Cowpie's Corner

Ava & Eddie Going for Ride

2007-08-21T07:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Reed Peed the Apple Seed!!! A.K.A. John Travolta

2007-07-14T16:08:00.001-07:00

"Stayin' alive, stayin' alive..." Just barely!

2007-07-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's Peanut's Birthday!!

2007-07-01T08:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday little girl!

alli Poopy Pants TV Spot

2007-06-21T09:57:00.001-07:00

Thinking about losing some weight the "easy way"? Think again!!

You Be the Judge

2007-06-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

My daughter claims this is the spitting image of her beloved Uncle Ken. What do you think? Is it the spitting image? Or is it just an image that needs to be spat upon? Could Uncle Ken be carrying on a secret life??? How WILL this story unfold???!!!!

Oh No! I think Grandma is going to kiss me AGAIN!!

2007-06-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

The Cousins Catching Up

2007-06-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Think Grandpa would mind if I played with his plasma big screen???

2007-06-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Elenore Rigby!

2007-05-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

Isn't She Lovely?

2007-05-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

Can you find the relative?

2007-05-18T11:16:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary Sara and Ken!

2007-05-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday On May 12th!!

2007-05-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

Dad and I got a present from God when you were born! May He continue to bless you as He has done your whole life! We love you!!!

He Didn't Even Know What Was Coming!

2007-05-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

This was the beginning of the end for Ken. Look how innocent and unaware he is. Little did he know that he was meeting his future bride on that May day back in 2002! And doesn't Boggum look cute too?!

Cleetus and Lurlene's Special Day

2007-04-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

With weddings in the air, thought you might like to see how this special couple celebrated. I have to say, the bride and groom looked fabulous and Lulu the rottie only cleaned herself six times during the ceremony. And of course, the wedding cake was spectacular!

The Poms

2007-04-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

Eddie (red) and Ava (cream) are modeling the new duds that brother Jakers got 'em! Too cute.... But not as cute as Jetty and Anna!!!!!

She's HERE!!!

2007-04-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

The Little Princess arrived at 6:12 AM this morning. She is gorgeous! Her mama was amazing and her daddy was a solid rock!! The whole family is doing so great - what a precious miracle new life is!!! Thank you for your prayers!! Lots of new adjustments coming up but I know Mama and Daddy are up for it!! Little one is already eating well too!! Yippee!!!!

Jesus Christ; Fully God, Fully Man

2007-04-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

As Good Friday approaches, I have been trying to comprehend all that Christ endured for my sake, for your sake. It is so hard to understand this incredible sacrifice that He made on our behalves. Such unconditional Love. Such strength and resolve to complete what He came to do. I am so grateful! Thank you Jesus.

I found this article by a physician explaining just the physical side of suffering that Jesus endured. It does not even touch on what He must have gone through spiritually and emotionally. I do encourage you to read this. It is long but important:

The Crucifixion Of Jesus

A medical explanation of what Jesus endured on the day He died
By Dr. C. Truman Davis*

A Physician Analyzes the Crucifixion.

Several years ago I became interested in the physical aspects of the passion, or suffering, of Jesus Christ when I read an account of the crucifixion in Jim Bishop's book, The Day Christ Died. I suddenly realized that I had taken the crucifixion more or less for granted all these years - that I had grown callous to its horror by a too-easy familiarity with the grim details. It finally occurred to me that, as a physician, I did not even know the actual immediate cause of Christ's death. The gospel writers do not help much on this point. Since crucifixion and scourging were so common during their lifetimes, they undoubtedly considered a detailed description superfluous. For that reason we have only the concise words of the evangelists: "Pilate, having scourged Jesus, delivered Him to them to be crucified ... and they crucified Him."

Despite the gospel accounts silence on the details of Christ's crucifixion, many have looked into this subject in the past. In my personal study of the event from a medical viewpoint, I am indebted especially to Dr. Pierre Barbet, a French surgeon who did exhaustive historical and experimental research and wrote extensively on the topic.

An attempt to examine the infinite psychic and spiritual suffering of the Incarnate1 God in atonement for the sins of fallen man is beyond the scope of this article. However, the physiological and anatomical aspects of our Lord's passion we can examine in some detail. What did the body of Jesus of Nazareth actually endure during those hours of torture?

Gethsemane

The physical passion of Christ began in Gethsemane. Of the many aspects of His initial suffering, the one which is of particular physiological interest is the bloody sweat. Interestingly enough, the physician, St. Luke, is the only evangelist to mention this occurrence. He says, "And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44 KJV).

Every attempt imaginable has been used by modern scholars to explain away the phenomenon of bloody sweat, apparently under the mistaken impression that it simply does not occur. A great deal of effort could be saved by consulting the medical literature. Though very rare, the phenomenon of hematidrosis, or bloody sweat, is well documented. Under great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing blood with sweat. This process alone could have produced marked weakness and possible shock.

Although Jesus' betrayal and arrest are important portions of the passion story, the next event in the account which is significant from a medical perspective is His trial before the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas, the High Priest. Here the first physical trauma was inflicted. A soldier struck Jesus across the face for remaining silent when questioned by Caiaphas. The palace guards then blindfolded Him, mockingly taunted Him to identify them as each passed by, spat on Him, and struck Him in the face.

Before Pilate

In the early morning, battered and bruised, dehydrated, and worn out from a sleepless night, Jesus was taken across Jerusalem to the Praetorium of the Fortress Antonia, the seat of government of the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate. We are familiar with Pilate's action in attempting to shift responsibility to Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Judea. Jesus apparently suffered no physical mistreatment at the hands of Herod and was returned to Pilate. It was then, in response to the outcry of the mob, that Pilate ordered Barabbas released and condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion.

Preparations for Jesus' scourging were carried out at Caesar's orders. The prisoner was stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post above His head. The Roman legionnaire stepped forward with the flagrum, or flagellum, in his hand. This was a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each. The heavy whip was brought down with full force again and again across Jesus' shoulders, back, and legs. At first the weighted thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continued, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.

The small balls of lead first produced large deep bruises that were broken open by subsequent blows. Finally, the skin of the back was hanging in long ribbons, and the entire area was an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. When it was determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner was near death, the beating was finally stopped.

Mockery

The half-fainting Jesus was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with his own blood. The Roman soldiers saw a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be a king. They threw a robe across His shoulders and placed a stick in His hand for a scepter. They still needed a crown to make their travesty complete. Small flexible branches covered with long thorns, commonly used for kindling fires in the charcoal braziers in the courtyard, were plaited into the shape of a crude crown. The crown was pressed into his scalp and again there was copious bleeding as the thorns pierced the very vascular tissue. After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers took the stick from His hand and struck Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper into His scalp. Finally, they tired of their sadistic sport and tore the robe from His back. The robe had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and its removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, caused excruciating pain. The wounds again began to bleed.

Golgotha

In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans apparently returned His garments. The heavy patibulum of the cross was tied across His shoulders. The procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution detail of Roman soldiers headed by a centurion began its slow journey along the route which we know today as the Via Dolorosa.

In spite of Jesus' efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious loss of blood, was too much. He stumbled and fell. The rough wood of the beam gouged into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders. He tried to rise, but human muscles had been pushed beyond their endurance. The centurion, anxious to proceed with the crucifixion, selected a stalwart North African onlooker, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross. Jesus followed, still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock. The 650-yard journey from the Fortress Antonia to Golgotha was finally completed. The prisoner was again stripped of His clothing except for a loin cloth which was allowed the Jews.

The crucifixion began. Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild analgesic, pain-reliving mixture. He refused the drink. Simon was ordered to place the patibulum on the ground, and Jesus was quickly thrown backward, with His shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire felt for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drove a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Quickly, he moved to the other side and repeated the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexion and movement. The patibulum was then lifted into place at the top of the stipes, and the titulus reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" was nailed into place.

The left foot was pressed backward against the right foot. With both feet extended, toes down, a nail was driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed. The victim was now crucified.

On the Cross

As Jesus slowly sagged down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shot along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain. The nails in the wrists were putting pressure on the median nerve, large nerve trunks which traverse the mid-wrist and hand. As He pushed himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He placed His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again there was searing agony as the nail tore through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of this feet.

At this point, another phenomenon occurred. As the arms fatigued, great waves of cramps swept over the muscles, knotting them in deep relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps came the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by the arm, the pectoral muscles, the large muscles of the chest, were paralyzed and the intercostal muscles, the small muscles between the ribs, were unable to act. Air could be drawn into the lungs, but could not be exhaled. Jesus fought to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, the carbon dioxide level increased in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided.

The Last Words

Spasmodically, He was able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen. It was undoubtedly during these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences that are recorded.

The first - looking down at the Roman soldiers throwing dice6 for His seamless garment: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do."

The second - to the penitent thief: "Today, thou shalt be with me in Paradise."

The third - looking down at Mary His mother, He said: "Woman, behold your son." Then turning to the terrified, grief-stricken adolescent John , the beloved apostle, He said: "Behold your mother."

The fourth cry is from the beginning of Psalm 22: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

He suffered hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, and searing pain as tissue was torn from His lacerated back from His movement up and down against the rough timbers of the cross. Then another agony began: a deep crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, slowly filled with serum and began to compress the heart.

The prophecy in Psalm 22:14 was being fulfilled: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint, my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels."

The end was rapidly approaching. The loss of tissue fluids had reached a critical level; the compressed heart was struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood to the tissues, and the tortured lungs were making a frantic effort to inhale small gulps of air. The markedly dehydrated tissues sent their flood of stimuli to the brain. Jesus gasped His fifth cry: "I thirst." Again we read in the prophetic psalm: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou has brought me into the dust of death" (Psalm 22:15 KJV).

A sponge soaked in posca, the cheap, sour wine that was the staple drink of the Roman legionnaires, was lifted to Jesus' lips. His body was now in extremis, and He could feel the chill of death creeping through His tissues. This realization brought forth His sixth word, possibly little more than a tortured whisper: "It is finished." His mission of atonement had been completed. Finally, He could allow His body to die. With one last surge of strength, He once again pressed His torn feet against the nail, straightened His legs, took a deeper breath, and uttered His seventh and last cry: "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."

Death

The common method of ending a crucifixion was by crurifracture, the breaking of the bones of the leg. This prevented the victim from pushing himself upward; the tension could not be relieved from the muscles of the chest, and rapid suffocation occurred. The legs of the two thieves were broken, but when the soldiers approached Jesus, they saw that this was unnecessary.

Apparently, to make doubly sure of death, the legionnaire drove his lance between the ribs, upward through the pericardium and into the heart. John 19:34 states, "And immediately there came out blood and water." Thus there was an escape of watery fluid from the sac surrounding the heart and the blood of the interior of the heart. This is rather conclusive post-mortem evidence that Jesus died, not the usual crucifixion death by suffocation, but of heart failure due to shock and constriction of the heart by fluid in the pericardium.

Resurrection

In these events, we have seen a glimpse of the epitome of evil that man can exhibit toward his fellow man and toward God. This is an ugly sight and is likely to leave us despondent and depressed.

But the crucifixion was not the end of the story. How grateful we can be that we have a sequel: a glimpse of the infinite mercy of God toward man--the gift of atonement, the miracle of the resurrection, and the expectation of Easter morning.

*Dr. C. Truman Davis is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He is a practicing ophthalmologist, a pastor, and author of a book about medicine and the Bible.

Are You Ready?

2007-04-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you faithful readers are at a place in your lives where you are considering entering the world of Parenthood. Although it is a world filled with joy and wonder, it's important to be sure that this is the world for you. I found this little test on the internet for you to take and see if you are up to the challenge: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MESS TEST
Smear peanut butter on the sofa and curtains. Place a fish stick behind the couch and leave it there all summer.

TOY TEST
Obtain a 55 gallon box of Legos (or you may substitute roofing tacks). Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom or kitchen.
Do not scream because this would wake a child at night.

GROCERY STORE TEST
Borrow one or two small animals (goats are best) and take them with you as you shop. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.

DRESSING TEST
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff into a small net bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.

FEEDING TEST
Obtain a large plastic milk jug. Fill halfway with water.
Suspend from the ceiling with a cord. Start the jug swinging. Try to insert spoonfuls of soggy cereal into the mouth of the jug, while pretending to be an airplane. Now dump the contents of the jug on the floor.

NIGHT TEST
Prepare by obtaining a small cloth bag and fill it with 8-12 pounds of sand. Soak it thoroughly in water. At 3:00p.m. begin to waltz and hum with the bag until 9:00p.m. Lay down your bag and set your alarm for 10:00p.m.Get up, pick up your bag, and sing every song you have ever heard. Make up about a dozen more and sing these too until 4:00a.m. Set alarm for 5:00a.m. Get up and make breakfast. Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.

INGENUITY TEST
Take an egg carton. Using a pair of scissors and pot of paint, turn it into an alligator. Now take a toilet paper tube and turn it into an attractive Christmas candle. Use only scotch tape and a piece of foil. Last, take a milk carton, a ping-pong ball, and an empty box of Cocoa Puffs. Make an exact replica of the Eiffel Tower.

AUTOMOBILE TEST
Forget the BMW and buy a station wagon. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there. Get a dime. Stick it into the cassette player. Take a family size package of chocolate chip cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There, perfect.

PHYSICAL TEST (Women)
Obtain a large bean bag chair and attach it to the front of your clothes. Leave it there for 9 months. Now remove 10 of the beans. And try not to notice your closet full of clothes. You won't be wearing them for a while.

PHYSICAL TEST (Men)
Go to the nearest drug store. Set your wallet on the counter. Ask the clerk to help himself. Now proceed to the nearest food store. Go to the head office and arrange for your paycheque to be directly deposited to the store. Purchase a newspaper. Go home and read it quietly for the last time.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT
Find a couple who already have a small child. Lecture them on how they can improve their discipline, patience, tolerance, toilet training and child's table manners. Suggest many ways they can improve. Emphasise to them that they should never allow their children to run wild. Enjoy this experience. It will be the last time you will have all the answers.

MUSIC TEST
On your expensive CD player and awesome speakers, play Britney Spears and Steps over and over again, very loud. Dance to it while looking happy. Take a good long look at your CD collection. You won't be hearing them for a long, long time.

In the car, play Postman Pat and Silly Songs Collection (for 3 - 6 year olds, Early Learning Centre) tapes for four hours while driving down the M5. Whatever you do don't play what YOU want. Sing along to the music in a traffic jam.

When relaxing and playing your own CDs (rare), suddenly put on a cheapo cassette player in the room playing Aqua's Barbie Girl. Turn off your CD and walk out of the room. Move on to Mess Test II.

MESS TEST II
After spending two hours cleaning the house, put rags and old shoes in the hallway by the front door. Leave pieces of cloth on the stairs in a pleasing random fashion. Pick them all up and put them in a wooden box. Do the same thing everyday for ten years.

BOOK TEST
Spend at least fifty pounds on expensive picture books. Draw in them in indelible pen and leave them in the garden. Make sure it's raining. Smile and tut affectionately to your self.

Step Right Up And Place Your Wager!

2007-04-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

When do you think "Mary's" Little Lamb will be arriving? Here are the vitals to date: Dr.'s original due date is April 22nd. "Mary" is already 2 1/2 cm dilated, and around 50% effaced. Pick your due date and let's see who comes closest!

I think I will pull for an Easter Baby!!

Think of that annoying cat food commercial - the one that goes like this: meow, meow, meow, meow, etc...

2007-03-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!!

2007-03-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Let's give a big "Holla" for these two lovebirds as they celebrate 27 years of wedded bliss next week!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2007-03-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

Apostle to the Irish: The Real Saint Patrick
By Charles Colson

If you ask people who Saint Patrick was, you're likely to hear that he was an Irishman who chased the snakes out of Ireland.

It may surprise you to learn that the real Saint Patrick was not actually Irish -- yet his robust faith changed the Emerald Isle forever.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a middle-class family in about A.D. 390. When Patrick was a teenager, marauding Irish raiders attacked his home. Patrick was captured, taken to Ireland, and sold to an Irish king, who put him to work as a shepherd.

In his excellent book, How the Irish Saved Civilization, Thomas Cahill describes the life Patrick lived. Cahill writes, "The work of such slave-shepherds was bitterly isolated, months at a time spent alone in the hills."

Patrick had been raised in a Christian home, but he didn't really believe in God. But now -- hungry, lonely, frightened, and bitterly cold -- Patrick began seeking out a relationship with his Heavenly Father. As he wrote in his Confessions, "I would pray constantly during the daylight hours" and "the love of God . . . surrounded me more and more."

Six years after his capture, God spoke to Patrick in a dream, saying, "Your hungers are rewarded. You are going home. Look -- your ship is ready."

What a startling command! If he obeyed, Patrick would become a fugitive slave, constantly in danger of capture and punishment. But he did obey -- and God protected him. The young slave walked nearly 200 miles to the Irish coast. There he boarded a waiting ship and traveled back to Britain and his family.

But, as you might expect, Patrick was a different person now, and the restless young man could not settle back into his old life. Eventually, Patrick recognized that God was calling him to enter a monastery. In time, he was ordained as a priest, then as a bishop.

Finally -- thirty years after God had led Patrick away from Ireland -- he called him back to the Emerald Isle as a missionary.

The Irish of the fifth century were a pagan, violent, and barbaric people. Human sacrifice was commonplace. Patrick understood the danger and wrote: "I am ready to be murdered, betrayed, enslaved -- whatever may come my way."

Cahill notes that Patrick's love for the Irish "shines through his writings . . . He [worried] constantly for his people, not just for their spiritual but for their physical welfare."

Through Patrick, God converted thousands. Cahill writes, "Only this former slave had the right instincts to impart to the Irish a New Story, one that made sense of all their old stories and brought them a peace they had never known before." Because of Patrick, a warrior people "lay down the swords of battle, flung away the knives of sacrifice, and cast away the chains of slavery."

As it is with many Christian holidays, Saint Patrick's Day has lost much of its original meaning. Instead of settling for parades, cardboard leprechauns, and "the wearing of the green," we ought to recover our Christian heritage, celebrate the great evangelist, and teach our kids about this Christian hero.

Saint Patrick didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland, as many believe. Instead, the Lord used him to bring into Ireland a sturdy faith in the one true God - and to forever transform the Irish people.

What's the Weirdest Phone Call You've Ever Gotten?

2007-02-26T19:58:00.000-08:00

This morning when I got into my vehicle, I noticed that I had left my cell phone there over night. I flipped it open to see if I had missed any calls and yes, I saw that a certain person - who shall remain nameless, but his initials are RM - had called me at 3:09 AM AND had left a message!! I was panicked! What had happened that they would call at that time?! I quickly went to my voicemail and waited for the message to begin. I was in the garage and the message sounded very garbled and weird. I had to take Jake to school so decided to wait until I got home to decipher this cryptic code. Got home, went to a quiet place and listened once again to the voicemail. Very rythmic and yet unintelligable. Listening, listening, slowly being lulled into it's deep ocean's wave pattern when suddenly, it dawns on me!!! This person, again, RM, must have accidentally hit my number on his cell phone during the night and I am having the privilege of listening to him SNORE the night away!!! Ha! So funny!!

Later on, when relating this story to my husband, he informed me that he gets "pocket calls" from his boss all the time. Apparently the boss keeps his phone in his front pocket and when scratching his *leg*, he will accidentally call my husband. Hubby can hear him talking to someone else as well as the scratching sounds. Too weird I say.

This Little Piggy Went....

2007-02-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

weee, weeee, weeee, weeee, all the way home!

Playing A Little Ditty

2007-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

"Now, how does that go??? Let's see. I think it's this... 'Cubby Cubby bo Bubby, Banana Fana Fo Fubby, Me My Mo Mubby.... CUBBY!' Yeah! That's it!! I can't wait to play it for my family on my birthday - VALENTINE'S DAY!!! Then they will finally KNOW just how much I ROCK!!"

And you really DO rock Cubby!! Happy Birthentine's Day!!

You Know Who You Are!

2007-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's your birthday! Take a bow!!

Seems Tornados Just Followed Him Around!

2007-02-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

This was Sara's very exciting outdoor graduation ceremony! There was a tornado warning and huge lightning strikes and we were all seated on aluminum bleachers. All, that is, except one savvy Minnesota Man...far left - Mr. Walter Randle. My dad. HE got up and headed for safety...leaving us all in the dust! :0)

When my sister and brothers and I went to see him this past week, there was yet AGAIN, another tornado warning - this time in Florida! It was so very special to see him and we all had such a sweet time praising God together.

He was 77 years old when Jesus took him Home. He is going to be missed by sooooo many people! But only for a short time, because that's what this time on Earth really is - just a blip compared to Eternity! Woo Hoo!! The reunion in Heaven is going to be GREAT! He'll be easy to find - he'll probably be riding a Twister!!!

The Infamous "Hostess Gowns"

2007-01-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

When I was in 5th grade, my mom surprised us girls with these beautiful "hostess gowns", as she called them. They were stretchy and shiney and I thought we looked so gorgeous wearing them. As it turned out, my 5th grade class was going to go to a big regional choir fest, with many schools involved. I wanted to look my most glorious so I decided to wear my "gown". Elaine told me not to as they were just really pajamas but I refused to listen. Mom backed me up and suggested I borrow one of her many wide belts and cinch it around my waist for the more dressed up look. Shunning Elaine's advice, I went forward to the concert feeling like a princess. My best friend saw my gown and kind of gave me a weird look but I just figured it was because she was jealous - she was just wearing regular clothes. We entered the auditorium and there were crowds of people around. I was so excited, knowing I looked my finest. All of a sudden, I heard this group of girls giggling. I turned just in time to see them pointing at me and saying, "Look at that girl! She's wearing a night gown!" My face flamed. My best friend tried to act as if she didn't hear it and then whispered to me that I looked really pretty - but I knew that she was feeling my pain....the shame, the shame - wearing a night gown to a public concert. My face burns even now...36 yrs later......

This One Is For Poodle!!!

2007-01-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

WARNING!! May cause EXTREME nausea!!!!!

http://www.glumbert.com/media/rachelray

Wanna Have Some Fun?

2007-01-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what you would look like if you were 50 lbs. heavier? Or 50 lbs. lighter? Now you can know for sure! Check out this website: www.virtualmodel.com
Granted, it says it's for women - but come on men, have some fun and FEAR the dreaded man boobs!!!!

It's His Big Day...on Sunday.

2007-01-16T19:59:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Kenny Ping!

Another Birthday Boy!!

2007-01-16T19:59:00.000-08:00

This guy looks extra spiffy!! And even though this picture is pretty old...he STILL hasn't changed much!!! Is that fair?? Is that right??? Oh well, happy birthday anyway!! You are VERY loved by ALL of us and I hope you get spoiled rotten today!!

New Year's Resolutions Anyone?

2007-01-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Hotstuff!

2007-01-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

The OK Corral

2007-01-02T16:46:00.000-08:00

Jetty searching for any stray doggies that need to be rounded up.

He Came Bearing Gifts

2006-12-30T13:12:00.000-08:00

And they were GREAT!

Thanks Mighty Fisherman!

2006-12-22T14:18:00.000-08:00

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

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

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Can You Help Him?

2006-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

Milton is having difficulty finding Miss Right. He knows that he has it going on in the looks department and all, but he just can't seem to get a conversation started. Can any of you help him find just the right opener to impress the ladies?

Any Words of Wisdom Out There?

2006-12-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love reading some quote that really seems to nail what life is all about? I like the funny ones and the ones that really make you think. Here are a couple that I have just recently read:

"Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's Creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage."
St. Francis

"Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future."
Annonymous

"Exercise is a dirty word. Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate!"
Annonymous

Please feel free to share any of your favorites - the rowdy group at our local Assisted Living facility that I have been reading to for the last 2 plus years loves 'em!

Good movie, but....

2006-12-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Every year I would get so excited whenever Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer came on. It was like THEE symbol that Christmas was almost here. And every year, as I watched this show, I would get more and more disturbed at how much of a jerk Santa was. AND all of those other reindeer! It was just so disgusting how they treated Rudolph when his nose first started beeping and glowing. No Rudolph, you can not play in any reindeer games because you look weird and sound weird, etc... And Santa! He had a real opportunity to get his crew in order and to teach them to be kind to each other but no, he just went right along with it. Until...the foggy Christmas. Then all of a sudden, everyone wants to be Rudolph's friend...Users! ! Did the writer of this story intend for it to seem like Santa was just a distracted unfeeling little man? And I won't even go into the whole Island of Misfit Toys....I just can't deal with it right now.... I did really love the Norelco electric razor commercials though - how it would just zip around in the snow like a sled, shaving a little pathway.

Bogum and Bear

2006-12-02T18:55:00.000-08:00

I wonder what you guys were thinking? Do you remember being this age?

To anyone reading this: What is the earliest age that you can remember in your life? I can remember things very clearly from the age of 4 years old....but then ask me what I did yesterday and it just ain't thar!

Grandma's Sink Has Jets

2006-11-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

Post Thanksgiving Workouts

2006-11-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

Jethro is assisting Uncle Jakers in his ab crunches. He is a very strict taskmaster. If Uncle Jakers slows down, Coach Jet beats him senseless with his rattle.

Jetty's First Thanksgiving

2006-11-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

Jethro had a lot of fun hanging out with all of his Wright relatives - here is a picture of him telling his mom all about the great times he's been having with Great Grandad!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2006-11-15T13:25:00.000-08:00

In our family, we have a Thanksgiving tradition of going around the table and each person tells something that they are particularly thankful for in the past year. I really look forward to this time because it gives a special insight into what God has been doing in that person's life or things they may have struggled with or triumphed over, etc... very precious to me. I wonder how much more precious it is to The One who is the Giver of all things good and wonderful??

Have a joy-filled Thanksgiving, eat lots of food, play lots of games, laugh your butt off, talk til you're hoarse,... and remember to thank Him - He is soooo worthy of our praise!!!

Who's Your Mama?

2006-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Mechanic

2006-11-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Oil change anyone?

Happy Halloween To Me!!

2006-11-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Yes. It is the return of the mono-brow....times 3!!! Poor, poor Jetty...what's to become of this little lad?!

I LOVE Our Military!!

2006-11-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

I think this is just too hilarious! I am so thankful for the SMART and COURAGEOUS men and women who sacrifice so much for the sake of others!

Homecoming Bash

2006-10-30T13:07:00.000-08:00

It was a big night at The Wright Restaurante and the beautiful people were out in full force. The evening began with drinks and appetizers ( beverage of choice,stuffed mushrooms and shrimp cocktail) served in the fireside lounge. Later, the diners were seated in their own private dining room where they enjoyed fine cuisine of Artisan Breads and fresh garden salads, Grilled Seasoned Steak, Fresh Petitie Green Beans, Crisp Tangy Candied Carrots, and our ever popular Garlic Mashed Potatoes. During the evening, Guido the waiter, floated in and out of the dining room removing plates, refilling glasses, bringing new courses and cleaning up the frequent messes of one of the guests...who shall remain nameless *cough, Amanda, cough*. Dinner was followed by the choice of Chocolate Cream Pie or Banana Cream Pie, baked fresh by our very own pastry Chef, Dilowee. A good time was had by all but, unfortunately, due to extreme exhaustion on the part of our staff, The Wright Restaurante has closed it's doors....PERMANENTLY!!!

"FRONT"...by popular demand!

2006-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

You all begged, pleaded and cajoled. I have heard the masses and I have obeyed. Here, my friends, is the Front Version you so desperately sought! (Barf bags not included when viewing the photo)

It's A Big Day!

2006-10-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Sara!!! In honor of Sar Bear's Birthday, please join me in singing HER special song (sung to the tune of The Dick Van Dyke Show theme song):

Saroodle the Noodle the constipated poodle la dee da, la dee da. (repeat 50 times)

I love you Sar! You are a present from God to all of us!!

Camping With The Men At Work Singing Group

2006-10-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hoping to revive their lagging singing/dancing careers, Men At Work agreed to be the spokespeople for the new "No Panty-Line Depends Undergarments". Nice work boys! I see a bright MOON in your futures!

Which Will It Be?

2006-10-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
Proverbs 12:18

Isn't it amazing how much power the spoken word has? I'm sure we can all recall words spoken to us that cut like a sword but hopefully we have also had the words that brought healing spoken over us as well. I wish, wish, wish that I could say I've never been the sword, but that would be a big fat lie...blahhh....

But to focus on positive thinking, I think it would be fun to hear some of the healing words that were spoken to you in your own life. One instance I can recall was soon after my parents' divorce. We had moved from Minnesota to Washington. I was 6, scared of everything and really didn't think I mattered much to anyone. As I sat in my little teeny chair in my big scary classroom, suddenly, my new scary teacher called my name. She said, "Diane, would you mind coming up here and telling the children the correct way to pronounce "library"? I heard you saying the word and you just do it so beautifully, it would help us all learn the correct pronunciation." I floated to the front and that little simple compliment lasted me many a year. :0) The teacher's name was Mrs. Bartholamew. I loved her!

Amazing Race is For Winners Not WEINERS!

2006-10-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

If you don't watch Amazing Race then you are... just stupid, okay? And if you do watch Amazing Race then you will want to punch Peter right in the middle of his fryin' pan face, smug, smirkin' pie hole!!! He just annoys me so badly. If I was Sarah, I would put that bionic leg to good use and kick him you know where!!!

Wait a minute....could this guy be THEE Peter??!! Peter Blackpine???!! I'm scared!!! This weiner act could just be his way of getting our guard down!!!

Whatever Happened to Baby Jake?

2006-10-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Wagons Hooo! Bea's Final Revenge

2006-10-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

We saw a lot of amazing sites on this trip and it really caused us all to think about the heritage of this great country we live in but it was now time for this journey to come to an end.

We parted from the grandparents at the northeastern corner of Oregon and set out for a grueling 8 hour drive to our abode for the next week - a pet friendly hotel in Tukwila, WA...our new home wouldn't be ready to move into so we had to stay there.

Everyone was tired and cranky but we got checked in to two rooms at the hotel; Joel and I in one room, Sara, Jake, Ezra-the-crap-happy-cat, Griffeth-the-breathe-and-shed-50 lbs-of hair-dog, and of course, Beatrix-the-plugged-up-gigantasaurus-rottie in the other room.

After everyone was settled into their rooms, we decided to go out to eat. We were driving along a busy road when Sara screamed, "GROSS!!! A naked man!!!! Don't look Jacob!!!" So of course we ALL looked. Gross. A naked man....What a weirdo. This doughy man was standing in front of his floor length window of his hotel room letting all the world in on his shortcomings...if ya know what I mean. One more crack in Sara's delicate mental condition. She was traumatized for sure.

After dinner we took the dogs on for a walk. Beatrix was still plugged up but seemed to be in fine spirits.

At about midnight I received a frantic call from Sara, "Mom!!! Beatrix just crapped all over the place!! It's everywhere!!! Please help!!!" It was the grossest thing I have ever seen or smelled. We were all gagging. We're talkin' floor, walls, door, there may have even been some on the ceiling...can't remember cuz I tried to block it out.... Somehow we managed to clean it all up but it was only the tip of the iceberg. Beatrix was open, wide open and the revenge was hers indeed. All through that night she had to be taken out every 5 minutes or so and if they didn't do it in time...well...I went back to my room after cleaning up and then I would get frantic calls of, "Mom I can't take it! There's crap and hair everywhere! Jacob keeps farting and the cat will not stop pooping in his litter box!!" or "Mom I can't take it! Sara keeps whining at me and blaming me for Ezra's cat box and her stupid dog is shedding everywhere and Beatrix REEKS!!!" After awhile, Joel and I just stopped answering the phone. We tried to hide...but they already knew our room number.

We took Bea into the vet as soon as they had an opening. It took a while for the meds to take effect but the memory of that night lingered, and I do mean LINGERED on for the remainder of our time in that hotel. I have never been so happy to move into a new house in my life!!!!

Well folks, there ends the story of Wagons Hooo! I'm sure you're all relieved - and I'm sure it was boring for those of you who suffered throught the reading - but it was fun for me to go down that memory lane! We still have Griff and Ezra with us but sadly, Beatrix died on Sept. 6th, 2005. Man do we miss that girl.

Wagons Hooo! Part 6

2006-10-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

During the final days of our trip we began to see a sharp decline in Sara's mental health - she was beginning to crack. I don't know if it was the endless hours of driving with gas bag Jacob and the Grandparents that did it, the stress of the move and leaving behind her buddies, or just her own little evil plot to drive the rest of us insane! She would begin in the early morning hours - right around when Ezra was getting ready to deliver his daily treat - she would get on the walkie talkie and start singing the Happy Days theme song. If I didn't respond by singing every other word with her things would get ugly...fast! Then she would start rattling off in German, wanting a response there. I made the mistake of putting my foot down once and not playing this crazy whacked out game of hers and we were all treated to about 4 hours of non-stop, "Wie Gehts?", "Wie Gehts?", "Wie Gehts?", etc..... I'd turn off the walkie talkie, forget about it, then turn it on 2 hours later to ask a question only to hear, "Wie Gehts?", "Wie Gehts?", etc.... She was relentless! Stubborn! Singleminded! Cracked!

Little did we know that Sara would be facing the biggest challenge to her sanity AFTER our arrival to Washington state.....This trip was just a precursor of things to come....

blahhh

2006-10-11T16:11:00.005-07:00

part 5 is below part 4 and I can't seem to rearrange it!!!

Wagons Hooo! Part 5

2006-10-11T16:11:00.004-07:00

I know, I know. Mt. Rushmore was NOT part of the Oregon Trail! We just had to slip off the beaten path to see this great landmark. I have to tell you, this was one of the places where my faith in humanity was really restored.

We stopped in at the Crazy Horse exhibit first and that was very beautiful. So awesome to read about the Indians of North America and the artwork and sculptures were incredible.

We then continued on to the Mt. Rushmore national landmark. We all piled out of the big truck and set off to gaze in wonder at this gigantic sculpture. I think there were just about every people group from the world there to view it along with us. We heard so many different languages and everyone seemed to be in awe of the artwork before them. Made me feel so proud!

We hiked many trails and then of course, we hit the gift shops. All of us were standing around, deciding what to do next (if you're a Wright, you know this is the way things are done, dadgummit!) when Joel decided he needed to take a pee. All of a sudden my father-in-law nudged me and said, "Watch Mom!" We all looked over there and there was my sweet mom trotting right into the men's restroom after her son. We waited a few seconds and out she trotted again...with a very red face!! Joel said he was kind of surprised to see his mom come in as he was peeing but greeted her none the less.

After spending several hours at Mt. Rushmore, we decided to head back to camp. As we approached our vehicle we saw that the dome light was on and the passenger door was wide open. With horror we realized all of the valuables we had left behind in the truck: cell phones, credit cards, purses, some cameras, etc... I felt sick inside. Rats. Traveling so many miles only to have this happen. Crap. We got to the truck and looked inside. NOTHING was missing! Not one thing!!! It was beyond belief and proof again of God's incredible care in the lives of His children! I wonder if when we get to heaven, will we see a replay of this event? Will it show our gigantic guardian Angel sitting in the cab so that no thief dared approach?? Who knows.. We all gave a huge prayer of thanksgiving!!!

On the drive back to camp God blessed us further by putting a huge herd of buffalo right in our path!! What a treat!!

Remember to look around you - He is giving you presents every minute of the day! I don't know why the Creator of All Things loves us so much....but He does!!!

Wagons Hoooo! Part 4

2006-10-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

Well, Ezra wasn't the only one with issues. My beloved rottweiler, Beatrix, has always loved adventure. Unfortunately, change did not agree with her sensitive purebred tummy. By the time we got to Fort Laramie in Nebraska, Beatrix was so plugged up we expected her to blow at any moment. This is a terrifying thought when you consider that Beatrix was the only dog I knew who had visible farts.

I walked and walked her trying to aleave her of her discomfort - she would wait until we were in the middle of a crowd and then hunch her back and strain, all to no avail. We'd walk some more; stop, hunch, strain, nothin'. Walk, stop, hunch, strain, nothin', etc... After the first hunch, all of my family members abandoned me. That's right. Where was the love then?! To this day, I can still picture my mother and father-in-law off in the distance just dying with laughter at my burning red face and Beatrix's fruitless efforts. Poor Bea Bea. But revenge would be hers. She just needed time. Time to plot the ultimate in-your-face sweet, sweet revenge....

Wagons Hooooo! Part 3

2006-10-11T06:51:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me know that I LOVE anything to do with "the old West"! I love reading about it, watching old movies about it, exploring it, etc... On this trip we were able to see so many historical sites - you could even see deep scars in the land from the thousands of wagons that stopped at certain check points. It was very interesting for the humans on this trip but I was starting to worry for our critters.

Most cats don't enjoy traveling and Ezra is certainly on of those. On our move from Washington TO Minnesota, Joel and Robb had the exciting duty of driving cross country w/ two dogs and 1 cat. They did it quick time and when they pulled into the house where we were staying they were both covered in hair and had that faint aroma of poop about them. I wasn't too concerned about that as they usually have that aroma drifting about them, especially after fast food. But now I know the true source of that aroma...

Ezra was probably hoping for another quick time trip but as we had been on the road for 3 days now, he settled into a dastardly routine of revenge. His kennel was directly behind Joel and me in the cab of the truck. He had all evening and early morning to take care of business but he would purposefully hold everything in until Joel did that morning turn of the key to start the engine. Ezra would begin by making soft meowing noises that gradually grew in strength and intensity. We would both scrunch up our shoulders as we knew what was coming next. After about 15 minutes of this, he would crawl into his litter box and let loose. Nothing says, "I hate this trip" quite like fresh cat crap in your vehicle on a warm 80 degree morning. And then there's the terrifying knowledge that whatever you smell, you are actually tasting too.....

Ezra continued this routine of non-stop meowing and litterbox dumping for the remainder of our 8 day journey. I hold him directly responsible for the many, many brain cells that were killed by his noxious fumes - and yet, he is still loved...!@#**&!

Wagons Hooo, Part 2

2006-10-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

After settling poor Griff back into the truck we all headed back to tour of Walnut Grove. Minnesota is great about preserving these old towns and the people who volunteer there really get into the spirit of things by dressing and acting the part. Granted, no one dared to become Laura or Mrs. Olsen but it was very interesting none the less. Museum type houses always have a very weird and funky smell though - and the old toys and dolls just really give me the creeps. I was ready to say goodbye to the ghost of Charles Ingalls and his wandering ways.

We continued on our journey only to run into a tremendous hail storm. The dogs burrowed deeper into their shelters and the Beverly Hillbillies' theme song entered my mind and refused to leave. We outran the storm and pulled into a "tourist attraction" of an exact replica of sod house living. We paid big bucks to see how the poor lived. The land all around us was so incredibly flat - there was hardly any break in the skyline at all. And the wind! It NEVER stopped blowing. As my mother-in-law and I walked the path, it really hit us how hardy and brave so many of our ancestors were. To get up and see only the grass for mile after mile. To have that constant wind blowing in your ears and through the cracks of your dirt house and outhouse. The windchill factor would have made temps way below zero during the winter months. I used to always want to be a pioneer wife but seeing a glimpse of the reality that they lived...I probably would have ended up in some dark corner twiddling my thumbs and flapping my knees together while humming "Mama's Little Baby Loves Shortnin' shortnin', Mama's little baby loves shortnin' bread". Oh, I just described my niece and sister...oops...:0)

Wagons Hooooo! Part 1

2006-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

After selling our house in Minnesota and preparing for our move back to Washington state, we decided to celebrate by taking the Oregon Trail from St. Louis,MO to, well, Oregon. My in-laws had come out to help us with the last minute details of packing up (fortunately we had movers to do the meat of the job). They had their super cool RV and we had our F-150 extended cab pickup with our super cool tent trailer hooked on back. Robb took the easy route and flew back to WA so it was Joel, Sara, Jake, the grandparents, Beatrix (115 lb rottweiler), Griffeth (40 lb corgi), Ezra (20 lb cat), and me.

Our first stop was in Walnut Grove, MN. This is the town where Laura Ingalls Wilder spent some of her childhood. We had Ezra inside the truck in a huge kennel rigged up with cat box and the two dogs were tied in the back of the pickup w/ their beds and food, water and shelter. As we anxiously stood in line to begin the tour (Joel and Jake just couldn't wait!), we heard this terrified yelping. We wondered what poor sap's dog was being so naughty when it suddendly dawned on us, THAT'S GRIFFETH!!! We took off running back to the truck and there was Griffeth, dangling over the side of the truck, scratching frantically with his short stubby legs - and, I might add, razor sharp nails!! He had decided to follow us and we had obviously left the lead to long....but not long enough! Holy crap! If we would have been inside the exhibit, would anyone have helped him!! We knew at that point that God was with us and, once again, covering our hind ends. The multiple deep scratches on the paint job of my shiny new red truck continued to remind us of our own stupidity...

Male Restroom Etiquette, Part 2

2006-10-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

Contrary to the restroom etiquette listed on Gizzar.com, the males of Hoomania use restroom breaks to catch up on their reading and discussing important news of the day. I personally find this a very "refreshing" tradition.... although it would depend on who were catching up with, i.e., maybe not so refreshing with that dude on the Jet Ski.....

Jet Ski Air Bags

2006-10-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

My sister Elaine shared the exciting news that Jet Ski now provides air bags on all of their watercraft. That should be of great comfort to you water monkeys. You can now go out and play hard without worry. Anchors away!

100% Pure Peace - Accept No Substitutes!

2006-10-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you the unfailing strength to bear it."

St. Francis de Sales

Things That Make You Say, "Crap!"

2006-10-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Not sure why, but whenever I see that I have a message on my answering machine, it makes me say, "Crap!". Sara knows this and has been know to torment me with this knowledge.

Another thing that makes me say "Crap!" is, getting behind some moronically slow driver in the fast lane. You wait for them to move to the right but they just won't do it. In a fit of temper I swerve over to the right with the idea of speeding ahead and getting in front of them BUT....I have now gotten behind an even SLOWER moronic driver and am left in the dust by my first moronic driver. Crap! And how embarrassing...What are some things that really annoy you? I need to know for future, er, um, uh,...I mean, I'm just curious.

Can't a guy get any grub around here?!

2006-10-01T18:12:00.000-07:00

Sheesh! I haven't eaten in like, 1/2 an hour!

Hmmmm

2006-09-30T17:13:00.000-07:00

If you could ask this fine fellow any question you wanted and he was able to understand and respond - what would you ask and how would he answer??

Meet My Nemesis!

2006-09-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Ever seen one of these? Cute little butt, or hideous sightless face? Let me introduce you to the enemy that I have been fighting for the past year: Mr. & Mrs. @#$%! Mole. And yes, that is the hideous sightless face!

I have been trying to rid my backyard of these pesky critters for the past year. At first, it was a kindly effort of packing down the mounds. Next, bringing our trusty fat cat to smell the enemy and telling him to get crackin'. When that didn't work, a blast of water from the hose. "Run along now friends. It's too wet here." All to no avail and my yard was quickly becoming a mine field. So I decided that I needed to turn to my tried and true mole eliminator, Mole Bombs! These are so cool - they look like sticks of dynamite. You light 'em and cram 'em down the hole, then quickly seal it up. The bomb explodes sending special gasses to put the moles into a gentle, yet deadly slumber....or so the package says. MY moles breathe deeply of the gasses to become Super Moles with super mole powers and super digging babies! They mock my paltry efforts to eradicate them. I set up a trap, they tunnel all around it. Stuff dog hair down the hole? They kick it all back up into a neat pile on my patio. I fear for the foundation of my house - I left a hose running into a fresh tunnel for over 30 minutes and the water did not exit, ANYWHERE??? Where are they??? Please! Please, can't someone help me?? Is there some way I can "encourage" them to go to my neighbors??? There must be some Mole experts out there!

Christmas!

2006-09-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Only 86 days until Christmas!!! Can you believe all of these people (and dogs) cram into one bed on Christmas Eve to wait for Santa to come?? It's the cutest thing ever! Now Jetty will be joining them and Holly will be taking up more room!

Croc Hunter

2006-09-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Did any of you happen to see the interview with Teri Irwin, Steve's wife? What an incredible woman! It just broke my heart to hear how she responded when asked what she would miss most. She said that Steve taught her how to have fun. That it was okay to play in the rain and getting muddy. It was okay to let the children get dirty. It's okay to spill ice cream on your pants, etc...

Sounds like he was really able to keep things in perspective AND make a huge difference in the world around him.

I'll never forget the summer that his movie came out. Jake wanted to see it cuz we loved his show. It was thee worst movie we had seen in a long time and so we ended up just laughing hysterically at the dorky scenes. People started to stare at us, especially when the fat person's butt was stuck in the bathroom window and then they farted! Tears were streaming down our faces. I was so embarrassed cuz I just couldn't stop laughing - neither could Jake. Hilarious!! But only because it was so incredibly bad!!

Good Conversation Starter

2006-09-25T16:13:00.000-07:00

A lot of conversation revolves around movies, games or music, so don't forget to check out this great website guys: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/index.cfm

A lot of us already use this site but it is such a great tool to pass on to anyone and could really enhance the dialogue. :0) People may get curious and wonder why you care about stuff like that.

JAKES HOMECOMEING FUND!!

2006-09-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. : ) i'm going to homecomeing this year and found out i'm in a bit of a quandry. the dashing young girl i plan to go with turns out to be more amazing than was first thought. one had not thought it possible for anyone to be so amazing. So in closeing i'm calling out to my relatives to throw in the well deserved $1000 dollors i'll be needing from all of you to make this night a most memorable night indeed.

Jake

Would you use this?

2006-09-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

For some reason, this just really grosses me out. I know it's practical and a lot more hygenic than a pit terlet, but still....It just kind of reminds me of a giant pooper scooper baggy.

Yay Costco, Indeed!

2006-09-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

I was in a quandry for what to fix for dinner one night when I suddenly recalled the ginormous bag of Costco burritos in my freezer. Ah ha, I thought, I can fool everyone! I will simply put them in a baking dish, cover them with enchilada sauce and grated cheese and some sliced black olives and Viola! Enchiladas for dinner! Plus, I won't have to burn myself deep frying the stinkin' tortillas! Success was mine! I called Jake and Joel to dinner. Jake came into the kitchen and asked what we were having. "Enchiladas!" I said triumphantly. "Yum!" he said hungrily. He stopped to gaze at the pan and as I turned to the sink, I saw him, out of the corner of my eye, go to the fridge - thinking he was just getting something to drink. When I turned around, there was Jake holding one of the prepackaged burritos - looking at it, looking at the pan, looking at me. Looking at it, looking at the pan, looking at me. Slowly shaking his head in disbelief that I had sunk to such extremes..... Busted!

I was dying laughing - as I beat the tar out of him!!!!!

Is Breakfast Really The Most Important Meal Of The Day?

2006-09-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

I personally do not think so. If I eat breakfast I am starving by 10:00 AM and basically for the rest of the day. I personally prefer to fuel up on COFFEE, sweet, beautiful, coffee......

Do you eat breakfast? If so, what's your favorite breakfast food and/or what do you usually have?

Sheesh, just thinking about now I'll be hungry all day!

Deep, deep thoughts with Didy. Seriously, it will help us get to know each other and we have to kind of ease into this. :0)

Woo Hoo! Amazing Race!!

2006-09-18T05:56:00.000-07:00

Which team is your favorite?? So far, I like the Korean brothers - but we will see how the TV editing changes my view point down the road.

My question to you is this: If you were chosen to compete on Amazing Race and you could have any partner, living or dead (except Jesus cuz that would be cheating!), who would you choose and why?