Kids Say The Darndest Things

Don't kids say the funniest stuff. I think they do, especially the 28 year old ones that call you at 9 o'clock at night to let you know they've been arrested, they're being booked and will be transported to the county facilities when they are done.
Folks this is not what a mother wants to hear from her child. I love my daughter to death but I did not teach her to be this way.
She feels terrible and she should feel terrible. Miserable, awful, regretful, all of it.
You spend your whole life teaching them right from wrong and then this.
No matter what happens this will follow her, how will she get another job. Who will hire her even if she is freed of any wrong doing her picture was in the paper, and on the news.
I will always love my child even when she's 80 and I'm 97. I'll still love her but I may not live that long with this kind on thing happening.
Oh well, what's a mother to do?

Go Fayetteville!

Yes! I am so happy with the way our city is stepping up. This morning I heard we will be taking steps to use the Mexican Original factory as a shelter this is wonderful. The city of Fayetteville is planning to use this facility as a home for its Fire fighting, but for now the city has stepped up and started making room to help people.
This facility is close to my heart as my husband was employed at M.O. for 18 years. It is not far from my home so I feel like my neighborhood is opening up to help those in need.
The city needs donations blankets, sheets, new pillows, many other types of items like hygiene products, soap and shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste. Folks these victims need everything.

End Of Summer Ritual

Tomorrow is Monday, Labor Day, and for most a holiday, a day to stay home with family or go on a final cookout. Maybe some have spent their last holiday of summer at the lake, camping or having an outing with family.
For me it is back to work, taking care of those who chose to shop. For as I have stated I work in retail. And as the demand for people to shop steadily grows, so the need for stores to be open to tend to their needs. But enough about that. This is that wonderful 3 day weekend. The one we look forward to if we have run out of vacation time for, for most of us we are off to enjoy all 3 days. My 2 days this weekend was very exciting we had a big kick off to our University football team. And boy was it glorius. Quite a score 49 to 17, Hogs on top. Go Razorbacks! Lots of tailgate parties. Plenty of folks yelling Wooooo Pig!.
One of the best things that happened this year was hearing that we were finally getting the people of Louisianna taken care of. I didn't mean to be to critical, but seeing people suffer in such peril and dismay seems to tragic to believe. The many that were lost who never made it to see this Labor Day, but will toil no more on this green earth. Their days of labor gone and I pray their heavenly peace has been reached. God Bless all who could help, did help, and are still helping, for your kindness is amazing.
We end this summer on somewhat sad times, but we must have courage, spirit, and the will to go on ever plodding our course in destiny. And so the days become shorter, the telethon begins that marks the closing of the summer season. Of Jerry and his kids. What a giver he doesn't have to do this telethon, but he does, because he cares. This tradition on Labor Day weekend for many also marks going back to school. Although these days school starts about 2 weeks before Labor Day. So much to teach our youngsters these days they need more time.
I'll close now may your time with friends and family be a blessed time.
And as the air will seem cooler, and our weekends will be full, we'll share

What! New Orleans Destroyed By Act of God?!

Well this one will really raise some eyebrows. Instead of showing love compassion and action to get folks taken care of. Some can only find reason to blame for New Orleans disaster. Make up you own mind but check this out. I found this on a blog by R. Blevin called The RBlog it was entitled Vengeance it was written about a group called repent america. They are saying that because of the sin that has been increasing there in New Orleans, God destroyed the city. Unbelievable really, anyway here's a site:
http://rblevin.blogspot.com

What I Know

I do know that I could have had the buses that went in to take people out filled with food and water to distribute as they got there.
I know that military tents could have been set up on the closed lanes of the interstate to house and Krations sent in for immediate help.
I know that the helicopters could have flown out of the area loaded with people to meet with buses or transport vehicles that should have had food and water on them.
I know that if you have a large transport vehicle you can put out a response with your local radio station to announce you need to fill it with food and non perishables. And within minutes it would be filled to capacity and your tanks would be full to get you there. Bring back all you can. Your fellow neighbors and church members will take care of them.
I know that I would have opened the military housing of the closed bases all over America so these people would have someplace to live. These bases have beds kitchens just like small cities.
I know I would ask cities towns and states to open their arms and find housing for these dislocated people. If you are able to open your homes apartments civic centers churches recreational centers empty stores or any shelter do it. Take the initiative, don't try to place the blame these people need action taken NOW. Water NOW, Food Now, Do NOT GO IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THESE ESSENTIAL NEEDS.
You are AMERICA ! AMERICA! You are the richest country in the world these fellow Americans, AMERICANS people, these folks need help. If you don't know where to go let me tell you go where you see people in need and if you see a hand outstreached reach out to them. The freeways are full of people lining the highways, reachable highways. We must reach them.
In Africa we drop in food supplies. We have the christian food ministries who have warehouses with food meant to go overseas its here now pick it up in a helicopter and drop it from lines to the ground to the people.
These Americans seem to be quite orderly to me I believe if you would got this food to them they would stand in line for food and water.

I pray and I will do.

Take a Look at This

Here's a satellite view of the New Orleans area before and after the hurricane and break in the levies.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/new-orleans-imagery.htm


Also check out this address for more viewpoints:
www.athonymontalbano.com/katrina1615z-050829-1kg12.ipg

Just incredible what happened.

Is It The Beginning of the End of Days?

Points of interest:

* Recent Sunami destroys

*Millions dying in Africa from Aids

*India hundreds dying from encephalitus

*600 Die from stampede in Iraq

*New Orleans destroyed devastated

Yes there have always been disasters. I am well aware of this, but is this part of what we have read about in the scripture. Are these plaques that are starting. If the diseases do develop in New Orleans that they anticipate we too could have our own plaques right here in this country. What comes next we may have a gasoline shortage in this country and from that I worry we may see the seeds of the Anti Christ. People are becoming displaced, is this how the mark of the beast will be set in place. Will the use of GPS devices make people believe that tagging people with transmitting devices in order to locate them be far away. I have heard many say they thought this method may be put to use on child molestors who they have trouble keeping track of. Where I feel we need to do a better job I do not feel this is the right thing to do.
We spend less time with our families, we are not involved in the right way with our children. We want to educate them, but we do not teach them the lessons of love, compassion, humanity, that we must care for others and not think of what's in it for me. Parents buy, give, things objects to their children, but giving to others, doing for others, these are the lessons we need to teach.
So we are seeing unbelievable disasters. We know there are countries attempting to create nuclear weapons. We would hope they would think responsibly when creating these weapons.
Some I know have looked into the writings of one in the Catholic church who was said to have received visions of the future. One of these being this Pope from the House of the Benedict would be the last Pope before the end of days. We looked at the information, we were surprised at the Popes decision for his name which seemed to support what was predicted.
Whether it may be the end of days or not, we should live like it is and learn to love and cherish mankind. I hope you all find the Lord and have the blessing of reading the Bible, it could save your soul. Thanks for reading in. Debra

Rising Temper Over Rising Prices

Am I hearing it correctly is it my understanding that our cost per barrel will go as high as $70. Come on who are they kidding the hurricane is in the USA not in Iraq or Iran or any of the eastern nations. That is where we buy our oil not from Louisianna not from the gulf coast. So why the hike in the price of oil. We still will consume the same amounts we will just have a little more difficulty in getting it t0 our ports and to the refinery. I was told its not the price per barrel that makes gas so high its the cost of processing it that makes it so high at the pumps. If this is so explain to me someone what's up with oil prices? No you cannot make any good reason as to why we should pay this exorbitant amount for a barrel of oil. By the time it is placed on a tanker and shipped across the ocean to us our ports will be up and running again. Maybe not at 100% but we all know this is one of the first areas that will be up and going. Road clearing and electrical will have to be restored but you know these refineries will be going ASAP. The President will not allow the country to be out of fuel for long. But we must demand these countries bring down their prices. There is no absolutely no reason for these desert like countries to charge more for a weather catastrophe going on thousands of miles away. I'm steamed! People expect to pay $4.00 a gallon in the next couple of days. This is absurd! It makes me want to open up my windows and yell for all the world to hear," I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more." I'm headed to Landers to pick up my Honda hybrid.
I think I'll get a red one.
I'm that mad.

Katrina

Wow this girl is coming in screaming. The Astrodome is filling up as I write this morning. The possible damage this thing could pack is unbelievable. I pray for all the people of Louiaianna all along the coast and immediately inland for their safety.
This is going to really do some damage and New Orleans may not be the same after this. I just watched as a reporter went flying from the strong gust of wind that blew up. The water is starting to run down the street like a river. Bless all those who will be affected by this monster.

OK Sam I think I got it

Well a certain someone has felt the comment that we are not the only country or people to feel as if God has somehow blessed us is somehow wrong. I get it! I did not say nor do I feel that we are not a blessed people and I agree that our forefathers of this great country certainly did most everything in the name of God.
I notice a reference to Webster a quote we are returning a comment from renegade I would quess. Also included the definitions that were included. I have a feeling the point got across.
I will say you touched a nerve. I was early morning of 2001 as I recall the 50" TV was on the Today show or GMA and we saw the 1st tower burning we watched confused and upset over how they would evacuate the building what caused this. We gazed in horror as we saw the 2nd plane come into the picture on the television screen. The plane turning moving closer and we saw that moment of impact when the terrorist sent here by someone most Americans had never heard of drove that plane into tower 2. We watched here in the little city of Fayetteville as 3000 + lives were lost. They got up that morning did what they need to do every day and some mad man on a mission decided to end their lives somehow justifiing his actions. That image will forever be with me. I cannot watch the repeat of that moment it brings back a flood of emotion that I cannot express to you in words. These people, these Americans fought and died for freedom. How you may ask they lived it. They were fighting for freedom by living free. Their rights were taken from them by those who would impose their ways on us. The idea that by taking down these towers would halt the free world, but we came back defiant against the terror. The presidents words were true, and gave many comfort. And for those the 3000 that stood for freedom that day we still remember and we go on so these terrorist don't win. Our spirit as Americans as a people of God as a people who live to help others will not waiver. Yes we have been blessed with many things. And I may not agree with everything you say but as an American I will defend to the end your right to say it. The Lord is my shephard I shall not want.

India in Danger

Why must the young always seem to be the victims. In India over 200 have already died from the disease encephelicitas. A mosquito born disease that causes problems with breathing attacking the lungs, then bleeding occurs and dilerea. A simple $1 vaccination could have prevented this horrible plaque from happening. But those dollars add up to $58 million dollars. Yes to vaccinate all from the disease is more than the total medical budget for this country which is reported to be $25 million. So as the children of India die with their parents helpless to do anything I will pray, I will attempt to find someone who is going to do something to aid this great country a beautiful nation. With wonderful people who we have admired for their interesting culture, food, people, music, religion. Let's do something a dollar a vaccination. I've got $20 floating around who'll buy the medicine for this great country. Who'll save these great people.

Promise Keepers?

This weekend here in Fayetteville, Arkansas a group of individuals called Promise Keepers will be holding a gathering at our University stadium. The cost to rent the stadium $60,000. The cost per ticket $90. The anticipated turnout for this event was 70 plus thousand men. Oh did I not tell you Promise Keepers is an event for Christian men. A chance for men to gather and reconfirm their connection to God. These are Christian men, a good number of them married. The event starts today and goes through Saturday. Well apparently the cost of Christianity has a price and that price is $90. By that I mean the 70 thousand has now dwindled to 30 + thousand most men who thought they would go have decided the price is to high. I have got to wonder when did the Lord's word get so expensive. Did the Lord and his apostles not travel all around the country spreading the word of God for free. Sometimes asked to a meal by the kindness of a family who would over what they had as a kindness an act of love. Can't we all walk into a house of God and here God's word spoken by someone who has committed their life to him. Living everyday for us and the Lord.
The Promise Keepers are charging to much for the average man to attend such an event. Maybe these speakers are men of God and I don't doubt there are expenses to do such an event. A few years ago a friend of mine went to Dallas with his church to attend one of these meetings he came back telling us of the wonderful experience of connection to the Lord, a stronger commitment to his wife and family and the responsibility of his life as a married man and a believer in the Lord. It was wonderful to here a man talk of such feelings. It truly helped him with his life and dealing with the day to day struggles of life.
If we believe, if we love the Lord, our wives, our husbands, our children, and our family and our fellow man we have done the Lords work. Our greatest gift God has given us is love it's the most beautiful of feelings. It makes all else seem unnessassary. Promise Keepers will be here for 2 days we will live with God forever if we accept him and ask for him to be a part of our lives. There is much comfort in the knowledge that he is there for us. All we need do is put our hands together bow our heads and talk to God in prayer. Your prayers will be answered. But always remember the answer may not come in the form we expect sometimes it may come as if it were a hardship. But when looking at it closely you see God has given us the answer to our prayer.
May you be blessed by God each and every day!

Love of a mother

Okay that's it the kid is making me crazy. Which one the little one. Graduation, yeah sure if she makes the grades, which right now seem a little on the "You better really do good on your finals" kinda way. Yeah that's right we got through senior prom and now the big stuff semester finals and report card. If she scores high enough she walks her senior walk and receives a diploma. If not she may get to walk but gets handed an empty holder. Scores don't make it she goes back to school to make up classes and all the family that comes in to see her graduate get to eat better luck next time kid cake. This sucks, I'm sorry that wasn't nice but after 17 years of telling my daughter to sit near the front of your class to see the chalkboard or overhead projector, and so you can hear the teacher over the kids talking in class and not paying attention, and so she won't be one of the kids talking in class and not paying attention, my daughter waits till the last days to try to pull of miraculous grades. Like God above is going to look down on her and say I like that kid I'll give her just enough knowledge to pass and continue on in life.
What must she be thinking it's like our words go in one ear and out the other, oh and don't think I don't know what your thinking. She sounds like a mom or like your mom. We all get there it takes that one thing to hit our nerve and boom! Mom words come spitting out. I love my child she's beautiful, kind, funny, sweet, outrageous, wonderful, everything you could ask for in a kid. So why does she do this. I know I was no genious in school but I wanted to graduate and I put in the work to do so. Not trying to barely make the grade or do the minimum required and pull it out with a D. No but then she's not me and I know that and for everything she is I love her very much. Maybe God will look down on her and smile. I hope so.

Termites are Gone

Those of you who know me have been hearing me tell about the termites we recently discovered in our home. Fortunately we caught them in time to prevent huge damage to the house. Looks like all we have to do is replace the back door and a few of the lower pieces of siding board. We had let our termite and pest control policy drop. When we didn't receive a phone call from them or a bill we didn't think to contact them. Thirteen years later holy cow termites. Now for the most part there was no real sign of these things until we were doing some simple home repairs and gardening. While cleaning out a flower bed I made last year I noticed some of the siding looked like it was coming apart. Gave it a little pull and of it came. On inspection of the piece noticed some white ant looking insects. Yep termites. We got in touch with the contractor to get the extermination done and get our lives back in order. Seems that termites have to be able to reach the ground every 24 hours to get moisture. They build these little tubes that connect them to the ground, if you spot these little mud trails on your house immediately call your pest control man. To wrap this up we now have to purchase the replacement materials for our home we have been inspected and considered to be pest free and are once again on contract with a service.

Missed It

Nope I didn't make it this year.
Big tadoins hear in Fayetteville on Saturday. That's right it was Springfest on Dickson Street. That great time of the year when our good friends and neighbors, their children, pets, and other assortment of animal life. Confulge on Dickson Street to celebrate the arrival of Spring.
The sun was beaming down on our fair city that Saturday and the wind was wipping through some pretty cold air. That was the determining factor on my nonparticipation this year. Although nothing beats a Springfest for making you feel closer to your fellow man. Moms and Dads pushing the strollers, and carrying kids in backsacks so they can get a better look. Purchasing the crafts that are done sometimes on site with your own participation. Lots of food oh my word, the food. Yum! It's the combination of the county fair and a summer BBQ.
Mostly my lack of participation was due to the Prom yup, my youngest daughter was attending her senior prom that night. So after putting of going to the festival I got the call from my daughter. Who proceeded to tell me she had been to the salon to have her hair and makeup done. Must admit she looked lovely. A proud momma. OK a mad fly has just attacked my computer monitor hold on while I proceed to take care of this. Aaack! Wop! Hey! Come back here! Oh to heck with it he's gone. Now where was I oh yea, so Stacy (that's my daughter's name don't think I mentioned it) she proceeds to tell me that she does not have the boutineer for her escort "that boy" as we like to refer to Shane (the boyfriend) teasingly. Nor does he have a corsage for her. So I volunteer to run to the store and try to find flowers and make them for her, and oh yea mom can you look for me some jewelry to go with my dress, and if you could find me a comb or some kind of hair accessory also. And you need this when? I ask my daughter. You have had your dress picked out for a month and now two hours before you leave to meet the other kids you want me to shop for jewelry, hair stuff and make your flowers. What have you been doing all this time? It just seemed to get away from me and I forgot. So mom went to the store got the items, made the florals and took the before the prom photos we all go through at prom time.
It's my last time to send one of my children to their senior prom. It's kind of sad, I'll miss it.....

Gone So Long

How hard is it to spell check! Come on, is it so hard. I got so upset after my last posting I didn't even want to do anymore.
OK, your in the dark, here's what happened. I had a wonderful experience at the library. Quite an enjoyable place. Well worth a visit if I may recommend. However I wrote a very nice note all about it went to spell check and preview and BAM! Gone. It was all gone. Nothing left. How miserable I felt knowing how much care and thought that was put in to it so you might feel as if you had been there also. Well I won't do it again. I will not worry if i dindt spell a wurd correctly. At least I'll still have what I wrote to you. Anyway... had a great time, and the rest of the vacation was not bad either. Work was still there waiting for me on Monday.

A Day Off

How great a day off. Well actually a mini vacation without even asking. I check my schedule which is assigned every 3 weeks, and oh my gosh! A 3 day weekend. After working without the regular crew due to spring break. How refreshing. Spring break don't you just love it. You do if your on it. If your left to toe the line while others are enjoying thereselves it can be tough. Everyone goes through it though. As a youth you experience it through school breaks. As an adult you my be able to continue spring break by scheduling it where you work. This year I decided not to request a vacation during spring break. I work alongside several U of A students. They need their break, who can blame them long hours in class, finals, yuck! Glad I'm done with it.
So what to do with myself, need to make some plans. Or do I want to. Maybe I should just let the days take me where they will. I may plan a couple of things. I know I want to visit our new Library. It's been open a couple months and I haven't visited it yet. The Blair library as it is called was strategically placed just to the southwest of the Fayetteville square. Downtown Fayetteville. Architecturally designed with a southern exposure to show off the beautiful hills of Northwest Arkansas. I'll let you know how it goes.