'll eventually get around to blogging about those very soon!

2010 - Congrats Grad!!!

2010-06-12T20:41:00.006-06:00

We've officially "graduated" another child. This is child #2. He has been home educated since 2nd grade. He's off to Tidewater Community College in the fall. So proud and yet at the same time can't believe this leaves me with only one left to finish schooling. I have 2 years left with child #3.

Our church, First Baptist Church Norfolk, holds a graduation Sunday each year to recognize all the graduates of their church - public, private and homeschooled. It's their option to wear their cap and gown(or not) and so while I know some are wondering - Corey was able to borrow a cap & gown. They kick the morning off for the graduates and their parents with a breakfast. During the service they are each individually recognized while greeting Pastor Eric who gives them a gift from the church and then they are received by their parents. The day tops off with a luncheon for all the grads and their families.

I happen to come across this blog that made me chuckle. It reminded me of all our years of homeschooling. We've been doing this since the Fall of 1999. Some days are sweet, other not so much. I still am bewildered when asked the "how do you do it" question when it comes to homeschooling. You have to put away all your preconceived notions and you have to remember it's NOT public school! It's a totally different way of learning and it's a lifestyle. Learning is for life and that's how we do it I guess. I'm always amazed at the parents who say they can't get through homework let alone fully school their kids. Well, honestly if I was a kid in school and spent ALL day there and then had to come home to do more homework with my parents - I wouldn't want to do that either and would probably be a little grumpy about it. It's like comparing apples and oranges folks! If you home school, you will love this article - if not maybe it'll give you a little in sight on our thoughts with the endless questions and comments that we hear, sometimes on a daily basis. THE PUBLIC SCHOOL PARENT'S GUIDE TO HOMESCHOOL PARENTS!

And CONGRATS to my Corey who has made it through the years with Mom as his teacher!

Classic Books.....

2010-04-12T10:23:00.004-06:00

I finally hung my display with my classic Nancy Drew books. I've had these since childhood. I loved reading Nancy Drew. I also can remember watching the Nancy Drew/The Hardy Boys Mysteries on TV on Sunday nights when I was growing up. (I had a HUGE crush on Shaun Cassidy who was obviously my favorite Hardy boy :blush:)

So we've been in this house just shy a couple months of 2 years. I can't believe we've been in Virginia that long, but we have. And these boxes that usually hang on the wall have been sitting for that long. I finally just decided to get my "reading corner" in to shape this past weekend so my daughter and I together managed to get them hung up and the books in them to be displayed. The rocking chair I've had for 20 years now. I searched high and low for it when I was pregnant with my oldest - I cannot believe he's going to be 20 years old in the fall!

So anyway, I'm rambling now...hahahaha (hence the title of the blog) but there's a little piece of my home shared with you.

Virginia Aquarium

2010-04-09T14:23:00.003-06:00

This week we went to the Virginia Aquarium. "We" would be - me, my son Corey, my daughter Alyssa, her boyfriend Daniel and my friend Katie along with her two girls, Keanna & Sydney.
We had a pretty good time. It's a nice aquarium.

The stingray pool was a popular attraction for the kids. I think they could have stayed there all day.

We couldn't resist getting into the sharks mouth...

We saw turtles, frogs, river otters, snakes, stingrays, and many different kinds of fish.

Blue Crab and just some random little fish

Leaf Frog - he looks like a leaf is laying on him but that's actually him. Very cool looking and excellent camouflage.

Tree Frogs

This last photo is well, shocking if you know me at all.

I have a huge fear of snakes. I have ever since I was a little girl (and disobeyed my parents). I ran into a couple of very large black snakes when I was in Kindergarten. I use to cut through a neighbors yard and long story short I was told probably almost daily not to do that because my parents knew there were snakes in that yard (and their house) After that day - I had a huge fear of snakes. I've never really even been able to look at them until we moved to Hawaii and I worked on that fear. Now, that doesn't mean I want to come across any snakes anytime soon. But I can tolerate them just a little bit now. I still can't believe I took this picture. When I first saw the snake only 1/2 of the mouse (or rat) was in his mouth but by the time just the tail was sticking out I had to snap the shot before it was gone. By the way, this is a Cane Rattlesnake. He was huge! They are one of Virginia's slithering creatures and a creature to be aware of when out hiking and walking the trials here.

That wraps up our day - it was a nice, enjoyable visit.

"We The People"

2010-03-26T11:44:00.002-06:00

For those of you who subscribe to my emails, you may need to CLICK HERE and see the video. It's a good one - please check it out!

Daily Kitty Devotions

2010-03-22T20:57:00.003-06:00

I just had to share these pictures. My female cat loves to be with me. This is new in the last year. She's always been my nuisance, not my favorite cat but I do love her. Well, these days it's all about me and her no matter what I'm doing. I took these the other day when I was attempting to do my bible study. She wanted to study as well.

Livin' in Dixieland?

2010-03-15T21:10:00.006-06:00

I knew we were in the South although sometimes the Hampton Roads doesn't feel too much like the South; it feels more like the East - course it's the southeast technically. It's hard to explain but when you've lived as many places in the nation as I have, you learn that there's a certain "feel" to different areas. Diversity in cultures are all over our nation. The way people do things, say things and see things are very different from one state to another. I think of the "south" more as South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana.... I think Civil War, Gone with the Wind, North & South (yes, much of my life is based on the movies what can I say!)

Well this week I took a quick road trip up the Eastern Shore of Virginia & Maryland. My daughter went to spend some time with a friend (who lives in NJ) and the half way point happen to be Salisbury, MD. During this road trip I happen to see this sign at the state lines of Virginia & Maryland. It was only a reminder that I do live in the South. I chuckle every time I look at these photos. I crack up at all the cigarette signs under this Dixieland sign. You see, until we moved here my kids had no idea that there use to be resturants that had smoking and non-smoking areas. In the last 10 years I'd say we've lived in states that have banned smoking in these establishments. So when we got here and the hostesses said "smoking or non-smoking" all three of the kids were like "HUH??" So we had to explain that yes, some people smoke before, during and after eating. (Their dad smoked but never in the house, never out at resturants, never in the car.....basically never around the kids)

Now I realize that this insignia offends some but you know what - it's part of history. It's still a very important piece of heritage to many southerners.
Besides, don't ya all know the south will rise again??? ;-)

LOST - my collection

2010-02-23T11:45:00.003-07:00

If you know me well, you know my obsession with LOST. I'm not sure how it started but I've got several of the LOST figurines that were out a few year ago. These are hard to find now and I wish I had gotten more of the characters but I have Jack, Kate, Hurley, Charlie, Shannon, Mr. Echo, John, Sawyer and the Hatch. (the Hatch actually lights up and has a light shooting up out of it just like in the episode)

So, I received an email one day last week from ABC with some advertisements from their store informing me that they now have Bobbleheads! They only have them for Richard, Daniel and Dr. Halliwax. I only purchased Richard and Daniel. I think they are two of the best characters on the show - oh heck, they are all great characters! When I saw these though I had to have them.....not really a good thing but they weren't overly expensive ($12.99 each) They are so cute!

So here's some pics of my collection and my new bobbleheads!

They came in their own Dharma Initiative boxes!

My collection of figurines sits on top of our entertainment center in the living room.

Be Mine ~ Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-20T18:30:00.004-07:00

Okay, so I'm a week late but I wanted to share my flowers I got from my husband for Valentines Day....Enjoy (I have)!

He went all out - flowers, teddy bear, chocolates and bath crystals!

Hungry cat?

2010-02-20T18:24:00.003-07:00

This is our female cat, Chief. She does this everytime I come home from the commissary (that's a grocery store for you civilians). Matter of fact most of the time she greets me and looks through the bags looking for new cat food. The thing you can't see in these photos is the food bowl is right next to the bag she is digging in.

Book Review: Murder by Family

2010-02-20T15:18:00.003-07:00

While just browsing in the library this past week, I came across this book. Occasionally, I pick up one of these 'real life' type of books. I think it does good to read them and learn from others experiences even if we sometimes cannot imagine having that experience ourselves.

One December night in 2003, Kent Whitaker's oldest son plotted with 2 friends to kill his family. He was successful in the murder of his mother and brother but his father survived only to find he'd be living a nightmare for the next several years.

Kent Whitaker compares his story much to that of King David & his son Absalom. He also found a connection with the father of the Prodigal Son. Most importantly, he saw a bigger picture, one that I think many of us forget on a daily basis. It struck me hard when he said "If you believe in Heaven and hell and you can view your life through the lens of eternity, what happens on earth is much less important than what happens after you die. Eternity is a long time. In that sense the shootings and all the horror of the past four years are a small price to pay if they result in Bart's return to the Lord; after all, Tricia and Kevin were going to heaven anyway." He really struck home that in the end, even with all the suffering, while it's a high price to pay his son's soul was and is more valuable than all the suffering combined.

I have to say with honestly, I'd hope that if I experienced something like this I could handle it with as much mercy, compassion, forgiveness and grace as Kent Whitaker handled it.

I found this video on YouTube. I'll let Kent himself tell you in his own words about his story and his book.

(if you get this via email you'll have to CLICK HERE to see the video)

Last Deployment

2010-01-15T08:37:00.002-07:00

My husband, Duke, left this morning for what should be our very last navy deployment. We've done many of these over the years. I've stopped counting however my husband has informed me that we've done 10 of these in the last 23 years. By my count, as a spouse this is my 7th deployment that will been 6 months or longer and I've been through 4 that have been longer than 3 months but less than 6 months. Course this does not count all those times he was gone for 28 days home for 5 days gone another 25 days or the months of being gone 3 weeks home for 2 gone another 4.....I wish now I had kept an ongoing journal of the days he left and the days he returned.

It has been very strange prepping for a deployment on a surface ship rather than the submarine I've always been use to. He's not been gone as much as they are on a submarine when they are preparing to leave. So it hasn't really "felt" normal (or at least normal for me).....or him either. Stuff is also not classified up here on the surface as it is on submarines. Communications is also like a million times better. On a submarine there are no phone calls until there is a port call and emails are likely to come in once in a while but it's not in real time. On the surface he can call me (still strange to me) and emails are in real time - meaning he emails me and it comes right into my mail box vs. waiting a week or more on a submarine for an email to be delivered.

Here's a video and a link to a news article posted this morning. They have been diverted to go to Haiti before moving on to their deployment. This was decided yesterday afternoon. Africa and the Mediterranean is on the agenda at some point in the next few months.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

2010 Resolutions??

2010-01-04T09:14:00.002-07:00

I have never taken to that word - resolution. Many people start their new year out making a list of resolutions which 9 times out of 10 are forgotten about 30 days into the new year. I've always tried to think of maybe somethings I wanted to change, things I wanted to do or I'd look at them as "goals" instead of "resolutions". I'm participating in a photo project called "2010-365 Challenge". Each week we will take a photo a day matching up with the theme for that week. Well, this week's theme is "Resolutions" so like it or not I had to come up with something even if just for the 2010-365 Challenge!

So what is a resolution anyway? Resolution can be defined as any of the following:

1. a formal expression of opinion or intention made.
2. a resolve or determination - to make a firm resoltion to do something. :
3. the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method,
procedure, etc.
4. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.
5. a solution, accommodation, or settling of a problem, controversy, etc.

So why do we do this annual even when we know we most likely won't stick with it for the whole year? Who knows! Some people resolve to quit smoking, quit drinking, exercise more, be kinder, go to church more often, quit cussing, lose weight, spend more time with family, get out of debt, get organized, help others - the list goes on.

So what do you "resolve" to do this new year? Have you made resolutions in the past and they stick or are you one of the many who try but never quite succeed in your resolute?

I found it difficult to come up with 7 for my 2010-365 Challenge but I think I've managed. Wanna know what they are? You'll have to check back at the end of the week and I'll post all of them at once. You can follow me on my Flickr 2010-365 Set daily to see what my resolutions are one by one.

Happy New Year everyone!

My Little Vampire

2009-10-31T19:49:00.006-06:00

Okay so she's not that "little" anymore.... she's the only one that dressed up this year. They are all growing up! We did darken the hair. It was suppose to be jet black but I guess it needed to sit longer. It'll wash out in a few days and she'll be back to natural.

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-10-30T20:53:00.008-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Yes, I'm still alive - just horrible lately at keeping up with the blog.

We've had a little bit of Halloween fun in the past couple of weeks. We attended the Zombie Walk in Richmond, VA last weekend. Then we hit up Busch Gardens one last time this season for Howl-O-Scream and of course we've carved our pumpkins for the year.

Corey & Alyssa carving their pumpkins.

I carved the wolf (inspired by New Moon!). Alyssa carved the vampire takin' a bite and Corey carved the zombie. He must have been inspired by our walk with the zombies in Richmond!

Busch Gardens

Zombie Walk
This was actually really cool but I will say that I have a harder time looking at the photos after the walk than I did walking around taking photos of the zombies! They really get into this. It was their 5th year and there were over 300 zombies walking the streets of Carytown in Richmond, VA. They actually hold workshops on how to be a zombie as well as how to dress & do your make up like a zombie. (told you they take it seriously)
So be warned - I'm only posting one photo here - these photos are not for the weak at heart. You can see more HERE

Summer CONCERTS (Part 3)

2009-08-27T17:19:00.012-06:00

This is the last blog entry on concerts - I promise! Told ya we hit quite a few this summer.
As the summer rolled on by, a friend emailed one day asking if I wanted to go see the Doobie Brothers & Bad Company. She had a couple of free tickets so off we went!

DOOBIE BROTHERS
These guys are getting old but they've still got it! The crowd at this concert was just a tad bit older too.

BAD COMPANY
Bad Company did an exclusive 10 concerts this year. Virginia Beach was one of them!

And our last concert for the summer.....NICKELBACK with Saving Able, Papa Roach & Hinder. Saving Able was really good and they gave a shout out to all the sailors and soldiers. We did not care for Papa Roach at all. The language in their songs as well as when they were just talking to the crowd was a real turn off for us. I realize there are many people out there who have words in their vocabulary that they use daily and don't think anything of it but I can only handle so much! I didn't get any good pictures of Saving Able. Not going to bother with Papa Roach so here's Hinder and Nickelback.

This is my daughter's friend and my daughter.
As you can see it was a packed house....or should I say lawn.

HINDER

NICKELBACK
These guys are from Canada and they ROCK! I enjoyed listening to their music before we went to the concert but I like it even more after seeing them. The lead singer has a very unique voice. They just have a great sound. The drum set. Gotta tell ya about the drum set. It rose high above the stage when the drummer did his solo. He's probably the best drummer I've ever seen and heard too. He was awesome! The had a big screen behind them so we could see them even though we were back on the lawn. Sometimes they ran videos on the screen while they sang. That was cool too. One of the neatest shows I've been too. I'd see them again in a heartbeat.

Summer CONCERTS (Part 2)

2009-08-27T15:07:00.008-06:00

LeANN RIMES
This was the one concert we managed to get to on base this year. The USO/MWR sponsor several of these though out the summer for the service members in the area. It's really great they do that.

LeAnn was fun. She's a tiny little thing. She's full of energy and just loves to entertain! Alyssa was lucky and got right up to the stage with the camera!

Summer CONCERTS (Part 1)

2009-08-27T13:34:00.014-06:00

As summer comes to an end, one of my fondest memories this year have been all the concerts that my daughter and I hit. I was a huge concert goer in my younger years. Then I got married (to a not my thing concert goer), had kids and well just didn't attend concerts. Many times the tickets are just too expensive but we're fortunate to live in an area that has many big name groups come through and sometimes for free. We have three venues where we see our concerts: Busch Gardens (free b/c we get summer passes); on the local navy bases (also free as the USO/MWR sponsors) and the Virginia Amplitheather. The tickets for the shows at the amphitheater were lawn seating. We cashed in on a one day deal where all lawn seats were $10 each!

We saw some great entertainers this year. We have photos of all of them but the first concert - No Doubt with Paramore opening. We really, really enjoyed this concert. My daughter loves Paramore and even has her hair cut a bit like Haley Williams (the lead singer). Gwen Stephani is now one of my favorite female entertainers. Oh my gosh did she put on a great show. I really wish we had photos. They were our first concert at the amphitheater.

Next up in June was two of my favorite Christian bands who performed for the Glory Garden days at Busch Gardens.

MERCY ME
Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Next up was Third Day, NeedToBreathe and Revive. Revive is a band that Third Day is mentoring. It's kinda like Third Day's way to "pay it forward". Revive left Australia with nothing but their guitars but God has provided for them all a long their journey. They are very good too. You can find them at iTunes.

REVIVE

NEEDTOBREATHE

These guys were great. This is an up and coming band that many people are familiar with these days. Their break out song on the Christian stations was Washed By the Water.
They have a southern rock kind of sound to them. They've been considered Christian and Alternative. Touring with Third Day I'm going to go with Christian.

THIRD DAY
I have loved Third Day for many years. Not only do they do praise & worship songs but they throw a few of the old hymns in there. No one does Blessed Assurance the way they do.

College Graduate ~ Better Late Than Never!

2009-08-27T12:46:00.003-06:00

A day that some never thought would come! My husband completed his Bachelors degree in May. Not an easy thing to do balancing the Navy, home life and school but he did it. Now to get the Masters.....

Fair Winds and Following Seas

2009-08-01T14:45:00.004-06:00

Yesterday in Washington DC, several US Navy sailors bid a "fair winds and following seas" to their shipmate that went ashore after 32 years of service! Fleet Master Chief (SS/SW/AW/PJ) Mike McCalip served this country for 32 years. That's a very long time.
I attended his retirement ceremony with my husband who has severed with the Master Chief in the past. He happens to be a pretty good friend of ours as well.

I couldn't let the opportunity slip by me to have my photo with some of my favorite US Navy Master Chiefs.

My husband, Master Chief "Duke" Owings, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West (we've known Rick since 2001 when we first went out to Hawaii), me, FLEET Master Chief Mike McCalip (RET), Master Chief April Beldo (future Command Master Chief of the USS Carl Vinson - one of our many carriers) and FORCE Master Chief John Snyder (we know John from our USS Archerfish days)

Charm City Cakes

2009-08-01T14:31:00.007-06:00

Charm City Cakes of Baltimore MD....also known as ACE OF CAKES to many. ACE OF CAKES is actually the reality TV show on the Food Network that airs each week showcasing Duff and his bakery. That's where I went today! I missed Duff by 60 seconds. While we were parking and walking up the street, he was getting into a car and driving off. Another gal there did get his autograph and her picture taken with him. There was quite a small crowd that came and went. I imagine they have visitors outside on a daily basis. You cannot get into the shop unless you are customer there to pick up a cake. I knew that before going down but I wanted to just say I had been there and get a photo or two. We did get to see one of the shop workers load up a vehicle of cakes that were going somewhere.

Nickelback - If Today was your Last Day

2009-07-29T10:59:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite (secular) bands....my daughter and I saw them in concert last night. They were great! Love Nickelback!

Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day from Nickelback on Vimeo.

May 2009...a visit to Illinois (Part I)

2009-07-28T13:39:00.005-06:00

In May, the kids and I went to my parents home for a visit. This is kinda where I grew up although they live in a different town, it's still in the same area near Springfield, Illinois. We had great weather for all but 2 or 3 days so that wasn't too bad.

The first order of business was a family reunion. My mom's side of the family has a family reunion every other year so we hit that this year as well. We hadn't attended since 2001, the summer we moved to Hawaii. That was fun.

Me, Bruce, Mom, Dad, Mike and Sue

Mom and I took the kids to New Salem State Park. I can remember this park from my childhood, ya know field trips from school. Springfield IL is Abraham Lincoln territory... New Salem is a reconstruction of the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood before he went to Springfield. Lincoln arrived in New Salem at about the age of 22. New Salem was founded in 1828, when James Rutledge and John Camron. James Rutledge was the father of Anne Rutledge. Story has it that Anne was Abe's first love but she died at a very young age.

Alyssa, Tyler, Corey and Granny (my mom)

For more pictures of our visit to New Salem State Park CLICK HERE!

Behind on the Blog

2009-05-30T16:47:00.002-06:00

I know it's been a while since I've blogged but I'm still alive.

For the last week or little more I've been visiting with my parents.

Despite some rainy weather, we've done several things while being here in Illinois for a week. We hit New Salem State Park (we are in the Land of Lincoln) and we went to the St. Louis Zoo for a day. So we managed to get a couple things in while we also visited some extended family while we were here. The Price Family Reunion is every other year and it's always fun to attend. Our last attendance was 2001 so it was nice to go this year. My Dad took me to four (4) family cemeteries and downloaded a lot of family history to me - some I knew, some I didn't. We spent a full day driving all over central/southern Illinois to these cememteries and other than seeing a snake (ACK!) it was a great day!

I do have pictures but they'll have to wait for now. We start our 2 day trip back to Virginia on Monday and after I recuperate from that I will start digging through the photos taken on this trip. I took a lot of them too (as always)!

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

2009-05-08T10:08:00.001-06:00

6 of My Favorite Things

2009-05-06T09:33:00.003-06:00

Deanna from Mom-Musings tagged me for this meme: Favorite Things.

These are the rules:

1. Mentioned who tagged you.
2. List six unimportant things that make you happy.
3. Tag six more blogs, then go and comment on their blogs. Let them know that have been challenged, and invite them to play along.

Six of my Favorite Things:

1. Feeding my birds. I have all kinds of birds in my yard this spring, including several ducks. It started out just Alice & Jasper (we named them) but now I've had a few others in the yard as well.

2. Reading...I love to read and challenged myself to read even more this year including 5 classics.

3. Chocolate...I love my chocolate and finally realized I'll never be able to give it up.

4. My camera. I love photography and it goes hand in hand with my scrapbooking. I always have my camera with me.

5. My iPod. I love music. It relaxes me and calms me.

6. Nature. I love the peace and calm that nature brings whether one of the amazing National Parks like the Grand Canyon or it's walking a trail, sitting on a beach, watching the birds in my yard or even my cats in the house. God's Creations are wonderful and amazing never ceasing to bring me enjoyment!

That wraps up Six of my Favorite Things.
I am going to tag a couple bloggers who are my friends and also a few whose blogs are new to me.

These are the following bloggers that I am tagging:

Katie from Pass the Chopsticks
Dani from Navy Stitching
Jill from Queen of this Kingdom
Hope from Hope from the Edge
FeyaVanya's Thoughts
Alyssa from Simply Dazzled

Virginia Beach KITE Festival

2009-05-03T12:11:00.005-06:00

I went to see some kites on the beach yesterday. It was the 5th annual Atlantic Coast Kite Festival in Virginia Beach, VA. They held several contests including "People's Choice" and "Best Kite"....kites were judged on flight, structural design, craftsmanship, and visual appeal. There were kite vendors of course for those who had no kites or left their kites at home. Members of the American Kite Association (AKA) held demonstrations and flew their giant kites (up to 80 ft long).

For more Kite Festival photos CLICK HERE!

Busch Gardens, Williamsburg VA

2009-05-02T10:47:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was our first of many trips to Busch Gardens Williamsburg this summer. This is our 2nd year in a row of buying season passes.
This is one of my favorite parks. It is by far, in my opinion, one of the prettiest in regards to landscaping, flowers, and scenery.
Here's a few of the highlights from yesterday. These were all taken with my small point and shoot Canon Powershot SX110is. (for someone not looking for a big DSLR but would like a really decent camera for a decent price, I highly recommend this camera)

Roman Rapids - Corey & Alyssa rode this one together.

Loch Ness Monster - Alyssa & I rode this one. YEARS ago (when I was a teenager) my brother in law forced me to ride in the very, very, very front of this coaster. It's the only coaster I've ever ridden in the front and it's the only time I've ever ridden in the front..... I'm a middle of the coaster kinda girl....

The Griffin - I do not ride this one. The boys however LOVE this ride and can ride it over and over and over.... .CRAZY! (they let you hang for a few seconds before dropping you....CRAZY I'm telling you! I really need to get this on video)

Apollo's Chariot - This one is fun...once you get past the first drop (I hate the first drop!) It's a quick, sleek, and smooth ride. It's hard to get pictures of this coaster though as it's kinda built into the trees for the most part.

To see more pictures from the day CLICK HERE

Maryland Hunt Cup 2009

2009-04-27T09:55:00.005-06:00

MR LIBERATOR

For many years, I've heard a lot about the Maryland Hunt Cup. It is essentially ran in my brother-in-law and sister-in-laws front yard. Okay, maybe not literally but it sure comes close.

This year was the 113th running of the Maryland Hunt Cup, the longest steeplechase horse race in the United States. The first race was in 1894. In 1922,
Worthington Valley became the permanent home of the four mile, twenty-two fence racecourse. Worthington Farms is the farm that my brother-in-law and sister-in-law work and live on. It's quite a spectacle, with fans bringing their friends and families for an afternoon of picnicking and socializing. You'll see that's exactly what we did too!

We arrived at about 1PM with the race starting at 4PM. I took that time to take some pictures of the great daffodils that grow on the hill right at Randy & Suzie's home.

Really it's just a huge get together with a horse race thrown in the middle....actually it started out as a horse race in which grew the big get together's and the day long activities around the Hunt Cup.

When it's about time for the race, the first thing they do is bring the horses over from the farm to the race course. They are then paraded around in the paddock for all to see. It was pretty cool.

There are a total of 10 horses that start this 4 mile race. Unfortunately, this past race only 8 started...and it gets worse (and apparently even more "historic" as this race had a finish like no one could remember).

Twill Do and Coal Dust didn't start the race at all. That left Private Attack, Michele Marieschi, Askim (last year's winner), Rosbrian, Shady Valley, Mr. Liberator, Make Your Own, and Western Fling. I'm not quite sure what happened to everyone but by the end of the race only Michele Marieschi and Rosbrian were still running for the prize. Some horses refused to jump, other lost their riders. Once a rider (aka: jockey) is off the horse they are done. They cannot get back on and finish the race.

The horse in the lead here has no rider - when his rider fell off, he quickly took off and he was quickly in first place....unfortunately the horse AND the rider must cross the finish line together in order to win! They do have what they call outriders (others on horses but not racing) who are out there to collect the loose horses so they don't get in the other riders way.

These final three pictures are the last stretch. The two remaining horses in the race at the last two jumps. It was quite exciting. Michele Marieschi (#3) won the race with a time of 10:07 (ten minutes/7 seconds). I gathered from those who attend this every year that this was about 2 minutes off the record time and that typically more than two horses cross the finish line.....

To see more of my Hunt Cup photos - CLICK HERE

Here are some of the news articles from this years Hunt Cup.
Baltimore Sun
Explore Baltimore County

15 Years

2009-04-22T20:56:00.004-06:00

Where does the time go? My "baby" turned 15 yesterday. It's hard to believe it's been so long. My dad calls every year on my birthday with my birthday story. He tells about how he had a revival to preach...poor mom, she was on her own. Course that was back in the day when women were on their own anyway. So, I always have Alyssa's birthday story - my husband was deployed but was able to come home for 3 weeks. Alyssa however decided to take her sweet time and arrived less than a week before he had to leave and go back to the submarine, which was in port in Italy. He didn't see her again until she was 3 months old.

She's really into Twilight (as if you probably didn't already know) so it was a Twilight birthday for the most part! She got the boxed set of hardback books (making this her 3rd copy of Twilight, the first in the series of the saga) We also managed to get her the library "READ" poster of the 2 stars in the Twilight movies, reading Twilight. Our library does not have this poster and Alyssa just hates that but now she has her own...in her room! Does it get any sweeter than that?

She also racked up a couple of iTune gift cards, another Taylor Swift dress, a movie and a Twilight gift card for Hot Topic (where the Twilight merchandise is sold). Topped the day off with a Red Velvet cake - from scratch made by mom....her favorite!

Win some Kit Kats...from JAPAN!

2009-04-17T07:22:00.003-06:00

My friend Katie has been in Japan for about a year and a half now. In that time she's found a small hobby....she collects Kit Kats. Now to American's that might sound weird because well as I blogged a while back - we only have 4 kinds of Kit Kats available to us. There are over 50 flavors available in Japan.

So now she's giving away her Kit Kats. Want some? Go to her Win Some Japanese Kit Kats blog post and find out how you can be a winner of some of these wild flavored Kit Kats!

Even if you don't want some Kit Kats - it's worth checking out her blog. I knew she had some but I had no idea how many she had collected...

Tax Day Tea Party

2009-04-15T12:00:00.004-06:00

We attended our local TAX DAY TEA PARTY today. We've attended political rallies before but this was different. Party line did not matter today. Today there were Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and more! This is about something that affects us all - taxes. Are we being taxed without proper representation? Will they ever stop? Does Congress just think they can spend, spend, spend without being held accountable for it? It needs to stop! Who wouldn't want to have less taxes, more responsible spending and more accountability when it comes to where it is spent?
We want, we NEED real economic solutions - more spending, more debt to get rid of what we have now? Would you run your personal household finances the way Washington DC is handling the countries finances? Of course not!

We are Fair Tax supporters! I've just recently turned this direction. A year ago I was not a supporter but I did my own homework and did the math myself. If you don't know or unsure about the Fair Tax - educate yourself! Don't listen to just anyone. Use your own brain, think for yourself!

The FairTax enables worker to keep their ENTIRE paychecks, retirees keep their ENTIRE pensions, closes all loopholes and brings fairness to taxation and enables SS and Medicare to be more fully funded! CLICK HERE to learn more.

Here's a few of my favorite pictures from our day! The hats were out, as were the flags, signs and the tea bags were being used as necklaces, earrings and more! You can see all of them by HERE on Flickr

The Buc Stops Here

2009-04-15T08:38:00.003-06:00

I'm not a huge Jon Stewart but I thought this was pretty funny (a little crude in a couple spots but overall pretty funny). He does support the military pretty good outside of that he and I probably disagree on most politics.

This is about our recent pirate activity and our rescued Captain!

If you have problems viewing the video below you can try here: THE BUC STOPS HERE

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

M - Th 11p / 10c

The Buc Stops Here

thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Economic Crisis

Political Humor

My Baby Girl

2009-04-13T16:47:00.003-06:00

isn't a baby anymore. She'll be 15 a week from tomorrow. She willingly went with me to the botanical gardens earlier this week to have her photo taken. She's really grown into a beautiful young lady! I was going to wait and post this next week but...well....I can't wait...

Chincoteague Island ~ A Sunday drive

2009-03-30T13:28:00.008-06:00

Last week we checked out the Saturday evening service of our church so on Sunday when the sun was shining, Duke and I took off to Chincoteague Island to see if we could find any wild ponies - and yes we did find them.

We headed across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. We stopped at the little "island" that wasn't far after we paid our toll. Finding this little area, I knew exactly where I'd be when the time comes and Duke has to got out to sea or when it's time for him to return home from sea. There are some really cool viewing areas from the CBBT including a pier that goes fairly far out.

After that quick stop, we headed up the Eastern shore. It's a very pretty drive with alot of small towns, antique shops and well, not much of anything else. After about two hours we arrived at Chincoteague Island.

One of the big draws to this small island are the wild ponies, commonly referred to as the Chincoteague Ponies. Assateague Island wild ponies travel the beach near Chincoteague & Ocean City. The ponies are actually on Assateague Island. These ponies and the annual Pony Penning Day are the subject of Marguerite Henry's 1947 children's book Misty of Chincoteague. This was made into the 1961 family film Misty, which was filmed on location. Each year there is an annual Pony Swim. I would love to go but I'm not sure I'm up to those crowds - tens of thousands of people come from all over to see this event.

Hot Topic "Twilight" DVD Release Party

2009-03-30T12:47:00.006-06:00

So, over a week ago now, Alyssa and I went to the Hot Topic "Twilight" DVD release party. We've never done anything like this before so we weren't sure what to expect. I'll be honest, we were both a little disappointed. There was an awful lot of "down time"....it would have been much more fun had we both had some friends to tag along with us. It was still a good time and we'll be doing it again for "New Moon" I'm sure.

The had a table of goodies - candy, cookies, and of course a Twilight cake!

Every 15-20 minutes they had some Twilight trivia. Alyssa complained that the questions were too easy (they were) but she answered one and won anyway!

At 11:30pm the store was cleared and everyone got in line to wait for their precious DVD that they awaited so anxiously for the past several months! At midnight, the line began to move and as soon as the DVDs were in hands, everyone left to head home to watch their beloved movie! We were up til 3AM watching it. Since then we have watched all the deleted scenes, extended scenes, music video's and more!

On Monday, after the part, Hot Topic called for Alyssa. She was the winner of one of their bigger raffles. She won the promotional posters that were in the window of the store. We immediately went out and bought a frame for the larger one.

Now, only 234 more days until NEW MOON!

My Visitors

2009-03-30T12:35:00.006-06:00

I'm really behind on my blogging; I know. I don't even know where to start. I have some weeks that honestly, I feel like there's nothing to blog about at all. I'm horrible at blogging those "little" things. Maybe I'll work on that.

This past week I guess the most exciting thing has been my new visitors. They are almost daily visitors now. This morning, I heard what I thought was the cats tail hitting the sliding glass window in the living room but nope, it was my ducks! They were actually knocking on the window trying to get my attention. When they saw me the got all happy - yes, I can tell when a duck is happy. They were even "talking" to me..... The ground bird feeder was empty and they wanted some. So I went outside (yes, with them) and gave them some breakfast. I believe they are a "couple". I love it, so do the kids...the cats....um, not so much.

I need to name them.... Edward and Bella perhaps?? Maybe Alice & Jasper??? Carlise and Esme??

As you can see here, Chief is not very happy that she can't get to them.

A horrible picture of me, but you can see they let me come out and feed them.

TWILIGHT - DVD Release!!!

2009-03-20T07:26:00.004-06:00

If you haven't heard - it's here. Today is THE day! Well technically tomorrow, March 21st, but Twi-aholics will be somewhere at MIDNIGHT picking up their copy of TWILIGHT!

My daughter and I will be at a local party to celebrate the release of this treasure! We've never done anything like this before but, like Alice, I see more of this in our future with a midnight viewing of New Moon (scheduled to hit theaters in November)! New Moon is the next part of the story in the Twilight Saga.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (book)

2009-03-17T07:48:00.003-06:00

Inspired by the movie that was just released, I decided to read this short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a very quick read. I read about 10 or 15 minutes last night and finished it up with another 10 or 15 minutes this morning. This is a very interesting story. For those that don't know, it's about a man born as an old man and he ages backwards. He grows younger rather than growing older. He embraces life as he grows younger.
I have not yet seen the movie so I cannot compare the two. However, after seeing trailers of the movie and reading the book I'm expecting to see some "creative licenses" being used and some changes being toss in. I do want to see the movie as I've heard it was very good.
I'm glad I read the short story itself. One son has read it and enjoyed it and it will be on the reading list of my other two children.

Sorry STARBUCKS

2009-03-12T16:14:00.002-06:00

but you've been costing me too much money!

About a month or so ago I mentioned to my husband that my Chai Tea Latte's were just not tasting the same. Not only had I noticed it at one Starbucks but at numerous Starbucks in our area. Now, I'm not typically a Starbucks fan, as I prefer Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf or Caribou Coffee, but Starbucks is what we've got here so Starbucks is where I go. So, back to my issue. I noticed the taste was just not the same. Matter of fact in the conversation with my husband I said that it tasted like it was coming out of a carton and they were just sticking it in the microwave (and it wasn't even fully heated). Well, low and behold, not long after this I noticed at the Starbucks they were pushing....you guessed it - Chai Tea in a CARTON! Oh my! Well, that was it. I wasn't going to pay for that anymore.

Last week at the commissary guess what's on the shelves? Yep - the same exact Chai Tea that Starbucks uses and it's only $2.99 a carton at the commissary. Yes, I've purchased some and in my opinion I make my own Chai Tea Latte's 100% better than any of the Starbuck barista's make them these days, not to mention it's costing me alot less money! A grande (medium) Chai Tea Latte is about $4.05 with tax here. I get 4 latte's making them myself so even with the milk (less than $2 a gallon right now) I'm coming out ahead.

A Twilight Parody

2009-02-17T11:05:00.003-07:00

For my Twilight Addicts!
(if you've not read the books or seen the movie you probably won't enjoy this)

(If you subscribe to my blogs, you'll have to actually visit the blog website to see this video)

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

2009-02-12T12:19:00.004-07:00

This book was recommended to me by a family member. I'm glad I read it. It was enjoyable and quite interesting. There were a few times throughout the book that I did find a little slow moving but for the most part it held my attention and it grasped my attention quite quickly when I started reading it.

The Red Tent is historical fiction based on a story from the Bible. It is the story of Dinah, Jacob's only daughter. The biblical account of Dinah is found in the book of Genesis, Chapter 34. We are not really told much about Dinah. Her story is usually referred to as "The Rape of Dinah". Her recount is not told by her but by her brothers. And can I just say - Jacob's boys were something else!! I mean, Jacob and Leah seriously had their hands full with that bunch. After all, they eventually sold their younger brother, Joseph into slavery. Can you imagine what else they may have done that isn't recorded?
Issac and Sara make an appearance in this book as does Esau and towards the end we read about Joseph again after he's an adult living in Egypt.

Whenever I read historical religious fiction, it always makes me want to dive into the Bible and do my own study on the person or story and see how close the author did to bringing what happened into life on the pages of a book.

I do question some of the direction that author Anita Diamant took with the story. Was Dinah actually raped? Did she fall in love with the kings son and her brothers just call it rape since the marriage wasn't done in traditional Jewish custom?

The Red Tent is told from Dinah's perspective as well as the point of view of the women around her (Jacob's wives)- her mother Leah and her aunties Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah. We get some insight as to what it was like for women in that day. Most men had more than 1 wife. The women had their own tent, commonly referred to as the "red tent" as that is where they stayed during their monthly cycle and after they birthed their babies until they had healed. Imagine the conversations that went on inside those tents! This book does bring that to life.

I read my Bible on a regular basis. I grew up in church. I'm very familiar with all the traditional bible stories but some we know better than others and even then because we forget exactly what the historical times were like, sometimes it's hard to really imagine and understand what was happening in the lives of those who lived that long ago. Historical religious fictional allows us to imagine what might possibly happened given the historical time period and customs of that day.
This book brings Dinah's story to life. I highly recommend it. It's a very good read. Be warned however, it is very descriptive in the nature of what was physically happening with the women, the celebrations of becoming a woman, the celebrations of entering a marriage bed and more.

Mermaids on Parade

2009-02-08T15:00:00.007-07:00

Today it was 75+ degrees so my husband and I went and found some mermaids! ;-)

There is one thing that you could call "unique" about Norfolk and that's their Mermaids on Parade. Rumor has it that there are close to over 300 mermaids scattered all over the city of Norfolk. Okay, it's not a rumor - but that's what their Mermaids on Parade website says!

Mermaids on Parade was first brought up at a breakfast meeting with 300 business and civic leaders on November 30, 1999. By summer and fall of the new millennium, there were mermaids on the sidewalks, in the parks and even found in fountains of Norfolk, Virginia. The mermaids reflect the city of Norfolk - they are nautical, funny, musical, shiny and even electric. They represent civic pride and the diversity of the Norfolk region. Sponsors have selected schools, hospitals and other public areas to display these mermaids.

(faces of the Jestacular & Maid In Voyage Mermaids - 2 of my favorites)

Some of these mermaids can be a bit difficult to find and as I found out today - some move and some are inside buildings. It's always fun to be driving and spot one somewhere up high on a building or hidden in some landscape design!

Some of these beautiful pieces of art need a face lift. They've been around a while and well the weather hasn't been kind to some of them. These beautiful mermaids are a work of several different, unique artists.

To check out more of my MERMAIDS ON PARADE: CLICK HERE! I will add to my Mermaid collection as I find them.

My First Blog Award

2009-01-31T07:43:00.005-07:00

I want to thank Crystal from The Italian Bella Diaries for presenting me with this award.

If you've been presented with this award, this is what you need to do...Thank the person who gave the award to you, post the award on you blog or on a post, nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude/gratitude, link to the people you chose on your post, and comment on their blogs to tell them about the award! =:)

Here's who I am passing the award onto:

Katie at Pass the Chopsticks
Deanna at Mom-Musings
Alyssa at Simply Dazzled
Nancy at Basketmaster Weavings
Denise at The Last Remaining Braincell
Alison at Adventures with Cupcakes
Bettie at Bird Haven
Nicole at These are the 365 Days

Yep - only 8. Sorry. I'll award a couple more when my laptop is up and going again. All my blogs I read are bookmarked there. I recently gave my Random Ramblings a new look (moved things around a bit) and I've not gotten my blog roll up and going yet so I'm lacking my blog sites I typically read.

Forks or Bust 2009

2009-01-30T09:16:00.003-07:00

It's confirmed. My daughter and I will be heading to Forks, Washington in September this year. Forks is a very small timber town with a population of about 3,500. It is also a popular destination for salmon and rainbow trout fishermen. It is also supported by visitors to Olympic National Park. But most importantly, Forks is the home and primary setting for some of our all time favorite fictional characters, Bella Swan and the Cullens, from the Twilight Saga written by Stephenie Meyer.

We're both excited. There are many details yet that need to come together but I booked us a room at The Forks Motel in Forks, Washington. Barring anything that will not allow us to catch a flight to Seattle, WA we will be there. We're going to be there for Stephenie Meyers Day. We'll also be checking out all the Twilight sites in Forks and surrounding areas. I'm extremely excited about a very popular hiking trail in the nearby Olympic National Park , the Hall of Mosses located in the Hoh Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula. I know Alyssa is not looking forward to this part but I sure am. It's a small hike so I'm sure she'll survive.

I realize the weather out there is unpredictable and if not raining, a steady mist is a high possibility but I'm hoping for a sliver of some sunshine so I can get some good photos for the weekend.

Of course I'll keep you updated on all the plans of our trip as the year goes by.

Wake Up America!

2009-01-23T15:32:00.004-07:00

Obama tells us this is the worst financial crisis since the depression. Is it really? It must not be too bad if we (America) can afford to pay for abortions in foreign countries now.

Obama reverses federal funding of abortions for international groups.

Can someone please tell me if it's a "personal choice" why MY taxpayers money is going to fund it? If it's personal choice, then those making the "personal choice" should pay for it. NOT ME. Not my husband. Not my children! Don't we have better things to be spending our money on here at home than paying for abortions overseas?

WAKE UP AMERICA! When you can't go buy a cup of coffee because you have no cash in your wallet because someone else has decided to "spread the wealth" just remember where and who is getting that portion of your wealth! This money doesn't just come out of the sky folks - it's coming out of your pockets!

Shameful Americans

2009-01-23T15:14:00.003-07:00

I did not vote for Obama. I'm very open about who I vote for. I did watch the Inauguration ceremony on Tuesday and as an American I'm proud to see a peaceful transaction take place. I'm most proud to see both former President Bush and the now President Obama be respectful, kind and considerate of each other in this process. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for many Obama supporters. In my opinion, it's a sad day when people cannot behave themselves appropriately.

Take a look at this blog: Final Abuse. Those who preach "no hate" seem to be the haters in this day and age.

What came to mind was a passage in the Bible from Luke.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. Luke 23:34

It's back.... it's LOST: Season 5

2009-01-21T07:14:00.004-07:00

I've posted 3 videos - for those of you who subscribe to my blogs, you'll have to go to my blogsite to view these. http://sharisrandomramblings.blogspot.com

The Fray - Where were You (LOST music video)

Bella ~ a movie review

2009-01-19T13:39:00.003-07:00

Sunday I watched Bella. We didn't make it to the theater to see this one and it's been on my list for a while of movies to see. I was crying by the end; a heart-wrenching but yet wonderful story. Shot in NYC in 24 days on a very low budget, it's one of the best independent films I've seen. Every woman should see this film. Every man should see this film. Every teenager should see this film. It's a good family film.

Bella is the winner of the People's Choice Awards from the Toronto Film Festival and the winner of the Crystal Heart Award from the Heartland Film Festival. It received Best Picture and Best Actor awards from Movieguide 2008. In 2007 it was rated the #1 Top Rated film by the users of the biggest online film review website in the world - Rotten Tomatoes: Movie Review & More.

Metanoia Films, the maker of Bella, is currently a small film company that wishes for their films to matter and even have potential to make a difference in the lives of those who view them. I'd have to say that they accomplish that with Bella.

One has to wonder with the positive press that was given to it, why so many have yet to see it. Go rent it today and see one of the most wonderful tales of love, hope and forgiveness you'll ever see.

Classic Literature for 2009

2009-01-05T17:17:00.005-07:00

Classic literature. Who doesn't love to read it? HA! Some of it can be considered a hard read. Most of the language is so old that for me it takes a while to comprehend it. I understand it but I have a hard time imagining the book playing out in my mind as I read it.

Anyway, for 2009 I decided I'm going to tackle five pieces of classic literature. I'll blog a review when I finish reading them.

Here they are:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (1847)Prompted by my reading the Twilight Saga. It's the book within the book so to speak. I'm working on this one now. It's a slow read for me - hopefully I'll have it finished by the end of January.

Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne (1864)We rented the new version of this with Brendan Fraser and it's prompted our interest in the classic book. "We" would be my daughter and I.

Romeo & Juliet by Shakespeare (mid-late 1500's)
Yes, also prompted by my reading the Twilight Saga. My daughter says we know how it ends so why read it? Ah, teenagers! Gotta love them! She does not like Shakespeare at all and she'll let you know that LOL

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
I've never read any of Jane Austen that I can recall. I need to find out who this Mr. Darcy is that I've heard so much about. Not sure why but P&P has come up several times in discussions I've had recently. I need to read this.

Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
Why not?

If, IF, I can get these read by July/August I may pick at least one more, maybe 2 more but we'll see. I have a tendency to bite off more than I can chew! I do have other books (easier reads) that I want to read this year so I can't commit to too many classics!

Our Christmas Tree. Our Life.

2008-12-18T21:58:00.007-07:00

Every year as I decorate our tree, I see our life. The life of my family. We have a such a large variety of ornaments. We love ornaments. Every year we probably add at least 5; maybe more. I don't count anymore.

We have homemade ornaments, Hallmark ornaments, ornaments from places we've traveled and ornaments that are full of memories and significant occassions over the years.

With Christmas 2008 only a week away I thought I'd share our tree this year as well as some of our beloved ornaments we've collected throughout the last 21 years.

Blog Reading Level

2008-12-15T10:57:00.001-07:00

I saw this on another blog and couldn't resist. I'm happy with the result!

TV Reviews

A TWILIGHTERS Vocabulary

2008-12-11T14:51:00.003-07:00

In this phenomenon called Twilight, I've come across some new vocabulary words. I suffer from several of these, um, new terms. I definitely suffer from PSD (Post Saga Depression) and OCD (Obsessive Cullen Disorder). My TwiBuddy (my dear daughter) is so wonderful to allow me to share in this obsession with her not to mention how awesome she is for making all my cool Twilight graphics! She and I will be attending, another showing - our 3rd - tomorrow night! We just can't get enough TWILIGHT! I have revamped these books to the point, I have to admit, I now pick and choose what parts I want to read to get my fix! Seriously, someone needs to open some Twilight Recovery Centers....well, maybe not - I'm kinda liking this addiction!

I cannot take credit for these awesome vocab words that are slowly making their way into my everyday vocabulary - the credit goes to many TWILIGHT MOMS out there. If you are 25 and older, a mom and Twitten by all of this - come join us!

Revamp: Reading the books again. And again. And again!
Twitten: Reading the first book and getting bitten by the Twilight bug. The inexplicable force that drove us to read all the books in (practically) one sitting.
Post-Saga Depression (PSD): The blue feeling after finishing the books and realizing there is no actual Edward. Also that anxious feeling in between BD and the movie. Medicine prescribed is twilightmoms forum.
Bella moment: This is how we describe anyone after tripping, falling, etc..
Twipsy: The inability to walk or speak properly when in intimate proximity with a vampire. "You're intoxicated by my very presence." He was grinning that playful smirk again. Twilight page 284.
Twoss: The act of being thrown on a vampire's back. He then proceeded to sling me on his back, with very little effort on my part. Twilight page 279. Once we were out of the trees, Edward slung me over his back without breaking stride. Twilight page 380.
Vampirial: Noting that a celebrity or random human is beautiful enough to be a vampire.
Edwardian: A term used when a husband does not behave or respond appropriately. For example, "that wasn't very Edwardian of you."
Twazzled: the feeling you get when a beautiful man flirts and in your mind all you think is, he's dazzling me like Edward does....
Vampage: When our friendly vampires go on a rampage against the bad guys!

Twilitmus Test: Lending the book(s) to your friends too see if they appreciate and obsess over the books as much as yourself. If they do, they pass the Twilitmus Test!
Volvotized: the look on a TwilightMoms face when a silver Volvo goes by

Twilated - relating every song you hear to some aspect of Twilight
Twiloholic-A name for your addiction to everything "Twilight."
Twilightened-Someone who has seen the light. (Read the books and are obsessed in other words)
Twilighter-Obsessed fan!

Twilightology- the study of all the things twilight

Aliced: When anyone tries to dress you, criticize your wardrobe, plan your party or your wedding, or tell you what you're going to do today.
Twime: Time you spend on the computer involving yourself in all things Twilight, especially TWILIGHTMOMS!

Twilight Graphics

River by Sarah McLachlan

2008-12-06T09:27:00.006-07:00

"Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on." ~ River by Sarah McLachlan

I wish I had a river to skate away on. As the years pass by, it seems that each December comes and goes quicker than the previous years. What I wish most every December is that things would just slow down. Every year I think I have a plan to make it last just a little bit longer only to no avail.

When I listen to Sarah McLachlan's River; for a moment in time I feel like I'm skating away and even floating, flying away. I transport to a place where I'm all alone. I like that. No cell phones, no TV, no people, no noise. Just me, skating in the cold, crisp air of the winter on a river out far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. I can see the snow covered trees, the white mounds outlining the river as I skate away, feeling the bright sunshine glaring down on a frosty winter day. There's something about this song that sends me to a place so tranquil, peaceful, and so calm.

Beware of the Doghouse

2008-12-05T18:08:00.003-07:00

Take heed this holiday men....Check this out to find out how!

http://creativity-online.com/work/view?seed=5e32d548

(Ladies this is hysterical, you won't want to miss it)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

41 Years.....

2008-12-04T15:19:00.009-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Notice no candles. It has nothing to do with the number of candles that would have been required today, we just didn't have any candles in the house.

However, this is Corey digging himself out of a hole with me. He informed us that it was a good thing we didn't have candles as 41 of them lit up at the same time would be a fire hazard! He eventually gave up, knowing it was a losing battle.

Gifts ~ my family always does a great job with gifts. Alyssa gave me a Michael W. Smith CD. Corey gave me a calendar for next year. Tyler gave me a Yankee Candle (Christmas Wreath!) and Duke...well, he surprised me. He's been so patient while I've been consumed by Twilight but he gave me a Twilight shirt! He also gave me a homemade coupon for a photo software program of my choice. The shirt though, the shirt surprised me!

You know it's bad when.....

2008-12-03T18:44:00.003-07:00

your 14 year old daughter lets you know that there is a TWILIGHT MOMS.COM website and she thinks it's just for you!

Just how bad do I have it???
I've got it (Twilight fever) really bad!

So if you are a "Twilight Mom" check it out!
As the site says...it's "Where Fans of Stephenie Meyer at Our Unique Phase of Life (balancing family, work AND our Twilight addiction) Become Friends"

My Playlist

2008-11-29T18:58:00.004-07:00

Just a sampling of my 880 songs on my iPod....

God With Us ~ Mercy Me There's just something about this song. "The debt is paid, these chains are gone. Emmanuel, God with us."

While I'm Waiting ~ John Waller. I cry when I hear this song. Right now this is where I am. Waiting. The next few years will bring alot of changes to my life. I have no idea what to expect. So I'm waiting on the Lord to tell me what's next.

Peace is Here ~ Jars of Clay. Beautiful Christmas song but it's a song you can easily listen to year round.

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear ~ Josh Groban This is the most beautiful rendition of this song I've ever heard.

Beauty of Grace ~ Krystal Meyers.

Tremble My Beloved ~ Collective Soul. This from the Twilight soundtrack. I'll always think of Edward and Bella when I hear this song! I love the whole soundtrack.

Clair de Lune ~ Claude Debussy Another beautiful song from the Twilight soundtrack. This is the kind of classical music that makes you wish you knew how to play the piano yourself. I fell in love with this song so much I searched out other works by Debussy and added them to my playlist. Just beautiful and soothing.

Runaway Train ~ Soul Asylum

I Know you are out there Somewhere ~ Moody Blues My husbands favorite band - NOT! I love the Moody Blues!

I Got my Game On ~ Trace Adkins Can't not have some Trace. We saw him in concert this past summer; great entertainer!

Love Story ~ Taylor Swift

Simple Things ~ Amy Grant

Slow Fade ~ Casting Crowns

Exalted ~ Chris Tomlin Chris is one of the best praise & worship singers. It doesn't matter what song I hear, I just want to stop what I'm doing and worship with him. Exalted is one of my favorites.

Pocketful of Sunshine ~ Natasha Bedingfield

If this is the Last Kiss ~ Meatloaf

How Great Thou Art ~ Elvis Presley No one sings this song like Elvis.

Free Bird ~ Lynyrd Skynyrd Brings back some funny memories!

Lips of an Angel ~ Hinder

So, what's on your playlist? If you blog about it, be sure to leave a comment here so I can check it out.

And so...the Lion fell in love with the Lamb

2008-11-26T18:28:00.013-07:00

To see this video - you will have to go to my blog if you are subscribed to the emails.

What can I say? I'm a Twilighter! I like to know what my children are reading so when the oldest started this series, I followed in suite. I love this book series and yes I loved the movie! So at first viewing of the movie, yes the acting seems a bit cheesy and corny but most of the lines are straight from the book with very few changes. A movie is never as good as the book ~ that is true. Summit Entertainment however, kept this movie as close to the books as they could. I said "first viewing" - that's right I've seen it twice. My daughter, oldest son and I went on opening night (Friday) for our first viewing. The movie grossed $35.7M on Friday alone. Today we went for our second viewing (only this time taking my middle son) and the theater was packed for a 1:30pm showing! Fans are ecstatic with news of a sequel in the works, New Moon.

While there are vampires in this series, they are not your ordinary stereotypical vampires. When I think of vampires, I think of Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula . It was this book that has provided the basis of modern vampire legends. It was this book that spawned a vampire genre, still popular in the 21st century. I also think of the 1994 movie, Interview with a Vampire. This movie was based off Ann Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, published in 1976. I have to say, this movie had me freaking for days after watching it. It just left me chilled to the bones. I've never forgotten this movie.

Stephanie Meyer has put a new twist on these mythical creatures that date back as far as the early 18th century. She has erased close to all of what most people think of when they think of who and what vampires are. In Twilight, they can come out in the day (they just can't be in the sun - well, they can but they sure do sparkle if the sun hits them). They have reflections and yes, they even take a photograph! They also can survive on animals, not humans. I don't want to give too much away for those who have not read the book(s) or seen the movie. The books were written for young adults, but adults of all ages have caught the fever of Edward and Bella. I can't explain it but both the book series and the movie left me wanting for more of them. Staying in tune with the books, the movie is also clean - no sex (a steamy kissing scene but no nudity or partial nudity), no foul language, no drugs, no teen drinking. If only Hollywood would clean up all their movies this mom would be thrilled. I've blogged on this series when I was reading the saga. CLICK HERE to read that blog.

I think my favorite scene in the whole movie was when Edward took Bella up to the top of his world. (Although, the scene when they were playing baseball comes in really close!)

*graphic made by my daughter, please do not lift this*

If you've not read the books or seen the movie - I highly recommend them. The soundtrack isn't bad by any means either!

SOCK MONKEY!!!!

2008-11-20T06:31:00.002-07:00

Did you ever have a sock monkey? I did. I still have mine from when I was little. I even remember who made it for me. It has to be one of my earliest memories because I was pretty young. They are making a big comeback (unfortunately now, they are made in China unless you find one handmade at a craft fair). I've even bought some sock monkey fabric for future use. For some history of the sock monkey CLICK HERE. Well yesterday at Target, I came across a pair of sock monkey slippers. I bought them. How could I not? I love Sock Monkey!

So here's my new sock monkey house slippers. Aren't they cute? They are keeping my feet toasty warm too! It's gotten really cold here the last couple of days. We're in the 30's! I know that's not that cold for some but we've not felt temps like this in over 7 years!

Speech Contestant Winner!

2008-11-20T05:54:00.007-07:00

If you could change one thing about the Constitution, what would you change and why?

This was the question posed to our middle son for a speech contest back in October. His answer? Term limit for Senators. He did an excellent job. This country has some Senators who have made a career out of being a politician and that's not what our founding fathers intended. It is the people though, who have allowed this to happen. We complain about change (or the lack of) and while we elect a new President every 4 years (with a minimum of 2 terms/8 years) we continue to re-elect Senators who control things for years and it does seem nothing ever gets done. Several Senators have held their seats for as long as 30+ years. He pointed out that Senator Byrd from South Carolina has held his seat the longest - 49 years! (He was re-elected in 2007 for his 9th term)

The other speeches were very interesting. We heard some very smart kids give good, logical reasons as to what they would change and why.

The speech contest was sponsored by the Military Order of World Wars (Virginia Beach Chapter) They awarded 5 winners of this contest to attend the American Independence Foundation of Colonial Virginia Youth Leadership Conference In addition to attending this conference, our son will get a head start on his college by receiving 2-3 credits from the University of Colorado in Citizenship and Community Service.

So here are some pictures from the speech contest as well as the YLC last weekend. He had a blast. He was also the only home educated student at both events! Oh and by the way - at the speech contest he was up against all Jr.ROTC students.

Giving his speech

All the MOWW contestants

Son & Father

Who better to learn leadership from than some of our founding fathers?

Listening carefully.

The YLC students. There were students from all over the country who attended.

Veteran's Day Parade

2008-11-11T12:51:00.013-07:00

But fame is theirs - and future days
On pillar'd brass shall tell their praise;
Shall tell - when cold neglect is dead -
"These for their country fought and bled."
~Philip Freneau

Today, 11 November 2008 is the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day.

Armistice Day started as a way to recognize, reflect and remember the sacrifices of the men and women during World War I. WWI, they thought at the time was the war to end all wars. It's sometimes called "The Great War". The first celebration was on November 11th, 1919. Veteran's who survived the war marched in parades and were made "hometown heroes".

Almost 20 years later in 1938, Congress voted Armistice Day a federal holiday. Unfortunately the very next year, in 1939, World War II began. This ended the theory of no more wars.

After World War II, Armistice Day was still celebrated on November 11th. Around the year 1953, people began calling it Veterans' Day. This was in thanks and remembrance to the Veterans in their towns. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th each year as Veterans' Day.

Today we also remember those we've lost in other wars as well - Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, as well as the Iraq War.

Many towns and cities all over the nation have parades and memorial services in honor of all our US Veteran's past and present. Virginia Beach is no different. We went left the house at 8:15ish to get down to the oceanfront in time for our local Veteran's Day Parade. Here's a few photos of our parade today which included 4 Pearl Harbor survivors, Veterans from many communities - submarines, Vietnam, WWII, Korean War and more, Harley riders, JROTC units from several high schools, Cub/Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and many more. It's the biggest Veteran's Day parade we've ever been too.

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have served, are serving or have plans to serve this country during your lifetime!

Wish Me A Merry Christmas....please!

2008-11-10T18:34:00.005-07:00

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord."
Luke 2:8-11

The Wish Me A Merry Christmas Campaign is a loving and actionable grassroots campaign that appeals directly to retailers to put Christmas back in the holidays.

To wear a button that says, “It’s OK, Wish Me a Merry Christmas” is to identify yourself as someone who has heard and received the good news. It tells people you are not just shopping for a winter festival, but what you are buying is celebrating your Lord’s birth. It says that you are in need of the Savior whose birth the angels announced so long ago. It gives the other person the opportunity to proclaim to you the “good news of great joy that will be for all people,” and say "Merry Christmas."

The Wish Me A Merry Christmas Campaign partners with churches to carry the banner of keeping Christmas in the holidays.
(copied from WMAMC website)

My buttons came in the mail today. Only $15 for 5 buttons. I'm sharing my buttons with family. It just seems that there are so many people out there who don't mind and actually prefer to say "Merry Christmas!" but we've allowed the minority to make us feel afraid or somewhat uncomfortable because we don't know who we'll offend. My thoughts on that are what about me? What about the fact that it's offensive to me to not be allowed to say "Merry Christmas!"?? After all, that's the holiday I celebrate. I don't mind if someone else says season's greetings or happy holidays to me - just be ready and expect me to say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" in return.

Get your buttons HERE before the Christmas season passes us by and be sure to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas this year!

The Countdown Begins...

2008-11-09T20:54:00.002-07:00

Christmas ~ Mountain Dew style

2008-11-08T18:46:00.003-07:00

A friend mentioned this to me and I had to google and find it. I sure did! The time some people have on their hands.
Enjoy!

Email subscribers CLICK HERE or copy & paste this into your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ep9Qd1BQyI

Break me off a piece of that KIT KAT BAR!

2008-11-05T09:52:00.003-07:00

Okay, so my friend Katie, who is currently living in Japan, has found all these really neat, different flavored Kit Kat's. They have alot of cool things over there that we don't have here but this I've found facinating because well, I love chocolate! The ironic thing is, Katie doesn't like chocolate. How unfair is that? I'm sure all you chocolate lovers out there will understand where I'm coming from. Yet, she continues to hunt down all these fabulous Kit Kat candy bars and shares her finds with us in her blog: Pass the Chopsticks
In light of all this, I decided to find out exactly what Kit Kats were available to us here in the good ole' USA. Now, this is my own little research project, just gathered from going out and about to the local stores. So far I've found this; we have nothing compared to what Katie is enjoying.

We have the regular Kit Kat milk chocolate, Kit Kat white chocolate, a Kit Kat Crisp and a Kit Kat Crisp with Caramel. She's been finding some really yummy ones - Kit Kat Citrus, Blueberry, Strawberry, Banana to some really interesting ones - Kit Kat pumpkin, Green Tea, Ice Tea, Soy Sauce! Be sure to check out her blog on Japan and her list of Kit Kats!

Historical Moment

2008-11-05T09:18:00.003-07:00

I will agree - it's historical!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P36x8rTb3jI

Don't forget to VOTE!

2008-11-04T10:37:00.004-07:00

We did ~ early this morning. We got there at 8:15am and left at 10:00am. Yep, we stood in line. I've never had to stand in line more than a handful of people ahead of me. We saw people leave for one reason or another - had to get to work, was at the wrong voting place, etc...

Our oldest voted for the first time. He's been waiting for this for a long time and next General Election we'll have 2 more exercising their right to vote. It's so exciting to see your kids vote for the first time. We are so proud he's excited to participate in this privilege we have in this country that so many others do not have.

$1.99

2008-11-03T19:16:00.002-07:00

That's what we paid for gas tonight at COSTCO - can you believe it? I wasn't sure we'd ever see under $2.00 again. I hope it at the least lasts through the holidays! It only cost $35 to fill up the husband's truck!!!

'Twas the Night Before the Elections....

2008-11-02T16:49:00.001-07:00

'Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

' On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!!

Huntley Brown

2008-10-29T23:20:00.003-06:00

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

Why I Can't Vote For Obama
By Huntley Brown

Dear Friends, A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it's worth repeating...

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness. I
process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower)means He leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.

I can't vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King's words, don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record. His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.

NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)
To beat Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100% rating. There is a reason the homosexual community supports him. There is a reason
Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him. There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court. There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill. There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion. There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:

A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.

God help him. There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.

Think about this: You can't give a kid an aspirin without parental
notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental
notification. This is insane.

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years.

Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright
teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright's sermons. I wonder why now?

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A
disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 - 20 "Go and make disciples of all nations." This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you; talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a ...

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills
available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for
Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of
Obama's former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.

This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.

A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value
system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if
itʼs a white church or a black church it's still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: "Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.

Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing - judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 "Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."

Then God says
1 Samuel 1:18 " When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain.

As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion.
He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the
nation?

Blessings, Huntley Brown
http://www.huntleybrown.com

Huntley Brown is, as described on his web site, a "a Christian concert pianist whose versatile repertoire includes classical, jazz, gospel, reggae and many other styles." An e-mail to Mr. Brown about the item reproduced above, an explanation attributed to him about why he would not be voting for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election, drew the following response:

Yes, I wrote this e-mail. I was responding to my friends who asked me to vote for Senator Obama because he is black.
It was not my intention to send it around the world.
I did not post this e-mail or send out any pictures attached. I wish they had not done that.

My friends did not ask me to vote for Senator Mccain which explains why my e-mail was geared towards Senator Obama.

My e-mail was not meant to influence public opinion in any way, but simply to share with my friends my views on why I could not vote for Senator Obama.

I have problems with both candidates, but the differences I have with Senator Mccain are pale in comparison with the ones I have with Senator Obama

For the record, I am not a politician. I am not a Democrat or a
Republican. I am a Christian independent who just loves the Lord.

If Senator Obama wins he can count on my prayer support every day.

I tell my friends it's like a family where you have different opinions, but you love each other just the same. I love and appreciate Senator Obama but our views are diametrically opposed.

If I knew my e-mail would have generated this much interest on a national level, I would have left out a few points. I don't want people to think I am against gay people or against people who have had abortions. (I am not) We are all sinners saved by grace but we need to have some absolute laws to govern society or else we will self destruct.

What has really bothered me is our beautiful black women constitute only 6% of the population, yet they comprise 36% of the abortion industry's clientele. Obama has done nothing to stop this.
Most people don't know that the leading abortion providers have chosen to exploit us blacks by locating 94% of their abortuaries in urban neighborhoods with high black populations. Obama has done nothing to stop this?

To be honest I can't wait to vote for the first black President but it has to be a person who shares the values I read in the Bible.

Thanks for checking to make sure my e-mail is legit it is.

The sad part is I have been getting hate mail and my family is being
harassed. As you can imagine not everyone is happy with my e-mail. God bless you richly.

Moral Compass?

2008-10-29T10:31:00.005-06:00

Where's our moral compass people? It's about to fade away and what's left of it is broken.

Somethings are just right. Somethings are just wrong. This idea that we should be able to do whatever we want, whenever we want, to make us feel whatever we want is wrong!

If this had been Michelle or Barak Obama hanging by a noose all hell would have broke loose by now.

This is NOT RIGHT AMERICA!

KTLA News
October 29, 2008
WEST HOLLYWOOD -- The U.S. Secret Service says it has visited a West Hollywood home where a controversial Halloween display shows Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin hanging by a noose.
Deputy Special Agent in Charge Wayne Williams called the display unusual but said so far it seems to be harmless.
Williams also said they are not treating the display as a threat.
West Hollywood city code enforcement and the Los Angeles County Fire Department are also investigating whether the effigy violates any laws.
"The sheriff made this clear: This is a country that has freedom of speech and we protect that right even when we think it's idiotic and stupid and in bad taste and wrong to do," said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.
"If it is non-violent and doesn't cause any problems, then they have the right to do it."
Whitmore said the department has fielded more than 60 calls complaining about the offensiveness of the effigy, but because there were no state laws violated, officials could not order that the display be taken down.
West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang said that he recognizes residents' right to free speech, but that he found the display problematic and felt it should be removed.
"While these residents have the legal right to display Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin in effigy, I strongly oppose political speech that references violence -- real or perceived," Prang said in a statement. "I urge these residents to take down their display and find more constructive ways to express their opinion."
Whitmore said that potential hate crimes are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
If the same display had been made with a Barack Obama likeness, for example, authorities would have to evaluate it independently, Whitmore said.
"That adds a whole other social, historical hate aspect to the display, and that is embedded in the consciousness of the country," he said, adding he's not sure whether it would be a hate crime. "It would be ill-advised of anybody to speculate on that."
Chad Michael Morrisette, who lives in the house, told a TV news crew that cars and buses have been stopping near his home and that people have been snapping photos of the Halloween display.
The home's decorations also feature a likeness of John McCain surrounded by decorative flames in the chimney, and other more typical Halloween items, such as skeletons and spider webs.

A Bumpy Ride Ahead

2008-10-28T07:23:00.006-06:00

That's what it's going to be if Obama gets in and the Dems get their way. Not only we do have this so called "bailout" of $700B, we now have Nancy Pelosi wanting to add another $150B for a "stimulus package" and let's not forget Barney Frank who wants to cut the Defense Budget by 25%! My husbands paycheck comes from that Defense budget so we don't take that lightly in this household. For those of you who have no clue and think the Defense budget is only about weapons - it's not - it's the military's paychecks and benefits as well and that is what gets cut first!

Where did all this start? Did it really start with the so called "housing crisis"? My friends have heard me say numerous times that if anyone didn't see this "housing crisis" coming then they've been living in a closet. I can't tell you how many times in the last couple of months I've looked at my husband and said "Gee honey, we should have kept the house in Hawaii, let it go into foreclosure and the gov't would be bailing us out right now." We wouldn't do that because we both believe in personal responsibility and well, that's not a responsible thing to do. I can't help but wonder many people are doing that now though?

While visiting my dear friends blog Mom-of-6-Musings today, I came across this article, "Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?" by Orson Scott Card. He puts into words exactly what I've been thinking about this whole "housing crisis" all along.

An open letter to the local daily paper — almost every local daily paper in America:

I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism. You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know.

This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere. It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration.

It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans.

What is a risky loan? It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.

The goal of this rule change was to help the poor — which especially would help members of minority groups. But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay? They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house — along with their credit rating.

They end up worse off than before.

This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it. One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules. The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them.

Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans. (Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me. It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of Congressmen who support increasing their budget.)

Isn't there a story here? Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout? Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefiting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending?

I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal. "Housing-gate," no doubt. Or "Fannie-gate."

Instead, it was Senator Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting sub-prime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed.

As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay entitled "Do Facts Matter?" ( http://snipurl.com/457townhall_com] ): "Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury."

These are facts. This financial crisis was completely preventable. The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was ... the Democratic Party. The party that tried to prevent it was ... the Republican Party.

Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie. Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout!

What? It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame?

Now let's follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number-two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.

And after Franklin Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.

If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.

But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an "adviser" to the Obama campaign — because that campaign had sought his advice — you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.

You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.

If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish, and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.

If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis.

There are precedents. Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension — so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link. (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.)

If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.

Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth. That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper.

But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie — that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain, and the Republicans. You have trained the American people to blame everything bad — even bad weather — on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to.

If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth — even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.

Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means . That's how trust is earned.

Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time — and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.

Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter — while you ignored the story of John Edwards's own adultery for many months.

So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all? Do you even know what honesty means?

Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?

You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women. Who listens to NOW anymore? We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles.

That's where you are right now.

It's not too late. You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there.

If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices.

Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.

You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a Senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way.

This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion.

If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe — and vote as if — President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.

If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats — including Barack Obama — and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans — then you are not journalists by any standard.

You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a news paper in our city.
Editor's note: Orson Scott Card is a Democrat and a newspaper columnist, and in this opinion piece he takes on both while lamenting the current state of journalism.

Tough Questions?

2008-10-27T06:19:00.003-06:00

Finally someone goes head strong with some questions! It's about time. Some are trying to spin that the questions were not that hard and well, in a manner of speaking they weren't. They were just questions that most Americans would like a straight answer too. Now, my question - shouldn't they (both Biden & Obama) be answering these questions so the American people can make an informed decision on election day? Apparently the interview did ruffle some feathers, Biden was so upset that the campaign canceled an interview West’s station had scheduled with his wife.

Watch the video and then be sure to check out one of my favorite bloggers, Michelle Malkin, and see what she has to say about Obama "spreading the wealth"

Define Conservatism

2008-10-26T11:54:00.003-06:00

I was just surfing some of my favorite blogs this afternoon and came across my friend, Lori's blog. She had a blog about a young man who has written a book about conservatism title: Define Conservatism. When I say young, I do mean young. He's all of 13 years old! For 13years old Jonathan Krohn is quite something. What caught my eye was his four characteristics, or qualities, that define a Conservative.

He defines a Conservative as someone who believes:

1. in Life
2. in Personal Responsibility
3. in Less Government
4. in The Founding Principles

Check out Jonathan's website for more insight from this upcoming, young, very political man!

I just thought I'd share this today. It looked like something good to share.

Trick or Treat 2008

2008-10-22T18:08:00.001-06:00

Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Maryland

2008-10-21T15:08:00.009-06:00

Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort best known for its role in the War of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy in the Chesapeake Bay.

Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer who had come to Baltimore to negotiate the release of a civilian prisoner of war, Dr. William Beanes, witnessed the bombardment from a nearby truce ship. An oversized American flag had been sewn by Mary Pickersgill for exactly $405.90[2] in anticipation of the British attack on the fort. When Key saw the flag emerge intact in the dawn of September 14, he was so moved that he began that morning to compose a poem which would later become America's national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner".

There is a lot of history in this fort which is now a National Park (made on in 1925). A family could easily see this park in less than 2 hours. It's worth the stop if you are ever near and have the time. We were fortunate to meet up with some friends of ours from Hawaii. They are now in the Maryland area. The boys were very active in Boy Scouts while we were in Hawaii.

Words from an Iraq Vet

2008-10-21T07:49:00.002-06:00

For those receiving my blog via email, you can see the videos here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM3Ls8NNc5Q

Life, Faith & Family

2008-10-17T08:10:00.002-06:00

I am not Catholic but this video is so moving I knew I had to share it as soon as I saw it. I don't believe this video applies only to Catholics ~ it applies to all who belong to Christ and follow his teachings.

If you receive my blog via email, please visit my blog or view the video HERE AT YOUTUBE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61wj4tJICcc)

Just a Tease....

2008-10-16T09:34:00.003-06:00

I know, I'm behind in blogging. I've had a very busy couple of weeks. This blog will have to tide you over until I have more time to sit down and really tell you all I've been up to!

This is me in Gettysburg, PA (just this past Monday). I'm standing in front of what is called the Bloody Wheatfield. It's not bloody anymore but during the 2nd day of the Battle of Gettysburg in the Civil War it was very bloody.

About 25 years ago I saw this wheatfield for the first time. I was with my parents on a vacation. I was in high school and I'll be honest, I had no interest in seeing a wheatfield...I had no appreciation as to what that wheatfield meant. I remember my father just being so taken by it - he got the appreciation. I'm not even sure if he remembers that day but I do and so Daddy this picture and blog post is for you - All day long all I wanted to do was see that wheatfield where 25 years earlier I stood with my dad who tried to teach me what this wheatfield meant to this country.

....stay tuned....I'll be blogging more on Gettysburg and the rest of our recent visit to the Maryland area this past week!

Bumper Stickers

2008-10-08T15:32:00.004-06:00

I'm a little overdue blogging on this but I just had to share. I rarely put bumper stickers on my vehicle. I have a less than a year old vehicle and up until oh about a month ago it was sticker free.... but when Gov. Sarah Palin was added to the ticket I was just so tickled pink I had to get me a bumper sticker. We've had soooo many comments on these bumper stickers too. Most recently at a stoplight on Virginia Beach Blvd. (very busy road here in the Hampton Roads area) we actually had someone pull up next to us and ask us where we got one of them. So here they are - oh and BTW I got my stickers at CAFEPRESS.COM

This is the one that gets the most attention.

York River & James River

2008-10-04T17:15:00.005-06:00

We took a little outing today and drove the Colonial Parkway which took us along the riverbanks of both the York & James Rivers in the Historical Triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown & Williamsburg, Virginia.
Be sure to check out my favorite shots on my photo blog post Riverbank.

It was a beautiful day here today - I can tell the trees are getting ready to turn however they won't be at their peak for probably another month. I can't wait to get those pictures!

50 Years & Counting....

2008-10-02T10:39:00.003-06:00

We took a quick trip up to the husband's side of the family. They live in Maryland. This is the closest we've been stationed to them since we were in Virginia the last time (1988-1990). We were able to go up for the 4th of July, then again this past weekend to celebrate the 50th Wedding Annivesary of Duke's parents and we're headed up again next weekend so Duke can attend his 25th high school reunion.

We had alot of fun this past weekend. The party was a huge success. 50 years together is a long time; so congrats to the parents for making it so long. Here's to 50 more!

The Happy Couple - married 50 years!

The Happy Couple & their "big" kids with their spouses!

The Happy Couple & all the Grandkids - the oldest 19 and the youngest 6 years old.

The ladies of the family - nice lookin' huh? Aren't the men in the family lucky!?

Aaaahhhh....Thanks Baby!

2008-09-24T12:04:00.006-06:00

I love yellow roses. They weren't always my favorite but somewhere along the years my husband had some sent to me and I fell in love with them. My husband has always done a great job of remembering me all these years when he's been deployed. As a matter of fact we've even made a game out of it. He usually develops some sort of pattern to how, when and what flowers he sends me. I try to figure out what and when I'll get the next set. On a 6 month deployment he's been known to send me flowers at least once a month and a few deployments I got some bonus flowers for birthday, anniversary or another reason. On the flip side of this, to understand why I'm so touched today, when I heard a knock at the door and opened to a flower delivery, I can only think of one time he's given me flowers when he's been home and not out to sea. (That was Valentines Day this past year)

Today is not my birthday. It's not our anniversary. My husband is not out to sea. He sent me these flowers with no prompting from me - just out of the blue - just because, because he loves me. (The best reason to get flowers in my opinion)

In his own words....Joe Biden....

2008-09-15T08:15:00.002-06:00

First - he gives kudos to John McCain over Obama:

Then - He questions Obama's choice and states that Hillary might have been a better pick for Vice President than he is.

Maybe Hillary was right for once after all!

If you subscribe to my blog and receive it in your email, you'll have to go to the actual blog to see these videos. Sorry! http://sharisrandomramblings.blogspot.com

9/11 Tribute

2008-09-11T08:32:00.005-06:00

I believe we all can remember this day 7 years ago - where we were, what we were doing. I was in Hawaii with a husband deployed. A friend called me in the wee hours and woke me up to tell me what had happened. I flipped on the TV and was in shock. Speechless at what had happened and what this country was going to begin to go through together.

Alan Jackson said it best in his song "Where were You When the World Stopped Turning"

CLICK HERE if you can't view it.

Have we forgotten what it really meant? I sure hope not. Darryl Worley expressed his feelings best in his song "Have You Forgotten" (CLICK HERE for his video).

Sarah Palin for VP!!

2008-09-10T18:37:00.005-06:00

Are you head over heels for Sarah Palin like a good portion of the rest of America is? I know I am! Never did I think I'd be so excited about a female in politics. This gal rules though. I'm so thrilled McCain has picked her for his sidekick in this race for the White House.

Let me tell you, I'm like many other Americans out there this election season....I was ready to stay home. This will be my 6th Presidential Election and I've never stayed home. The only reason I wasn't, an 18 year old boy, who I love to death (my son), who has waited so patiently for several years to finally be able to vote. How could I not go vote with him his first time? I've not been crazy about McCain. I felt like I was going to vote for the lesser of two evils. I'll admit in the primaries I voted for Mike Huckabee.

I have no problems with Sarah being a working mom. I'm as conservative as you can get and yes I believe it's best for a mom to stay home with the kids - actually I believe it's best for a parent to be home full time with the kids although Mom is the best IMO for the job. But I understand not everyone chooses what I believe in. Besides, since when did we start telling women their place was at home? I though we encouraged our little girls, our daughters to dream big and for anything including President or Vice President of the United States? From what I've read and seen from Sarah and Todd Palin; they've got it covered. Did their 17 year old girl get pregnant? Yep. Unfortunately she did, but that could happen to any of us. We can only do our best and it eventually becomes their choice. After all, we can't be with them 24/7 even if we want to be. I admire how they have handled the situation.

I don't remember a time American Republicans were so excited over a candidate since Ronald Reagan.

I ordered bumper stickers - 5 of them at the average cost of $4 each once shipping and handling was added. I've never paid for bumper stickers before!

Here's a blog I'm hooked on and it's all Sarah! Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President!

Don't forget to vote!

Country Music & Politics

2008-09-06T14:21:00.003-06:00

Can't see it: CLICK HERE

Outer Banks, NC - Our Day Trip

2008-09-03T07:25:00.018-06:00

We took a day trip down to the Outer Banks in North Carolina on Labor Day this year. It was a perfect day. The summer crowd had dissipated, the sun was out but it wasn't overly hot. I was even able to get a couple more stamps in my National Park passport!

Our first stop was in Kitty Hawk & Kill Devil Hills at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It was here after four years of experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights in 1903. What they achieved changed our world forever. It's just amazing. In many ways, they were so ahead of their time. To see some original photos of the Wright Brothers CLICK HERE.

Four successful sustained powered flights were made on December 17, 1903. The granite boulder marks the lift off point and numbered markers further out are the terminating points.

Corey and Alyssa stand at the top of the hill near the memorial marker with the landing field in the background.

After that we headed south down the outer banks. I had posted before about my lighthouse list. Well, I got to mark two more off! First stop was Bodie Island lighthouse. It took three times to finally get this one right. The first lighthouse, constructed in 1847, started to lean only two years after construction which caused it to be abandoned in 1859. The second one, fared a bit better than the first but it succumbed to none other than the Civil War. Confederate troops blew it up in 1861. Construction of a third Bodie Lighthouse began in 1871 and was completed in 1872. It was electrified in 1932. Finally, all of the light station’s property except the tower itself were transferred to the National Park Service in 1953. Bodie Island Lightouse is still a functioning U.S. Coast Guard navigational aid, the tower remains closed to the public.

The next photographer in the family maybe??

After a picnic lunch, we headed south again towards Buxton, NC where we found Cape Hatteras Light. This is one of the most visited and most famous lighthouses in America. It's even been dubbed "America's Lighthouse". It is also the tallest lighthouse in the nation, standing at 208 feet ~ and we climbed it! A total of 268 steps but it was worth the view from the top to tackle that climb. She was built in 1871 at the cost of $155,000. In 1999, the Atlantic Ocean was creeping too close and they moved the lighthouse to protect it.

Did you know that so many ships have been lost off Cape Hatteras that the area is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic". The U.S.S. Monitor sank off Cape Hatteras during a storm in December 1862. The wreck's location was a mystery until 1973 when a research vessel found the ship 16 miles off the cape in 230 feet of water. In 1975, the Monitor was named the nation’s first National Marine Sanctuary.

After this we were ready for some downtime before the long ride home. So we went across the street to the beach. It's not the ocean we are use to but it is good to be near an ocean again after a year in the desert!

Nature Study #1

2008-08-26T17:23:00.005-06:00

A while back I posted about getting back to nature study in a blog I called Discover Nature Again. Well, yesterday we packed up our sketch pads and pencils as well as some school books and headed to a small quiet park on Little Creek Amphib Base. We just went out and they were told to sketch anything they wanted at the park. It's a start, right?

While the kids don't want me posting their sketches, I do have permission to post the pictures I took of us all doing our nature study as well as a picture of what we chose to sketch. (Alyssa even took a picture of me doing my nature study)

USO/MWR Summer Concert Series & Sara Evans

2008-08-23T06:45:00.005-06:00

I think I mentioned when I blogged about seeing Trace Adkins that the USO/MWR here in Norfolk are doing a great job with their summer concert series.
Last night we went to the last one of the summer (we've been to 3 now). We got to see Sara Evans. I have to admit, we were all a little disappointed. I like Sara Evans but it was really my daughter who wanted to go see her. We watched her on Dancing with the Stars a few seasons ago and we do listen to some of her music but I wouldn't say we were die hard fans or anything.
Well, first she only did a 1 hour show ~ which means she cut her usual show and I'm sure that's because this is a free concert. The artists that come here, do so out of support for the troops but they don't rake in the dough they would performing at a large venue. Their expenses are paid but that's it. Sorry, Sara but everyone else does their full show free or not. So yes, we were disappointed. The other thing that my husband noticed was not once did she say Thank You or the like to the troops. Now, mind you, this concert is being done on a military base. She's doing this for the sailors and their famililes. It'd be nice to hear a thank you. So again, disappointment. Please don't get me wrong, she's a good singer but her showmanship lacks. Although after Trace Adkins's show, I doubt many artists will ever again be able to impress us the way he did. I did enjoy when her and her sisters sang together. 2 of her sisters are her back up singers (her brother plays the bass and is the bandleader) and they started out years ago when they were little singing bluegrass country. I put a video of them after the pictures if you want to see and hear them sing.

I have to say though we were really impressed with the opening band. Each concert they have a local band that opens. Last night we were entertained by Tailgate Down. I go see them again in the area if I had the opportunity. With opening bands like this, sometimes it's hard to enjoy them. They have a tendancy to try to seen like the artist who is known for the song. These guys were able to sing known country songs, with their own style and it still sounded good. They even shared a couple of their own songs that they wrote. I think they have the potential to go somewhere in the music industry in the future.

Each of these concerts open with the National Anthem. Last night, they had a 12 year old girl sing. Man oh man did she knock it out of the park too! I cannot remember a time when I've been somewhere and the cheering & celebration after the National Anthem had been so endearing and great. She definately knew the crowd enjoyed her performance. When it was over my daughter said "wow, can you say American Idol?" She definately needs to do something to carry that talent she has to something more in the future. We were all impressed by her.

Here's some pictures from the night.

TAILGATE DOWN

SARA EVANS

CLICK HERE if the above video is not working for you.

Shutterbug Spies: We Spy, You Spy

2008-08-19T16:42:00.003-06:00

Here's the concept ~ the children's game "I Spy" only in this online version the Shutterbug Spies spy then you spy. Really more of a "we spy, you spy" version.

I have a Yahoo Group and we have started this new game and posted it to a blog. It's a weekly photo challenge of us and anyone else who wants to play, to think outside the box and grab some photos we might not otherwise thought to take. It's fun and a chance to be creative. So dust off those cameras (and even the owners manual) and come play with us each week.

Every Wednesday, a new "something" is posted for you to think about and capture through a photograph. Once you have taken the photo, upload it to your blog leave the link in the comment section. You can also post them in a Photobucket Album that we have set up for anyone who doesn't blog.

I actually missed last weeks challenge; Spy something OLD...so I decided to post that here. It gave me the opportunity to share this photo challenge at the same time!

The rocking chair is 18 years old (found it, Amish made, when I was pregnant with my oldest child) and the purple blanket my grandmother made me when I think I was somewhere between 5th and 7th grade - and that has been along time ago so it is definately old! LOL

Yummy Chocolate Cake.....

2008-08-19T16:32:00.004-06:00

This cake is just as easy to make as any box cake and it tastes 100x better than a box cake! I found it back last year from Hershey's.

This is my standard dessert I take to places now. Last year, even the MCPON enjoyed a piece, at an informal Masterchief get together, and complimented me on it!

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING(recipe follows)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.

VARIATIONS:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.
THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.
BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.
CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.

"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Nansemond Tribal Pow Wow

2008-08-16T15:55:00.011-06:00

Today we attended the annual Nansemond Tribal Pow Wow.

The Nansemond First Nation people were part of the Powhatan empire , being the 4th largest of the 32 tribes. They had permanent villages and were known for their fishing and growing corn. The tribe has not had tribally-owned land on the water, since ca. 1650. The name “Nansemond” is an Algonquian Indian name. The river was named for its original inhabitants, and the old Nansemond County was named for the tribe’s people. The Nansemond is the only surviving tribe in the Hampton Roads area, and is the only State recognized tribe in Virginia (of which there are eight) near a major metropolitan area. Today we are known for our annual pow wows which are held in both Suffolk and Chesapeake, Virginia.

Fancy Dance ~ this style of dancing has only been around for the last couple of decades. Shawl dancing is the women's version of fancy dancing. It originated in the North and was quickly adopted by the South. The females have turns, high steps and their own dance interpretation.

Jingle Dancer

Grass Dance ~ It originated from Canada down through Montana and the Dakotas. Most Grass Dancers have their own style of dancing.

It was an interesting morning and afternoon. I always enjoy watching things like this. Everyone was so friendly too! It wasn't overly crowded either which was nice. It was however hot!! But we survived.

The headdresses were amazing. I was really fascinated with this one. I believe it was made from turkey feathers...at least that's my guess. I also really enjoyed the other dancer below. He moved very quickly and swiftly when he danced.

They've finally arrived! ~ new bedroom furniture

2008-08-14T09:42:00.004-06:00

After a year of searching for the perfect bedroom furniture I finally found it. Today our two new bedroom furniture pieces arrived. Best of all these were handmade right here in America! It's all wood, antique reproductions in a golden oak. It's just gorgeous. The pictures don't do justice but I want to share anyway!

The person who built these for us signed and dated the back of each piece.

I can't wait to get the nightstands in a few months!

Living in Texas....Oh the memories!

2008-08-13T20:29:00.002-06:00

A good friend sent this to me. While it's totally a joke, there is some truth to it. I know this because I lived it! And people wonder why we referred to El Paso as HELL Paso, Texas! Maybe after you read this you'll understand.... (by the way, we weren't lucky enough to have a house with air conditioning; we had a Swamp Cooler which did absolutely no good!)

Star State
Dear Diary,

June 10th:
Just moved to Texas ! Now this is a state that knows how to live!! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. What a place! It is beautiful. I've finally found my home. I love it here.

June 14th:
Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live in an air-conditioned home, drive an air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this. I'm turning into a sun worshipper.

June 30th:
Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing the lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here.

July 10th:
The temperature hasn't been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least, it's kind of windy though. But getting used to the heat is taking longer than I expected.

July 15th:
Fell asleep by the community pool. (Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body). Missed 3 days of work. What a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson though. Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this.

July 20th:
I missed Lomita (my cat) sneaking into the car when I left this morning. By the time I got to the hot car at noon, Lomita had died and swollen up to the size of a shopping bag, then popped like a water balloon. The car now smells like Kibbles and $hits. I learned my lesson though. No more pets in this heat. Good ol' Mr. Sun strikes again.

July 25th:
The wind sucks. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer!! And it's hot as hell. The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts.

July 30th:
Been sleeping outside on the patio for 3 nights now. $225,000 house and I can't even go inside. Lomita is the lucky one. Why did I ever come here?

Aug. 4th:
It's 115 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to 85. I hate this stupid state.

Aug. 8th:
If another wise a$$ cracks, 'Hot enough for you today?' I'm going to strangle him... D@mn heat. By the time I get to work, the radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like baked cat!!

Aug. 9th:
Tried to run some errands after work. Wore shorts, and when I sat on the seats in the car, I thought my a$$ was on fire. My skin melted to the seat. I lost 2 layers of flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs and a$$ . . . Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried a$$, and baked cat.

Aug 10th:
The weather report might as well be a d@mn recording. Hot and sunny...Hot and sunny...Hot and sunny...It's been too hot to do $hit for 2 d@mn months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Doesn't it ever rain in this d@mn state? Water rationing will be next, so my $1700 worth of cactus will just dry up and blow over. Even the cactus can't live in this d@mn heat.

Aug.14th:
Welcome to HELL! Temperature got to 115 today. Cactus are dead. Forgot to crack the window and blew the d@mn windshield out of the car. The installer came to fix it and guess what he asked me??? 'Hot enough for you today?' My sister had to spend $1,500 to bail me out of jail. Freaking Texas ..What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live here?? Will write later to let you know how the trial goes...

- Anonymous

Edward & Bella ~ I've jumped on the bandwagon

2008-08-08T14:05:00.006-06:00

That's right ~ I joined the Twilight Saga bandwagon this past week! I was prompted by the kids wanting to read it. My oldest began to read it upon the request of his girlfriend. Now as I'm sure any other mother of a teen boy can understand, I wanted to see what on earth could be so good that an almost 18 year old boy would read it for his girl. I try to read what the kids read but I can't read it all so I at the least try to stay very knowledgeable in what they are reading. Since the main character of this series is a vampire; I decided it needed my complete attention. I've been fascinated with vampires before. Not all of them are bad although I will admit that Interview with a Vampire had me totally freaked for days after watching it! Of course Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic.

I finished up the first in the series, Twilight, last night. I stayed up til 12:45AM purposely to finish it. It's been a long time since I did that with a book. I have to admit, it's a very good book. I woke up wanting to go buy the next book in the series and not wait on the library. I hope the rest are just as good as the first.

It was a clean, decent book. Good fiction. No foul language. No explicit sexual scenes. Yes, there is some attraction between two characters but the author (Stephanie Meyer) leaves it up to the readers imagination rather than describing it all out into detail. I hope the rest of the books stay that way. It's a vampire love story and the author has done a great job of bring that love story to life with the characters.

I'm doing my best to stay clear of the spoiler threads on message boards out on the world web. It's a bit tough as curiosity does get the best of me at times.
There is a movie set for release in December of this year. You can view Twilight the Movie trailer HERE!