It's Not Easy Being Green

The cheerleaders were jumping about and shaking their pom poms. The band was playing. The football players were standing proudly. The students were cheering and pounding on the bleachers. This was the scene at the high school pep rally. And then, seemingly out of nowhere, someone dressed entirely in lime-green spandex - even covering his head and face (think Fluorescent Green Power Ranger) - came running and dancing out onto the floor. The students laughed and applauded, and the principal quickly grabbed the pep rally crasher and escorted him out.

Now, had this happened when I was in high school, the offender would have likely received a D-hall, everyone would have had a good laugh, and that would have been the end of it. But it happened last week at Daughter's high school.

The Green Man, as he has come to be known, was suspended for three days. AND! He got a ticket. Yes, as in a citation from the police. Something about disrupting educational time. It's costing him $500.

Find this ridiculous? Well, you're not the only one. The students rallied behind Green Man, and one day last week, everyone wore green to support him. This is a school with over 3500 students. That's a lot of green.

I don't know the fate of Green Man. I have to say that if I were his parents I'd be fighting this one tooth and nail. Yes, he deserves to be punished. Some kind of detention, or even a day of suspension. But a $500 ticket that will go on his record? That just seems a little extreme.

I think back to the things we used to do in high school and how it would be handled today. Like the massive, school-wide game of Assassin we played when I was a sophomore. One student - I don't even remember who - was the "Godfather", and the students paid money to play. Each player was assigned another player to "assassinate" - we all carried suction-cup dart guns around with us all day, and if you saw your target in the halls, you could "shoot" at them. If you hit them, they were out of the game and you then got their person to go after. You could also fire in defense if you were drawn on. The last person standing won the pot. It was a lot of fun.

If that happened today, it would likely go down as an act of terrorism. All students caught with suction-cup dart guns would be expelled and thrown in jail. It would be all over the news.

What do we have to blame for this "zero-tolerance" attitude they have in schools today? 9-11? Maybe. But gone are the days when a couple of guys could have a fistfight after school then be buddies again the next day. Today both kids would be arrested. No disruptions whatsoever are tolerated, for fear that they be a serious threat rather than a fun game or prank.

Yes, these are the time we live in now. While I certainly want my students to be safe at school, it does sadden me a bit that punishments are so harsh for kids just being kids. I think the Green Man was kinda funny.

I'm just glad he wasn't nekkid.

Scary Stuff

I am not one to follow politics very heavily - certainly not enough to spout my political views, because I'm not really sure what they are. However, when I heard about the uproar over the President's speech to America's school kids, I had to ask, "Why?"

Since then I have seen and heard the following:

• Obama is a liar.
• Obama is going to brainwash our children with his political agendas.
• Obama is going to tell kids to have abortions.
• Obama is the "Anti-Christ".
• Obama is going to ask children to "pledge allegiance to Obama".
• Obama being compared to Hitler
• Friends who also don't understand all the hooplah being called Socialists
• The speech today being called an "indoctrination"
• Being "un-friended" on Facebook because I simply asked why people were opposed to their children hearing the President speak to them.

Scary stuff, indeed.

My Love Affair with Chuck Norris, Or How I Spent My Labor Day Weekend

I have a "thing" going with Chuck Norris. We meet up twice a year, usually once in the summer and once over Labor Day weekend, and spend time together in the Piney Woods of Texas. We especially enjoy morning walks thru the woods. It's such a peaceful time, and we love being together. It's perfect. I saw her just this weekend, and I'm counting the days until I can see her again.

Wait. What? Yes, I did say "her".

Chuck Norris is a HORSE!

I met her about a year and a half ago, shortly after the REAL Chuck Norris donated her to Camp Allen. I go to Camp Allen for weekend retreats twice a year - a Summer Camp for Moms and a Labor Day Family Weekend. And I always ride Chuck Norris. She's my favoritest horse in the world - so well behaved and gentle, but enough spirit that she doesn't just plod along in line during the trail ride - we meander from the course a bit, and sometimes trot or even lope along. She loves me. And I love her.

We spent this Labor Day weekend at Camp Allen, the family and I, and we had a GREAT time! Two other families from our church small group went, too, and we enjoyed all the activities and even some relaxation time together. It was a nice getaway to finish up the summer.

We arrived Friday afternoon and got checked in and signed up for our various activities. Friday night at the pavilion by the lake they had a hoedown! The kids learned some rope tricks and enjoyed a friendly tug of war with the other kids before we had a delicious BBQ dinner.

After dinner we enjoyed an evening of square dancing and line dancing - cowboys' favorite ways to dance!

Saturday morning Hubby went fishing, and the kids and I rode horses. It was a magic moment when Chuck and I were reunited - as soon as they brought her out of the stable our eyes met and it was magic!

The kids enjoyed the ride, too. Daughter rode Tealight:

And Little Son rode Junior:

It was a beautiful ride through the woods and alongside the lake - what beautiful views!




After a delicious lunch, we decided to try our hands at archery. Hubby and the kids are quite good! Me? Notsomuch.

(Notice my funky hyper-extended elbow - that made for some nasty bruising on my left arm from the bow string striking it whenever I released. Ow!)

Then we did some canoeing before dinner.

The evening's entertainment was magician John Star - he was very funny and entertaining!

Sunday morning Hubby went fishing again, the kids went to an orienteering class, and I went and rode Chuck again. Then Hubby and I shot some skeet before we ate lunch and headed for home.




I hit 5 of the 25 rounds I shot. Hubby hit 1. Hee hee. (To his credit, he is an excellent marksman - it just wasn't his day.)

So we're back at home now, getting laundry done and preparing for back-to-work and back-to-school. It will be many months before I see Chuck Norris again - there is a Camp Allen "Holiday In the Pines" weekend in December, but we didn't get signed up in time, so it will be summer before I get to ride her again. Sigh. Until then, we'll always have Labor Day weekend.......

Texas History

Part of living in the Great State of Texas is that our kids learn Texas History at school. They take it in 4th grade and again in 7th grade. I even took it again in college because it was so much more interesting to me than any other history course offered. I got an A.

I really love Texas history. I'm proud to be from such a great state, one that was once its own country and is rich in culture and heritage. Texas brings us the amazing stories of the Alamo, the Battle of San Jacinto, and Spindletop. We have great heroes like Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, and Stephen F. Austin. It's cool to be a Texan.

So this year Little Son is in 7th grade, and taking Texas History. He's in a magnet school for Gifted & Talented kids, and they go quite deep into the subjects they learn. He brought home a letter today from his Texas History class that goes something like this:

"Dear Parents,

This year we would like to offer your 7th graders an opportunity to enrich their study of Texas History with a field trip to Dallas and Fort Worth."

Let me stop right here a minute. We live in HOUSTON. That is over 200 miles from Dallas/Fort Worth. That's quite a field trip. When I was in 7th grade we went to the San Jacinto Monument. It's 20 minutes away.

"Students on this field trip will travel via coach bus to Dallas to experience the historic buildings and costumed interpreters of the Dallas Heritage Village, visit the Fort Worth stockyards, ride a steam train with the Grapevine Historic Railroad, visit the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, explore the assassination of President John F. Kennedy at the Sixth Floor Museum, and enjoy corn dogs, fried Oreos, and other Texas delicacies at the Texas State Fair."

The letter goes on to explain their itinerary, rules, fees, etc. I'm wondering where they're going to spend the night. Don't see that in the letter. Wait a minute. All this is going to happen in ONE DAY.

One day?!?! Seriously?!?

Now I know these educators are trained professionals, and experienced in taking children on field trips such as these. But I am having trouble wrapping my mind around them driving 200 miles to Dallas, doing all that stuff, and driving 200 miles back home in one day. Granted, it will be one VERY LONG day, but still. I just don't think it's gonna happen. They're gonna have to skip something. Hopefully not the corn dogs and fried Oreos.

Little Son, of course, really wants to go. No matter that we have family in Dallas, have been to Dallas dozens of times, have done some of that stuff already, and can do ALL that stuff on our own (and on our own time schedule!). He wants to go with his class. And I don't blame him.

So Hubby and I are talking about it. They're going to have to leave very early in the morning and get home very late at night. If Little Son is willing to get up that early to go, I know he must really want to do it. Altho I'm sure he's planning on sleeping on the bus.

Oh wait - here's something in the letter about what they'll do on the bus....

"In keeping with our studies of Texas History, we will watch the HBO series 'John Adams' based on the book by David McCullough."

Wait. What?!?!? Isn't that American History??

Hiatus Terminus

Where has the time gone? I have neglected my blog for a long time. Even considered just deleting it. Just couldn't seem to find the time for it. But then it nags at me - niggling at the back of my mind - I WANT to write again - I NEED a creative outlet - and so here I am. Back again.

So what have I been doing the past five months? Here's a brief summary:

• I've grown my business, and am happy to report that it is going extremely well. Much better than I ever anticipated, actually!
• I've enjoyed a summer of not having to drive kids around here and there - in fact, most of the time we had no routine at all, and that was nice. Now the kids are back in school and we have routine again, and that is nice.
• I've learned to knit.
• I've had the flu. Might have even been Swine Flu. Don't really know.
• I've reconnected with old friends on Facebook, and gotten to know new friends better - in fact, many of you I met right here on my blog! I love you all, and I'm so glad we've gotten to know each other! I've met some of you "in real life" and hope to meet more of you in the future!
• I've accepted the position of Treasurer of Daughter's High School Drama Booster Club, and gained confidence that I actually CAN do it and not screw it all up!
• I've discovered how much my dogs love going to the dog park, and how much I love taking them.
• I've watched Daughter learn to drive.
• I've watched Little Son grow to be not-so-little anymore.
• I've enjoyed a visit from Navy Son, and realized again how proud I am of him.
• I've toobed down the Guadalupe River, bumping my butt on rocks at times because the river is so low right now due to the drought we've been having all summer.
• I've enjoyed a weekend retreat with my BFF.
• I've sent Navy Son off to his sophomore year at the Naval Academy, Daughter to her sophomore year of high school, and Little Son to 7th grade. I feel old.
• I've celebrated as many of my friends have turned 40 - and prepared myself for that day in October that I will join them.

The summer is technically coming to an end next weekend (altho it will be summer weather here well into October). I've blogged before about how much I love this time of year - how it is so much like New Years to me. I'm looking forward to a new year of possibilities - to seeing Daughter's drama performances and Little Son's band performances, to going to high school football games and cheering for my alma mater (it's pretty cool to have your daughter go to the same high school you did!), to a fresh start in my Bible study group, to planning Disney trips for new clients, to counting the many blessings in my life each and every day.

I resolve in this "New Year" not to neglect my blog any longer. Even if no one reads it, it's a great way for me to get all those thoughts out of my head that bungle around in there so much. And believe me, there are a lot of them!

Stay tuned. I've got a lot to tell you about.

Hey look! My blog's still here!

With everything going on lately, I am glad to see that my blog is, indeed, still here! I can't even tell you where the time has gone. We are all finally healthy here at the Bubba's Sis house, and my Disney vacation planning business is keeping me busy. But the best part of my hiatus from blogging is that I got to be here:

Paradise, indeed.

I went a WHOLE WEEK without touching a computer, people. No e-mail. No Facebook. No blogs. Nothing. Didn't look at a screen or touch a keyboard. And you know what? I didn't even miss it.

Which has me contemplating whether or not I want to keep blogging. I adore all the friends I have met here in the Blogosphere, and I keep in touch with many of you in ways other than blogging now. I can't say for sure whether it is a lack of time or simply a lack of motivation, but I can't seem to get around to putting together any blog posts lately, not to mention reading anyone else's. I hesitate to give it up, because I love having a place to share my thoughts and experiences, and read all of yours. Perhaps this blogging slump will pass and I'll be back to regular posting and reading soon. Until then, be patient with me. My mind is still laying on a beach somewhere in the Caribbean....

My son made his own birthday cake.

Good golly - life has been so busy that a whole week has gone by since I've posted here, and I've gotten WAY behind on reading blogs. I miss ya'll! I really do! Be patient with me and I'll get back around to everyone. I still love you!

So, the whole family has taken turns being sick. I've been planning a vacation for a client. I've been getting ready for our OWN vacation. There have been TAKS tests and orthodontist appointments, errands to run and phone calls to make. I've spent a little time on Facebook. And oh yeah - Little Son had a birthday on Monday. My baby is now 12 years old!

Yes, he did make his own cake, but not because I was too busy to do it! Geez, what kind of mom do you think I am? He WANTED to make his own cake - he's into that now, you know. And since his birthday present from Bubba and Katie Lady was cake decorating supplies a-plenty, he was in hog heaven creating his masterpiece birthday cake! He designed it and everything - and I think it turned out great! What do you think?

It was quite detailed, with musical symbols and trombone stuff all over it. The top layer was chocolate, so labeled with the musical staff with the C note on it. The bottom layer was French vanilla - with a musical staff with the F note on it. The notes to the "Happy Birthday" song are really on top of the cake. All black and white - very classy! Oh - and it was deee-licious!

The real reason I haven't been blogging? I've been stuffing my face with cake all week.

Camera Critters #47

A Letter to My Dogs

Dear Jax and Tango,

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.

I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years - canine attendance is not required.

The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, then go smell the other dog's butt. I cannot stress this enough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:

TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:

(1) They live here. You don't. (2) If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That's why they call it 'fur'-niture. (3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people. (4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs are better than kids because they (1) eat less, (2) don't ask for money all the time, (3) are easier to train, (4) normally come when called, (5) never ask to drive the car, (6) don't hang out with drug-using people; (7) don't smoke or drink, (8) don't want to wear your clothes, (9) don't have to buy the latest fashions, and (10) don't need a gazillion dollars for college.

Love,

Mommy




** I found this letter over at Fleming Family Circus and thought it was so cute!

Only in Texas.....

...does the morning traffic report warn commuters to watch out for horses on the freeways!

The trail riders are coming to town! It's rodeo time in Houston!

Good show!

I just love watching Daughter perform in her drama productions - last weekend the drama department at her school put on the play Dearly Departed - a comedy about a somewhat dysfunctional East Texas family dealing with the death of their daddy. Ya'll, it was hilarious. Those kids did such a great job! Daughter played a bratty little girl - one of the grandchildren of the deceased. She didn't have any lines, but exhibited some most naughty behavior, and let out one really good scream!

To celebrate a successful performance, Little Son made her this peaches & cream cake:

I have amazing kids.

Camera Critters #46

I just love baby animals! Isn't this baby giraffe the cutest? He lives at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida - but he THINKS he lives in Africa!

Being Moses in my 4:12 Life

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

Despite the attack, I am continuing on in my 4:12 Life. I'm reading in Exodus, about Moses. In Chapter 3, Moses has gone from being a prince in Egypt to a mere shepherd in the desert. His life is defined more by what he's lost at this point than by what he's gained. Boy, can I identify with that! I can tell you the exact moment when my life began a downward spiral into desertdom (is that a word?). Life was going along swimmingly, just like it was for Moses in Egypt, then BAM! We were fleeing to Midian. And there we've been, feeling kinda lost. But you know what? God found Moses RIGHT THERE IN THE DESERT. And spoke to him in a most fantastic way through a burning bush. I wonder, would Moses have noticed the burning bush in Egypt? I think not.

God knows where I am. And He has not forgotten me. God will call me by name (He knows my name!) and tell me what He wants me to do. My current situation is only a chapter in a much bigger story - a story of redemption. God is still all about freeing His people from slavery - the slavery of sin. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

God wants all of us to be Moses - to lead people to freedom from sin through Jesus Christ. Now I, like Moses, am the first to say, "Me? You want ME to do that? Surely there's someone else more qualified!" But the Bible tells me not to doubt myself - nothing is too big for God. So when I feel afraid, I must know that I need not be. Did you know it says "Do not be afraid" 365 times in the Bible? That's one for each day of the year! Awesome!

I truly believe God is leading me right now. He's leading me to a place I so desperately need to be. Is God speaking to you? Are you perhaps not noticing what He's saying? It sure would be nice if we all got a literal burning bush from which to hear God's voice! But we do have His Word, and by living in that Word, He is speaking to us every day. We just have to listen.

Wuv, Twue Wuv....

This past weekend was all about LOVE - that wonderful, powerful, scary, thrilling, mushy emotion that gushes from our hearts. Of course, when one thinks of Valentine's Day, they think of romantic love. Hubby and I don't need a special day to celebrate our love, for it is there EVERY DAY, but we did observe the holiday modestly and sweetly. He is the love of my life, and not a day goes by that we don't tell each other we love each other.

But I celebrated other kinds of love this past weekend as well. Friday the 13th was Tango's first birthday! My sweet little black puppy has grown into a big, fluffy, goofball of a dog, and I love him so much! I truly believe pets are members of the family. Last year I grieved so when we lost our beloved Misty, and I still miss her. Tango and Jax are my furry babies - they love me unconditionally, and they bring such joy to my life.

Friday night D... and I enjoyed a much-needed Girls' Night Out! There is nothing like the love of a true friend. D... means so much to me. She loves me unconditionally, too (crazy girl!) and I can always count on her if I need anything. I don't have a sister, but D... is the closest thing I've got. I love her.

Saturday D... and I got to do something really special - meet some blogging friends IN REAL LIFE! We met up with Diana (forgetfulone) and Kris (It's My Life) and had the BEST time talking and laughing....it was like we had known each other forever! New friends are so fun - I love them already! I hope we can all get together again soon!

Saturday evening, instead of spending the holiday out with the crowds and the traffic and the packed restaurants, Hubby and the kids and I had a delicious dinner with Bubba's Mom and Dad at their house. We had shrimp cocktails, delicious filet mignons grilled by Bubba's Dad, salad, and baked potatoes. Little Son baked a Valentine cake - white chocolate, frosted with strawberry frosting and garnished with fresh strawberries and white chocolate curls. It was deee-licious! We enjoyed just being together, eating, talking, laughing, and playing Apples to Apples. The love of my family is like a big quilt that warms my soul. I am blessed with wonderful children who enjoy family time, and with parents that we are close to. We do so much with my mom and dad and their love and support in my life is beyond measure. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than being surrounded with the people I love the most!

Sunday morning we went to church, and I worshipped the God I love. What's even more awesome? He loves me more than I can even comprehend. He is always with me, guiding me and protecting me, even when I can't always feel Him there. He walks with me, and sometimes He has to carry me. I will spend eternity with Him. God IS love.

As I continue in my 4:12 Life, I am more and more in love with God. His Word speaks directly to my heart if I will only open up and let it. This week I am learning how to be Moses, and I believe I may have found my burning bush. More on that later.

I hope that all of you had a wonderful weekend, surrounded with love, whether it be love from a sweetheart, from a pet, from your family, from your friends, or from your Heavenly Father. I love you all for reading my blog and leaving me your comments - it means so much to me, and with each one, my heart swells. Thank you!

Sleeping With A Man

We all love our husbands. We do. I love my husband more than anyone can imagine. But ladies, raise your hand if maybe sometimes - even if it's just every once in a while - you wish you could have your bed ALL. TO. YOURSELF. I mean really - the marriage bed is a beautiful thing, but don't you ever just wish that heat-radiating, snoring, teeth-grinding, cover-snatching man would go sleep on the couch?? Sure, spooning is great, until he falls asleep (which he inevitably will within 5 minutes) and gets real heavy and HOT. And he has those little muscle-spasm twitches that men have when they're falling asleep and that hand that's lovingly resting on your hip (or elsewhere) suddenly SQUEEZES and scares the bejeezus out of you! And the snoring - oh, the snoring! Don't even get me started!

So as I'm lying in bed last night, thinking of how lovely it would be to have my bed to myself for an entire night, I doze off and have a bad dream. And when I waken, I reach out to touch Hubby - just to know that he's there. And just putting my hand on his big, heavy, warm, sleeping body is a comfort. He's there. He's always there. When I'm having a bad day, I can pick up the phone and he's there. When tragedy strikes and all I can do is cry, he's there. When I'm scared, worried, lonely....he's there. And when joy overflows from my heart and I'm giddy happy and want to celebrate....he's there.

Seventeen years ago, when I was feeling trapped in an abusive marriage to a mean drunk, he was there.

Through all the ups and downs of our marriage - and let me tell you, there have been many - he was there.

When my family needs him, he's there.

When our children need him, he's there.

A few years ago, Hubby broke his leg when he flipped an ATV. But in treating his broken leg, a much bigger, scarier problem was discovered - his blood pressure was stroke-level high. As they were prepping him for surgery on his leg, the nurses were calling in doctors left and right and they told us they couldn't even think about putting him under for surgery or he would surely stroke out and possibly die. I was terrified, and for the first time since I've known him I realized that something could happen and he wouldn't be there anymore.

He's fine now. With medication, his blood pressure is under control and his heart is healthy. But I'll never forget that feeling of fear that I might lose him.

So why, oh why would I ever not want him to be there beside me? Yes, he snores. He tosses and turns and gets the covers all wadded up sometimes. He takes up more than his half of the bed. But he's there. I can reach out for him, and he's always there. And I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.

Photo Challenge

Stacey over at JameeForever and Jami from the Fleming Family Circus BOTH tagged me for this one, so here it goes! I am to go to my Picture Files, go to the 6th folder and find the 6th picture and post it here. Gosh, I hope it's decent!

Awwww - it's my favorite picture of Jax!! He was still a baby - so cute!

I'm not tagging anyone, but if you want to play along, leave me a comment and I'll be sure to come by and see!

Mondays are Mine

I know, I know - most of you dread Mondays. Me? I rather look forward to them. Because on Mondays, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., I am HOME. ALONE. BY MYSELF. IN THE QUIET. I never plan anything for Mondays. The kids go to school, Hubby goes to work, and I cherish my time to myself. I can sit around in my jammies, read blogs and Facebook, sleep, eat what I want (I just wolfed down two Junior Chili Cheese Frito Snack Wraps from Sonic, and a handful of cherry sours washed down with a swig of ginger ale. I think I might throw up now, but at least there won't be anyone knocking at the door yelling, "MOM?!?" while I'm doing it!). I might throw a load of wash in on Mondays - I might not. I might make phone calls or pay bills - I might not. The beauty of Mondays is that I do what I want. I think everyone needs a day like that, don't you?

Camera Critters #44

Waiting for Daddy to get home......

Sincerely 'Fro Me to You - Little Ladies?

In their first year of junior high (6th grade), Daughter and her BFF Lamb attended all the school functions. They were excited to get involved and to socialize! So of course that had to include the Valentine Dance. They each got new dresses to wear and looked perfectly lovely for the occasion. Like beautiful young ladies.

And they had a great time dancing and laughing and talking with all their friends! After the dance they headed back to Lamb's house to relax and unwind.....

And apparently to forget all about being ladylike!!

B Happy!

D.. is playing this fun game and I decided to play along! Here's how you do it: Tell me by leaving a comment on this post, and I will assign you a letter. Then post ten things you love that begin with your assigned letter on your blog. Explain the rules with your ten things and when others comment requesting a letter, assign one to them; thus, the chain continues.

D... assigned me the letter B - a very good letter, indeed, seeing as how I'm Bubba's Sis! My maiden name also starts with B. This should B easy!

I actually thought of a BUNCH more, but here are ten things I love that start with the letter B:


1. Bubba - I wouldn't be Bubba's Sis without him!



2. Bubba's Mom - I wouldn't be here at all without her!




3. my BFF



4. Bubble Baths



5. the Beach


6. Boots



7. Bon Jovi


8. Bluebonnets



9. Blankies



10. Baseball

An Attack on My 4:12 Life

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

I am certain that the moment I made my commitment to live a 4:12 Life in 2009, Satan perked up his ears. Because that's what he does - everything he can to defeat Christ's church and to turn Christians away from God and back to sin. So when I decided to spend time in God's Word every day and to grow spiritually and be fully alive in Him, Satan got to work.

I have to admit, he's smart. Satan knows my weaknesses; he knows how to tempt me, how to make me discontent, and I don't even see it coming. But he's after me for sure. I'm feeling the attack. And I have to admit, at times I haven't been very strong against it. I feel every struggle and I get downhearted and discouraged.

But I continue to read God's Word, and as He promises, it is living and active, it is applicable to me, today. I've been reading in Exodus, and from the first few chapters I know that God is with me, even through the hard times, just as He was with the Israelites during their slavery and oppression. And while we do have a powerful enemy, that enemy is no match for God! God takes the worst circumstances and brings good from them. Most of the time this takes patience, something I struggle with. But good will come from bad circumstances. It happened over and over throughout the Bible, and it happens over and over today. And so I must draw my strength from that, and resist the devil. I must stand strong in my faith, and know that His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). And I must stick with my commitment to live a 4:12 Life - for Satan will be defeated.

Sincerely 'Fro Me to You - The Bird

First babies have their portraits made at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, etc. etc. There are a million pictures of them in their various stages of cuteness. Something happens, tho, and by the time the last of the babies comes around, we parents aren't as vigilant about capturing their cuteness. Poor Little Son was 18 months old before I had his portrait professionally taken. It's OK - you can gasp. I know I'm a bad mommy. Now I certainly had plenty of pictures I had taken of him at home - we're just talking professional portraits here.

So, at 18 months, I found a great photographer and we went out to a local park and captured some precious photos of my baby boy. Despite the heat and the mosquitoes that feasted upon his soft baby flesh, all the pictures turned out really good. This one is my favorite:

Notice his hand. Do you think he had a little resentment that I took so long to get around to having his picture taken?

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Today is the Chinese New Year - also known as the Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Ox. Little Son was born in the last Year of the Ox (1997).

According to Chinese Zodiac, people born in the Year of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. They tend to be plodding and methodical; they approach projects in the step-by-step manner that serves them best, and they never lose sight of their goal. They are tireless workers who are detail-oriented and believe in doing things right the first time. The world may perceive Oxen as being far too serious or incapable of loosening up, but as a friend, family member or housemate, the Ox makes a wonderfully strong, tender and affectionate companion who is protective and always reliable. Ox people are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. They are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people. (I am a Rooster.)

I can certainly see some of these traits in Little Son. He is very methodical - he has a true engineering mind - but the detail-oriented part of him shows his artistic side. He's very strict about rules - some might even say rigid. Heck, some might even say he needs to loosen up a little! He's not terribly stubborn, and he does hate to fail, but I don't see him as a "tireless worker". At least not yet! He is very very smart, and yes, very tender and affectionate.

Do you have an Oxen in your life? To them - and to you - I wish you Kung Hei Fat Choi, or Happy New Year, full of luck, prosperity, and longevity!

FYI: President Obama, who has pledged to begin rehabilitating the economy, was born in an Ox year. A good thing?