Prank Callers

Some days this job is just unbearable, then there are the days that you just can't help but laugh.

I got a phone call earlier..

(me): ??Police Department

Caller: Do you have an officer named Shula or Shuler?

(me): No, might try Sheriff's office.

Caller: I already did, they don't. What about a game warden or highway patrol?

(me): No, one in the area with that name, what can I help you with?

Caller: I received a call on my cell phone, was on voicemail. Said that I had too much air in my rear end and if I was caught back out on the street that they were going to give me a ticket. I don't need a ticket

(me): I'm sorry but officers don't have anything in their car to show how much air is in your tires and theres no chargable violation for that and they wouldn't call your cell phone.

Caller: Ok, I'll call you back with the name, I know he gave his first name.

So about ten minutes later she calls back.

Caller: He said his name was Don Shula.

(Me): (Trying to keep from laughing) I'm sorry but, it sounds like someone has pranked you. Shula is a former professional coach.

Caller: Well how would he get my number? Does he live or work around here?

(Me): No I'm pretty sure you were pranked. Shula probably has enough money that he wouldn't take a pity little job in law enforcement. Someone just pranked you.

Now, for this pic below. I don't know where this place is, but I'm gonna search it, because I'm sure they could use a dispatcher. I'd work nights, weekends, holidays. Whenever I'm needed cause I'm just all about the job. HE HE especially if the view is this awesome!!!!!

Closure

My husbands father passed away yesterday morning while having breakfast. Heart attack. Very sad. Gordon is taking it pretty well actually.
Here's my issue. The person he was married to, if you want to call her a person.... (anyway) she informed the children that there would be NO funeral, No type of service at all. She's sending him for cremation and then spreading his ashes at the lake.
I'm sorry, but what the hell? How can the children come to terms with the loss if they have no way to say goodbye? How cold do you have to be to not have anything?
I guess that's why you'd better have a will.
To me it would just feel open ended, not even a place to put flowers or just say goodbye.
I seriously hope that woman crawls back into the hole she crawled out of.

Thanksgiving

I'm so very thankful for my family. To me they are the best. I seriously hate for the family gatherings to end. I know everyone has to go home. I just miss them so much. Guess I was kinda spoiled as a kid. We used to be together all the time, one of us at another's house or vice versa. We had so many get togethers we got on each others nerves. As we got older each one moved away, there are still clusters in a few areas.
I feel like they live forever away. I have no family in Stilwell and at times seems rather lonely. I miss going to church with my family.
Each person has a special meaning to me. I love them more than anything. If they needed a body part I'd give 'em what I got.
I was so tired Thanksgiving day, I had been up for over 24 hours. I still didn't want to leave at the end of the day. After the day was over I went home slept and then on to work. I downloaded pics from the day and basically cried. Because I'm so blessed to have my family. Looking into some faces I see mom. A reminder that she's with me everyday in more ways than I knew.
Bethany had a great birthday, (publish blog later)she got a pink guitar. She's now nervous about learning to play, but Uncle Ed told her it was in her blood. She asked me if I thought that was true. I said sure, must be look how many can play. Nearly all of our family has a musical ability. It would be awesome if we could get everyone together to sing and or play music. Record it for the younger ones. I wish we could've back in the day when they all sang together from the bars to the alters.
So I thank God greatly for my wonderful yet sometimes crazy family. I love you all.

Frustrated

I posted this and emailed a few before the election. But the whole issue really bothers me, especially being a Trooper's wife. Trooper 198 pleaded for his life and was ignored. Now the murderer is pleaing for his. My first thought is why should we listen to his pleas when he refused to listen to Nik's... And then for these judges to uphold appeal simply because Nik was a Christian and had a strong belief in God, Does that make his life worth any less. Why do we have freedom of religion if they are just going to slowly take it away from us? I was just sick at first and now I'm just angry. I want to do something. To take stand and stop sitting in the shadows watching everything I believe in being tossed into the garbage.
This Trooper gave his life in an attempt to get meth off the street. His family has been put through hell the past few years, they deserve justice.

Subject: Oklahoma Judges Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:40:12 -0500
To remind all Oklahomans that when you vote this year you can't forget about Nik, The man who killed him AND the Judges who appealed Malones case...
Who is Nik- Nikky Joe Green Oct 1, 1968- Dec 26, 2003
Nik was a strong Christian. Probably the biggest I've even known.Attended Church at Devol First Baptist.He was the Youth Minister there. He was a Son, Brother, Nephew, cousin and uncle. He was married to Linda and they had 3 beautiful girls. He worked for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol as Trooper 198.
On December 26, 2003, Nik left his wife and three girls at home in bed as he left for work early. He went to check on a stray car on the side of the road less than one mile west of his home. As he approached the vehicle he realized it was a mobile meth lab. Nik attempted to make an arrest however the suspect put up a struggle. After fighting for a while the suspect was able to gain control of Nik's weapon. The suspect then took Nik's life, after Nik begged and pleaded with the man. Nik told him of his wife and three girls. The man still shot Nik in the head. The man then left. He left Nik laying in the ditch.We later learned that the mans name was Ricky Ray Malone. He was from Duncan, Oklahoma. A town only 50 miles away from Devol. Malone was an ex firefighter for the city of Duncan. He was discharged for the use of drugs. Malone was sentenced to the death penalty after a long horrifying trial for the family and friends of Trooper Nikky Joe Green. Since Malone's sentencing he and his lawyers have appealed. They won the appeal based on these things:1. God was mentioned during the trial-they believe the jury was persuaded with Religion...yet Malone was told to swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth-on the Bible. 2.Linda-a grieving widow cried while she gave her testimony and because she spoke of God whiling speaking of her late husband-whom that anyone who knew him knew he was ALL ABOUT GOD! 3. In the upcoming trial God will not be able to be spoken of. Emotions can not be shown.Is this fair? NOT hardly!

Not Ready

I have decided that I'm not ready to be the mother of a teenage daughter. I never really did anything as a teenager. The #1 reason was I was SCARED to death of my mother... and I really couldn't stand the thought of disappointing her.
I have a hard time saying out loud the things I need to say, so I kinda know what I need to tell my daughter about boys, but I want to get my point across and still sound like I know what I'm talking about. I can put it on paper and it sounds great, but how lame is it to give my daughter the talk thru a letter. That's just stupid. Its not like I haven't sorta given her the talk. I just need to reinforce them and set down some rules. I was trying to think about what we did with Jacque,but she went to live with her mom when she was 14. My sister nearly drove me crazy when she was 14. Ok so they just lose their minds at 14, or maybe its just me.
Boo is really a good kid for the most part. She's pretty typical really, dirty room, clothes everywhere, spends too much time texting.... You name it, but she's great school wise, still maintains awesome grades. I don't want to over react, but I know I need to react. I just need to do it without freaking out over somethings that may just be normal.
If mom were here, I'd call her and ask for help and to also tell her that I'm sorry for any time I made her feel overwhelmed to the point of insanity.

Whose Who

We got a letter in the mail today from Whose Who stating that Bethany was eligible to apply, due to her academic and leadership qualities. I was excited to say the least. If she's accepted it could mean scholarships down the road. I have until the 30th to get the online application done. I know its a few years til she's in college, but its not too early to start getting it all in order.
She's really a good girl, the other day I noticed on her myspace account a girl she used to go to school with sent her a friend request. This girl had something derogatory toward Jesus on her quote so Bethany told her that if she changed her quote she would add her, well a few more messages were exchanged and then Bethany sent her an email saying that she had changed, she was a different person and that maybe she should pray that it really helps. That she would also being praying for her.
I was so proud of her, its hard being a Christian at any age let alone a teenage one. She invited all of her classmates to revival this past week. A few showed up.
Parent teacher conferences went well, Chase's teacher said he would be bringing home a reader next week, that he was doing well on his letters and sounds. He just needs to work on sound spelling. I have a hard time getting him to do that because he wants it spelled right.
Bethany's teacher said she didn't really need to see me, but I have yet to miss a conference, not going to start now. She said Bethany was a good student in top group of her class, no complaints at all. Said she thought Bethany had great leadership abilities and that she was an influence on her friends to do better, that some of the kids have improved by being around her. She said she doesn't think that she's aware that she does it. I believe God has given her a gift. Subtle and quiet is sometimes the best way to influence a person. Those people often get the most out of other people.
Both kids are doing so well in school I know I am truly blessed.

Waking Grumpy

My son is alot like me in soooo many ways. I'm not a morning person, never have been. Well getting him up for school Monday morning was horrid. He was crabby, wouldn't help getting himself dressed. He just laid there like a limp rag. When I got onto him to help, he doubled up his fist and growled. Which of course makes me have to get onto him.
I guess I shouldn't let him stay up so late on the weekends. Or start winding him down at 6 or 7pm. He's so different from my daughter who at the same age had her own alarm. She wanted to be a big girl and have her own alarm and get up on her own.

Age is only a Number

My son is adorable and I really love the fact he has no concept of age. A couple of weeks ago he came home and was telling me that he told his friend Drayton that I was 19!!! He said "I'm so excited about being 6, mom are you excited about being 20?" I said I sure am!!!! I'm not really looking forward to the day when he realizes that mom is old. Really though I don't feel any different than I did at 19. My bones pop a little more. Some of the same things still make me laugh. I don't want to be that young again. I enjoy my age, I think. I apprecieate it anyway. I'm having loads of fun, just being me. Not to mention teasing my daughter about boys or a boy in particular. She'd die if I blogged about that. Just teasing her and watching her face turn red is just fun. I remember the fun things with mom and thats how I want to be remembered. So age is really only a number it doesn't define who or what I am, it only gives me experience. You gotta love that.

Playing around

I love to play around with the kids, seems like its always just us so we goof around. Most times I can't even get them to take a serious picture. But these goofy pictures show that my kids are for the most part happy. We have our moments, from the mouthing to being grumpy in the mornings or hormones.
This picture I finally figured out how to take pics in black and white. And in RAW shots as well, but those won't post. I'm not really sure what he's doing. I would like to think that he's going to blow me a kiss, but with that wicked little smile who knows....... This one is my daughter and her friend, she usually has a big smile on her face. Pretty rare I think for a 13 almost 14 year old girl. Hormones raging and a cute boy can't walk by with out getting a once over. She's a smart girl, I'm thinking she's not dating until she's out of school.... and college is a school!!!!

Privacy

Since becoming a mom I have noticed a few things. Everyone expects you to know where everything is, you're supposed to be able to explain anything at a moments notice.
But why is it that you can't go to the bathroom alone? Its like the moment you sit down someone comes walking in, usually my son. He sits on the bathtub to tell me about his day... Then my daughter is laying on the bed just outside talking and then my husband is standing at the door. All are talking and I just want to do my thing and get outta there.
Maybe I should start holding a family meeting in there??? I love my family dearly and wouldn't trade them for anything, but is it too much to ask for about 2 minutes of privacy?

Old rolls of film

I found a roll of film the other day and decided to have it developed. This is nearly a thing of the past in my house. I LOVE digital. The photos are so much better, but anyway. Here they are, I kinda like finding them and being surprised at what I find. Like these... Chase was so little and Bethany too as well. In this one at first I was like OMG what happened to his eye, then I remembered that he was being a superhero and jumped from the couch and hit the coffee table. Ouch!! Look at that skinny little face and those big blue eyes!!! I come out of the shower one afternoon and found them both asleep in the chair. Isn't it adorable. I wish they still got along this well......
I have no idea what he's doing here.
I think Gordon is playing the dog, I'm not sure.

Life's boring without a cell phone....

Bethany's cell broke Saturday night..... Oh the trauma! She really does take care of her "high tech" stuff. This phone I'm thinking was just crap. (Don't buy LG) Well she's been a real pain without it. I think she's having texting withdrawls. I mean can you imagine being a teenage girl without her cell. On her MYSPACE page she posted {R.I.P. to her phone}. I'd get her a new one, but the contract isnt up yet and I can't do an upgrade until April. Both Gordon and I are due in late October and November, she'll just die if she has to wait that long. So in the meantime I have friends checking on old phones etc.. OMG even the plain do nothing phones are 150 to 200 dollars... But I'm hoping I'll have her fixed up in a week. At least before her fingers start twitching.

New Baby

Gordon's daughter Jacque had a baby girl Wed Aug 20. 6pounds and 18 inches long, head full of dark hair, her name is Dallas Paige.
We didn't go to the hospital, Gordon is refusing to go right now. Him and Jac have a strained relationship. She won't call him, will be send me a text on occasion. But for the most part stays to herself and has shut out her family. Her brother Gordon Jr. goes anyway and calls regardless. I gotta give him kudos for that. He hates the guys Jac's with, but makes an effort because its his sister.
I think that Jacque is afraid her dad is disappointed in her. He's more involved with Bethany and Chase than he was with his oldest too. Age probably has a lot to do with it. I wouldn't let any person keep me from being apart of my childs life including them. My kids know they are stuck with me no matter what, and that I will be there through every good and bad thing in their life. To me that's what being a parent is. Not being petty and letting your own pride get in the way of a relationship with your child.
I think if Gordon would just set her down and tell her how much he loves her and hug and just tell her that no matter what, that we are here for her.
And in the meantime I'll just pray that the loser guy she's with will just move on.

Eyes

Chase had another appointment with the eye doctor. I have been stressing all week about it, so afraid that his eyes would get worse. But thank God, his eyes were the same. He wrote another prescription for a little stronger pair. Says they usually do that. He's worried about his left eye becoming a lazy eye. So again we'll have to patch his right and let him play video games for a couple hours. he really hated it, but I'm hoping after this we won't have to worry about it.

He had to have his eyes dilated and he couldn't say it right it came out more like diantical..... He wasn't happy when we laughed. But it was cute.

First Days

Bethany wouldn't do the whole video thing, she was too nervous about this being her last year at Maryetta.... So enough of that. So anyway she wasn't up for the video. Here she is her first day of 8th grade. She wasn't happy about me taking her pic the first day of school, thought it was retarded. But I at least got a smile outta her. Her new haircut makes her look more grown up.

August 6, was Chase's first day of Kindergarten, he was excited. He wants to be 6 so bad and he knows starting school comes first. He's wanting to grow and in a hurry so he can ride the Hulk ride at Universal. I took a little video with my camera of Chase's so hopefully it turns out. I tried to get him to talk about what he would do before school, but he wanted to do his Power Ranger Moves. Which is too funny!

Chase

I got bored and was looking through some pictures. I noticed that in this picture Chase's face and body is so thin and skinny. This was taken a few months before his surgery. This was taken last week while we were on vacation. His face is a little more rounded. Mostly I notice in his legs and arms that he's filling out. He was about 43 pounds before the surgery and now he weighs 49 1/2 pounds. My little boy is growing so fast, of course he's gotten a little taller as well. He's got a little tummy on him now. He likes to eat and likes snacks, although he's always asking if what he's eating is "healthy".

Bad Omen??

Sunday morning July 20, we leave out around 6am headed to Florida on Vacation. We are on AR 59 close to Natural Dam area and its very foggy so we're not going very fast. I close my eyes and lay my head back, cuz its too early for me and I've got a sinus headache. When I hear OMG and then a Bang. We hit a deer (thank God I wasn't driving) hit headon with the bumper, spun around and hit my right fender flare (I think that's what its called..). As you can see below. But the real kicker is. It just knocked it loose along with the rubber piece along the front bumper. Gordon made the attempt to put it back into place. We get to Florida, drive around all week, went to Cocoa Beach etc... The following saturday/ early sunday morning we are just north of Little Rock and hear something. Gordon pulls over and tries to push the fender flare back into place, we get back on the interstate and we see it pop out and then whooosh it was gone. I'll admit it I cried. Have I mentioned that I love my Jeep??? Ok well I cried thinking why God does something have to happen to a vehicle that I really like? Am I being punished, have I been to vain?? All of these really retarded thoughts are going thru my head. So we stop at a gas station to fill up and I had to take a pic.

Ok, well we get around Monday and got an estimate, so my baby is in the shop getting fixed insurance covering the majority of it. So I wont get back until Tuesday, apparently Jeep parts are hard to get in. I did get some good news as well. Not too long after we got the Jeep, Gordon was mowing and threw a rock and hit the drivers side door putting a dent in my door. Well the body shop has bonded and sanded it and my door will be like new. So I gotta give thanks for my blessings.

I know that the damage to my front end could've been much worse so I'm grateful for the tank that I drive. :D

None of this put a damper on our trip, we had a great time. Thankfully we didn't let this little incident get us down and we had a great time.

Beauty

This is my daughter, she's beautiful. She has these gorgeous brown eyes, thick lashes that'd I pluck out of her if I could and attach them to mine. She's got a thick head of hair that you can fix several ways great complexion and a smile that can melt your heart. She's has a sweet, lovable personality. There's just one thing I can't get through to her. She has the lowest self esteem I've have ever seen. She doesn't understand why or even thinks that a boy would like her.

I asked her to just look in the mirror and she keeps saying she don't see it. I asked her to pick just one thing about herself that she liked.....Nothing she said. It breaks my heart to hear this. I know I've always mouthed about how ugly or fat I am. All these years the only thing I've accomplished is to make my daughter feel she's not thin enough or pretty enough.

How do I fix this? How do I get her to really and truly look at herself and be happy with the person looking back at her. Am I the only one who can see how beautiful she is. The beauty she has on the inside can be seen in her actions. She's the most mature young lady I've known.

Maybe the only thing I can do is to change the way I see myself and show her that being happy with yourself is about growing and changing. If you don't like your hair change it, body.... maybe we should do something together.

I just don't really know what to do. To me she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. God help me to help her see what a gem she is.

If ain't one thing its another.....

I was sitting at home today after church boiling chicken for supper and could smell something burning. Now to me boiling chicken stinks, but it wasn't the chicken. So I check the computers, printers, look to see if something is plugged up. So the smell leads me to the laundry room. OMG the furnace sounded like it was grinding. I opened it up underneath and could see water, I got down on my knees and looked up and cound freakin see sparks...... I nearly panicked so I called Gordon, who of course was on the lake working. So he told me what repairman to call and told me to turn off the air conditioner. I did. Thank God it turned out that there was an internal filter that we didnt know about so after 8 years the thing was pretty nasty, it froze and caused water to pour out onto the wiring. Thank God it doesn't burn out the wiring or caused my house to catch on fire. He cleaned the filter let it dry out and we had air.
So after snakes and no air conditioning I am so ready for vacation. Let the countdown begin. 4 days left to work.........

Faith of children

After our little ordeal with the snake, the kids weren't too keen on going back down to the pool. So the other night with Chase we said our prayers and asked God to rid our yard of the nasty little creatures. Chase asked if God would do and I said what do you think and he said I believe it. So he told his dad that there would be no more snakes because we asked God to get rid of them. I know that God didn't give us the spirit of fear, its something we instil in our kids and make them afraid of things, more for their saftey than anything. Then as they get older we want them to be brave. I don't want to be afraid to go out into my own yard.
I know that the snake was close enough to have bit me and I also know that I am under God's protection. Without him I wouldn't be here, I know this. I'm am trying to have the faith that my son does. You tell him that God can do it and he believes it. No doubt. So that is my goal to have the faith of a child.
Chase has been to Childrens Crusade these past few days, they have puppets and he loves it. He's had so much fun and has even attempted learning a couple of memory verses, he repeats the prayers at church. I am so proud of him and of Bethany who was asked by the youth paster to help the kids in the alter.
I am a good mom because God has blessed me with a great love for my children. I know I need to share that love with others and hopefully someday I'll be able to that.

Another Day in Stilwell (BOO is my HERO)

Today we decided to go for a little swim....Notice Chase in his life vest. The kids jumped into the pool, I notice my floating mat on the ground, I pick it up shake it and decide its too nasty to go into the pool so I threw it down, just happened to look down and this is what I saw.......
Here's a closer view... after I screamed like a little girl and jumped back. So stupid me, I go into the house to grab the camera, needed a picture just in case I was bit. Still screaming and nearly throwing up.
So I grab the shovel, climb up the steps into the pool holding the shovel, I jump onto the edge of pool. I'm short so that's a jump, I have trouble reaching the stupid thing, meanwhile it sees me and is watching the shovel. Did I mention that I'm freaking out..... So Bethany is on the edge of the pool as well, I have trouble reaching so she takes the shovel. It straightens out I yell at her to get it, she chops...screams....chops again...screams....chops again....screams....chops again (you get the picture) I yell at her to cut its head off. She cuts the head, I still see its nasty mouth opening and moving, I grab the shovel and cut its head completely off and tossed it away from the body. I know they can't reconnect but still why take the chance.

As you can see its mouth is full of sand, that was done during the chopping and then flipping it with the shovel away from its body. Ok so I freaked out, but I know a couple of guys who would've left the kids in the pool and took off running into the house.
I think between the two of us we freaked Chase completely out. After it was over he wanted out of the pool. I told him after that ordeal by gosh we were going to have a good swim.
So after all that excitement I think I just need to go to bed.

Glad she's home.

My baby girl had a great trip, she had fun and learned something. What more can you ask for? I was so glad to have her home.

Chase's team won 2nd in the local tournament, I just thot this was so cute them standing in line clapping for the other team getting their medals.

And of course we have to pose for a group picture....
Bethany hates pictures of herself... she's 13 she's not supposed to like them. I think this is an adorable picture. Both of them close together and smiling and not trying to pull each others hair out. That's a good day.
We were goofing off so the next few were taken before I went to work. Don't know if you can tell it or not. but he's killing my back. He's my little man. And then there's me and Bethany. Did I mention I hate pictures of myself?? I do it for my kids so they'll have moments to look back on someday.

Baby Girl's trip to Boston

Just a few pictures of Boo. She left on Sunday for her trip to Boston, she didn't want me taking her picture and holding mom's hand in the airport well she's just too old to be doing..... I think she's beautiful, she was excited to be going, I was and am a nervous wreck because she's not in my custody.... Here she is with her unaccompanied minor ID tag.
Here's her plane heading for the runway. I wave but don't think she sees us.
Chase had to have a plane just like the one sissy was on. (he had one from last year, but he took it to school and some kid stole it, but what can you do) So anyway he was excited and gave her a hug and told her that he loved her. (he never does that)
Monday they visited Plymouth plantation, Plymouth Rock was under renovation. Tuesday they studied the witch trials at Salem, she said the witch museum was creepy cool. Today she'll be going to Hard Rock Cafe among other places, will visit several historical places. Thursday she'll be having a sleepover aboard the USS Massachusetts in the Boston Harbor. I'm so proud of her. She's getting to do things I never dreamed of at her age.

Too Much Sun

Last weekend, we had a T-ball tournament, three games played. That's roughly 5 hours in full sun. Absolutely NO shade and guess what retard forgot sunblock....YUP me. So Chase was fine, just a little browner on the face and neck (he at least got to spend time in the dugout). Bethany and I weren't so lucky. I swear I couldn't wear a decent shirt for a week, poor Boo wore her swimsuit top for bout 3 days. Now I'm peeling, which is really not a pretty sight. I hate going out in public, I hear people behind me making comments. Thank Goodness its the older people going OOh that poor girl blistered, better get some lotion. So if nothing else I have reminded people to pick up a bottle of sunblock....

Lake

I just realized that in all of my blogging I've never really mentioned my husband. Well the long and short version is we've been married for an eternity (almost 18 yrs). He is employed as a State Trooper. About a month ago he transferred to the Lake Patrol division, after 25 years why not. He's been coming home everyday he works talking about how tired he is. Well Sunday we made a trip to the Tahlequah Wal-Mart (ours is small and sucks, but that's another blog). Bethany is going to Boston in a couple weeks and she needed some clothes to take with her. So anyways on the way back we called Gordon to let him know where we were headed. Chase saw the lake and kept saying I see the Lake Patrol, so Gordon said to come by and let Chase see the boat. So we did and even went for a little ride. Chase loved it. He said it was AWESOME, and that the boat was like on the Power Rangers SPD.
But as you can tell, he had fun. He told Gordon that tomorrow he wanted to take his lifejacket and go for another ride. He didn't understand that Daddy is actually "working". I have decided that Gordon has entered into semi-retirement. Man riding around on a boat all day looking at bikinis, that just sucks I bet.

My Baby Girl

My baby girl is not really a baby anymore, she's 13 going on about 17. She's not usually the boy crazy type unless you start talking about her favorite male character in the book Twilight. Then she gets this look her eyes. This guy is fiction so...(Thank God)
She's pretty level headed most of the time, not into the usual early teen drama.
She left for church camp on Monday, got back yesterday and she was just talking nonstop after dinner til the time I was getting ready for work. Mostly what I heard was centered around a boy. I'm thankful that he doesn't live around here.
She did have some drama with a girl calling her Tulsa (look at backwards), boyfriend stealer etc... Bethany is just friends with everyone boys to her are easier to be friends with because theres less drama. She hates drama (she gets that from me). This is at church camp for petesake. She finally looked at this girl and tells her to shut up that she doesn't really care what she thinks about her. (AWESOME, in my opinion) One of the older teens that was helping out told Bethany that she needed to apologize to this girl for what she said. Bethany just politely told her no and that she didn't care what they said. AMEN to you baby girl. I have always raised her and told her not to take crap from anyone, and she listened. So kudos to baby girl.

Being careful of Boredom

I was pretty bored, on MySpace theres a link that will show some blogs. I won't even dignify or give credit by listing the name of the blog. But everything was so negative about Christianity, saying that the Bible was just a book and not even a good one. That Christians have no proof that God exists. I just started to cry at how many people posted on it in agreement and sickens me that there are so many. I don't know those people, but I would still hate to see them in Hell just because they have been misguided.
I know God exists, if you look you can see him every day. In the smile and wonder of a baby, the million questions of a child, the love between two people. I can't see the wind, I can see the results of it in the moving of the leaves and I can feel it on my skin. I know that God exists and for him to love me enough to send his son to die on the cross for me. I don't deserve that. I can't say I would send my only son to save mankind. I know that the only thing I can do is to pray that those people find their way.
So I will no longer click on some of those links out of boredom, I can't cloud my heart with doubt. I just pray that people looking for answers will not click on those sights, but look toward the heavens and see a local pastor.

Bethany

Bethany left yesterday for church camp. Gordon had to work, which is mostly daytime. My usual sleeping time. So needless to say, Bethany usually keeps an eye on Chase while I sleep. So yesterday Chase woke me around 1030, I stayed awake what seemed like forever, I laid back down around 2 and Chase let me sleep til almost 5. I don't want to take my baby girl for granted. She has been a HUGE help to me. Always there to watch Chase, I know he gets on her nerves (that's what little brothers do). She's a beautiful girl both inside and out. I love and thank God for giving her to me. I'm so undeserving. I know she knows I love her. But she's growing so fast and becoming a young lady. She's so beautiful, I wish she could look through my eyes and see herself the way that I see her.

I love you Bethany.

Things I'm too old for.

I'm not as young as I used to be or in shape, but I know there are things that I just shouldn't do at my age. Such as pigtails, pink hair, frilly dresses (not that I was ever really into that) which brings me to the next thing that I'm just too old for. You have to see my son to know that the kid can talk me into almost anything. When you hear "aw come on mom its not that scary" or better yet, "is your butt to wide to fit thru". Ok well we went for a walk around the track at school. Took Chase over to the playground, they have what I call the firemen's pole. I tried to talk him into sliding down, I managed to help him on it and Gordon helped him to "slide" down. Chase decided that I needed to try. So I couldn't not do it after convincing him that he would have fun. So I did, made a straight drop to the bottom and fell on my "wide" butt, was funny, hurt my heals a bit. But I made it. He wanted to go again, so again I climb up to help. He made it down a little more by himself this time. He then told me that I needed to go again. Can I tell him no, when I'm always telling him to pick himself up and try again.... Ok well I climb on, decide to hold on a little firmer on the way down, I should've probably gripped more with my legs.... but no I tried to hold on with my hands. Not the smartest thing to do, so needless to say I "burned" my fingertips on the third and fourth fingers. For future reference, I will admit to Chase that YES my butt is too "wide" and I'm just too old for some things.

Flowers

We took some flowers to the cemetery today. Everything looked so good. We had a family reunion of sorts.. Ran into Uncle Lloyd and Earlene, then Shelly, Shawn, Jake and Bailey. Was so good to see them. I miss them so much, the older I get the more I miss my family.

Trip w/kids and NO I didn't get lost.

Saturday me and the kids went to Mena, Ar. All by ourselves, I made Bethany stay awake, told her she had to be the co-pilot. I do ok driving, I'm just the type of person that panics if I don't have a map. I gotta see where I'm going.

This is my neice Maddie, she's adorable. She didn't get too far from me while we were together and then when it came time for her to go home she got very sad. Bout broke my heart. She looks so much like my sister its just scary.
And here's Sarah and Bethany, can you tell they're related?? Uncle Bill and Aunt Linda both told her she was getting more beautiful. I think so , but them I'm a little biased. I think everyone in our family looks somewhat alike.
I enjoyed being with my family, but I was ready to be home.

Wisdom of Chase

Last Tues night Chase got to be the catcher. We had a little trouble due to his glasses, but finally figured it out. I usually help him with his helmet, gloves etc... Gordon didn't make the game, he was in OK City for a glass, but went to a Redhawks game, he made a comment that he didn't see any of the players moms in the dugout helping with their helmets. I told him he just probably didn't see them. He did really well, better than I thought. He just needed to keep him mouth closed, he kept saying O she gotta a foul, and another one. The poor little girl just kept looking back at him. I'm behind the fence behind him, trying to tell him to stop talking so the little girl can hit the ball..... BOYS!!

He had practice on Friday, Brian let them hit a few thrown to him (coach pitch). I was worried, but after about the 3rd pitch, he hit it. I was so excited. It was awesome. I told Chase that I knew he could. He thought it was pretty cool. Said he "smacked that ball"

After practice, we took him to the Sonic for an ice cream, the girl brought us the wrong order, she had to go back, then brought out the order and we were shorted one item, so she went back to get it, hands it to Gordon. Chase is the back seat says "Is she not bery smart?" I tried so hard not to bust out laughing and just handed him his spoon.

Then Saturday we went to see Elesha's baby (he said she was cute) went to several places, at Sams we were checking out and Chase says "What's he got in his ears?" The cashier just smiles and didn't say anything, I just scooted him along. He had earrings.

At some point during the trip he's being extremely mouthy, I turn around and tell him that he'd better not open his mouth again. So what does he do.......... He opens his mouth really wide, he didn't say anything..

He's a smart kid, I just really didn't expect this to start so soon.

Poor Dog

I had to take the dog (Bisket) to the vet to be groomed. Her fur was about 4 or 5 inches long, and she was matted VERY badly. Every time I try to brush her she snaps at me. Then she took off with the brush somewhere. So anyway told the vet to do what she could. This is the result. She looks like a hairy version of the Taco Bell dog. She's a Yorkie,but you sure can't tell from this picture. I think she looks pathetic in this pic. So we put a new collar on her and bought her a dress so she'd feel all pretty and girly, She don't have enough hair for a bow. She walked around like she felt nakie or something. What makes this whole thing funny is that this dog really belongs to Gordon and he's gone this week so he hasn't seen her yet. She misses him, she went and laid down in the floor on his side of the bed.

Pre-K Track Meet

Chase had his track meet Friday, it was rainy, cold and wet. Here's his class getting to do the softball throw. (my camera had been idle, so I missed the actual throws, darn it.) He here is running the I think its the 50 yard dash, He's grinning so it must not have been too bad. He's not the fastest, but he's getting better.
Tricycle race. He actually pedaled. Last year he couldn't pedal and used his feet like Fred Flintstone.
The was the high jump, I apparently had the wrong setting on my camera, because this was the best pic and its blurry. The long jump pictures were horrible. All blurry. Guess I shouldn't take pictures when I haven't had much sleep.
This is a group shot of his class after all the events. You can barely see his face, first one on the second row from the left.
He had a good day, had fun which is most important. On the high jump he thought it was cooler to knock the bar down.

Hands

I was holding Chase's hand the other day and decided to take a picture. When leaving the house he grabs my hand as soon as we start out the door, in the store and at school. Some day he'll think he's too big to be holding mama's hand. Bethany saw the above picture and decided that she wanted to do one as well. As you can see her hands are now as big as mine. She of course would be completely embarrased to be holding my hand in public.
I know that God placed these two children in my hands to care for and love and at the end of the day I can say I did my best.

Birthdays

Yesterday was my birthday, yes I'm getting old. I am one year younger than mom was when she passed away. I think birthdays should be special. I've always tried to make them so with my kids. I feel so guilty everytime Bethany's falls on Thanksgiving like I can help that. I just don't feel like my birthday is special anymore. I remember as a kids looking forward to it and arguing with my cousin about who was older. I can't even remember what the last thing I got for my birthday from mom was. I just know that without her.... birthdays are just another day. Maybe that's why I go a little overboard for the kids. And since Bethany's falls on a holiday where most of her friends can't come to a party. I'm gonna let her have a summer pool party and she can invite the whole class if she wants.
The best thing about my birthday was Chase trying to sing Happy Birthday. He missed a few words, but it was the best version I ever heard.

Super Nanny

I watched the Super Nanny, OMG some of those kids act horrible. I wonder if the super nanny could do something about my unruly husband???
You know teach him some manners, be polite....
Just a thought.

Storm

We had a pretty intense storm early yesterday morning. Had a Tornado touch down West of town and another about 4 to 5 miles East of my house. (THANK GOD) And thank God that no one was injured, lots of tree damage and some homes, but no fatal injuries. Rained the entire night. Here's a couple of pictures of the road going toward the house from Hwy 59. Its deeper than it actually looks, but in the 8 years we've lived out this way, I have never seen it across the road. Was a little creepy. I didn't get pictures of the damage, by the time I went to bed and got up in the afternoon, people were removing the debris. One home had trees uprooted all the way around it and the home wasn't touched. That is a blessing from God.

On a lighter note, everything sure is pretty and green. Now if we could just catch a break from the rain for a while.

First T-Ball Tournament

Saturday Chase had his first T-Ball Tournament, They are the Cardinals, last year his number was 21 (no idea why) this year he chose 12, cuz 1 comes before 2.
So here he's up to bat. This was the first game, was a little cool. He made it to first. Here he is on first. His helmet is so big Gordon says he looks like Chicken Little...
Here he is in the outfield, Don't he look ready?
Here he is getting to first, this was the last game of the day. He was out, but was a good effort, he didn't stop running. If you look closely I think one kid in the outfield was almost doing the splits.... As you can see by the shorts, it warmed up. Was a great day.
The games started at 9am and our last one was at 4:30. So we were tired. Four games is a lot for 5 year olds. Three hours total of baseball. He's getting better. One game he made it all the way to second and even home once. He always runs to back up the first baseman on every play. He has fun and thats what I want more than anything.
There was a group of kids that could've used new coaches. I overheard one tell his runner to run over a kid in the baseline. Come on they are 5 and 6 year olds, that's not teaching kids sportsmanship.
Chase has good coaches, they are patient thank goodness. They're more concerned with teaching basics than winning and I love that. I know that in a few years these kids will be awesome.

Angry

I was late getting up yesterday, so Gordon took Chase to t-ball practice. When they got back, Gordon went on about how Chase can't throw well, he can't catch, don't listen etc.... I said well maybe he had a bad day and that he's not the worst player on the team. Gordon gave me a whatever look and said he didn't think Chase was very athletic, and that he was the worst player at practice. I balled my eyes out in the shower thinking he was a jerk and pretty much didn't have anything to say to him. After my shower Chase comes in and I said how's my little ball player. He told me that he wasn't very good and that the other kids were better than him, cuz they could throw hard and catch. I became even more angry because he apparently knows what his dad thinks of him.
I don't want either of my kids to feel like their not good enough, some things they may have to work harder on, but they CAN do anything.
He's freakin 5 years old, I don't expect him to be Chipper Jones. I want him to have fun and continue to play, but if at home he feels like he's not good enough, hows he going to feel on the field?????

T-Ball

I've been playing a little ball with Chase, Me and Bethany made it fun, he accidently hit her once, thought it was funny. So then on he tried to get "bonus" points.
At practice Friday night, I told his coach that we'd been trying batting left handed. He made two really good hits batting left, of course Boo and I cheered him on.
They were practicing catching fly balls (mini) and he caught one. The look on his face was priceless, he was shocked and amazed. It was awesome. He still says I did good huh mama. He's been so excited and wants to play every day.
I'm so ready.

JOM Art

Bethany attended the JOM art awards banquet today in Tulsa. She won first in her division, prize was 50 bucks. Here's her art, they had these as placemats on tables so she brought a few home. I think they're pretty cool and wanted to share with family.