Peace?

"I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for
peace. So, here's one plan."

1.) The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their
affairs, past &present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Noriega,
Milosevic and the rest of those 'good ole boys'. We will never "interfere"
again.

2.) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with
Germany, South Korea and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would
station troops at our borders. No one sneaking through holes in the fence.

3.) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave
We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be
gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of who or where they are.
France would welcome them.

4.) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days
unless given a special permit. No one from a terrorist nation would be
allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide
here.
Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab
drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5.) No foreign "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If
they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home baby.

6.) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise
This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require
a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness.
The caribou will have to cope for a while.

7.) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for
their oil. If they don't like it, we go some place else. They can go
somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling
up the storage sites would be enough.)

8.) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will
not "interfere," They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement
or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given
to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9.) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island some place. We don't need
the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a
good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

10.) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can
call us "Ug ly Americans" any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH....
LEARN IT.....or LEAVE...

Now, isn't that a winner of a plan.

The Teen Years

Raising 3 girls is always full of joy and adventure! When the girls were young people would scare me to death by saying, "Yea, well you think the terrible twos are bad just wait 'til the teen years!" I was terrified. I guess the main thing was that it was territory never traveled so the unknown I suppose is what makes me insecure. I mean if I know what's coming, and I know the tools needed, it seems easier.

So for years, I anticipated this horrible time to begin in about 1999 (when Maegan officially became a teen). That time passed ok and so I just waited. Waited for the worse. And if you know me, that's typical. My philosophy is if you're prepared for the worst, then if better happens, it's a nice surprise. Now, this isn't a trait I'm proud of, or recommend at all. Much the opposite. In fact, as a Christian I should be much more secure and put my trust and faith in Jehovah God. But, while my head knows that, honestly I'm just not there yet. Why say I'm this perfect Christian, that knows all the answers and does them all, when it's simply not the truth? I guess I just think of it as I'm still growing.

Anyway, now that the girls are mostly thru what people refer to as the "teen years", I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised and very thankful. That's not to say that there hasn't been hard days. There have. But honestly most of the problems that I have seen have been directly related to me and my shortcomings, or my ignorance on how to deal with certain situations.

Just one example is Maegan. (Bless her heart, she's always used as the example, part of the first born I reckon). Just in the past year or so I've noticed that she gets so hurt when she attempts to do something to the best of her ability and for some reason it doesn't meet up to everyone's expectations. Sometimes it comes out in anger, sometimes in guilt or just frustration. So now I'm find myself wanting so badly to go back and retrain, because it's my fault that she is so hard on herself. I expected so much of her and made her redo things that now it's become a weakness (at times) for her. A weakness when she can accept the fact that she has done the very best she can and leave it there. The good part is, is that she will listen. And she'd doing just that. She's trying to make the adjustments, but it's just so built in, it's a hard task. I've apologized and asked her forgiveness, but it doesn't take away the consequences of what I have instilled. It will take time, but I have no doubt that she will overcome!

I say all this to say that the teen years can be a time of joy and learning, both for the children and the parents. I think the key for me is to stay open and honest. That sounds so basic and casual but it's been difficult at times. Because it means that I have to admit when I'm wrong and make a change.

I will leave with one last thought..."Our children are watching us live, and what we are shouts louder than anything we can say."

21 Good Ideas-Which One's Your Favorite?

ONE. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.


TWO. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.


THREE. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.


FOUR. When you say, "I love you," mean it.


FIVE. When you say, "I'm sorry," look the person in the eye.


SIX. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.


SEVEN. Believe in love at first sight.


EIGHT. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.


NINE. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.


TEN.. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.


ELEVEN. Don't judge people by their relatives.


TWELVE. Talk slowly but think quickly.


THIRTEEN. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"


FOURTEEN. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.


FIFTEEN. Say "bless you" when you hear someone sneeze.


SIXTEEN. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.


SEVENTEEN. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; and responsibility for all your actions.


EIGHTEEN. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.


NINETEEN. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.


TWENTY. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.


TWENTY-ONE. Spend some time alone.

Wonder Why?

Do you ever wonder why you pour your life into others' and to no avail? As you can see, this isn't going to be a happy post most likely!

First, I gotta say that none of this is in response to any of my daughters or my wonderful husband. I guess this is more an observation in general. But in order to make an observation, there has to be some level of involvment.

Anyway, here's my observation. If I go to Karate for 6 months and do the workouts...my physical body is strengthened, I learn new kicks, basically I better myself. If I invest in time spent with Jehovah God...my life is blessed, I gain wisdom and my relationship with him grows...I better myself. If I invest and pour my life into someone else's...chances are there's no return. Wow that sounds selfish of me! Hmmmm. Interesting. See I'm just thinking out loud here, so I'm learning as I go.

Still, I have to be honest with myself and admit that knowing that the odds are very high that if I invest my time into someone and the chances are very high that I get nothing in return, then I'm not really excited about doing that very often. And it seems to be that even the people that profess to be so "religious" are some of the worst. It's like they take, take, take whatever they can get but then never give anything to others.

And girls seem to be more this way then even the guys. Sometimes guys are more concerned and caring than are the females. That's scary to me because God created the female to be the care givers, the soft, the tender one. Is that yet another change in this mixed up world? The guys are more trust worthy, more caring, more tender than the girls. Good grief!

Well, I really must get off here and get some things accomplished for the day. I've got lots more in this little head but not enough time right now. Catch ya later.

Karate, Church and Perfect Sisters

So yea, it's been way too long since I've taken time to post. But between being a full time mom to 3 girls ages 19, 17 and 7, (which is so much more awesome than I ever could have imagined!), full time wife (which I love), teaching school, part time job, Karate classes, etc...well spare time doesn't come around too often. I'm not complaining at all, I'm so thankful for each one of these things.

Karate is starting to be a little more fun. It's been 12 years, so getting back in the groove was a little difficult. But it is amazing how many of the forms and kicks come back, it's just that my muscles seem to be resisting for some reason. ~grin~ For the first few weeks I just worked on trying to get my poor body to do what I was telling it to. ~laugh~ But now I'm finally working on getting my kicks higher and stronger. David worked with me tonite on some better defensive stuff. Actually my kicks are getting pretty strong, but who cares how hard or high you can kick, if you're already knocked out!

Maegan and Tarah are doing great with Karate. Maegan is ready to enter some tournaments I think. Tarah wants to work her forms and do the form tournaments. They both got their red stripes today! ~smile~ I'm really proud of them for working so hard and giving their best.

My "perfect sister" is also doing well in Karate. She's already surpassed me by two belts! I'm trying hard to catch up with her! LOL

We are still looking for a church "home". It seems so many churches are mere social clubs. I really hate to say that, because I think many of the members give their all, but unfortunately pride, power and politics have become so prominent in many churches. However, God is on the Throne and it will be okay!

Well, it seems everyone else has gathered in to watch a movie. So I guess I could be social and join them. We haven't had television in about 8 months, so when it's "movie time", it's actually a big thing. I was addicted to TV (mostly FOX news), and it was very hard at first, not have TV. But now, I think I actually prefer it. I know, it's weird but hey we actually spend more time together I think. I thought it would be boring, but I guess we've just stayed busy with other things. So, anyway, it works for us and saves $60.00 a month!

I'm outta here for now....Blessings!

Pictures...

Maegan, Tarah, & Faith



Maegan & Tarah



Baby Emma & Maegan

Wanted: 2005 GT Mustang

Yea, so find me a pre-owned Mustang. I really think he's gonna buy me one to redeem himself. If you know anyone that's looking to sell...

2005 Saleen

Yea, so I drove a Saleen yesterday. I was looking at Mustang GT's and this guy drives up in a Saleen. All the guys around say, "Now that's what you need!" Honestly, I prefer the plain GT. Guess that's the difference between a guy and a girl. I dunno. Actually, I think I just like the "retro" look and to me the Saleen package leans to the modern side. But they talked so much good about it that, I decided I needed to at least drive it. I did. And all you males are probably gonna think I've lost my mind but I wasn't impressed. Oh, I mean it had a nice "rumble" to it and I'm sure it holds its value better, but for the difference in price, right now I'm staying with the GT.

And I really think I'm gonna wait for a slightly used one. I hate paying that "new" car price.

Trying out cars with David is so much fun. He loved driving a yellow Saleen and scared me to death. But I think his foot got a little heavier in the Black GT convertible. I just closed my eyes and held on. I think he is excited about buying me a Ford Mustang GT just to redeem himself from trading my '67, for a truck, a long bed UGLY truck!

Well, I've got to get the day started. Blessings!

This Is Crazy!

Yea, this is starting to be crazy. I went to Karate class yesterday. Had a really great work out and was somewhat pleased with how many kicks, punches and forms came back (after 12 years away!). But now, this morning? Good grief! I had to take pain meds for my muscles! Just Motrin, but still this is crazy.

I've had sore muscles many times, but never have my muscles simply ached. I am told this is due to the fact that I'm just outta shape. I disagree, I think it's due to the fact that when you're "old" your body shouldn't be put thru such stupidity! When you're young a vibrant, maybe God just has a little more mercy on us because we're so immature and well stupid, so our body just gets a mild soreness and, the end. But when we're more mature, and hopefully a little wiser, He probably thinks, "Ok, this must be an area that she needs a little tougher lessen and eye opener". So, instead of simple muscle soreness, it's a real I opener of "hmmm...maybe I shouldn't be doing this because I need pain meds just to be able to sleep and a machine to push me outta bed and carry me down the stairs".

Yea, and my PERFECT sister was there too, for her second work out in probably 10 years. It was great to be able to work out with her cos the last time we were all taking Karate, she And remember this is my PERFECT sister and we were reminiscing the other day about our Karate days. Somehow we got to talking about "trophies". She was talking about all the many she had won. I'm sure I had this confused look on my face, but I didn't say a word be'cos I had never gotten any "trophies". I had always thought that my white belt, red strips, orange belt and then my -clearing throat- yellow belt were "trophies". No, seriously back then, I had chosen not to participate in competition tournaments. But she did and she was very good. So I'm glad she's going back and that it's something that we can enjoy together this time. And Sis, don't tell anybody else, but we gotta make Cracker Barrel kinda like a tradition after Karate class. lol

OH, AND DOLAN BIG CONGRATS ON GETTING YOUR WHITE BELT! I am so proud of you!

Ok, so in thinking about the car situation and how much I love the old Mustangs and since WildCard sent this beautiful picture of a '67 Shelby, it tempted me to consider just looking at getting the "real" thing and buying a 65-67 model. But I'm not sure that would be a wise decision, cos I'm sure the girls will be driving it and I just don't see an "antique" car being that dependable. So I'm re-thinking that one.

Well, I do need to head into the office and get some work done there. Have a blessed day and think on this...

"Learn from other's mistakes rather than making them all yourself."

Karate, Cars and Perfect Sisters

It's been so long since I have had time to journal, I'm not sure where to start. I think I'll just ramble, which is something I don't really do that often (I hope anyway!).

I am reading the book Captivating, which is supposedly the girls version of Wild At Heart. I must admit Wild At Heart was much more intriguing, which was surprising. But think about it, maybe it's because there wasn't as much to "learn" about being a female because I am one. Makes sense I reckon. But it really is a good book that I do recommend, but don't leave out Wild At Heart! It's a must read.

The rest of the fam decided to take Karate. I had not been going to classes cos I felt saving my energy for just life in general was the best plan. Well, all four of them stayed on me, "Please come back, please, you will love it, please it will give you more energy, please this please that". Well I guess it's taken it's toll. I gave in. I went back (Dave and I are both yellow belts from several years ago), yesterday. I have to admit I did enjoy the excitment and I know the exercise is much needed. lol

We are looking at getting a smaller car. We've been in the SUV world for so long, it's hard to even consider a car. For me it's been more about safety issues. The girls have been so patient and long-suffering about the car issue too. Most of their friends have their own cars to drive on their 16th birthday. That's another long story but Dave and I both purposed long ago to try and give our girls responsibilty. And for us that meant not giving them a car at age 16. Not that having a car at 16 causes kids to be unresponsible (it doesn't, cos there's much more to it), that just happens to be one thing that Dave and I had agreed on very early on. Now it's long after 16, and they still don't have their own cars. But now it's become more about insurance...new cars mean more insurance and that's just not a pleasant thing. Thanks girls for being so patient and understanding. One day you will have your own car.

Anyway, I am partial to the 2005 Mustangs. My first car was a '67 Mustang. I loved that car. But after we got married, David decided that he needed a truck. So he traded my beautiful, all original, 67 Mustang for a truck not just any truck, a LONG bed truck! I still haven't forgiven him for that! Years later we tried to find that car and buy it back. It had been wrecked and the had been sold for metal. It was so sad for me. But hey, it's just a car. It's strange to think how just a car can hold so many memories.

David's wanting to take a road trip to Canada. We all want to see Prince Edward Island, where Anne of Green Gables was filmed. (thanks Miss Anne for sharing that movie with us, definitely a favorite!). He checked on passports. Almost $1,000 for all of us! I'm sorry but that's too much in my opinion. But we are looking forward to another road trip. Going to California was so much fun.

We are training Josh some customer service stuff at work now. He's doing great. I am so glad to have the opportunity to work with him and get to know him more. He's my one of my wonderful nephews and he's just a great guy. He has it all...fun personality, intelligent (sometimes too much for me), and high morals. And so cute. Well, I guess you can tell I just think the world of him. Hang in there Josh and wait on the perfect girl!

What else. Oh I'm trying to get my favorite sister to do a blog. She says she's still trying to find the "perfect" one for her. See, she's the kinda of sister that we love to hate....everything she does seems to be perfect and it's always been that way. We are 7 years apart (I'm the oldest) and when we brought her home, she was the PERFECT baby. She grew into the PERFECT toddler (cute ringlet hair and all), kept all her stuffed animals in PERFECT order, she could skip classes at school and still be on the honor roll (I had to work hard to keep my B average), and I could go on and on but I won't cos she's gonna kill me already. I kid her all the time but honestly it's because I admire her detailing and organization. Believe me, she must have gotten all of mine because I don't do well with organization/details etc. Not to mention she is so beautiful! You know the kind, blond, beautiful and PERFECT! But come to think of it, even if she wasn't my sister I would still love and admire her for all she is. But I'm thankful she's my sister. Anyway, I can't wait for her to get that PERFECT blog so I can share it with you and let you see what a wonderful person she is. BTW, I can call her my favorite sister, because she's my only sister.

Well, I must get going. Gotta get some things done at the office. This rambling was kinda fun. Maybe I'll try it a little more often.

Hope each of you have a blessed day! Don't forget to be kind to someone today!

Rules For Fighting Fair

1. Make an appointment for the discussion.
2. Face each other.
3. Keep it limited to one issue.
4. Keep it respectful.
5. Keep focused on the present.
6. Keep focused on understanding first, being understood second. (this one's real hard for me!)
7. Keep focused on the problem, not the person.
8. Avoid distractions.
9. Keep it tactful.
10. Take a time-out if needed.
11. Don't interrupt.
12. Remember, YOUR reality isn't the only reality.