STIMULATING THE ECONOMY

(picture we took several years ago in Indiana on one of our fast trips there)

After all its our duty as Americans to do our part, so we are taking off....

I love holidays & vacation time..I especially love birthdays that are celebrated BIG!!! This year I turn 50. Now I know to some of you that is "getting there" but for me, it is just great that at least I "got there" , haha.

Jim is taking me to see one of my BFF's in Indiana. Its snowing & icing there but I don't care. I get to go and hang out, drink hot chocolate, get pampered, and chat to the wee hours of the night with someone who probably understands me better than I understand myself..scarry---just a bit, haha!!!!

Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing Kim & her family, meeting her new friends and shopping....ok, this is HUGE!! I'll let you in on a secret of mine...Kim lives 30 minutes from IKEA and that is a dream trip for me..haha...I know, I don't get out much do I, but my wants are so small haha...anyway, got my list, been shopping online and will come home with organizational stuff for the playroom and hopefully a few surprises for Amy & Steve.

I just finalized the hotel & car rental reservations so now I really feel like I'm going someplace. YEAH!!!!!! We are first headed to Ill. to visit with Jim's family for a few days. That will be great in itself as I love the St Louis area.

Then we will head out to Indiana...depending on the weather (which isn't so great right now) we will head up to the Amish Country (my birthday present). I just love it up there...I mean I just love to gwack..is that ok???? I am just amazed at how these people live in their simplicity...so glad God has never required that of me.... I mean I am allergic to animals, being outdoors, and manual labor just to start with. I love the modern conveniences but there is something so charming about this area and the people.... I did however learn after my last visit there that I was not suppose to take pics of the Amish's faces...yeah whatever, but they make such fabulous pics....thought I'd share with you.... anyhow, I now know the rules and will respect that but am hoping the weather holds out for us...

We are also headed to Louisville to pick up Jim's stuff from Iraq (and can I just say I will be so glad when he has possession of that stuff again, cuz I am so tired of hearing about it, haha) and then back to Ill for another mini visit with Jim's parents before we head home...by that time I will be so happy to be back at our warm spring like weather in south Texas...

Anyhow, got to run get ready for work and then the packing begins...we only have 4 days left..it will fly by, especially since I am working all 4 of them...Anyway, don't know if I'll have access to a computer (not taking the laptop, too much trouble with all we are bringing home) but i will post when I get home..until then....CHOW!!!

KUDOS, RACHEL

Meet our Rachel...Rachel came into our lives over 20 years ago. Wow, has it really been that long? We have watched Rachel grow from a small child into a wonderful young lady. The years have shaped Rachel into a very thought provocative person. She is a fun loving girl who enjoys life and feels strongly that those that are created be allowed to live as well.... Above is a picture of Rachel as she along with her friends and a group from a Catholic church embarked upon Washington DC the day after inauguration to let their voices speak for those who are not allowed a voice. Rachel, Jim & I are so very proud of you, not for just who you are but who you are becoming. We love you!!.Look out world, she is about to embark upon you!!!..Yes, you are our favorite...who cares, I said it..haha!!!

Transition Time

Jim & I made a few changes in our lives recently. This has put him at home---for very long periods of time( did you notice I said long?)...hahaha!!! He has developed new habits that I find so interesting. He loves to watch tv but he especially likes and watches for Martha. You know the blonde entrepreneur who did time in prison??? Jim loves to cook so that part I understand, but he now tries to tell me about the latest crafties Martha does and did I know such and such. If I don't, not to worry, he'll explain it down to the last detail and I should give it a try. He is always snarking about my one & only vice---my soap opera...Now, I don't hound him about Repo man and some of the other stup--ughh I mean programs he watches, but he always talks about how wasteful it is for me to watch the Y&R, then sits down and tells me what Mrs. Chancellor is going to do next and did I notice yesterday when Phyllis was in Paris yada yada yada happened...right, buddy, this is a waste of MY time..haha!!!! He also uses the clothes dryer as an iron..yeah thats right--that 220 volt piece of equipment that sends that meter rotating faster than a roller coaster. Which brings me to the kitchen. He must have never had to do a dish growing up cuz that man uses more dishes (plates, cups, mugs, doesn't matter, he doesn't discriminate) than anyone I've ever seen. If he's having a piece of toast, well forget that a napkin might work, lets bring out the stoneware...If its a holiday and dishes are a bit backed up or in the dishwasher, don't worry, we've got china for that piece of toast. And then there are those phone conversations I have with my friends. He will have nothing to say to me for most of the day UNTIL I dial a number..then he wants to know who I am calling and then proceed to have a conversation with me the whole time I am on the phone..Now don't get me wrong, I love having him around and there is nothing like that smile but doggone it, if this keeps up I'm gonna have to be on medication..haha.....have a fabulous tomorrow!!!

A Note to President & Mrs. Bush

Thank you for 8 years of service to our great country. For Jim, it was an honor to serve under your leadership. As Jim says, when that phone rings at 3 a.m it was George Bush he had confidence that could make a decision at that time and know it was right. As he left for Iraq, not once, but twice, he did so confidently knowing his "back would be covered" and knowing the mission was a just & worthy cause. Though not all share our feelings, I believe history will serve you well and you will be given credit where it is due. As with all of us, mistakes are made, it is just unfortunate that you are not given the grace we are all extended. Thank you for bringing calmness to our country during 9/11 and for always having the American's best interest at heart. But most of all, thank you for leading with conviction from your heart and a love for the God whose values our country was founded upon. And thank you so much for just being who you are. May God bless you and Laura and all that you do to continue to serve Him!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEVEN!!

Have I ever told you how much I enjoy being an aunt? I became an aunt for the very first time when I was 16. I've enjoyed that title since the first time I saw this beautiful little red haired baby, it was definitely love at first sight. And I have to tell you, its even better the next generation around. I have 4 1/2 grand-nieces and 2 grand-nephews. Ah, be still my heart, grand doesn't even begin to describe it, haha!!! The girls are all in Oklahoma courtesy of Uncle Sam (can you tell I am pouting?) and we only get to see them occassionally, though I love them all the same. Then there is 1/2 pint who is due to arrive in late March, early April who is Loralee (and I am sure I misspelled it, but no worry, her mother won't see my blog anyway, haha) and who we can't wait to get here!!! Which brings me to "our boyz". Jayden & Deven. Wow!!! I love boys. I've always said since we could only have one child I am so glad it was a boy. There is nothing like them at all. Being around these two just bring back so many happy memories about Stevie and his growing up years, I think that is probably part of the attachment, besides them being so dang cute!!!

Anyway, lost my train (no pun intendend, but fight so well don'tcha think? wink, wink) of thought for a minute, or the reason of my 2nd blog for the day (yeah thats right 2, count them!!)...It was Deven's 3 rd birthday (and he does know how many fingers he is, he can pull those 3 fingers up if you ask him how old he is). So celebrate we did!!! Grandma Minerva pulled out all the stops complete with a jumping castle (was it castle????) and a real train (ok, a hot fixed up lawnmower, but it looked like one!!..It was a blast. The kids and adults all loved riding in the train and I did too..haha...Aunt Kat enjoyed being the Aunt of the day (come on Kat, now you know why I spoiled Bubba so much, don'tcha ya???? go ahead you can finnnnalllllllllllllllllllllllly admit it, and put those therapy sessions behind you!!!) and bought him the most beautiful cake for his special day. Deven loves all things animals especially those that growl and make noises (ok, jayden shares this as well, haha) so of course this cake had to be spectacular. Kat is our internet shopping queen. She can find and come up with anything as long as she has the internet at her fingers. Check out that cake!!! It was awesome not only in looks but flavorful as well. No HEB or Walmart cakes for her nephew..hhahahah...anyway, enjoy the pics and try not to drool over these boys too much. They won't be available until two thousand, well never. We will never let them go...haha....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEVEN. You are loved by so many!!!

OOPS, I've done it again!!!

(I MEAN REALLY, WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT ANY OF THESE BOYS! HAPPY 2009!!)

I've walked away from the blogging world!!! Life has become way to busy but with 2009 here, all things are changing. Jim and I are making major changes in our lives, one that will involve him no longer working away from home. Plans are in the make for him to return to school, and he retires from the reserves in May....Yeah!!! Way to go GI Jim.....He has quite a few medical things to get ahold of and his paperwork for school wasn't received (ughhh, though this almost seems to be a blessing) so he is going to be a househusband for a few months and concentrating on getting some much needed things done. Anyway, it is so great to have him home. I've really missed my best friend (though, I have to say, getting used to living together again full time has been no picnic), haha....I'm beginning to realize its really not all about me. Sad, but true..haha....Anyway, Jim has the greatest dispostion of anyone I know and just makes my days so happy.... Ok, so, here's whats been going on for the month of December. Jim was Santa once again for him unit at the 370th Christmas party and I have to say Jim makes a fabulous Santa and I say that without any prejudice whatsoever....just ask around..haha...Also, on Christmas morning, he was no longer Uncle JimaLee as he is so loving called by his grand-nephews, but Santa Claus. To say it was magical is no exaggeration. It was wonderful and the boys just loved him. I am thinking we can get one more year out of Santa before the boys realize its really JimaLee under that suit. I will be back in the new year posting ramblings on our comings & goings and what lies ahead. We have made our resolutions and hope to keep at least 2 of them..haha...Lets face it, it never happens..haha...Enjoy the pics and come back to visit us often.