Turtle-man

Come to KY and you are certain to find some type of adventure. It just so happened that while the Deckers in town for a visit, we were able to go to the Sportsman's Warehouse to meet the famous Turtle-man of Kentucky (visit www.turtle-man.com). The minute we walked in, the Turtleman started moving in on my woman. But being secure in my marriage, I allowed one dance (email me for a short video of them dancing the 1-2-3).

When the dance concluded, it was time to start 'wrastlin' turtles in a tug-o-war. Both Jack and Zack were bested by the beast....

...but Melissa prevailed (although some may claim she cheated). Turtles 2 - humans 1. I also have a video of Melissa's tug-o-war per request.

Finally a photo op with the man himself. Live action! Ya ya ya ya ya!

Other adventures were had that weekend, but I am not sure anything will top the Turtleman experience for quite some time. It's Snapperlicious!!!

MUSINGS FROM MOM

"Bless a thing and it will bless you. Curse it and it will curse you....If you bless a situation, it has no power to hurt you, and even if it is troublesome for a time, it will gradually fade out, if you sincerely bless it."--Emmet Fox
Blessing whatever vexes us is the spiritual surrender that can change even troublesome situations for the better. Blessing the circumstances in our lives also teaches us to trust in the Lord. Start by counting your blessings. Make a spiritual inventory of all your blessings. See if you can get to one hundred. So much good happens to us, but in the rush of daily life we often fail even to notice or acknowledge it. Writing it down focuses our attention on the abundance already within our grasp and makes it real.
In light of some of the troubles and struggles all of you have at times, the state of the economy, the wickedness in the world and the challenges of raising a righteous family , I just want you all to know how proud I am of each one of you and your darling spouses for the way you handle adversity. I urge you to keep being faithful . Remember the covenants you have made. Focus on Heavenly Father and all of the blessings you have, be positive and keep on the look out for opportunities to serve others. It's through service to others that we are often able to recognize how truly blessed we are. I love you all and pray for each one of you each and every day!

We may not be as fancy as Mom and Dad, but we were busy with our laundry "room" (ok, it's a closet) as well! This was my Valentine's present and it made me very happy!!!

This is the before...we tore out the rickety old shelves that blocked the washer lid and did not go all the way to the wall: i.e. everything fell off the sides! Grrr!!
Ta-da! Finally some decent and functional storage.

MUSINGS FROM MOM

This is a cute quote by Erma Bombeck: “I always had a dream that when I am asked to give an accounting of my life to a higher court, it will go like this: ‘So, empty your pockets. What have you got left of your life? Any dreams that were unfulfilled? Any unused talent that we gave you when you were born that you still have left? Any unsaid compliments or bits of love that you haven’t spread around?’“And I will answer, ‘I’ve nothing to return.. I spent everything you gave me.’”

The laundryroom project...I wish I'd taken "before" pictures, but these are the "after" pictures showing the built-in clothes hampers and the recently un-stacked washer/dryer with the new cabinets above them.

read it and weep, friends!

Proof is in the puddin'...look who she's hugging!

Read it and weep

Happy Birthday Big Momma

The birthday wish is a couple of days late - sorry. But nobody else put a post on the blog anyway. So hope you had a good one "big momma."

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday to a man in touch with his inner bunny.
We love you!

HPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AND ALL

Greetings. I just wanted to let you all know everything is fine here in Lunch Lady Land.

THANKS!!!!

Whoever got rid of the ric-rack.......THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Thank a Vet

I think I've sent to all of you Papa Ray's story about his service in the United States Army during WWII. Tuesday would be a good day to take it out, dust it off and read it! You could even call him and thank him for his service to our country. He really is quite awesome, as are the other vets who have served and are serving our country! God bless America! And....God bless Papa Ray!

My Old Washington Home

We don't have hills and mountains full trees with beautiful fall-colored leaves like youse guys in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Utah. But hey, we do have A tree that is cool. I love this time of year, but it is too short. Plus I feel cheated out of the whole month of September since it was mostly spent in the hospital. But on the other hand I'm VERY grateful to be able to enjoy October and the months beyond.

Pumpkin Patch Hell

While at the pumpkin patch this last weekend words failed me (I know, WHAT?) This doesn't mean anything became physical, I simply excused myself before I blew a gasket . . . this video says it all.

My Old Kentucky Home

Christmas 2008 gift list

Giver: ----- Givee:
Mom-------- Jason
Dad--------- Emily
Melissa----- Chris
Jason------- Mindy
Chris------- Melissa
Amy------- Gerene
Ben-------- Kallen
Mindy------ Amy
Emily------- Dad
Kallen------- Ben

Brian------- Brandon
Zack-------- Ethan
Taylor------ Jack
Ethan------- Hannah
Brandon---- Taylor
Jack-------- Zack
Hannah----- Brian

HEY!

I need the Christmas list thing of who has who....I have ideas and a little bit of motivation right now, so I think if I get started now (instead of 2 weeks before Christmas) I may actually finish my project/present on time this year! Help!! Also, are guns ok to give kids? What if they shoot marshmallows?

Patriot Day

Today is Patriot Day. We flew our flag at half-staff today in rememberance of those who died on 9/11. The scriptures tell us we can humble ourselves or be compelled to be humble. My prayer is that Americans can one day come together in faith as was witnessed on 9/11 and the days following. We will be humbled one way or another, it might as well be on our terms.

There's nothing gross about this Labor Day

Since the cartoon image (vaginal birth) of Labor Day I posted may have "grossed" more than one of you out, I wanted to post another tribute to the great day we call "Labor." So a big shout-out to all the men (and women) who work so hard to provide conveniences and preserve our way of life. In fact, I am not sure one "holiday" is enough to recognize all the efforts of our cowboys, construction workers, police officers, G.I.'s, bikers(?), and Native Americans. Hooray for Labor Day!!