Life on Balfour Place

I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SEE MY NAME

2011-10-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Associated with the word divorce, but that seems to be what is happening.

The man that I have always loved and trusted completely violated that love and trust. At some point he decided that it would be the right thing to do to have an affair and continually lie about it.

As I recover from this I thought that I would write about it. I still find myself in disbelief. After 34 years of marriage I thought that we had managed to get through the stressful times. As a friend says "Isn't this the time of our lives in which we discover who we are". That was like a light bulb going off on in my head. That is what I thought I was doing. Now I am being forced into a life I didn't want.

Babies are Funny

2009-06-27T07:49:00.004-05:00

I have been in Houston for a few days visiting Lucas, Kelly, and Lincoln. Yesterday Kelly was making noises while playing with their dog, Wembley. For some reason Lincoln thought that was so funny and started laughing. He laughed so hard that he got the hiccups.

Have you ever noticed that when babies laugh everyone laughs!

Liz

And We Are Off. . .

2009-06-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

Today we are off on a trip to Washington DC. We have never been and this is also a trip that we have never done before. We are spending a week on vacation with my parents and my brothers. We will either return loving each other more (hopefully) or hating each other.

Due to the persistence of my mother one of the things that we will get to do is go to the White House. I don't think that Obama will be there to personally welcome us.

This trip has been a year in the making. We will be renting a house and touring as many things as possible. We have tickets for many attractions and our itinerary planned.

This will definitely be a memorable trip of a lifetime.

Liz

Surprise!

2009-06-02T07:55:00.003-05:00

This is my husband with his dad and his very loving stepmother. Over the weekend we had a surprise birthday party for my husband. His birthday had been the weekend before but we delayed the party.

It was a small gathering due to other family members having plans or choosing not to come. It was their loss because we had a good time.

The party was held at my daughter's and son in law's home and we had told my husband that we were having an open house so he had no idea that it was really a party for him. He was so surprised and for hours afterward he asked if we had really planned this for him. He was worth all the planning and preparation.

Thank you Breanne and Zac-the two of you really did a lot of work to get ready for this.

Liz

My Weekend

2009-06-01T13:13:00.003-05:00

Over the weekend these people were our guests:

I always feel honored when they come to visit. I especially like spending time with this little guy:

I even got to babysit while they went to the movie.

It was a good weekend.

Liz

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T21:31:00.002-05:00

Photo from Flickr

Thank you to those that have willingly served our country. I am so grateful that so many have made the sacrfice so that I can live in a country in which I can freely worship my Lord and that I have the freedoms that I enjoy

Liz

Lincoln at 5 Months

2009-05-19T12:29:00.003-05:00

Lincoln is 5 months old today and he is just the cutest thing. There are times that he looks like Lucas did as a baby and then there are times that he reminds me of Kelly. They are coming next week and I am pretty excited. We haven't seen them in person since March. There is a bonus to this visit. I get to babysit!

Kelly has a blog in which she gives away items as well as updates on their lives and experiences. You can find her at ourlincolnlog.blogspot.com.

Liz

A Day at the Beach

2009-05-11T07:15:00.003-05:00

For Mother's Day Lucas, Kelly, and Lincoln went to the beach. In the first photo it appears that Lincoln was unsure about the beach but the other two photos show that he was having a great time. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that Lucas was blowing raspberries on his stomach. Oh well at least it was a fun day for them, including Wembley the dog.

Liz

The Rain Gods Must Hate Me

2009-05-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Photo from Flickr

This is what it has looked like outside my window for over a week now. Don't get me wrong-I am thankful for the rain. I just wonder why it can't be spread out over several weeks instead of having it all at once.

This morning it was raining. According to the weather man on the news last night it was supposed to rain after midnight but then by this morning it would clear up and the rain would move on.

Since I had some Weed N Feed fertilizer I thought that it would be the perfect time to put it out. It stated that it needed to be put out when the grass was wet from dew and a sprinkling. Since it had not rained hard I thought this was the perfect opportunity plus I wasn't working today. I got out the fertilizer and poured it into the spreader. I got it out on the entire yard. I was happy.

After lunch I happen to look out and what do I see but RAIN. I guess now some of the weed killing particles of my fertilizer have been washing off and I will continue to have weeds. I think that this is the time that I will give up, wait until fall and put out pre-ermergent. Maybe by then the rain gods will have moved on to torture someone else.

Liz

Taks Test

2009-05-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

In Texas every year there is a test given in school. It is called TAKS-Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.

As a substitute I am grateful that the most I can do during TAKS testing is guard the bathroom. I am not certified and therefore cannot administer the test. Those administering the test can do nothing except sit and watch those taking the test. Guarding the bathroom is a much better job.

In recent years a new criteria has been added to the importance of the test. Those that are in 5th and 8th grade must pass the tests in order to go into the next grade. In high school a student must pass in order to receive a diploma. If the test is failed there are other opportunities to take it again and pass.

My biggest problem with the TAKS test is that teachers have to teach to the test. The textbooks are state which objectives are being taught and there are worksheets that correspond to the objectives.

I have a concern that students will graduate without a well rounded education. There are after school sessions that are devoted to preparing for the test as well as days right before the test that are reviews to prepare for the test.

I am glad that I do not have children that are going to school in Texas. They would be able to pass the TAKS test without any problems although I am not sure what else they would have learned in school.

Liz

Mouse Hunt

2009-05-04T18:22:00.002-05:00

Photo from Flickr

Mouse hunt-not the kind of hunt where you set the trap and when you hear the "Bang" you know that there will be a body to dispose of, and by the way I really think that is a picture of a gerbil but it was the best I could do in a short time.

This mousehunt is a game on Facebook. My son in law got me started on it and he was so excited that I was playing that I have continued. It gives us something to talk about and something in common.

In this mouse hunt basically all you do is click on this horn every 15 minutes and you go "hunting". You can catch a variety of mice and go to different levels after completing the level that you are currently on. There are different areas to hunt and different types of cheese. Every time you catch a mouse you are awarded with points and gold. The gold is used to buy more cheese and to travel to different areas as well as buy better mousetraps.

Sometimes you catch nothing and sometimes the mice steal your points or your cheese. That is my point-I am really tired of them stealing from me or finding my cheese stale. I have paid a pretty piece of gold for that cheese and it is not cheap. It isn't my fault that it has sat on the trap too long. If they would just stick their little necks in to get the cheese I would catch them and my cheese would always be fresh.

Liz

My Chauffeur

2009-05-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday the Fed Ex man stopped at our house. This is a rare occurrence and when it does happen it is usually for my husband. Since he works at home when he is in town all "important" company information is sent to him at our home via Fed Ex.

This time it was a surprise for us from our friends Robert and Patty. Since Richard was such a great chauffeur when we were in San Francisco they sent him the hat to go with the title. He thought that it was great and has been wearing it when he drives our car. He was even asking me where he could take me and calling me Miss Daisy.

In the Fed Ex package I received something that I cherish. It was a picture of the 4 of us in Napa with the word "Friends" on the glass. It was very appropriate.

Liz

Swine Flu

2009-04-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Unless you have been living under a rock then you know that everyone is talking about swine flu. It seems that it is the latest worldwide health threat .

In the Dallas metroplex a school district has closed one of their schools for the rest of the week. I am surprised that they would do that considering that this is TAKS testing week. For those of you not living in Texas it is the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. I won't give my opinion of the test here, I will save that for another post. Just believe me when I say that I think that if Christ were to return this week the state of Texas would ask if it could be postponed due to TAKS testing.

Back to the swine flu. I heard this morning that it will be the story for the rest of the week, the number of people diagnosed with it will increase and that ultimately someone will die from it. At least the media is preparing us.

For some reason I am not a person that is scared of this. Maybe it is because of my age :). I remember about 30 or so years ago that there was another swine flu outbreak. There were all the usual jokes about having the swine flu and displaying pig like symptoms. Then there was a shot to lessen the chances of getting the swine flu that we all flocked to get. Eventually there was no more talk of swine flu, which is what I think will happen this time.

If there becomes a shot available I will be getting one, but until then I will just continue my daily routine (if I have one) until the next worldwide health crisis.

Liz

I Am Done

2009-04-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am done, done, done,. . .with my long term job that is. I finished up yesterday and I was very happy. It was a pretty miserable 4 weeks. I just got so tired of the disrespect from the students.

The first week I cried every morning on my way to work. The teacher that I worked with wasn't also very helpful so I just had to try to figure out what I was supposed to do.

The second week I decided to listen to Rod Stewart (loudly) on my way to work. Normally I try to pray and then listen to somewhat mellow music as I drive to work. I decided I had to do something or I was not going to do a good job. The solution was to listen to Maggie May and other songs as I went to work. That helped immensely. I would be humming as I walked into the building.

The third week I only had to work 2 days because we went to San Francisco so I was just anxious to get there, get done, and get home. It was such a relief to be gone for those days that it made the last week bearable.

The last week and today I knew that I was in the home stretch and I could make it to the end. Today was the best day because there were very few students that came in to help due to preparing for state assessment testing the rest of the week.

The part I disliked the most during these weeks has been lunch duty. The students are even more disrespectful during that time and ignore most of what is said. Today I didn't even have to do lunch duty. What a way to end the assignment!

Hopefully I will get to have 2 days at home to get some things done before I go back to work. Thursday I already a job for that day-a Language Arts class. The teacher teaches both 6th and 7th grade. At least it will be a change in what I have been doing.

Liz

Friends

2009-04-27T07:13:00.002-05:00

As I had previously mentioned we traveled to San Francisco with our friends Patty and Robert and had a great time. This picture was taken while we were at Muir Beach. This is the one morning that had the typical morning fog.

We usually travel either alone or my mother goes with us sometimes. About 16 years ago we went to Santa Fe with another family and couple. That trip was a lot of fun but it is hard to arrange schedules so that others can come.

Our San Francisco trip was a year in t he making. I arranged the hotel and the rental car. When I do that I always worry that the others won't like it or that the hotel will be in a bad location. Believe it or not the internet pictures are not always accurate.

This time I managed to do well. The hotel was affordable with a hot cooked breakfast and was conveniently located 5 minutes away from the BART station, the only way to travel to downtown San Francisco. The rental vehicle was a midsize SUV, very affordable, and was just what was needed for 4 people.

We all had such a great time that we plan to go elsewhere, although it will probably be in a few years. With our children having babies we have to work around them.

Liz

Pool Cleaning Day

2009-04-25T21:32:00.002-05:00

Today was "clean the pool" day. Every year we say that this will be easier than last year but it never is. . .until. . .today.

We always say that we will run chlorine through the winter to make today easier. That doesn't seem to happen. It gets cold, the water stays clear, we don't see the need for chlorine, we have a warm winter day, and then BAM! the pool is green. I know it is hard to believe but it can get green overnight and then we realize that we don't have any chlorine and so it stays green. It doesn't help that we have trees in our backyard. Trees mean leaves that fall in autumn and many fall or blow into the pool. The chlorophyll leeches out of them into the pool water.

In the past we have spent a lot of money on chemicals to finally get the pool water clear and ready to swim. This year we got smart-we drained the pool. We realized that it might cost us $100 extra on our water bill but that was cheaper than all the chemicals that we have bought in the past.

It took almost all day to drain the pool. We had removed the leaves through the day to keep the drain clear so when the last water was sucked out we finished rinsing the sides and started filling it up. Easy, easy, easy.

Of course now that the water is clear we can see how badly it needs to be replastered. That will probably have to wait until next spring. My theory is that it holds water and I can swim.

Now if we can just remember to keep the chlorinator full this winter we won't be in this predicament again.

Liz

San Francisco

2009-04-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

Last week we met our very good friends Patty and Robert in San Francisco. We had the best time. How could it not be a great time since we were in one of my favorite cities with favorite friends.

My husband and I had been to San Francisco before but Patty and Robert had not so it was especially enjoyable. We spent a whole day in San Francisco seeing all the sights: Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, sea lions, Ghiardelli Square, Chinatown, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge and of course there were all the unusual people.

The next day we drove down Highway 1 south through Big Sur to Lucia Lodge. We made a drive through Pebble Beach and stopped at the Pro Shop before going on. As usual it was absolutely beautiful-the blues and greens of the water are breathtaking.

Our third day we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge on to Stinson Beach and then to Napa. The water at the beach was a little cold and we were amazed at the number of people that were there. The grape vines in Napa were just beginning to leaf out.

We ate good food and laughed a lot. A vacation shared with good friends makes great memories.

Liz

A Prisoner of Birth

2009-04-21T20:32:00.002-05:00

Picture by Flickr

I love books written by Jeffrey Archer. I have read many of his books and love the twists and turns throughout them. A Prisoner of Birth did not disappoint me. This book like so many of his others take place over several years. When I start them I always wonder if I am going to be able to get through the 600 pages but the more I read the more I want to find out what happens in the end. Isn't that how a book should be?

Liz

Easter

2009-04-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Photo from Flickr

Today is Easter. I will be spending the day with some of the people that mean the most to me, my parents, my brothers, my husband, my daughter, and my son in law. My son, daughter in law, and my grandson will be in Houston celebrating Lincoln's first Easter. We will miss them but maybe next year they will be able to spend Easter with us.

Everyday I try to thank God for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. I know that I am very often negligent in turning my eyes to Him and being thankful. Today I am most grateful for a Savior that loves me, that gave His life for me, and for being patient with me. I know that no matter what happens I am saved by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ.

Liz

March Madness Update

2009-04-07T07:21:00.002-05:00

March Madness is over for another year. Even though I was the only one in our pool to correctly pick the NCAA Basketball Tournament winner I didn't come in first. I came in second. . .by 2 points. It seems that I didn't correctly pick enough of the winners in the earlier games. At least I achieved my goal of not coming in last. In fact I think that this year was my best.

Liz

Wind, Wind, Wind

2009-04-02T07:16:00.002-05:00

Another windy day-the fourth in a row. I am so tired of the wind and today will be worse than the others. Today wind gusts could be 45-50 mph.

There is nothing like spending 45 minutes in the wind with 300 middle schoolers waiting for their teacher to come and take them back to the classroom. They are usually wound up and talkative. That has to be one of the longest 45 minute time spans of the day.

This is the end of the first week of my long term job. I already had plans for tomorrow so someone else will be there next week. I hope that next week will be less windy and more enjoyable.

Liz

My Long Term Job

2009-04-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week I started a subbing job for 4 weeks. I am filling in for the Content Mastery aide while she is doing her four week training for the Army Reserves.

This is not a position that I would normally do but it was several weeks of consistent work during a month in which I will be gone and there is also TAKS testing so I knew that subbing could be sporadic.

Content Mastery is part of special education. This is a room for students with learning disabilities. They can leave their regular classroom, bring their papers, and get individual help. Most of the students are at a very low reading level and can be discipline problems in the regular classroom because they try to cover up the fact that they are unable to keep up.

I do not take the subbing jobs in this room because these kids get used to the teacher and the aides that are in there consistently and they do not accept a different person helping them. There are many that already do not like me because I am the sub that tries to make sure they do the work that the teacher leaves for them and so they are not wild about me doing anything to help them. Maybe that will change during these four weeks.

Liz

My Kind of Stimulus Plan

2009-03-31T07:17:00.002-05:00

My husband was telling me this morning about a conversation he had with a man yesterday. This man passed along a stimulus plan that he had heard from someone else, and I really liked it.

This plan states that every employed (I added that part) American would receive $1,000,000. In order to receive that payment the person would have to quit his job, buy a new car, and pay off his mortgage. This would put money into the industries hurting the most-auto, housing, and employment.

I could support this plan-how about you?

Liz

Spring Flowers

2009-03-26T13:19:00.000-05:00

I love Clematis. I discovered it when we lived in Kansas. It grew prolifically there. I planted several while we were living there. The plants would bloom most of the summer as long as I would deadhead them.

When we moved to Texas I had been told that they would not grow well here. Imagine my surprise when I would see them for sale at Lowe's. I bought a few the first summer we were here and due to the drought we were experiencing at that time I had a hard time keeping them alive. Since then I have bought several more and planted at various places in our yard. The one pictured above is the only one that I have planted in a pot and I can say that it is hardy. It has had a hard time but this year it is looking the best that it has ever looked. It is the first one of all of my clematis to bloom and it is so pretty.

The others planted throughout the yard will be blooming soon. i am sure that they will be just as pretty as this one.

Liz

Job 19:25

2009-03-25T07:22:00.002-05:00

And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. (NAS)

Liz

Bluebonnets Are Here!

2009-03-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

Bluebonnets, bluebonnets, with your coats so blue,

Your white eyes are shining through the silvery dew.

We know you’re a dolly offered for the rain.

We know you’ll return again to Texas in the spring.

Spring is Here!!! In Texas Bluebonnets (the state flower) always announce the arrival of spring. It is always my favorite part of the springtime.

The legend of the bluebonnets state that an orphan Comanche Native American Girl gave up her doll as a sacrifice so that the rain would come and end the famine. Th words under the above picture was a song that I learned in 2nd grade and it comes to my mind every time I see a bluebonnet.

This year the bluebonnets are not as plentiful as in other years. The fall rain has a lot to do with the bluebonnet production. Two years ago there were fields and fields of bluebonnets due to the abundance of the previous fall rain. That year we the fields were blue with the thousands of bluebonnets. There is nothing like it.

This year I am happy seeing the small groups of bluebonnets by the side of the roads. For us it is a sign that spring is here.

Liz

March Madness

2009-03-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

My son and I are sports fans. It is something that we share and I love when he calls and wants to talk about a football game that we have both seen. We love football, soccer, and basketball playoffs. I am not one to watch the whole college or professional basketball season but I am there at playoff time.

A few years ago Lucas' father in law started a March Madness bracket and it only cost $5 to fill one out. I have faithfully filled one out through the years and have always lost, although not in last place.

This year Lucas took over administrating the brackets and making sure he reminds everyone fills theirs out on time. I have once again filled it out. I usually guess and so I am amazed some years that I don't end up in last place.

As in the years past it is fun to follow the games and everyone else's progress. Good Luck to all!

Liz

The Farm Entrance

2009-03-19T14:25:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I went to see my parent's. While I was driving up to their house I took the above video. It is almost a mile from the paved road to the house and since I was driving the video is a little shaky. If you get have a tendency to get motion sickness then the video might bother you. I was surprised at how green the grass was in the areas that were burned by the fire. In the video the cows are in the back pasture so it is a little hard to see them.

My brother, John, is there for a few days. He has been helping get some things done like doctoring the newer calves and trimming trees. All things I declined to help with.

It turned out to be a beautiful day. There was still some fog when I drove down but it quickly burned off. The spring is the prettiest time at the farm.

Liz

Like Father, Like Son

2009-03-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

When Lucas was a baby he would accomplish those milestones: smiling, laughing out loud, crawling, walking, talking, etc. Once he would do some of them he wouldn't continue to do them; it was like he knew he could do it and he didn't need to do it again.

This past weekend Lucas tried to get Lincoln to laugh out loud. Lincoln did laugh on Friday night but he never would do it again-no matter how much we all tried. I guess Lincoln decided to take after his dad.

Liz

Four Generations

2009-03-17T12:59:00.004-05:00

Four generations of Ward men.

From left to right: my grandson Lincoln Danger Ward (LD Ward), my father in law L D Ward, my son Lucas Daniel Ward (LD Ward), and my husband Richard Ward.

Liz

The Children

2009-03-15T17:27:00.001-05:00

Today was picture taking day. This is my children-my son and daughter in law with the baby and my daughter and son in law. I am so blessed.

Guess Who Is Coming?

2009-03-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Guess who is coming this weekend? Lincoln (and his parents) are coming. With a smile that sweet who couldn't be excited about them coming? I plan on loving and squeezing and holding him as much as I can all weekend long.

Liz

Our Denver Trip

2009-03-11T17:11:00.004-05:00

We did go to Denver. The surprise party was great. The youth minister didn't have a clue anything was happening until his blindfold came off and he felt very honored to have this many people come out to celebrate with him.

My daughter and I did get to have lunch with the pastry chef brother and I did score some cookies and bread. The weather was beautiful. We drove on to Vail so that we could see where my son in law had skiied last month. The snow was great, especially since the roads were clear and all we had to do was look at it. The above picture was taken between Keystone and Vail.

Saturday was spent shopping. We went to our favorite store, Gordman's. We do not have one in Dallas and I miss it so much. We seize any chance that we have to go to a Gordman's.

We had lunch at Casa Bonita. That is a "can't miss" place. The food is not the reason to go because it is mediocre at best. The inside is unbelievable. There are waterfalls, caves, and deluxe dining areas. While there you can enjoy diving from the cliff or a short skit. There is even a Black Bart Cave for the kids. Above all Casa Bonita has the best sopapillas around.

Sunday started with a drive up Lookout Mountain in Golden. We went up on the curvy 2 lane road that we had to share with bicyclers. This was only the second time that I have ever been up that road because I AM AFRAID OF HEIGHTS. Once we started driving we were committed because there is no place to turn around. I never plan on doing that again. The view was great but we went down the backside which is a gentle drive.

Next stop was Red Rocks Amphitheater area. We stopped and took pictures before going on to the amphitheater, the best place to go to a concert. The day was gorgeous-50's in Denver in March! We had experienced a brief flurry of snow the night before but then got up to a sunny day and loved every minute of it.

We had a great time and I was so glad that we got to spend a weekend together.

Liz

Off to Denver

2009-03-05T19:45:00.003-06:00

My daughter and I are off to Denver for the weekend. We are going there for a celebration tomorrow night. The man that was my youth minister when I was in high school is celebrating 40 years in the ministry. I am going to the surprise party.

We are also going to the Keystone Ski area to have lunch with my brother, the pastry chef. I think that I will get to score some cookies and bread from him while I am there. I love the M&M cookies he makes as well as the sourdough bread. Yum!

Liz

I Am A Lucky Woman

2009-03-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

I LOVE THIS MAN!

Ergun and Emir Caner

2009-03-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

Photo from Flickr

Sunday night my husband and I went to the First Baptist Church of Euless to hear two brothers, Ergun and Emir Caner (the above photo shows Ergun and I know it is small but it is the only decent one that I could find). They were brought up by Turkish parents that were practicing Muslims. As teenagers they were invited to a Christian church by a friend. Due to that friend's invitation these two men became Christians. Ergun is now the president of Liberty Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia and Emir is the president of Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia.

These 2 men were the most interesting speakers. They spoke for only an hour and I could have listened to them for another hour. They spoke of Islam and their personal insights into the religion and the fanaticism related to it. I encourage anyone to take the opportunity to hear them if they are ever in your area, you will not regret it.

Liz

Texas Independence Day

2009-03-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today is Texas Independence Day. It is the day that the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington on the Brazos. Today if you go to that small town you can visit the building in which this historic document was signed.

Later this week is the day that the Alamo fell. On March 6, 1836 the Mexican army lead by General Santa Anna charged into the Alamo and defeated the brave men defending the Alamo. Time has somewhat romanticized Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, William Barrett Travis as well as many of the events that had occurred while the Texans were defending the Alamo. The important thing is that these men gave their lives to gain freedom from Mexico.

As a person that grew up in Texas I have always known the story of the Alamo. When I became an adult I understood the pride that Texans have concerning their fight for their independence. I have always been proud of being from Texas and the struggle that was overcome so that our state could first be an independent country before joining the United States.

Liz

Fire at the Farm

2009-03-01T14:15:00.003-06:00

My parents live on a farm. The only thing that they raise is cattle. There are no chickens, pigs, goats, horses, or sheep, just cows. Right now things are very dry due to the lack of rain. There are burn bans everywhere with signs displayed throughout the area so that no one can say they didn't know there was a burn ban.

Yesterday my daughter and son in law went to the farm to see my parents and ride their four wheeler. As they pulled in a fire had just started on some adjacent land. The fire had started on someone's tractor-possible a bird nest that had been built on the underside of the tractor had ignited while the tractor was being used.

The fire spread quickly and soon jumped to my parent's land. Fire trucks from every close small town came to put the fire out. My father as well as men from the adjoining land plowed the ground to hopefully create a fire break. The good news is that the only fatality was a truck. A man that had been working had left his semi truck and flat bed trailer in the field. He had been called by several people but didn't come to move it. The tires melted from the heat. No homes or cattle were lost but my father will now be replacing 45 fence posts that were burned by the fire.

Liz

That Precious Smile

2009-03-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

When Lincoln smiles your heart will melt and you can't help but fall in love with him.

Liz

Rwayne Dennis

2009-02-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

Rwayne Dennis was my uncle. He died last week and his funeral was today. He had a military funeral and he deserved it. He served during an unpopular time-the Vietnam War. I feel that all our veterans deserve every honor given to them.

Rwayne was the brother closest to my mother in age. He and his wife didn't have any children but they always had dogs. My earliest memory of him was when I must have been about 4 years old. We had gone to their house and I went in only to be met with a huge dog. It was a boxer and I am sure that it was average height but to me it was enormous. It scared me to death but I was also curious because this dog had shoes on. It had baby shoes on it's feet so it would not scratch the floor. I know I had never seen a dog that wore shoes and I don't think I have seen one since. I know Rwayne always remembered this because he would tease me about it every time I saw him and now I am glad that the thought of it put a smile on his face.

Rwayne also fascinated me because he rolled his own cigarettes. This was a time before cigarettes came with warnings. I can remember watching him pour the tobacco into the paper, roll it up, lick the paper so it would stay closed, and then lighting it and smoking it. I know this wasn't a good example to set for a young child but when we would go to visit my grandparents I would always ask if "that man that rolled his cigarettes would be there". My youngest brother always knew him as the man with the fire lighter-that probably contributed to my brother's fascination with fire.

Unfortunately Rwayne's smoking habit caught up with him. About 5 years ago it was discovered he had lung cancer. Whether or not he would have lived longer than the 79 or 80 years he had already lived is unknown, except to God. What I do know is that at my grandfather's funeral he was a comfort to a 14 year old girl that had lost a man that she dearly loved and I will never forget that.

Liz

Dog Fight

2009-02-23T17:34:00.002-06:00

Our dogs were so funny this morning. I heard the most awful racket coming from the backyard and I thought that one of them must be hurt. I ran to the back door and saw that both of them were barking and snarling while trying to stick their noses under the gate.

I started yelling at them and then they turned on each other. It was like they were trying to take out their frustration by attacking one another. I kept yelling until they quit and then they walked on off like this was an every day occurrence.

I went back in the house and went outside through the garage. On the driveway there was a small dog with 3 grown men trying to catch it. It seems that it had gotten out of a backyard while these men were mowing the yard. It had run over to our house and our dogs were doing their best to be vicious. The 3 men finally succeeded in catching the dog and taking it home. Everything returned to normal.

Liz

My Husband

2009-02-21T07:20:00.003-06:00

My husband Richard is the best thing that ever happened to me. He is patient and loves me and most of all he puts up with me. He has also endured my family, which can be somewhat overbearing-mainly my father. He loves them and is always willing to help them.

Approximately 7 years ago a brain tumor was discovered on the right side of my husband's head. When you first hear that diagnosis your whole world suddenly falls apart. In my usual fashion I started thinking the worst and I should have trusted God. I did go to Him in prayer and we had so many people praying for us during that week. After having many tests done it was determined that it was non malignant and that surgery wasn't needed. He was to have follow up MRIs done every year, which he faithfully did.

Fast forward to 2007. During those 5 years nothing had really changed but he suddenly started having "deja vu" episodes. They started out as brief episodes but as time went on these "events" increased. Not knowing what was happening Richard first went to a cardiologist. Those tests showed no abnormalities so the next stop was a neurologist.

The neurologist did more MRIs and it showed that the brain tumor had begun to change and the "events" were coming from the tumor. Medication would control them briefly and then the tumor would overcome the medication and the "events" would return. Finally in September of 2007 we went to see the neurosurgeon.

Dr. Bruce Mickey has to be the kindest most optimistic neurosurgeon around. I will admit that my experience with doctors with that speciality is limited but he has been nothing but encouraging to us. He explained everything to us and performed the surgery on September 13, 2007.

The recovery period is long and the recuperation involves many ups and downs. Although they were able to get 95% of the slow growing tumor it is always in the back of our minds that the symptoms would return.

Richard has to go to see Dr. Mickey every 6 months and have an MRI done. Yesterday was one of those visits. We can't help but get anxious when these visits roll around. The visit was good-nothing has changed and everything is stable.

I have learned so much during these past years. The most important thing I have learned is that God is there always, even when I feel that everything is falling apart. During Richard's surgery there were people praying for us-people we didn't even know. I felt so calm and optimistic during that time and I am usually the one that is falling apart. I know that it was only because of those prayers lifting me up and God hearing them.

If today you feel that your world has been shaken turn to God-He is the constant in this ever changing world.

Liz

Note: The visits to the neuro-oncologist and the neurosurgeon were very positive today (Monday). Things are stable-return in 6 months.

The Tree Now

2009-02-15T13:22:00.001-06:00

This is how the tree looks now. It has been compacted and is ready to be picked up on Monday.

Liz

Timber

2009-02-14T15:26:00.003-06:00

After looking at the tree and discovering that it had split we knew that it would break again after another storm. So the decision was made to cut the tree completely down. We hated to do it but felt that we would have no choice.

My brother John came over to help so now the tree has been cut down and piled up at the street waiting for Monday when the trash is collected. Fortunately we live in a town in which anything (except hazardous material like paint is put out) is picked up. When I say anything I mean anything-hot water heaters, furniture, etc.

Liz

Beethoven and Bizet

2009-02-14T15:20:00.002-06:00

On Thursday and Friday I substituted in choir. My best threat was if they didn't behave I would sing for them and I knew they didn't want that.

On Thursday some of the classes had to read some articles. One was on Jason Mraz and the other was about the birth of Rock and Roll. One of the articles mentioned Beethoven.

In order to make sure they had actually read the articles I would ask them a question about it. I asked one boy to tell me something that he had read and he mentioned Beethoven. I asked him to tell me what it said about Beethoven thinking he would tell me that the composer was deaf. Instead the student told me that Beethoven played music (duh!).. When I asked what kind of music he played the boy told me, "Jazz". I told him to go and read it again.

On Friday all the classes watched a video named Bizet's Dream. I had never heard of Bizet but I learned that he was the composer that wrote the opera Carmen. Even I learn when I am at school.

Liz

Storms

2009-02-12T00:01:00.000-06:00

Tuesday night storms rolled through. The weather service reported there was possible tornado rotation at a mall close to our house. The tornado sirens were blaring and I was trying to get our dogs in the house so they could share the bathroom with us.

While I am trying to entice the dogs into the bathroom the wind started blowing extremely hard. After deciding that I wasn't sure which would kill me-a possible tornado or the dog smell -I could tell that the wind had died down although it was still pouring rain. I looked out the window and observed that the above tree was in the yard and partially on the street.

When the rain quit I went outside (mind you it was 10:00 and pitch black) and surveyed the damage. Thank goodness the tree had sustained the most damage but there were fence boards in the yard. One was even driven into the ground. My daughter had come over and we walked around our backyard to see if pieces of our fence were missing. Our fence was intact so she went home and I went to bed.

This morning I went out to take pictures and pick up twigs and small branches. I looked across the street and figured out where the fence boards had come from. The house directly across from ours was missing its fence. It was laying all over their backyard.

We have now determined, in our own unscientific manner, that we had some type of rotation or mini twister/tornado start to come down and didn't touch the ground but went back up into the sky.

I think this weekend we will be cutting up tree branches. Free firewood anyone?

Liz

A Class of Hellions

2009-02-11T10:25:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I substituted in a 7th grade Language Arts class. The funny thing is that I was a substitute for the substitute. The permanent teacher is on maternity leave so there is a long term sub in the class. She had to go to some kind of training or something so I was the sub for the day.

I have been in the class before so 4th period was not going to be a surprise. They have to be one of the worst classes I have ever had. There were 4 girls yesterday that just made it miserable. Four girls can disrupt one class and that means that there were 20 others that had a difficult time doing their work in there.

There was a sub in the class last month and I came across the note that she had left. That day the 4th period class ran back to the class after lunch and locked the teacher out of the room. I doubt that much was done to the students BECAUSE they are still there. They should be sent to alternative education for that!

I know that things have changed a lot since I was in school but there is no way I would have ever behaved in that manner. I knew that I was to be respectful to my teachers. They were my elders and they were there to help me. I also knew that when my parents found out I had been disrespectful then there would be consequences.

My children have also told me that there is no way they would have behaved disrespectfully. Why-they knew that there would be consequences to pay at home. Maybe that is the problem today. There are no consequences at home for their behavior. Just think-these are the same people that will be future employees. They should be glad that I don't own a business-I would never hire them.

Liz

A Little Late

2009-02-10T16:54:00.004-06:00

So I know that this acknowledgement is late, but things have been a little hectic in my life. I want to thank Joanna at Sweet Things for my prizes. I won one of her giveaways! After receiving it I couldn't believe all the wonderful things I got. Thanks.

Liz

Web Cam

2009-02-01T15:07:00.002-06:00

For Christmas our daughter in law had drawn my name and she gave me a web cam. It was really for my husband and I so it was convenient that she had drawn my name. Our daughter in law's parents were also given one for Christmas. The idea behind it was this way we could call them and see them and our grandson-great idea.

As new grandparents we were all excited about being able to see Lincoln, especially the other grandparents because they live in Omaha, Nebraska and their trips will more likely be less often than ours. There was only one little hang up with this plan. Our son and daughter in law did not have a camera. The only people we could see were the other grandparents. As much as we like them I am sure that they didn't want to see us that often-we tend to look the same week after week. That meant we had to wait until the parents of Lincoln got a web cam or a new computer.

Hurray-this week Lincoln's parents got a new computer WITH a camera. They called us Thursday night and told us how to connect so we could see them. Voila-it works! We could see them and they could see us. That night we got to see Lucas, Kelly, Lincoln, and Wembley (the dog). We also got to see as Wembley proceeded to lick the baby's head. As this was happening my husband is trying to tell them this was going on while Lucas is telling us about his new computer. They finally figured out what we were saying and shooed the dog away. Lincoln seemed to take it all in stride-as Lucas said, "You can tell the baby is used to it".

We all did come to one conclusion-you must make sure that you are fully clothed as you are talking. No more jumping out of the shower and talking on the phone!

Liz

Out My Front Door

2009-01-28T13:37:00.005-06:00

Last night the ice and rain came. This morning there was ice everywhere as well as something that was very welcome-the sun. All the schools were closed today so I knew I wasn't working. By this evening most of the ice will be melted but it is supposed to be in the 20's tonight so that means everything will refreeze and once more the roads will be hazardous during the early commuting hours.

Liz

He Can Fix Anything But. . .

2009-01-27T13:20:00.003-06:00

My husband can fix anything. He has built our storage building from the bottom up and it isn't just any storage building. This one has a loft and electricity among other things. He has fixed all the massive leaks that our pool had (another thing that was hidden from us when we bought the house) and I never worry about repairs because I know that he will be able to fix it.

My husband is employed by a company that has many divisions and he just happens to work in the energy savings area. He works on government facilities and the jobs are usually large. He knows how to calculate energy costs and the equipment that needs to be installed to save these facilities on their energy use.

Right now it is cold here and it looks like we will be having ice later this evening. Our thermostat is set to automatically reset at 8 am every morning Monday through Friday. It is not usually a problem except when it is cold like today. That is why I found it amusing that this morning before I left to go to work my husband had to ask me how to keep the thermostat at the higher setting so he won't get cold-like he did yesterday. I always feel useful when he asks me these little things.

Liz

Multiple Blessings

2009-01-26T21:33:00.002-06:00

I just finished the book Multiple Blessings by Jon and Kate Gosselin. For those that are unfamiliar with the Gosselin family they have a show on TLC, Jon and Kate Plus 8. They have twin daughters plus sextuplets.

The book deals mainly with the time that Kate was pregnant with the sextuplets, their birth, and the first year afterward. It does mention meeting Jon, their wedding, and the twins before the birth of their sextuplets.

The book does a great job of explaining the the difficulty of Kate's pregnancy and how she was determined that she would have all 6 of these babies. She did everything that was necessary to have healthy babies.

The most meaningful part of the book was the way that Kate gives God the glory for everything and how her dependency on God taught her many lessons.

I really enjoyed the book and it was very easy reading.

Liz

Patty

2009-01-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

I have to share thoughts about my friend Patty. She is such a blessing in my life and I hope that I am the kind of friend to her that she is to me.

We met when our oldest children were in kindergarten. Every day we would sit on the steps waiting for our children to be released from their afternoon of learning. Most of the other mothers had known each other since they were in high school so she and gravitated towards each other.

From kindergarten through 6th grade our children were in the same class. Not only were we friends but our children were friends also. After 6th grade she and her family moved into another area of town so our children would no longer be in the same school. After another year my family and I had moved to Albuquerque, then to Olathe, Kansas, and then to our present location.

Through those years we have remained friends. I have always said that you learn who your true friends are when you move away and there has to be an effort made to maintain that friendship. Patty has always put forth that effort and more.

When her youngest daughter was married in 2006 I was able to go to the wedding and for the first time in 6 years we were actually able to spend some time together. Last year she was able to come to our daughter's wedding and I was so thrilled to be able to share that day with her.

When our grandson was born the only person that I called (outside of family) was Patty. I knew that she would share my excitement and I will share hers when her oldest daughter has her baby this summer.

Right now, we are planning a trip to San Francisco in April. We are allowing our husbands to come and we are lucky that they get along with each other as well and Patty and I do. I am excited about it. This will be my third time to visit San Francisco but it will be her first and we will have so much fun-sharing a city I love with a friend that I love.

Liz

Returning Home

2009-01-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Former President Bush returned to Texas today, back to the ranch at Crawford. As I watched the inauguration and the departure of the Bush's I thought of his tenure as president.

George Bush has served our nation as president during some very difficult times. After September 11 he was the person that we looked to for comfort and direction. The decision to enter into war with Afghanistan and Iraq had was not an easy one.

Our nation is not the same country it was in 2001. Not only are we at war with 2 different countries but our economy is in a recession and that affects everyone. Only time will tell how history will will review his time in office.

I may not have always agreed with every decision that President Bush made but I am grateful that he was there to lead our nation during these last eight years. Thank you and welcome home.

Liz

A Part of History

2009-01-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

I know that everyone remembers significant events during their lifetime. My 94 year old uncle was an eyewitness to the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima and can still recall every detail of that historical event. My parents can recall life during World War II, especially my mother since she had 3 older brothers that were serving in the military during that time.

I can recall many events that have shaped history. As a second grader I can remember walking home from school and hearing that President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas. This has stayed with me because we were living in Austin and his next stop was to be in our city and schools had been released early so students could attend the parade. School was still released early but not because of a joyous occasion. I also remember the first moon walk, Apollo 13, the 2 space shuttle disasters, the falling of the Berlin Wall, wars, 9-11, and so many other events.

Today our nation will be taking a step towards another historical event-the inauguration of our first African-American president. The inauguration is filled with tradition and every American should be proud of our nation. As a nation we should be coming together to support our president, whether you voted for Barack Obama or not. We should be starting each day in prayer to God that He will guide our president to make the right decisions-decisions that affect each and every one of us.

Liz

Defiance

2009-01-19T15:47:00.003-06:00

My husband and I just returned from seeing the movie Defiance. Several years ago he had read the book The Bielski Brothers. Although this movie is not based on that book it is about the same subject, the Bielski brothers and their ability to save many Jews during World War II.

I loved the movie. I haven't read the book but my husband told me that it was pretty close to being accurate. The movie is about these brothers that manage to save over 1200 Jews by living in the forest and each in their own way fought the Germans.Even though there was conflict between the 2 older brothers they both did what they thought was correct.

Go see it!

Liz

Don't Forget The Blessing

2009-01-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

Several years ago I heard a man at church tell this story and it has remained with me. It seems that he had had an exceptionally difficult week. At church he ran into an elderly woman that politely asked him how his week had been.

As the man explained all the difficulties that he had encountered during the week the woman listened carefully. When he was done the woman looked at him and said, "You had a bad week BUT don't forget the blessing".

How often do we concentrate on the unfortunate events but in doing so miss the blessing?

Liz

Customer Service

2009-01-14T00:01:00.000-06:00

Photo from Flickr

I have worked retail before and I know that is can be difficult, especially when there are "challenging" customers. Many times I have tried to be helpful and find just the right item only to have the customer decide they would have to think about it. I always tried to be gracious and polite and still thank them for coming in-if it weren't for customers then I would not have had a job.

After going to a well known craft store today I suggest that anyone working retail needs to go to a training that teaches customer service. After making my purchase the cashier couldn't even thank me or put my items in a bag. As I was walking out I thought about it and realized that this isn't the only place that this kind of behavior occurs.

It doesn't take much time to be courteous but it can make a lasting impression. I am much more likely to patronize an establishment if I am treated with respect and my business is appreciated. I have taken the liberty to change a remark that a well known airline always says and think maybe it should be the motto of anyone dealing with the public: We know that you have choices when you shop and we appreciate when you choose us.

Liz

Sarah's Key

2009-01-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Sarah's Key is a book by Tatiana De Rosnay that begins in July, 1942 in Paris, France. Sarah is a 10 year old girl that is taken with her parents by the French police during the round up of Jews. She wants to save her younger brother so she locks him in a bedroom cupboard, a secret hiding place. She promises to come back as soon as she is released.

Sixty years later Julia Jarmond is an American journalist living in Paris and is researching the roundup for an article that she is writing. During her research she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family with Sarah.

The book intertwines Sarah's and Julia's story and changes Julia's life as well as many of her family members.

I loved this book. It was a little slow in the beginning and I had difficulty at first following the story as the author jumped between Julia in 2002 and Sarah in 1942. It is based on a true event-the roundup of Jewish families in Paris by French police. The families were first taken to a velodrome, the Vel de Hiv. From there they were taken to other camps before finally going to Auschwitz. The story is captivating and I couldn't wait to find out what happened to Sarah and how Julia's life is affected.

Liz

Mexico-Country or State

2009-01-12T09:44:00.003-06:00

Last week I had a 7th grade Texas history class. They were finding the answers for the semester test review. In Texas history the curriculum covers everything from Spanish explorers, the six flags over Texas (and you thought that was just an amusement park), fight for independence, Texas as a country and then statehood, and information up to the present. Texans are proud of their history and it takes a whole year to cover it.

As they were looking for answers I had a girl ask me if one of her answers was correct. The questions asked what states bordered Texas-easy to find out this one on a map. The girl had listed New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. I told her those were correct but asked if there were any more and found the map in the book for her to look at. She then asked me if Mexico was a part of the list. When I asked her if Mexico was a country or a state she couldn't tell me. I directed her to the huge poster with license plates from every state and told her to look at it, see if she could find a plate for Mexico (I thought that she should be made to use the tools at hand and think for herself). Of course she couldn't find a license plate for Mexico but she still couldn't tell me if Mexico was a country or a state.

What are our children learning in school if our students can't tell the difference between a country or a state!

Liz

Candy Hearts

2009-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Just as soon as the Christmas items have been cleared off the shelves at 50% off the Valentine candy comes out. For as long as I can remember I have loved the conversation hearts that are available at this time of year.

I have been known to eat so many that my jaws hurt-that was when I was younger and had less sense than I do now. I now try to eat them in moderation. I know if I have them in my house that sooner or later I will hear them calling my name and I will lose all my will power and start eating them.

This year I had managed to resist buying them until yesterday. I know it was only a week after New Year's Day but for me that was a record. This year instead of buying them in the larger package I decided that I would try buying them in the smaller boxes-you know-the ones that you would get in school at the Valentine's party. My thinking was that if I bought them in that size I would have more restraint. Is eating 3 of those boxes in one day showing restraint?

Liz

Bathroom Update

2009-01-09T08:39:00.005-06:00

The tile is in and has been grouted.

The custom niches will hold our bottles of shampoo and conditioner.

This week I applied 3 coats of grout sealer to the grout lines. It was more time consuming than I thought it would be. Maybe by the end of the weekend there will be faucets and a shower head applied. We plan on painting the bathtub. The bathtub could not be replaced without removing a wall and plumbing so we will try painting it.

Liz

Resolutions

2009-01-05T10:53:00.003-06:00

Picture from Flickr

I have never been one to make resolutions, probably because I know that before the day is out I will forget about it so therefore the resolution will never be kept. I really don't even set goals due to the same reason.

My husband and I usually try to set goals of what we want to accomplish on the house. Right now the goal is to finish our bathroom. If you will recall I took out the old tile on Labor Day weekend (that's right, 4 months ago). Since he is gone so much progress is very slow-I will post pictures on the progress tomorrow.

After the bathroom is finished our next project will be to put the Slim AC/Heat unit in the sunroom. I really like the sunroom but it is only usable when the weather cooperates and today is not one of those days. When the temperature outside is only 31 degrees one does not go into the sunroom to read a good book. Once this unit is in we will be able to use the sunroom year round. Yea!

For today I am off to seal the tile in the bathroom. That way when my husband returns this weekend more progress can be made.

Liz

Lucas' and Kelly's Christmas Gift

2009-01-05T10:03:00.003-06:00

These were fun pictures that we made on Christmas. The idea was entirely Lucas' and Kelly's and I just put them together in a video.

Disclaimer: No one was harmed during the taking of these pictures and the wrapped box was empty.

Liz

I realize that these are the same pictures in a post from last week but this has music added to it. It was just such a cute idea I couldn't resist making it into a video.

Home for Sale

2009-01-03T15:34:00.006-06:00

Listing Agent:Linda Jordan Hobbs(972)380-7669
The Douglas Avenue Office

The pictures above are of a home for sale in Dallas. It can be yours for a mere $4,995,000. It also comes with somewhat of a legacy-it was the home of Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay cosmetics. For more information go to www.ebby.com.

Liz

High Points of 2008

2009-01-02T20:54:00.004-06:00

After our disastrous 2007 I wasn't sure what 2008 would bring but it was a great year. We started out planning our daughter's wedding. Although there were complications the wedding turned out great. The day was beautiful and everything went well.

My husband had to have two follow up visits for his surgery in 2007. Every 6 months requires that we visit 3 doctors and all of the visits turned out great. There is no recurrence of his brain tumor and the treatment remains the same-just medication. The next visit with the doctors is in February.

We were able to take two great trips this year. One to Pennsylvania and one to Asheville, North Carolina. We were able to be tourists as well as visit with good friends.

The highlight of the Christmas holidays was the birth of our grandson. We were fortunate to arrive 1 1/2 hours after he was born and share that time with our son and daughter in law.

Of course we have no idea what 2009 will bring but I am looking forward to it. It started off with dinner with good friends that we hadn't seen in a long time. It was a great way to start off the new year.

Liz

A New Year

2009-01-01T09:58:00.002-06:00

A new year has begun with new beginnings and new hopes. I have never been one to make resolutions and I am not going to start now. Instead it is nice to look back and reflect on blessings.

I am so blessed to have a husband that loves me and puts up with me which I know is not always easy.

I am so blessed to have parents that are living, in good health, and are generous. Anytime we need them they are there-no matter what.

I am so blessed to have 2 great children and their spouses. They enrich my life greatly and I am so proud of them.

I am so blessed to have this new grandson. My prayer for months was that he would be born safely and healthy. Although there were a few tense moments he is an answer to that prayer.

I am so blessed to have friends. Recently I had lunch with a friend that I have known since I was in 6th grade. We hadn't seen each other in at least 25 years but that friendship was still intact and we had so much that we could share.

Most of all I am so blessed to know that in good times and bad that God is there with me, walking beside me and holding my hand. I know that no matter what 2009 brings the one constant will be God.

Liz

The Book

2008-12-30T10:27:00.004-06:00

One, Two, Tie This Shoe

Walk the Dog (a little blurry but there is a dog in the house)

Crinkle the Wings (blurry, but the wings make a noise)

Look for a surprise in the nest (Very blurry but there are eggs in the nest that is attached with velcro).

Learn to zipper (blurry).

Jingle bells in the bow (a little better)

Learn to button

Play peek a boo

I had made this book for our grandchild and finished it up about 2 weeks before he was born. I had made a similar book when my children were small and I wanted to do something for Lincoln. This one was much easier than the one I had made 26 years ago. The hardest part was putting it all together.

I hope that Lincoln has many hours of fun and learning with it.

Liz

Home Again

2008-12-29T00:01:00.000-06:00

We got home yesterday after 9 days in Houston. Although we enjoyed our time there it was good to be home.

There is nothing like a newborn baby to make Christmas extra special. The parents of our daughter in law were also there so we were all able to enjoy Lincoln's first Christmas.

It is nice to return home and not have to put away Christmas decorations. It is just nice to be home.

Liz

A Christmas Present

2008-12-28T21:31:00.008-06:00

Look-Santa has left us a present!

Just What we Wanted!

A Baby!

And It Is

2008-12-20T08:25:00.003-06:00

A BOY!

Introducing our first grandchld: Lincoln Danger Ward! He arrived at 9:20 pm on December 19, 2008. He just missed sharing his birthday with his dad. Lincoln weighed in at 8 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21" long.

There seems to be a tradition starting in the Ward family. Lincoln is now the fifth generation to have the initials LDW.

This Christmas we have much to be thankful for!

Liz

Happy Birthday

2008-12-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my oldest baby-he is turning 28 today. Today is also the day that his baby is due so we will see what happens.

L is every mother's dream child. He was a good baby-slept, ate, and was always so easy going. I dreaded the high school years because I was afraid that he would make the wrong choices but I was the one that was wrong. He made all the right decisions. I joke and say that I had the only boy that would call and tell me every movement.

I then dreaded the day that he would leave home to go to college because I knew how much I would miss him. Missing him didn't end with him going to college. There are still many days that I miss him but I am so grateful for the way he has turned out.

A new parent asked me one time what was the best thing he could do for his newborn. I was so surprised that he thought that I would have the magic answer. The only response I had was to do as I had-pray for them every day. That prayer doesn't end with his growing up and getting married. I still pray daily for him as well as his wife (and my daughter and son in law).

Thank you for being the best son a mother could ever hope for.

Mom

Facebook

2008-12-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

I have known about Facebook because I have children. My daughter would talk about it and the friends that she had found and at school I have had kids ask me if I had a facebook account. Until now I could truthfully tell them no, but now I have joined Facebook.

My husband and I met when we were both working at Glorieta Baptist Conference Center (GBCC) where we both had summer jobs. By the next summer we were married. We left there at one time and then returned and worked there for another 2 years. We have some great memories from that time and had some good friends, but friends move away and you lose touch with them.

Now through the internet age friends can come back into your life. I had recently discovered that there was a site through Facebook for former GBCC staff. I have become reacquainted with people from those days and it has been great to catch up on what has happened in their lives.

A bonus to this has been people that I haven't talked with since 9th grade. From 7th-9th grade I lived in Houston, Texas. I was part of a group of friends that not only went to church together but went to school together also. There were about 10 of us and that was one of the best times of my life. I have caught up with some of them and it is great to know that I haven't been forgotten by them.

Although life goes on sometimes old friendships endure-even after no contact for 30 years.

Liz

Being Thankful

2008-12-18T00:01:00.001-06:00

During these difficult economic times everyone is affected one way or another, whether it is a job loss, declining house value, or retirement accounts. We are no different than anyone else.

We have lived in our house 3 1/2 years. Someday I will post a list of everything that has gone wrong with this house since we have been here-it will be lengthy. Originally we thought we would live in our house about 3-5 years, do a little updating, and then sell it. We now say we will be in the house indefinitely. The value of it has dropped and there is more to fix than we were aware of.

Despite the house I do have much to be grateful for. Even though our retirement account has lost a significant amount of money we are still many years from retiring so hopefully we have plenty of time to make that up.

My husband still has a job and even though he found out yesterday that no one will be getting raises next year we feel that there is no reason to complain. We have great benefits and he is still employed.

There are so many blessings that we have each and every day. Our children are healthy and employed, our parents are doing well, we have a house, we have jobs, and we live in a country in which we have many freedoms.

Even though these are uncertain times there is one constant in my life-God. I know that no matter what happens God will still be there walking beside me, providing for me, and enabling me to get through each day.

Liz

Family Christmas

2008-12-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

We had our family Christmas this past Sunday. We gathered at my brother's house and brought our gifts (remember we drew names). We had a great meal-steak, ribs, baked potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole, and cheesecake. The steaks were wonderful-my brothers are both better cooks than me.

I got a great gift-a web cam. My daughter in law had my name and that is what she gave me. This will enable us to see the baby every day if we would like.

I had my daughter in law's name which is a funny coincidence. They are wanting to get a camcorder so I gave her a gift card that they can put towards getting that.

I thought that my mother got the best gift (other than mine). My daughter had her name and she gave my mother a gift card to the theater in their town. My mother loves going to the plays and the actors are quite good for a small town. I have gone to several of the towns and have always enjoyed the plays. My mother is at the age that she doesn't need something else to sit around so this was a great gift for her.

Christmas shopping this year has been easy. I hope that we continue to draw names and give to a charity. I felt that we enjoyed the time spent with each other and also gave money that will help people in Kenya possibly see again.

Liz

Cold

2008-12-16T08:10:00.002-06:00

It is cold today. At this moment the temperature is 23 and the wind chill is somewhere around 12. In parts of the city there are icy roads but it appears that the roads outside our house are clear. This is a day to just stay in the house and keep warm.

Since our daughter in law is due to have the baby any day I thought that this would be the day she would have it. It would be difficult for us to get out of Dallas to go to Houston. We are hoping that the baby will wait until at least Saturday, preferably Sunday, to enter the world. The other grandmother is coming Saturday and it would be great if we could all be there when the baby comes.

In the meantime-I will try to stay warm.

Liz

My Remarkable Daughter

2008-12-11T21:46:00.004-06:00

My birthday was today. When you have a birthday so close to Christmas you sometimes get lost in the shuffle. That is why I swore I would never have a child in December but what did I do-I had a child in December. . .and now he is having a child in December.

This year for my birthday my daughter fixed me dinner. We had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, zucchini, corn, and bread. We also had cake and ice cream. She did all this after working all day-I didn't work today since it was my birthday.

The other reason my daughter is remarkable is that she does everything she can for others. She has such a caring spirit and she has chosen to be involved with children who have cancer. She endlessly volunteers for Camp Quality, a camp for children with cancer, a camp where children can be children for a week. She raises money, she keeps in contact with families, and she does everything she can to ease the pain and burden for these children and their families. I love her so much and I admire her for all the time, energy, and love that she puts into this.

Liz

No Decorations This Year

2008-12-10T19:55:00.002-06:00

For the first time in 30+ years I do not have any Christmas decorations out. I had intended to put up the tree but decided not to do even that.

I have tons of Christmas decorations and I love decorating for the season. Even last year between surgeries and company I managed to get all the decorations out. This year we were gone for Thanksgiving and upon returning my husband went out of town. I thought that this would give me a lot of extra time but other things got in my way. Then a whole week went by and nothing had been done.

Since we are going to be leaving December 20 to go to Houston to await the birth of this grandchild (if it doesn't come sooner) I just didn't see a reason to get all of the decorations out and spend a week decorating and then only be able to enjoy it for a week. So-there will be no Christmas decorations this tear. That means that next year when I get them out then it will more exciting.

Liz

A Little Different This Year

2008-12-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

Our family is no different than most families at this time of year. We usually buy several gifts for everyone and enjoy giving them, BUT I had always felt that we should be doing something else. We had tried to do things through church but to me it felt like it wasn't a family effort.

Now that both of our children are grown and married I thought that it was time to try something else. We decided that all of us were very blessed and there wasn't anything that we really needed. We decided that we would draw names. That in itself is not unusual-lots of families do that. We added another element to it and hopefully it will be something we do every Christmas.
We decided that we would contribute to a charity and that one family would choose the charity for each of us to donate. We also decided that my parents would be the one to make the choice this year and that it would rotate on a yearly basis. The amount that each person would donate would be totally up to them, we would just send our checks to my parents and they would forward them to the charity.

This year my parents chose Lighthouse for Christ (www.lighthouseforchrist.com). This is a charty that has doctors go to Kenya and perform eye operations for free. The doctors donate all their time to perform these surgeries. They also dispense glasses. This organization also talks with people about Jesus as they are waiting to be seen by the doctors. This is an impressive organization and I am so pleased that this year our donation will be going to them.

Liz

Our Fun 2007 Christmas Eve

2008-12-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

Last year on Christmas Eve afternoon our son, daughter in law, daughter, my husband and I went to the mall. I had told them that we were going there to have fun. I know that they were thinking how much fun can you have at the mall on the day before Christmas where everyone is scurrying about trying to find those last minute gifts. I also think that they thought I had lost my mind.

Upon arriving at the mall I gathered them around and gave each of them $5.00. I then gave them the instructions: they each had 1 hour to spend the whole $5.00 (I forgot to tell them that they would have to pay the tax) and then we would meet up at that same spot to compare the things we got. The person that did the best won-all they won was the honor of saying that they had won.

I went to lots of stores to look and I found lots of things but nothing that I felt would be a good use of my money. I finally found a display of small tools that were less than $5.00. I bought about 4 things (one of them cost $2.00) and started my way back to our meeting place.

We compared the things that we had bought: a gummy rat plus some other candy, some light up earrings, and other useless items. Our daughter won-she managed to spend hers in the first 5 minutes and then spent the rest of them time wandering around. She could only bring back a picture of her choice. She had donated her money to Salvation Army and took a picture of the bell ringer and the money going into the slot of the kettle.

I think that everyone agreed that she had made the best selection. We all had fun and it was an enjoyable afternoon at the mall.

Liz

A Unique Gift

2008-12-03T00:01:00.000-06:00

Last Christmas our son asked that we give them one of our favorite books as one of their gifts. As much as I enjoy reading it was difficult to select a book. I also had my parents give them as well as our daughter their favorite gifts.

For our son I chose Walk Across America (see my shelfari) and for our daughter I chose The Secret Life of Bees (see my shelfari). My husband chose to give our son White Fang/Call of the Wild and our daughter was given The Long Walk (see my shelfari).

I knew that my father would say that his favorite book was Ferdinand the Bull so I found a copy for each of our children. My mother gave our son Feet in the Fire and she gave our daughter the autobiography by Ben Carson.

I really thought that this was such a unique gift. We wrote in the book why it was one of our favorite books. I felt that it was such a personal gift and one that would share a memory. Sometimes the best gifts are simple and meaningful.

Liz

My Favorite Advent "Calendar"

2008-12-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

When my children were young I started a Christmas countdown. I would take 50 (25 per child) small bags (the size that you would use for a sack lunch) and number them. Inside I would put a little toy, some change, candy, a snack, etc. Each day they opened one bag until Christmas Day.

When I first started this it was easy to fill the bags. They were happy with a quarter, a candy cane, a Hot Wheels car, anything that was small and inexpensive. As they got older it was harder to find things that I could fill the bag with. One time when they were in high school I found some bubble gum that was shaped like crayons and came in a box that looked like a crayon box. That was a big hit, especially with my son.

I continued this until 2 years ago. By then my kids were in their 20's and it was extremely difficult to do it. I had done this the whole time my son was in college and had even done it when he was first married. I had thought of stopping it a few years before that but the kids mentioned how much they liked their bags so I did it for a few more years.

In a few years our grandchild will be old enough that I can start doing it again. It will be fun and I am looking forward to finding those inexpensive little things again.

Liz

It's December

2008-12-01T12:51:00.002-06:00

It is hard to believe that December is already here. November came and went quickly.

Our long Thanksgiving weekend was good. We spent the day with my parents and then the next morning we were off to Houston, where it was very warm. I have a hard time seeing people in shorts when it is this close to Christmas.

Our time in Houston was busy. We helped L&K put together the crib. Thank goodness the baby will now have a bed to sleep in. I made the valance for the window and a bed skirt for the crib. We had taken a rocking chair down but I brought the cushions back to recover them.

My husband helped L fix the leaky toilet, cut down some branches from a tree that was damaged by the hurricane and helped L mount their TV on the wall. They also moved a dresser into the baby's room.

Three weeks until this baby is officially supposed to arrive. L&K won't tell the name. They say that way we will have to like it. I tried to find out but I didn't have any luck. They are so excited about this and it is fun to watch them. The baby's room will be so cute when they have completely finished everything.

Right now we are planning on going back to Houston on December 20-the official due date and L's birthday. Of course we could be making a quick trip down there if this baby decides to come early.

Liz

My Husband

2008-11-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

This is him-the person that makes me smile. There are times that I can just think of him and smile. I think that after 30+ years of marriage that it is important that I can say that.

I have never seen him kinder than when I broke and dislocated my ankle. For weeks he took and picked me up from work, helped me take a bath, and made sure that I was taken care of. The first few weeks after surgery he would help me outside so I could take in the flowers. He even moved a huge pot to the back door so that I could see the flowers that were blooming. No one could have taken better care of me.

During my husband's brain surgery and recovery I was concerned that the person that I had married would not return. I don't think any one can be prepared for the difficulties that occur after brain surgery. Everyone recovers differently so there is no manual to prepare you for what will happen. I know that there are times that he has to really fight some of the lasting symptoms but it is important that he tries and will continue to fight.

I love him because he has put up with my family for all these years and he loves them dearly. He is more than willing to do what is necessary for them. I love him because he is a wonderful son to his parents. I love him because he still loves me and I know that he will still be here no matter what.

Liz

Kids

2008-11-26T08:22:00.003-06:00

Our

Children

We have now reached the point in our life that we can look back and be thankful that our kids got through childhood relatively unscathed. I don't think it was because I was a great mother-I think that it was because I was a praying mother.

Our son and daughter in law have managed to both get their masters degrees while supporting each other. K started graduate school right before they got married. She worked at a couple of part time jobs while L worked full time. When she finished they packed up and moved to Denver where K worked and L went to school. During all this time they never asked for a single dime from either of their parents. They were responsible and did more with less money than any 2 people I know. Once L finished they packed up and moved to Houston and are now expecting their first child.

Our daughter and son in law are so considerate and kind. Z just finished his masters last week and I was so honored that he would call to tell me so that we could all share in his excitement. B has been at a job for almost 2 years and has proved to be such an asset to the company. She has been given new assignments and just recently been moved to another position that had just been created. I have been so proud of her and she deserves every recognition that she has received. The two of them just bought a house during the summer so it has been a busy year for them. They are so responsible and we are so fortunate that they live close to us.

I am grateful that we have reached this point in our lives that our children have also become our friends. I couldn't love them more.

Liz

Parents

2008-11-25T21:23:00.003-06:00

My husband and I are very blessed in that all of our parents are still living and doing very well. I have watched my friends have to deal with the illness and death of their parents and we haven't had to deal with that yet.

My husband's parents divorced when he was young and his father is now 84 years old (and a very spry 84 year old man that still works part time as an electrical contractor). He remarried 40 years ago to a woman that had 3 children and then they had a child. Together they have 6 children. Although there are always problems in blending families I would have to say that they have been successful. Of course there were those difficulties when the children were younger but now that everyone is an adult they can see past those situations and there is no distinction between them-they are brothers and sisters.

My husband's mother has managed to come through some problems only because of my husband. He has always been the one that has taken the responsibility and help her through everything. Although there have been stressful times he has done what he has done out of love. As far as her health she has few problems.

My parents are very self sufficient. My dad (at 76) takes care of cows and all the chores that come with that. He may be a little slower but he is out there every morning and working hard. My mother may be 75 but there are times that she can wear me out. She goes with us on trips and never misses a beat. Through the trials of last year they were there to help us through it.

How thankful we are!

Liz

Thankfulness

2008-11-24T07:43:00.002-06:00

Since this is the week of Thanksgiving it is a time that we should all think of things we are grateful for. I know last year at this time I was thankful for medical insurance.

The year 2007 was an eventful year and one I never hope to repeat. The biggest events were in a medical nature. In March of 2007 I was walking across the yard and fell. I ended up dislocating and broke all the bones in my right ankle. It was a very severe injury (or so the doctor told me 6 months later) and it doesn't heal in 6 weeks. It heals in about 2 years. I had to have surgery to repair it with 7 screws and a plate. In December I had all that hardware removed.

In September of 2007 my husband had to have surgery to remove a brain tumor. We had known about the tumor for several years but it had begun to cause sensory seizures so it had become necessary to remove it. Fortunately it was not malignant but it was a long recovery and in some ways he is still recovering. Our medical bills for the year were $150,000+. How much did we pay of that-a total of about $6,000. That includes all the co pays and our share of the bills. Without medical insurance we would be paying this off forever.

God had brought us to Texas for so many reasons. We had thought it was so we could be closer to our parents so we could help them. I think that for the year of 2007 we were in Texas so our families could be closer to help us go through that year.

This year we have so much more to be thankful for-one of the biggest things is that our medical situations have been nothing compared to 2007. Thank you God for giving us a year with nothing but happy events.

Liz

Seventh Graders

2008-11-20T17:31:00.002-06:00

After completing 3 days in a 7th grade Language Arts classroom I am beginning to seriously think of swearing off 7th grade. I am so tired of students arguing with me about everything.

This class has had a revolving door of substitutes for the last 3 weeks so I know that they are tired of having different teachers. The regular teacher is pregnant and has been confined to bed rest for the next 4-5 months. Today the long term substitute was going to be in the classroom so at least they will have some continuity. I probably should have told her that she needs to rest up over Thanksgiving break because it will be a long 4-5 months for her.

The funniest thing to happen while I was in the classroom occurred on Monday. I was showing a movie when I noticed a student with his face lit up in a dark room. Aha-he has a cell phone. (The rule is that a student's cell phone is to be turned off when entering the front door in the morning). As I am walking over to take the cell phone another student sitting by Mr. Glowing Face tells him I am coming so the cell phone is thrust under his leg. When I arrive I just tell Mr. Glowing Face to hand it to me and don't even bother to say "What?". The cell phone is quietly put into my hand.

After class the warning student comes to me and tells me that he has lost his cell phone and did I find one. I wasn't born yesterday so I tell him that "Oh, that must the phone that Mr. Glowing Face had and you warned him that I was walking over." Guess what-oh yes-Mr. Warning denies that he ever said anything and he didn't know someone else had it. His words were, "It must have fallen out of my pocket". Sure! I just told him to save the story for the assistant principal because he will now have to get the phone from him.

As I am walk to the assistant principal's office (only to discover he wasn't in there which was no big surprise) another teacher tells me that she will take care of the phone and hands it to one of her trusted students and tells her to take it to the office secretary. Whew-my job is done, or so I thought.

On Tuesday morning I walk into school and there sits Mr. Warner with his mother and she is not happy with him. I hear her telling him that after she pays the fine ($15 cash) and gets his phone back he better never take it out of his pocket at school again. I just keep walking.

About 15 minutes later the assistant principal, Mr. Warner and his mother appear in my room. The assistant principal is looking for the phone. I tell him about the teacher taking over the phone and I take all 3 of them to that teacher. I ask her about it and she relates that the student gave HIM the phone. The assistant principal looks bewildered and so the 3 of them leave. (I could write a lengthy post on the assistant principal and the poor job that he does).

Two hours later the assistant principal walks by my room and tells me that they found the phone. I don't know where but I have a feeling it was right where he left it on Monday. I am sure that Mr. Warner will not be taking his cell phone out of his pocket for awhile.

Liz

The Shack

2008-11-19T20:17:00.002-06:00

For several months I have been hearing of the book The Shack by William Young. I had read several different blogs in which people had taken quotes from the book and given their opinion. People seemed to love the book and thought it was wonderful.

For those of you that have not read this book here is a brief synopsis of it. While on a camping Mack's daughter disappeared and it was assumed that she had been abducted and murdered. Three years after this event he receives a note asking to meet "Papa" at "The Shack". The chapters that follow revolve around his experiences at this shack.

After hearing people talk about it and some practically gushing over it I was expecting to read a wonderful book that would take a devastating event and show how God is always there for us and would give a plan of salvation in it. I was disappointed and it is not a book that I would recommend.

I do think that the book tells a moving story of how this event had affected this man as well as his family. I do not think that the book shows a true relationship with Christ and the plan of salvation. At times I thought that the book touched on New Age principles and I had a problem with that.

I realize that a lot of people have read this book and have a totally different opinion than I do and would recommend that everyone should read this book. I just happen to differ from them.

Liz

Living Without a Newspaper

2008-11-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

For the first time in 30 years I am no longer subscribing to a newspaper. I have always had a newspaper delivered and I read it daily.

Recently our city's newspaper decreased the size of the paper. They did this by combining some sections and eliminating some of the features-some of the things that I enjoyed. Some of the advice columns were gone as well as some of the puzzles.

When I received my bill I discovered that the cost of the newspaper subscription was going up. As I thought about it I realized that they decreased the size of the paper and were going to be charging me more for it. I decided that this was no longer a good value for my money.

This past week I called the newspaper office to cancel my subscription. When I was asked why I was cancelling I explained my reasons to them. The customer service agent told me that she understands and that they had had many people express my same sentiments.

I know that the newspaper had to make the decision to raise the prices and decrease the size because of cost. It is my option to continue to be a subscriber-or not!

Liz

Veteran's Day

2008-11-09T09:59:00.003-06:00

On Saturday some of my mother's family met at my house to spend some time together. Some of my cousins came as well as my parents and brother and 2 of my uncles. My uncles fought in WW II and one of them was on Iwo Jima.

Tommy will be 95 on Nov. 14 and he is walking history. He can tell the day that he shipped out on a boat to go to Iwo Jima. He actually saw the flag being raised there and looks at his service as a time that he did what was needed to be done. He doesn't feel that anything he did was out of the ordinary but he was proud to serve. For someone that is 95 he doesn't look a day over 70! His health is good, he walks well, and although I am sure that he is slower at doing things I often think that he is more active than people that are much younger.

My other uncle, Travis, is 84. He served in Europe during WW II. His accounts of being in Paris are so interesting. He talks of walking the streets and the things that he saw. Yesterday he was wearing a cap that stating that he had served and he was proud He also can remember details of what he saw and like Tommy he is walking history. I feel that I am so fortunate to have these 2 men in my family.

As Veteran's Day approaches we should all take time to reflect on the many sacrifices that were made through the years by such brave men and women. It is because of them that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms we have.

Liz

Historical Election

2008-11-05T07:22:00.003-06:00

The 2008 Presidential Election is over, and it was historical. It is amazing for me to think that I have seen an African American man elected president.

Like many people the winning candidate was not the person I voted for but this is not the time to complain. As Americans we should do what we have always done-unite and support our president. After all, we do live in the best country in the world.

Liz

First Monday Trade Days

2008-11-01T20:42:00.002-05:00

Today we went to Canton, Texas for First Monday Trade Days. If you are not familiar with this event, just think humongous flea market. This event has been held for a very long time-the first Monday of the month.

Since we have lived here we (my mother, my husband, my brother and I) have gone once a year to Canton. In the past we have gone in December but this year we decided to go in November. Another twist-my father decided to go. The fact that he wanted to go was earth shattering. This is a man that absolutely despises shopping. For years he has called me every year to go and get the Christmas gift that he will give to my mother. One time he even bought a car over the phone, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He even sent my brother there to pick it up and drive it home. So the fact that he would want to go with us to Canton-a place that has so many people come that you can barely move through parts of it-was unbelievable.

We got up early an drove the hour or so to Canton. We get in line at the highway exit and my father is already saying that he has made a big mistake in coming. We park and cross the street and make our plans to meet back up for lunch. My mother and I walk around and look at things and do not buy anything because the thought of having to carry something around the rest of the day is not appealing, and there is no way we could ever remember our way back to that booth to buy it later. At lunch my father is now remarking that he will never do this again, he has learned his lesson. By the way-we decided that he would not ever come with us again.

When we split up again after lunch I thought that there was no way we could spend another 2 1/2 hours there but I thought that the rest of them might want to find some real bargains. My mother and I make our way through some more of the pavilions. She bought a candle and I bought a bag. We went to the car an hour early. My husband joined us about 30 minutes later and then my father and brother showed up about 20 minutes after that.

On the way home my father decided that it is in the Bible that to come to Canton is the unpardonable sin. We have all decided that next year we need a new family outing.

Liz

Halloween

2008-11-01T06:13:00.002-05:00

We live in a cul de sac and I have never seen very many children in the neighborhood so I am never sure how many trick or treaters we will have. This year we had more than in years past. I think that we may have worked our way up to an even dozen, all cute.

There were the usual cute kids=the dragon that went grrr instead or trick or treat. That child had 2 pumpkin pails. I didn't know if she was collecting for someone else or was just greedy. It turns out that she couldn't make up her mind between the 2 identical pails so she insisted on bringing both.

I had 3 little girls that were sisters and when I put their Pixie Stick candy in their pails they all got excited, "My favorite!!". One of the little girls kept asking for more. I had already given her 5 Pixie Sticks and I wanted to make sure that I had enough for the other 6 kids that would show up so I just had to tell her that I had given her some. She kept pleading and telling me that she needed more. I finally just had to shut the door on that cute kid.

The best one of the evening was the group of 3 middle school age kids. I had made barbecue pork in the crock pot and one of the kids said, "OOH, it smells like barbecue. Did you barbecue tonight?" I explained what I had made for dinner and he said, "Oh, if you had some ribs in there I was going to have you take back the candy and just bring me those ribs". He had to be happy with the Pixie Sticks.

Liz

Martin Luther

2008-10-29T20:51:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday nights at church I have been going to a church history class. For the most part it has been interesting although it not an in depth study. There isn't enough time in 1 hour a week to get too in depth.
Tonight the subject was Martin Luther. I really didn't know much about Martin Luther except that he is credited with founding the Lutheran denomination and that he caused some people to get upset way back when.
The documentary that we watched was from PBS and we only watched about 1 hour of it, we wll watch the restof it next week. For the most part it was interesting and I did learn a lot. Martin Luther started out becoming a monk and really got into the life of a monk. He seemed to enjoy the rigid lifestyle and went as far as to sleep outdoors in the snow without a blanket until his fellow monks would drag him indoors so he wouldn't die. The film said that in later life Luther complained about the monk hood ruining his health. It seems that some people don't think that maybe their actions cause some of their problems.
The most inspiring thing I learned tonight is how Luther became disillusioned with the Catholic Church and discovered on his own the gift of salvation. I was encouraged by the fact that over 400 years ago Martin Luther would search the scriptures and find that salvation is a free gift. There doesn't need to be anyone to intercede or hoops to jump through-it is a simple gift.
The message of the Bible has not changed. The verses in the Bible that I read are the same verses that Martin Luther read. Salvation: a free gift of eternal life that is made possible through the life of Jesus Christ.

Liz

VOTE

2008-10-26T15:04:00.000-05:00

I voted! Have you?

Liz

You Mean There Is A Country Named Georgia?

2008-10-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week I substituted one morning for a teacher that has one class of "yearbook"-you know, the ones that are supposed to go and take the pictures and put together the yearbook. When I was in middle school we didn't have a yearbook. Now every elementary and middle school has a yearbook.

Anyway, this class is made up of good students, although they are chatterboxes. One of the girls came into the class and asked me if I knew there was a Georgia close to Russia. I let her know that I was aware of this because it had been in the news just a few weeks ago. It seems that in their U.S. History class they were talking about Russia invading Georgia and this girl was confused. She asked the teacher why Russia would be invading the state of Georgia. That is when she was told that there was also a country named Georgia. Boy was she surprised!

The next day I was in a different classroom and this same girl walked by and told me she had just found out that Alaska was next to Canada. I also enlightened her to the fact that Russia can been seen from Alaska. I knew that if she hadn't heard about Russia invading Georgia that she she had never heard Sarah Palin talking Russia. In fact I am not sure that should would know who Sarah Palin is.

She had always thought that Alaska was next to Hawaii. Obviously she wasn't paying attention in elementary school when they were teaching the state locations. In most maps of the U.S. Alaska is shown floating around in the ocean next to Hawaii. I don't know if that excuses her from making that mistake but it does make me wonder how many other students think that Alaska is next to Hawaii.

Liz

Fall

2008-10-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

My Mantle

I enjoy fall. In Texas this time of year is not the prettiest. There are a few trees changing colors but not like it is in other areas of the United States. The best part of fall in Texas is the fact that it finally cools off and gives us relief from the heat of the summer.

When we lived in Kansas fall was always a great time of year. It was getting cooler and you knew that snow was just around the corner. The trees were changing and were just beautiful. There was this one house down the street from us that had the most beautiful tree in the front yard. The leaves on it would change to a bright orange and at certain times of the day it would almost look like it was glowing.

Since I don't live in an area where there is an abundance of fall color I have to make do. I try to decorate my mantle and fireplace area with fall leaves (although they are fake) and this year I did something different-I decorated the top of our entertainment center. At least when I am inside my house I can see fall colors.

Liz

Woolaroc

2008-10-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Woolaroc was Frank Phillips ranch home. There is a museum as well as his lodge along with a petting zoo and beautiful scenery.

The museum has quite a collection of Native American artifacts. There are also many other western related exhibits. The only known privately owned dinosaur egg is on exhibit. There is also a plane, that's right, a plane in the museum. It seems that Phillips Petroleum sponsored a plane in a race from Oakland to Honolulu. The plane won and the pilot received $20,000 for his feat. The plane is hanging in the museum and it is the only model left in the world.

The lodge is very rustic. It is large because the Phillips entertained many politicians and entertainers. There is a variety of stuffed animal heads and horns on the wall. The docents are quick to point out that Mr. Phillips was not a hunter and that most of the heads were animals that died of natural causes on the grounds.

Mr. Phillips bought several different exotic animals for his ranch. Many of the animals that are seen on the grounds today are descendants of the original animals. There are buffalo, deer, elk, and cattle (some are longhorn) there.

In case someone wonders about the name Woolaroc it is a name that Mr. Phillips came up with. It stands for WOOds, LAkes, and ROCks. These are the 3 things that drew him to the area.

Liz

My Sentiments Exactly

2008-10-22T07:27:00.002-05:00

Go here http://mygardenhat.blogspot.com/ and read the entry for today. I share her sentiments and wish I had written it.

Liz