ETBC Homecoming 2007 Slide Show

This is our trip in a nutshell - we had such a blast, I can't wait to go back next year!

ETBU Homecoming 2007 - Day 2

Today has been completely hectic. But we got to see a lot of people and it was so good to spend time with them. When I get back home, I am going to post all the pictures, but here's a great one from today! Gotta love that college!!


Am I the only one who sees a problem with this picture???

ETBU Homecoming 2007 - Day 1

I'm in Marshall Texas this weekend attending my college reunion with my two friends Patti & Kathy. We actually went to ETBC which was, of course, before they upgraded to University from College. Kathy and Patti both flew in yesterday. Kathy flew all the way from Canada and Patti flew in from Corpus Christi. It was great to see them and Kathy didn't know Patti was coming so we totally surprised her - it was great!

We drove to Marshall today and attended the Friday Night Follies, the late night breakfast in the cafeteria and then the bonfire to get us pumped up for tomorrow's football game. I am posting a couple of pictures from tonight. Kathy is on my right and Patti is on my left. The second picture is Kathy & Patti at the bonfire. More pictures tomorrow!

Fun Site for the Kids - Sketch

Now your kids can draw right on their computer monintors....uh...so to speak! This site is like a virtual sketch pad. There is a full palette of colors, you use your mouse to draw, color or write on the pad. There is also an eraser and white out. The REALLY cool thing about this site is that you can save your drawings/writings right on the site and come back later! AND, you can look at other people's drawings also - it's very cool! So, check it out, and be sure to give your kids some playing time also!   Sketch

The Superman Game

This is a really addicting game but it is SO fun! In this game you are Jimmy Olson, the Daily Reporter's star photographer. Your job is to take some pictures of Superman for the front page - the better your picture, the higher the score. Try and play this game only once - I double dawg dare ya! Enjoy!

The Superman Game

LIVE from South Africa's Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve - It's Africam!!!

Hey All - This is one of the coolest sites on the web! Africam is a live stream of the watering hole (Nkhoro Pan) on the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa. It's live 24/7 and you can see pretty much any animal Africa has to offer. This is a great site for kids....some say even better than going to the zoo! You can see Elephants, Giraffes, Monkeys, Zebras, Hippos, Water Buffalo, Wart Hogs, Gazelle, Hyenas, Anteaters, a million types of birds, - really every kind of African wildlife! It can be addicting so watch at your own risk!

When you click on the link below, it will take you to the site where you'll be stuck with a 30 second commercial, but it's worth it! Once you have it open, if you'll double click on the Africam screen, you can make it full screen on your computer. Then, just double click the screen again to make it regular size.

Even at night, you can see the watering hole because they put a night vision lens on the camera, and there's a microphone that captures all the sounds. There are camera operators there during the day and sometimes they're there at night so if something is going on, the camera operator will move the camera around so you can see.

There are also several forums so you can learn what's going on and about the animals - it's something the whole family can do together!

*Note to Parents* - Because this is a live site, it does not cut to commercial when a lion takes down a water buffalo. This sorta thing doesn't happen often at the watering hole, but it has happened two or three times in the past year, so I just want all the parents to be aware of this....this is real life nature.

So, have a vicarious wildlife adventure - Click here to go to Africam!! Let me know what you think!

The Babies

Will you just look at these faces??!! Aren't they the cutest?! Of course, Taylor would be highly offended if he heard me call him a baby - thankfully he hasn't learned to read yet! From left to right: Trace, Logan, Emma Truth and Taylor. These are my "great-babies!" I am their Great Aunt - just wanted to brag a little today! And, we are expecting another cute little boy - woohooo!

The Ant

While sitting outside enjoying the day, I watched as an ant tried to get from one side of the deck to the other. Easy enough you’d think, except he was carrying a leaf about 5 times his size. The leaf was so big that he could not see where he was going. He walked around in circles for several minutes and then finally got himself straightened out, but it took him about 10 minutes to get 3 feet, A) because he couldn’t see where he was going and kept veering off the path he was trying to travel, and B) the leaf was so heavy that it was slow going all the way. I watched him in complete fascination wanting to see how the journey ended. Suddenly, the ant fell into a hole, leaf and all. He tried his best 3 or 4 times to get climb out, but kept falling back in, never once letting go of the leaf. He was still struggling to get out when I went back inside. I wasn’t too worried because, as I was walking inside, I noticed that there were other ants hurrying to the rescue.

For whatever reason this stayed on my mind for most of the evening as I considered myself. How like that ant I am, more days than not, determined to carry a big ol’ burden that is clearly too heavy too handle by myself. Not able to see where I am going, falling into depression (holes) that I can’t seem to climb out of, mainly because I won’t put my burden down long enough to find the way out. I wear myself out in every way lugging that burden around and I waste so much time along the way because the load is so heavy I can’t seem to walk very far at all.

I am so thankful that God sends my family and friends to my rescue, along the way, not only to help me carry my burden, but to encourage me to put it down. Actually, I don’t have to carry the burden at all…..it is too big most days. But, He has made a provision for His stubborn, determined child. He has placed wonderful people in my life to help me get where I am going, burden and all. Thank you, Jesus, for your love, your patience and your strength. I know You will never "leaf" me to myself, or let me stay in a hole too long, without sending help. You are awesome!

Ween Thanksmas

I saw my first Christmas commercial this morning. And when I went to Walmart yesterday, all the Christmas everything was already on display. It's October 21st. Here in Houston we're still waiting for Fall to kick in. Halloween isn't until the end of this month and Thanksgiving is only recently on our minds. But there it was, the commercial with the Christmas tree being decorated, Deck the Halls playing in the background and where to get your kids' Christmas presents on the banner display. And so it begins....

The Bet

Terah and I had a bet about a car - whoever lost the bet had to post that they were wrong on their blog and buy the other one the soft drink of their choice....I am happy to say that Terah was wrong! No, really, Terah was right and I was wrong!! Gosh, I love being an Aunt! Woohoo!

From The Inside Looking Out

For all of you who are dealing with snow in the northern areas, yesterday was pretty much the first day here in Houston that we've had cool weather for the entire day. And, please let me clarify that "cool weather" means it didn't make it all the way to 90 degrees. As a matter of fact, when I awoke yesterday, it was in the upper 50's - I was so excited that I bought donuts for my department at work!

It was absolutely gorgeous all day....which presented sort of a problem which was my having to be indoors at work! So, I took a picture from my desk to show you the torture I had to endure. This is what I had to look at ALL day at work yesterday....have you seen a prettier blue sky? I'm sure now, you can feel my pain.....sigh......

Today is supposed to be just as pretty so all you Houstonians, get outside and play!

Code Name "Milan"

So, have you seen the new computer that is coming out by the end of this year? It's a "surface" or "table top" computer that looks like a coffee table. It will do away with mice and wires and keyboards - it is all by touch. BUT - you might want to wait a couple of years before you get one - the starting price on these babies is anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000!! Watch the video below to learn more about these awesome machines! Post a comment and let me know what you think!

A Place Between Us

Got another great web site for you today! Friend and co-worker Sharon told me about this and it's very cool! It works like this - say you want to meet a friend for coffee at Starbucks, or a buddy for golf. On this site you will put the address, or even just the city of where both of you are coming from and it will tell you where all the coffee shops or golf courses are that are in your path toward each other. Across the city or across the country! You can be as broad as "coffee" or as specific as "Starbucks." So, for today, check out A Place Between Us.   Thanks, Sharon!

Message Maps

Hey Everyone! I saw this on the news this morning and Google has added features to their maps. Now you can send messages right from where your house is on the map! Just put in your address and drag the marker where your house is and you can send your message in smoke signals. Or, create a message on the Hollywood sign, write in lights on a skyscraper or put your face on the Statue of Liberty with a message....it's very cool! Go to Message Maps to check it out! Have fun!

Remember Your First Job Search?

I took my niece, Terah, last night to fill out her very first job application. A lot of preparation went into this. We talked about what to wear, the kinds of questions that might be on the application and we practiced interviewing for two days in the event that someone would want to talk to her right after she filled out the application. She, of course, was very nervous about the whole thing and it brought back memories of applying for my first job.


  If you'd like to offer encouragement, or share your first job   search story or even offer some advice, please post a comment   and I will relay it to her.

  My advice was NOT to take a friend with her or cut up during   the interview.....sigh.....I would have really liked that job at Dairy Queen......

A Mother's Bible

I do not know who wrote this. I did not, but it is one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my whole life! So, enjoy!

A Mother's Bible

Laws Pertaining to Dessert

For we judge between the plate that is unclean and the plate that is clean, saying first, if the plate is clean, then you shall have dessert. But of the unclean plate, the laws are these: If you have eaten most of your meat, and two bites of your peas with each bite consisting of not less than three peas each or in total six peas, eaten where I can see, and you have also eaten enough of your potatoes to fill two forks, both forkfuls eaten where I can see, then you shall have dessert.

And if you try to deceive by moving the potatoes or peas around with a fork, that it may appear you have eaten what you have not, you will fall into iniquity. And I will know, and you shall have no dessert.

Laws When at the Table

And if you are seated in your high chair, or in a chair such as a greater person might use, keep your legs and feet below you as they were. Neither raise up your knees, nor place your feet upon the table, for that is an abomination to me. Yes, even when you have an interesting bandage to show, your feet upon the table are an abomination, and worthy of rebuke.

Drink your milk as it is given you, neither use on it any utensils, nor fork, nor knife, nor spoon, for that is not what they are for; if you will dip your blocks in the milk, and lick it off, you will be sent away.

When you chew your food, keep your mouth closed until you have swallowed, and do not open it to show your brother or sister what is within; I say to you, do not so, even if your brother or your sister has done the same to you.

And though the pieces of broccoli are very like small trees, do not stand them upright to make a forest, because we do not do that, that is why.

Sit just as I have told you, and do not lean to one side or the other, nor slide down until you are nearly slid away. Heed me; for if you sit like that, your hair will go into the syrup. And now behold, even as I have said, it has come to pass.

Laws on Screaming

Do not scream; for it is as if you scream all the time. If you are given a plate on which two foods you do not wish to touch each other are touching each other, your voice rises up even to the ceiling, while you point to the offense with the finger of your right hand; but I say to you, scream not, only remonstrate gently with the server, that the server may correct the fault.

Likewise, if you receive a portion of fish from which every piece of herbal seasoning has not been scraped off, and the herbal seasoning is loathsome to you and steeped in vileness, again I say, refrain from screaming. Though the vileness overwhelm you, and cause you a faint unto death, make not that sound from within your throat, neither cover your face nor press your fingers to your nose.

For even not I have made the fish as it should be, behold, I eat it myself, yet do not die.

Law of Forbidden Places

Of the beasts in the field, and of the fishes of the sea, and of all foods that are acceptable in my sight you may eat, but not in the living room.

Of the hooved animals, broiled or ground into burgers, you may eat, but not in the living room.

Of the cloven-hoofed animal, plain or with cheese, you may eat, but not in the living room.

Of the cereal grains, of the corn and of the wheat and of the oats, and of all the cereals that are of bright color and unknown provenance you may eat, but not in the living room.

Of quiescently frozen dessert and of all frozen after-meal treats you may eat, but absolutely not in the living room.

Of the juices and other beverages, yes, even of those in sippy cups, you may drink, but not in the living room, neither may you carry such therein. Indeed, when you reach the place where the living room carpet begins, of any food or beverage there you may not eat, neither may you drink.

Laws Concerning Face & Hands

Cast your countenance upward to the light, and lift your eyes to the hills, that I may more easily wash you off. For the stains are upon you, even to the very back of your head, there is rice thereon. And in the breast pocket of your garment, and upon the tie of your shoe, rice and other fragments are distributed in a manner wonderful to see.

Only hold yourself still; hold still, I say. Give each finger in its turn for my examination thereof, and also each thumb. Lo, how iniquitous they appear. What I do is as it must be; and you shall not go hence until I have done.

Various Other Laws, Statutes & Ordinances

Bite not lest you be cast into quiet time. Neither drink of your own bath water, nor of the bath water of any kind; nor rub your feet on bread, even if it be in the package; nor rub yourself against cars, nor against any building; nor eat sand.

Leave the cat alone, for what has the cat done, that you should so afflict it with tape? And hum not the humming in your nose as I read, nor stand between the light and the book. Indeed, you will drive me to madness. Nor forget what I said about the tape.

Complaints & Lamentations

O my children, you are disobedient. For when I tell you what you must do, you argue and dispute hotly even to the littlest detail; and when I do not accede, you cry out, and hit and kick. Yes, and even sometime do you spit, and shout "stupid head" and other blasphemies, and hit and kick the wall and the molding thereof when you are sent to the corner.

And though the law teaches that no one shall be sent to the corner for more minutes than he has years of age, yet I would leave you there all day, so mighty am I in anger. But upon being sent to the corner you ask straight away, "Can I come out?" and I reply, "No, you may not come out."

And again you ask, and again I give the same reply. But when you ask again a third time, then you may come out.

And you shall remember that I am that I am; before, after, and until you are twenty-one. Hear me then, and avoid me in my wrath, O my children.

Here's Today's Challenge!!

Rearrange the letters in "NEW DOOR" to form one word. Post a comment when you figure it out!

Anita Renfroe - Mom's Overture

If you're a Mom, you've said it....if you're a kid, you've heard it...enjoy!!

Frick and Frack

This is my niece Jaz, with cousin Terah. There are not enough hours to tell you all the stories of how much trouble these two got into together when they were little. Let's see....there was the time they left the house at two years of age, in 27 degree January weather, dressed only in their underwear, hair sopping after their baths. I followed them to see where they thought they were going...when I caught up to them, Terah was lovingly explaining to Jaz that the whole neighborhood was hers....uh, Terah's - NOT Jaz's. Oh, and then there was the time they poured out about 80 dollars worth of Bubbles, Body Bath, Shampoo, Conditioner, etc....trying to make bubbles in the bathtub. I guess great minds think alike! And, I do love the time that Jaz grabbed Terah and pushed her safely out of the way of an "Ant Puddle." Never a dull moment with these two! Aren't they the cutest?!

Oh, The Injustice!

My niece, Terah, gave my dog, Sadie, pigtails. I still laugh everytime I look at it!

The W's - The Devil Is Bad

Hillsong - "Everyday," and "Shout Your Fame"

If I went to this church, I would be very skinny! These are both great videos!