Happy Mother's Day!

For those of you who are great moms, those of you who plan to be great moms and those who have great moms and those of you who had great moms...

~~~~~~~~~~

REAL MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;

they don't have have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils

are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,

filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough

doesn't come out of shag carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know

what the vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'

and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mom to Mother...

~~~~~~~~~~

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might k now a little bit about it.

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

~~~~~~~~~~

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in her face,but true beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she sh! ows,

and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up puke laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here".

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who can't be comforted. This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their refrigerator doors.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football , hockey or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.

For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14 year olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway?

Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?

The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?

The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home?

Or the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...

And mature mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all. For all of us.

Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them. And pray.

Please pass along to all the Moms in your life.

"Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall."

Please pass this to a wonderful mother you know. (I just did)

~~~~~~~~~~

A Newborn's Conversation With God

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'

~~~~~~~~~~

The Journey Of A Mother

For those who are fortunate enough to still be blessed by having yourMom with you, this is beautiful...For those who aren't... it is even more beautiful. It takes my breath!

The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the longway?" she asked. And the guide said "Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning"

Since the young mother was happy, she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, and taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike and reminded them to feed the dog, and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."

Then the nights came, and the storms, and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms, and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, "A little patience and we are there." So the children climbed, and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world. Year after year, she showed them compassion, understanding, hope, but most of all... unconditional love.

The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."

And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill, they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide. And mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey."

And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them. And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates." And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence."

Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winter's day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is Christmas morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every tear drop. A mother shows every emotion... happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrow... and all the while, hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.

She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you.

Not time, not space... not even death!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quote of the day:

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes by dozens and hundreds. Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows,

brothers, and sisters, aunts and cousins,

but only one mother in the wholeworld.

~Kate Douglas Wiggin

Super Saturday!

Well since I missed our Friday Free for All...It's going to be a Super Saturday...lots of stuff for you to check out today....


~~~~~~~~~~


I guarantee you will remember the ‘TALE OF THE WOODEN BOWL’ tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now!


A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in- law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.


But the elderly grandfather' s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.


The son and daughter-in- law became irritated with the mess. 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'


So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.


Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl!


When the family glanced in Grandfather' s direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.


The four-year-old watched it all in silence.


One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?'


Just as sweetly, the boy responded, 'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.


The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.


That evening the husband took Grandfather' s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.


On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.


I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.


I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.


I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.


I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.


I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.


But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.


I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.


I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.


I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.


People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.


I've learned that I still have a lot to learn!


-author unknown


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The Prayer Garden


It is very interactive. Click on the link below, and then when you click "Enter" you will see
the gate to the Prayer Garden.

A lightning bug will land on the gate. Click on him and the instructions will open. Close them after you have read them, then drag the key over to the gate lock. You have to get it in just the right position (point your cursor right at the keyhole) to unlock the gate, and then you enter the Garden. Read about the fountain, then click on Enter again. The lightning bug lands on the rock wall around the fountain. Click on him, and you will see the rocks around the fountain light up (mine didn't really light up) . Click on each one to read a pretty message. The sound of the fountain is really relaxing, isn't it? If you get stuck anywhere click on the lightning bug. (There is still more to the journey)

This is a journey. You will see stick by the rivers that will help you release your sins and
burdens, scrolls that will help you find the path to peace. Journey through the garden and find
comfort in knowing the Lord walks with you.

http://www.prayerforthenations.com/prayergarden/flash.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~

Need a chuckle? Every day looks brighter when met with optimism!

I went into the gas station today andasked for five dollars worth of gas.....

The clerk pooted and gave me a receipt.

~~~~~~~~~~~

One of my best girlfriends sent me the following on gas stations cheating buyers and I am sure some are, so here is a way to check and see if you are being cheated:

On April 24, 2008, I stopped at a Kangaroo BP gas station, located at1325 Main Street, Cartersville, GA. My truck's gas gauge was on 1/4 of a tank.

I use the mid-grade, which was priced at $3.71 per gallon. When my tank isat this point, it takes somewhere around 14 gallon's to fill it up. When the pump showed 14 gallons had been pumped I began to slow it down, then to my surprise it went to 15, then 16.

I even looked under my truck to see if it was being spilled. It was not. Then it showed 17 gallons had been pumped.

It stopped at almost 18 gallons. This was very strange to me, since my truck has only an 18 gallon tank. I went on my way a little confused, then on the evening news I heard a report that 1 out of 4 gas stations had calibrated their pumps to show more gas had been pumped than a person actually got.

Here is how to check a pump to see if you are getting the right amount:

Whichever grade you are using, put EXACTLY 10 GALLONS in your tank, then look at the dollar amount. If the dollar amount is not EXACTLY 10 times the price of the fuel you have chosen, then the pumps are rigged.

In my case as I said the mid-grade was $3.719 per gallon, my dollar amount for 10 gallons should have been $37.19. If I had only check the pump.

It doesn't matter where you pump gas, please check the 10 gallon price. If you do find a station that is cheating, contact your state Attorney General. We need to put a stop to this outrageous cheating of customers. The oil companies are making enough profits at honest rates.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Theodore Roosevelt

The year is 1907, one hundred years ago...... READ PRINT UNDER PICTURE !

Theodore Roosevelt's ideas on Immigrants and being an AMERICAN in 1907.

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all.

We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

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If you missed hearing the US Army Band and Chorus welcome Pope Benedict XVI at the White House Rose Garden ceremony on 15 April, get a load of these High school kids. One of the fathers recorded it, added some graphic Enhancements to the recording, and posted it on the web. The song, of Course, is the 'Battle Hymn Of The Republic.' It will send a few shivers up your spine.
Now, click below!

http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm

~~~~~~~~~

Now tomorrow is Mother's Day and I plan to have some great things posted for Mother's Day, but it is not too late to know this....

Husbands, sons, even daughters...there is a Mother's Day tradition regarding corsages. You may think a corsage is old-fashioned, but what lady doesn't love getting flowers, and second, the older the lady, the more she will appreciate you knowing this tradition.

If the mother's mother is still alive, you give the mother a red corsage. If the mother's mother has passed on, you give the mother a white corsage. So in my family, I would get a red corsage and my mother would get a white one.

Until tomorrow.....

Thursday Trivia

I am sure many of you have heard many of these, but I doubt you have heard all of them, so....

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY...

1. DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE SWEATY THINGS.

2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.....

3. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.

4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?

5. THE MAIN REASON SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.

6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, 'WHERE'S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?' SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.

7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?

8. IF A DEAF PERSON SWEARS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?

9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?

10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?

11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO 'GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?'

12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?

13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?

14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?

15 WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?

16. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?

17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?

18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?

19. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?

20. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?

21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?

22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.

23. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?

24. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?

25. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?

26. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?

27. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?

28. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD 'LISP' TO HAVE 'S' IN IT?

29. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED 'HEMORRHOIDS' INSTEAD OF 'ASSTEROIDS'?

30. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?

31. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?

32. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL MAN IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES DOES HE BECOME DISORIENTED?

33. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?

The Mother's Day countdown...4 days to go

What are you doing for Mother's Day this year? I would love to host brunch at my house but it is in the midst of major redecorating and there is nothing but sheetrock on my dining room walls at the moment and a plywood floor. There is dust everywhere and definitely not conducive to entertaining. So HOPEFULLY, my daddy and my sweet husband will decide to take my mother and me out to eat.

But if I were to have a brunch, I might just be tempted to follow Miss Janice's Mother's Day Brunch. Here is what Miss Janice states in her newsletter this month:

Mother’s are the most important people in the world. If you are lucky enough to still have your mother, please honor her everyday and make this Mother’s Day special for her. In the South, ladies judge a gentleman by the way he treats his Mother. I can tell you that my brother loves and respects our mother and treats her like she’s the Queen. He’s always driving Miss Pauline all over the place (To Church on Sundays, to the beauty shop for her standing appointment every Friday morning, shopping, etc.—mother loves to scoot). On Mother’s Day in the South, ladies are given a red corsage if their mother is still alive and a white corsage if their mother has passed away; this is another sweet Southern tradition. Here’s my menu and tablescape for Mother’s Day using Accoutrements china, designed by Anna Griffin for Lenox:

Mother's Day Brunch Tablescape

Mother's Day Brunch Place Setting

Napkin ring (monogrammed, of course) and silver tray as charger plate

Brunch Egg Casserole

Menu:

Brunch Egg Casserole*
Fresh Mixed Fruit
Biscuits
Orange Juice
Coffee

*Recipe for the Brunch Egg Casserole
4 cups seasoned croutons
2 cups grated Cheddar Cheese
8 eggs, slightly beaten
4 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
8 slices bulk sausage, cooked, drained, and crumbled

Combine croutons and cheese and place into a greased 3-quart baking dish. Combine eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; mix until well blended and pour over the crouton mixture. Sprinkle crumbled sausage on top. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour. 8-12 servings.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whatever you do for your mother, or the mother of your children, make it special...

she deserves it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quote of the Day:

Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall;

A mother’s secret hope out lives them all.

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

It's election day in NC....

So if you are a North Carolinian, or your state is holding primaries today, PLEASE get out and vote!

A one in a million shot...

A Smile from God!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A good friend sent me this and I thought I would share...

Written by an Australian Dentist....and too good to delete....

To Kill an American

You probably missed this in the rush of news, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper, an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So an Australian dentist wrote an editorial the following day to let everyone know what an American is. So they would know when they found one. (Good one, mate!!!!)

'An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan.

An American may also be a Comanche, Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses.

An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of the world.

The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each person to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need, never asking a thing in return.

When Afghanistan was over-run by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!

As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. Americans welcome the best of everything...the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best services. But they also welcome the least.

The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who built America.

Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September 11, 2001 earning a better life for their families. It's been told that the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 different countries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aided and abetted the terrorists.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and other blood-thirsty tyrants in the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom.

Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little chuckle for you...

One day, Jimmy Jones was walking down Main Street when he saw his buddy Bubba driving a brand new pickup.

Bubba pulled up to him with a wide grin. Bubba, where'd you git that truck?!?'

Tammie give it to me' Bubba replied.

'She give it to ya? I know'd she wuz kinda sweet on ya , but anew truck?'

'Well, Jimmy Jones, let me tell you what happened. We wuz drivin' out on County Road 6, in the middle of nowheres. Tammie pulled off the road, put the truck in 4-wheel drive, and headed into the woods. She parked the truck, got out, threw off all her clothes and said,'Bubba, take whatever you want.'So I took the truck! '

'Bubba, yore a smart man! Them clothes woulda never fit you!'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And for my Proverbs 31 women, here is a website to check out:

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/

It's May 5th....

That means it is.....




I don't know much about this holiday, other than it can be quite the party so I looked up some information @ MEXonline. There is some good history but the following is actually what I found most interesting. It is information about Cinco de Mayo in the present. Check this out (all info can be found on the above link)



For the most part, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla. There is some limited recognition of the holiday throughout the country with different levels of enthusiasm, but it's nothing like that found in Puebla. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico. Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year.



I guess Americans just like to find a reason to party for anything.



Now me, I love a good party, but I love being on the beach even more. In fact, I pretty much am having beach withdrawals at this point in time. Don't worry, I have Jimmy Buffet playing most of the time and actually have the following picture as my background on my computer:

(feel free to download your own tropical wallpapers and buddy icons at Margaritaville.com. If you go to the home page, you can find the best Margarita maker, the most comfortable flip flops on the planet (trust me, I am a bare foot kind of girl, but I can actually live in these flop flops!!), cute clothes, info on his new book, tour dates, info on his charitable foundation and even listen to Margaritaville Radio live! Yes, I am a parrot head!!

But since it will be awhile before I make it to the beach, someone sent me the most amazing sand sculptures (there are some really talented people in this world) and I want to share them with you!

Pictures below are from a beach in Maryland . Isn't the artwork awesome? The man creates new ones each day, as the ocean washes away his work every day. This is Chuck Ritchey, Sr. The author of the original email states: I have watched this man work on the beach at Ocean City , MD. Each time I watch him I marvel at his talent and fortitude because it is true that his works get washed away with the tide and he does them again. He is certainly a witness for Jesus Christ as thousands of people, in the course of a day, view his work and watch as he crafts his treasures. May his message be viewed by many.

What an amazing painter....

Did you know that God has his own paint set? This day he just dropped the entire paint set on the world. This is a real place outside Bakersfield, California:

Take a look at more amazing artwork from God:

We live in an awesome world. Make it an awesome day.

Peace To All and May God Bless You.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

Friday Free for All.....

and boy do I have much for you today! First off...my Celebrations for May:

BIRTHDAYS

May 12: Aunt Alease

May 13: Brad

May 15: my beloved granddaddy (R.I.P.)

May 20: Ricky

ANNIVERSARIES

May 24: Rob & Ashley

May 31: Jeff & Melissa

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to you all!!

Now: Yesterday was May Day!! And I forgot to wish everyone Happy May Day.

May is a month of exciting events:

Did you know there is a National Etiquette Week?? According to Miss Janice, "It was established by Sandra Morisset in 1997 and starts the second Monday in May. During this week, I ask that you all examine and improve your etiquette skills."

Here’s a list of Miss Janice’s top five etiquette faux pas:
~Failure to R.s.v.p.
~Not sending a thank-you note
~Talking while chewing your food
~Using a toothpick in public
~Forgetting to say “Please, Thank You, Yes Ma’am/Sir, or Excuse Me”

and I must say, many of these are my pet peeves and pet peeves to many of my friends, especially not RSVPing and not sending thank-you notes!

Well, tomorrow is the BIG DAY in the south....it is the 134th Kentucky Derby.

Run for the Roses
And they’re off! On Saturday at 6:04 p.m. E.S.T. it’s post time for the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. In the world of sports, there is not a more moving moment than the one when the horses step onto the track for the Kentucky Derby post parade

and the band strikes up “My Old Kentucky Home.”
Those ladies decked out in their spring outfits and gorgeous hats, what a fashion parade! On Derby Day it’s time for mint juleps*. It’s not surprising that mint juleps are popular in the South, mint is a symbol of hospitality and this drink brings forth the ideal image of genteel gatherings sprinkled with that sweet Southern drawl…

*Recipe for Mint Julep
1 tblsp. granulated sugar
8 mint leaves
1 tblsp. water
4 oz. good Kentucky bourbon
Crushed ice
Sprig of fresh mint

Place sugar and mint leaves in a small bowl. Bruise mint well and muddle with sugar until they from paste. Add water and stir well. Add bourbon; pour into julep cups (which have been frosted in the freezer) and fill with crushed iced. Insert sprig of fresh mint and a silver straw.

Each julep should be made separately.

Note: It is considered proper to drink mint juleps with a sterling mint julep straw/spoon. Simply use the spoon to stir the julep and sip your beverage through the tiny hole at the end.

This is one of the very few times a lady should use a straw to drink a beverage.

It’s also acceptable to use a straw when you are drinking a coke out of a can or when you’ve “taken ill and are in the bed.”

Can you possibly get more Southern?

All above information & pictures on Manners Week and the Kentucky Derby came from

Miss Janice's newsletter.

http://www.missjanice.com/

I will have more from Miss Janice this week to help you prepare for Mother's Day on May 11th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SCHOOL -- 1957 vs. 2007

Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school,

pulls into school parking lot with shot gun in gun rack.

1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and

gets his shotgun to show Jack.

2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counsellors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.

2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class,

sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD.

School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his

Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college,

and becomes a successful businessman.

2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang.

State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.

2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations.

Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.

1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.

2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum.

Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living

because he cannot speak English.

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.

1957 - Ants die.

2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called.

Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list

and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have not checked out the following with snopes.com nor on my on cell phone because I don't have one, but the info sounds good and you may try it out on your own:

5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do

For all the folks with cell phones.

(This should be printed and kept in your car, purse, wallet. Good information to have with you.)

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.

Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST

Emergency: The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND

Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!'

THIRD

Hidden Battery Power: Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.

FOURTH

How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following digits on your phone: *#06#. A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will then be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back,

but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.

If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing mobile phones.

And Finally....FIFTH

Free Directory Service for Cells: Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this situation even more of a problem.&nb sp; When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial: (800)FREE411, or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell phone now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I just wanted you to know I have entered the snapdragon part of my life.

Part of me has snapped...

And the rest of me is draggin'!

Quote of the Day:

The world's favorite season is the spring.

All things seem possible in May.

~Edwin Way Teale

Trivial Thursdays

Let's spread some more stupidity today folks! Some things that make you go hmmmm......

Only in America ......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America ......do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America ......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America ......do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America ......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America ......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

Only in America ......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER ....
Why the sun lightens our hair,but darkens our skin?
Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?
Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?
Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?
Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons? Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?
Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?
Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?
Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?
Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?
Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?
If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle)...in other words, send it to everyone. We all need to smile every once in a while.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now for some not so trivial.....

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had, that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment, and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:

"Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot, I don't know how. It is not fair Lord, I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray you teach me to do the one thing I cannot do: Teach me to forgive ."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground.

He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie?" He asked? The man answered - "Yes, Lord."
"Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?" The man answered - "Yes. Lord." And the man sobbed more and more.
"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?" Jesus asked?
And the man answered, "Yes, Lord."
"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?" The man, crying now, answered - "Yes, Lord."
As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - "Yes, Lord".

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now an oldie but a goodie to give you more chuckles:

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables; and when he picked up a CD player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head and continued. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."

Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot. Did you say that?" He hissed at the parrot.

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?"

"Moses," replied the bird.

"Moses?" the burglar laughed . "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?"

"The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And finally, some Patriotism for this terrific Thursday God has blessed us with:

I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!

It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a problem in having 'In God! We Trust' on our money and having 'God' in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I believe it's time we stand up for what we believe!