What's a person to do?

When I was teaching at CSK, (a Christian School) one of the students voiced his concern about going to public school. He mentioned that he would not be allowed to carry his Bible in school. He didn't carry it around CSK, but at least he had the right to, if he wished.

I acknowledged that it was no good, BUT, it wasn't "carrying a Bible" that would make a difference, it was "Being God's Child" that others would notice. That involved how he talked, who he cared about, and being a respectful student. No one can take away how you choose to act.

I had to remind myself of that very point today. While shopping in Walmart, I ask one of the employee's about a news report. "Was it a nasty rumor, that Walmart employee's can't say "Merry Christmas", I ask.

She replied that they can only reply "Merry Christmas", because some people are not Christians and saying "Merry Christmas" would be offensive.

I told her I was sad, and I sorry that the company restricted them.

Then I told her "Merry Christmas" and she smiled and replied the same.

I thought of many ways to react about this changing world and in specific ---Walmart & Me!

Many things crossed my mind,

Stop shopping there!

Tell every worker "Merry Christmas"

Talk to the Manager!

Write the head office.

Just be mad!

But as I walked to the car, I recalled that student and our conversation in class.

No one can take away how you choose to act and whose you are!

That, I decided, is what a person's to do!

and write Walmart...

A Strangers Help!

Every year we have the privilege to buy Christmas gifts for children in need. This year I chose 2 boys. Their list was short and vague. A "game" was on the list of an 8 yr old boy. So, I decided to just see if any handheld games were within my budget. I quickly knew that it was not an option. When in Game Stop, a young man overheard me tell who I was shopping for. I left the store knowing that I would need to go buy a board game. Then I was stopped by this man. He ask if I would take his money, he was a Christian and wanted to do his part. He wanted to buy this child a used DS system. I was shocked and grateful, as he handed $100 to purchase the system. He also showed me the appropriate games to buy for an 8 yr old.

I, now feel like a child who has been handed the moon. I am so grateful to Jose' for helping make this a wonderful Christmas for an 8 yr old boy.

God bless you, Jose' as you blessed a young boy.

The Recipe Box

I was helping my Mother move and one evening decide to go through one of her recipe boxes. You know, the kind that has recipes on all sorts of paper and from lots of friends. This box ended up being a treasure chest, of sorts.

As I sorted through the recipes, lots of yummy stuff, I found a recipe on the back of a Texaco receipt. Mom had paid $9.58 for 10 gallons of gas. Those were the days.

My Aunt had given Mom a "Useful Hint" index card. One hint was, "If a cracked dish is boiled in sweet milk for 45 min., the crack will be welded together, that it will be hardly visible, and will be so strong it will withstand usage as before."

I found the program for my grandfathers Memorial service. (Yes, Mom knew it was there and it would remain there.)

There was a church attendance card that my brother, Jim Bob had filled out. He was requesting. "a uthraley (youth rally) for 10 and 9 yr old boys.

A graduation booklet for JimBob had pages of words of wisdom. It was from Ralph and Mary, our precious friends. One of the quotes... " When God measures a Man, He puts the tape measure around his heart, not his head."

An index card had the "Religious" recipe. Mom said it was religious sauce and really good. The ingredients is definitely made for a church....

Religious

Boil for 5 minutes the following ...

5 lbs onion

2 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup salt

1/3 cup allspice

3 1/2 cups Jalapeno

1 cup water

1 quart vinegar

Add 1 gallon catsup and boil 5 more minutes

HUGE amount, I'm sure and Mom says very good!

Then I came across my Dad's work order binder. There was a 1952 paycheck stub for 2 weeks of work. He brought home $116. He had 2 daughters by then.

Inside this binder was my parents 1947 newspaper marriage announcement.

The heading was: Solemnize Ryan- Laird Rites in Home Ceremony Thursday.

Although the move made us bone tired, we enjoyed a lot of walks down memory lane.

So, grab your Mom's recipe box and find some treasures.

Whenever I see...

Whenever I see a Texas license plate, it feels like home.

The car I rented in Oklahoma has a Texas license plate, and I got so excited.

Yesterday, I happen to see a person with a Texas drivers license, and wished I had mine back.

When people ask me where I'm from, I say where I live, but I'm a Texan.( that part is said with the Texas accent)

It fits me, it was a wonderful place to grow up, even in the windy flatland part of the state.

I want to be there more, to see the sunsets, to see the big open sky and to see tumble weeds.

I think I got the best of both worlds, because my Dad was an Okie. That meant that when we crossed the state line, we sing OKLAHOMA. I root for the Sooners. I feel privileged to have claims to both states. I often felt that it was the "okie" in my Dad that made him so cool.

Add to that, my east Texas roots, via Marcus. Another world, a slower pace, a friendlier people, ( all Texans are friendly) they are friendlier and beautiful trees. At first, I couldn't see anything for the trees, it was weird and a bit insulting to Marcus. But grow up in Amarillo and you will understand.

I am thankful to get to live other places, nice, good places....

but, whenever I see Texas stuff, I feel a bit of home.

Texas, my home!

Auto Show and Wedding Rings

For years, Marcus had one of his kids to join him at the Auto Shows. Now, It's my turn to be his date and scout out all the cars. Have to say, their is finally a car that makes a place in the front floor board for a purse, Finally! So congrats to Toyota and Lexus. A major selling point for me.

As we were leaving, we stopped to hear a sales pitch on car wash & wax. The salesman ask if he could clean our wedding bands. They are close to matching, so he ask Marcus how long he has had this ring. "20 years", Marcus replied. However, I replied that my ring is 36 yrs old , and Marcus lost his original.

I course that opened up the tease of "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

(Kids, you will love this) He then ask Marcus if he liked the result of cleaning his ring, would Marcus, shout a "WOW" or double" WOW" You can see his response, right? Gotta love that man.

The rings are almost like new, but I thought to myself, "If that man only knew..."

Yes, Marcus left his wedding band in a hotel and did his best to recover it.

Then he got his job at SWA, and was loving every minute of a dream come true for him.

But then he "did" the best compliment, I've ever been given...

He went to get a new matching ring made.

He didn't want others to wonder if he was married.

Who would have thought that an afternoon at an Auto Show, would remind me of such a sweet act of goodness. I am loved and it is so good.

Laughed til I cried....

I bet you know how that feels. It starts out a laugh from deep inside, a side-splitting laugh, and for some, a wet your pants laugh... until you cry. Well, today it was different for me...I laughed because a good story teller told a great story...

His 13 yr old son had a serious discussion about "God's purpose for him." This made the Dad every proud, that his son was feeling God's presents.
Father..."So, tell me about this, Son."
Son..."I feel God wants me to have a dirt bike."
Father..."Seriously, Son?"
Son... (He was serious) "I have prayed for one, then started dreaming about one, then they seemed to be everywhere I look. I really think it's God's way of saying I need a dirt bike."
Father... "Well Son, I've never thought that would be something from God. I'll tell you what, let me pray about it, too"

That story was followed by this one...
Father... I remember driving in the car and my daughter said she wanted to ask me about something.
Turning the radio down, he said, "What is it, honey?"
"Well, I've been wondering how to be saved?"
After, that discussion, his 5 yr old son said, "Dad, I have a question, too."
Wow, thought the Dad, my kids are really thinking about God. "Yes, Son, what is it?"
Well, Dad, you know, I wonder if monkeys feet are hands, or do they have 4 hands and no feet."
"That, is a very good question, the father replied. I'll have to think about that."

It takes a good story teller to get you laughing out loud, and when that happened to me, I started crying...because I suddenly miss Adam. I miss his gift of story telling. I miss how he made me laugh until I couldn't breath. I miss how huge life was when around him. I miss his love....
I miss Adam!

Christmas pieces...and A.D.D. writings

Lana just left, after a 3 day visit and that girl knows how to get things done...

Christmas tree up ...check

Tree decorated ....check

Stockings hung...check

House decorated....check

Marcus Southwest Airline ornaments found...check

A new SWA tree....check

A mini-tree for Morgandy to decorate...check

Gifts wrapped...check

A day of shopping....check

Returning stuff (Already)...check

Playing cards...Check

Good lunch and visit at Chick-fi-la....check

A Honey Baked Ham....YUM!

Just plain FUN! Happens with all our kids!

Love our time together and she still makes us laugh.

She wins the "longest telephone conversation with Morgandy."

We talked of pass Christmas, where did they all go so fast?

I remember 2 "smart ideas" I had in gift wrapping .

1. Use cereal boxes for the clothes or some toys. They work great!

My kids became use to unwrapping a Raisin Bran box to find clothes or books in them.

But, when we had a Christmas party, the young girl thought she was getting cereal and the disappointment was instant. Lesson learned. Use the cereal boxes for my kids only.

2. I didn't want my kids to know which gift belonged to them. So I had a terrific idea to put Christmas stickers on the wrapped presents, instead of name tags. Then Christmas morning, I would tell them if they had the Santa stickers, Angel stickers or Snowman stickers. I still love that idea, BUT almost always had problems remembering who had which stickers. I heard lots of "Mother!" That's how it is living with a Mom who has A.D.D.

If my camera was working, I would share some of my favorite ornaments. I could never have a themed tree, would miss the hand-made or home-made ornaments to much.

So, it is starting to look a lot like Christmas around here, and it sounds strange to think that the lemons will be ready to pick as soon as Morgandy and Bretton get here.

Thanks again, Lana-Bear! It was delightful having you and "Maggie Mae" come for a bit!

Don't you just love that name....at least until this baby is born.

Myra Dawn

You are our wonderful beginning....

We love the gift of having you in our life.

Being around you lights up the room.

We love you and see you do great things.

Happy Birthday, Sweet girl!

Alex & Prince Charles aka Chuck

Another fast & furious visit with Alex. Always good to be with my favorite son.

His puppy, Chuck, is just the cutest and sweetest.

I am so excited to have them home for Christmas.

Alex is a co-dog sitter, with his room-mate.

He is holding Jack, who wanted to be included.

I also got to see Alex in his current play,

Dirty, Rotten, Scoundrel

It was a great show, and we know who is my MVP and VIP.

It is so rewarding for me to see his hard work look so effortless.

Alex, really, how do you do that?

So what are they saying?

Lady..."How do you get your hair so shiny?"

me.. "Not sure, maybe the hair product.

Someday, I will quit coloring it and then it will be gray and frizzy.

Lady...."I hate it when I turn around and people see me much older than my hair looks."

*******

Marcus... "I wish I hadn't seen the recording of my golf stroke, I don't have time to fix it."

( He's in the finals of a match play at the local golf course)

me.... "I don't believe golf should be so technical."

Marcus - Jokingly...." Like your brain."

Me..."Explain that!" :)

Marcus... "No, I don't have anything else to say." :)

********

So, I was checking into Southwest Airlines to go to Chicago on an e-pass.

Gate Agent ..."Are you the employee?'

Me ...."No"

Gate Agent..."Are you the mother."

Me... "I am a mother, but the wife of the employee."

Gate Agent...""So, he married a normal one."

Me... wordless....

Gate agent..."Oh, you know, we tend to marry within the company, but my wife is a nurse."

*********

I'm beginning to think there is more to these conversations....but mostly it's funny!?

Do you ever feel like that?

Funny Preacher Stories

Recently a former preacher returned to visit. I forgot how fun this man is. He told of a wedding he took part in. The bride was Dave Ramsey's niece. However, this preacher was mistaken as Dave Ramsey, with Ramsey in the same room. One admirer ask him if there was an alternative to investing in his 401k. Mark replied that it was a good investment, but he might like 722(?) also. ( However, he didn't give the details that this was a popular song for C of C....Our God is alive.)

The man was appreciative as he walked away.

Yesterday, our minister told of his love for chocolate glazed donuts. Seeing only one remaining in the church office, before service on Wednesday night, he knew it was calling his name. He was willing to share it with a friend, but after that offer was refused, he ate it.

Heading to class, he stopped by the resource room, to say "HI" It was brought to his attention that he had "A friend on his shirt." Looking down, he saw something black ( chocolate icing?) and said he would take care of that. He picked it off his shirt and ate it, and as it crunched, he heard someone say, "It was a bug!" He did his best to remove it, using one of the ladies diet coke.

I'm thinking, one less love bug...glad they are finally going away, but sorry that Cary mistook it for chocolate .

There are many times when the best we can do is laugh at ourselves...and share with others.

My little models

My girls adored their older cousins, Teresa & Tina.

One day Teresa decided to use them as models for her

photography class.

Lana...1982

Myra...wearing her favorite worn out hand-me-down gown.

I love these memories... and so thankful that they

had wonderful cousins to look up to.

A bit distracted

There are times at church when I get irritated that I get distracted, but today, the distractions were sweet.

I noticed a little 4 yr old girl, wrap her arm around her mother as she sang, "The joy of the Lord, will be my strength...." This mother with 3 children under 6 yrs of age, is holding down fort while her husband is in Iraq...he has been gone 9 months. I know that Hannah has no idea that Jesus is the strength that makes this separation bearable.

Later, I noticed a young girl, about 8 or 9 yrs old. She took her grandmothers checkbook out and started writing the check for contribution. What a blessing, learning to give. Her grandmother is a precious example of giving, as she is raising this young girl.

Wow, I noticed a beautiful toddler, seemed like she was a baby just yesterday. Having a communion cup to lick clean, must have been a treat for her....someday she will know so much more about this emblem. Her parents and grandparents worship together, ... she is blessed.

Marcus holds my hand, with every prayer, and sometimes I think nothing of it, but today, it was a reminder that we are united in our faith. What a sweet gift.

As we sang, "Lord, reign in Me, reign in my heart..." I recalled the beauty of all the Cathedrals, and thought if that song had been playing in such a magnificent place...it would focus on what matters.

Some days a bit of distraction can turn into a blessing...that's how it felt for me today.

Movin' around Capri

Anytime we saw this cab, men were taking pictures of it.

Traveling around the island, this is what I call 1 -1/2 lane road.

At night time we notices a smaller boat leaving this yacht...

we watched as young kids (from the yacht) ran around

and played at the beach

in the bottom corner of this picture.

Beautiful view as we waited for our check.

Beautifully different

I don't love the unknown of other cultures,

and there was plenty that I wasn't expecting when we spent

10 days in Italy. I had not researched anything, so the fact

that Cathedrals drew the biggest tourist attraction was a wonderful treat.

Anyone wearing tank tops or shorts, had to cover up, to enter any of these

Cathedrals. So the scarf vender's made good money at these locations.

I wanted to know the purpose behind each emblem or design,

and the detailed beauty was overwhelming. It struck me that the beauty

within the walls, was massive, but nothing compared to what

God would want from the walls of our soul.

We ask locals about the best place to eat. We were surprised

that what we experienced, did not have the flavor of our

American /Italian food. We were never offered pesto dip with

the bread,(not sure they used garlic) the salad was basic lettuce, tomato, carrots

in all 5 cities, and we were to make our dressing from

Olive oil and balsamic Vinegar. I loved the pizza.

Breakfast blew us away. There were more desserts offered

each morning, than in a Luby's Cafeteria line.

Cereal spoons were always Tablespoons. We needed to

specify "No fizz, No gas or No bubbles", when ordering water.

It seemed we waited 30 minutes for our check

in very restaurant.

This was our Lido/Venice breakfast view.

We used the train to travel from Rome, to

Florence, to Venice, to Naples, then the ferry to

Capri. The train had no trouble staying on schedule.

I think that the time at each connecting station

may have been 3 minutes. When time to get off, you don't

fiddle around. Trying to take pictures of the beautiful

country side, at the speed we went, seemed futile.

I think this statue was outside of the Venice train station.

This beach was down the hill from our hotel, in Capri.

Beaches were rare on the island. Marcus rented a scooter, and

that was our way to enjoy the beauty of Capri.

If we need to stop at a restroom, it was usually a pay toilet,

and the commode seat, was optional, hanging on the wall.

It was a wonderful experience and adventure.

I love that Marcus found hotels off the beaten path.

I just wish the pictures reflected the true beauty.

A little bit of Italy

The tower of Pisa

Walking around Venice

This small island known for it's colorful houses.

An alternative to screen doors...

Dear Miss Morgandy

One of my favorite things about being your Grams,

is shopping for clothes. Many times, I have past the girls

department, glad that you are still a toddler.

But, today was different....

I past the toddler department and shopped in

the girls department. I was not prepared for

the change. The clothes look to grown up.

So, even if I knew how fast your Mommy grew up,

It is surprising how fast you are changing, too.

and I love the way you are growing...

You are so nice to share....

You have a great imagination...

You are the best big sister...

And you are so brave.

Even though I will miss all the fun things about

your toddler years, I am thankful to watch you

grow into a beautiful, kind, considerate girl.

Keep up the good work, Morgandy!

Grams loves you!

Fun times

Another great performance by our Favorite, in

"Jesus Christ, Superstar"

A Grand Ole Opry Welcome!

Such a cutie!

The rain won't stop our Picnic!

Happy Birthday, Nathan

You are a great Uncle!

Thinking of you, makes Mo do the "Happy Dance"

and both Mo & B. will toot their horns for you

We hope you have a fantastic day!

Old things, New use!

* pretend the pictures are here

Have a few new favorite things or old things used in a new way.

Shampoo bar....looks like a soap bar, but used as shampoo.

different bars, for different hair type....

one bar is worth 45-50 shampoo's

check them out online at the Basin store.

Aluminum foil....wadded in a ball and used as a grill rack cleaner

better than any brush I've ever used.

Ice cream scoop.... used as a dipper for the seedless watermelons.

still trying to perfect the pretty scoop.

Next Blog....on the tool bar above this blog...

Finding a lot of Christian post

inspired by .... www.smellingcoffeetoday.blogspot.com

www.Bella-Mella.com

Also being around to go to the Farmers Market on week-ends is a real treat.

Gotta go scoop some watermelon, slice the pineapple, and bring out the blackberries., grapes and oranges. It's a perfect summer blend.

I didn't know...

For now I am at a lost for words.
She was a co-worker, a friend that showed me how to teach with love.
Not that I didn't know how, but her skills were not enhanced by a teaching degree, but by her relationship with God and love for others.
It was the first time I thought, "I have the degree, but she has the ability."
I learned so much from her, and she was the best teacher I've ever had.
I was so blessed to watch her love a room full of 4 yr old"s.
She was "In demand."
Parents were anxious to get on the list for Brenda.
She brightened our day, she brighten my life.
We became friends, lasting friends...that lost touch.
This week, I thought about her.
I needed to talk to her.
She was just the friend that would know and understand.

But, what I didn't know was that she died last year, 3 weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.
Her son said she did not suffer.

She knew where and how it would be when she died.
As a young mother, she had surgery and "Died" seeing Jesus and her Dad.
She heard that it wasn't time yet. BUT, she loved the indescribable peace that came from that experience.
She thought others would call her crazy, but felt I would understand.

It was a gift she gave me, because I know she had peace in the unknown.
God is so good to bless me with amazing people...
Brenda Barrett, a friend forever.
I miss her.
I'm sorry that I didn't know...
But thankful that we will reunite, by HIS grace.

Thank you, God for Brenda Barrett.

Blessed is the Man...

who loves his children

,

and precious grandchildren.
I am so grateful for you!
Happy Father's Day, Marcus

My Daddy and His Sons!

Today, I read a Father's Day card...it said
"Dad, I know you always wanted the best for me."
I have the best! I have YOU!
He taught me so much, and he never met a stranger
Looking at this picture, I think if we said,
"Good catch, Dad!" he would reply,
"Yes, I am!"
(most of the pictures we have of Dad
include fish or his grandchildren)

My 2 younger brothers, Darby & Jim Bob
not only share Dad's love for fishing, but
have his gift for making others feel better,
just being around them.

If a father hears, "He's a chip off the old block!"
it may not always be a compliment...BUT
Dad would be so proud of these 2 good, kind men,
and yes Dad, they are a chip off the old block!

Dad, I have the best....Your love & legacy!
I know God delights in you!