Friday, 02/19/2010 SPI, TX

We arrived in Tx. Mom & Earl picked us up and had a few cold ones waiting for us. The rain had just cleared and the sun was trying to peek out. On the 40 min drive to SPI, we stopped for a BBQ lunch. Mmm, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Next stop was at a HUGE gift shop/museum and where we meandered around a bit. Mom&Earl are standing in the doorway that is a shark's mouth. I purchased a sea star & sea horse there. Earl & Dave tried on hats. Hmm.

We then checked in at the Travel-Lodge, walking distance from the condos, and took a siesta before having dinner with M,E,E,&D. That night was a turkey dinner with potatoes, veg, & stuffing. Later on we went to listen to music at the bar. We met M&E's group of friends (very touchy-feely those retirees are:)LOL. I got kissed and hugged by strangers) while we watched M&E cut a rug on the dance floor. They dropped us off and we bid them farewell until the next morning.

Thursday 02/18/2010 SPI, TX Vacation

Last week DB&I went to SPI, TX to have a little R&R and visit my Mom & Earl and his folks. Thursday we dropped Lexie off at the Woof & Purr Boarding & spent the night at my girlfriend's in WBL. They have a beautiful home and busy household with 2 young, gorgeous children, 9 mo old retriever, and a crazy cat. We had a good night reminiscing & catching up. We had to leave early @ 5 AM. Cari was sweet enough to set out to-go cups for coffee and donuts with sprinkles for our drive to the airport. We got to the airport early, parked the car, and headed in. I was surprised (though I shouldn't have been) at the size and amount of carry-ons people had. Like I had said before, it was $20 (went up from $15) per checked bag. There are pros & cons to this, of course. Pro: significantly less people at baggage claim. Con: Everyone has a bag in the overhead compartment, so it takes longer to board and deplane b/c everyone is fighting w/ their bags. All in all, the flight was good and DB&I sat next to each other without having the pa the extra $15 to guarantee a seat next to the one you love.

I love it!

Quote on Pessimists

The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised.
- George F. Will

I Play My .. Gui-tarrrr

I'm teaching myself the guitar. Slowly. I know A, D & G. Luckily those are just the cords for "I Keep Falling in Love With Him" (Christian music). I kept playing and falling in love with him over and over again and now my fingers are pooped out. Just taking a 5-er to stretch them out before hitting it again.

2010 Winter Olympics

"When NBC kicked off its coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics on Friday night, it was with a much different introduction than originally planned. The broadcast started at 7:30 p.m. ET with a somber intro from Bob Costas and Matt Lauer that detailed the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvil earlier in the day. It was a respectful and necessary decision, but far from the triumphant opening sequence that was doubtlessly in the can. Still, it's safe to say that a vast majority of the 38 million Americans who were watching the Opening Ceremony hadn't yet seen the gruesome clip of Kumaritashvili flying off the course and crashing into a metal pole. Was a brief warning that suggested only "some people" would find it tough to see enough? NBC was right to cover the story, and showing the video was a necessary news decision. The network, which usually holds a tight grip on Olympic footage, even released the tape to other news organizations because "this was a significant news event." However, showing it three times at the beginning of coverage without an adequate warning and then airing a picture of a lifeless body getting medical attention was irresponsible. "~excerpt taken from Yahoo news
Oh my! We don't even have NBC and we saw this on another news channel. What is wrong with our society? I was appalled when I saw this video clip, replayed over and over, then in slow motion. I have a strong stomach, but that's not the point. This was disrespectful. A simple snapshot would have gotten the news across. His poor family.

Siesta

Rescuing pup from pound: $200+ dollars
Going to animal store for the first time and staring from scratch: $100
Buying a doggy kennel she hates: $40
Teeth cleaning and 2nd round of shots: $195
Capturing the two loves of my life taking an afternoon siesta: PRICELESS
Happy Valentines Day, everyone!

Introducing the Newest & Littlest Brooks

I ran out of things to blog about, so I got a dog. JK, that's not why we got her. We adopted her last Saturday. She's 6 years old. Vet thinks she's Pomeranian-chihuahua mix. She had to have her teeth cleaned on Friday and get her 2nd round of shots. Her teeth were SO brown and the vet said this is most likely from years of soft dog food. So, owners beware: hard dog food has its benefits regarding cleaning tartar from your dogs teeth. Her teeth are whiter than mine now! :) In this video, she's crazy, but for the most part she's pretty lazy. She got a bath this morning and is fluffier than ever. I absolutely love her!

Sun Country Airlines

Can you believe what the air lines are doing now? They are charging for baggage fees for your first bag and then they charge $15 to be guarenteed you sit next to the person with whom you're traveling! Are you kidding? I refuse to give them the satisfaction. This is like high school and being assigned seats next to people you don't like. I'm an adult. Let me sit where I want. To my knowledge, the purpose for the assigned seating initially was so that everyone has a seat that bought one. My guess as to this change? To lower costs when they cut the position of the employee who sat on their duff all day - assigning seats according to first come-first serve. COuld you imagine traveling with a 2 year old and telling him, "Sorry little Johny, we didn't have the extra $15, so you have to sit next to this stinky, sweaty 400# man whose hips are going to be crawling into your seat. Play nice". Arg. When are we going to put our foot down and say "ENOUGH!"

CAL THOMAS COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 1, 2010

CAL THOMAS COMMENTARY FEBRUARY 1, 2010

http://www.calthomas.com/

IF YOU ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE NEWS, YOU HAVE HEARD OF TIM TEBOW. HE’S THE STAR FLORIDA QUARTERBACK WHO WILL APPEAR IN A SUPERBOWL COMMERCIAL. WHAT’S WRONG WITH THAT? THE PRO-ABORTION LEFT IS UPSET OVER HIS PERSONAL STORY.

IN 1987, TEBOW’S MOTHER EXPERIENCED SEVERE COMPLICATIONS DURING HER PREGNANCY AND WAS ADVISED TO ABORT THE BABY. SHE REFUSED AND TIM WAS THE RESULT.

A COMMITTED CHRISTIAN WHO WEARS BIBLE VERSES ON TOP OF THE CHARCOAL SMUDGE UNDER HIS EYES, TEBOW IS DELIVERING THE CLOSING PRAYER AT THURSDAY’S NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST.

FEMINIST AND PRO-ABORTION GROUPS ARE DEMANDING THAT CBS WITHDRAW THE 30 SECOND SUPER BOWL SPOT. SO FAR, THE NETWORK HAS REFUSED. IT IS BEING SPONSORED BY FOCUS ON THE FAMILY WHICH IS PAYING MORE THAN $2 MILLION FOR IT.

TEBOW’S MOTHER MADE A CHOICE -- TO GIVE BIRTH TO TIM. THE PRO-CHOICE CROWD DOESN’T LIKE IT. TIM’S MOTHER LET GOD BE GOD AND THE LEFT WANTS YOU TO PLAY GOD. I SAY GOOD FOR HER, GOOD FOR TIM AND FOCUS ON THE FAMILY AND GOOD FOR CBS. I’M CAL THOMAS IN WASHINGTON

CAL THOMAS COMMENTARY JANUARY 29, 2010

CAL THOMAS COMMENTARY JANUARY 29, 2010

ON MONDAY, PRESIDENT OBAMA PRESENTS HIS BUDGET TO CONGRESS. IT REPORTEDLY INCLUDES NO MONEY FOR ROCKETS THAT WOULD TAKE AMERICA BACK TO THE MOON FOR FUTURE EXPLORATION, ONE OF PRESIDENT BUSH’S A MAJOR PROJECTS.

INSTEAD, NEWS REPORTS SAY NASA’S BUDGET IS BEING CUT IN FAVOR OF STUDYING CLIMATE CHANGE. THERE WILL BE NO MOON BASES.

THAT’S TOO BAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT OTHER COUNTRIES – ESPECIALLY THE CHINESE – HAVE ACTIVE SPACE PLANS AND WOULD LOVE TO ESTABLISH BASES ON THE MOON AHEAD OF THE UNITED STATES.

ONCE AGAIN THIS APPEARS TO BE THE TRIUMPH OF LEFT-WING IDEOLOGY OVER COMMON SENSE AND THE COMMON GOOD.

THERE WILL BE MONEY FOR PRIVATE COMPANIES TO DEVELOP CAPSULES AND ROCKETS THAT CAN BE USED AS SPACE TAXIS TO TAKE ASTRONAUTS ON FIXED-PRICE CONTRACTS TO AND FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION. THAT’S A MAJOR CHANGE FROM THE WAY NASA HAS DONE BUSINESS FOR THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. DO WE WANT TO TRUST FUTURE SPACE EXPLORATION TO THIS BUNCH? I’M CAL THOMAS IN WASHINGTON.

Coq au Vin Recipe

A favorite of Julie Child. And my leftovers at work received "ooos" & "ahhs" as the aroma wafted through the air. Highly recommend this delectable recipe. My next adventure: Beef Bourguignonne.

Coq au Vin Recipe

Ingredients

* 1/2 lb bacon slices
* 20 pearl onions, peeled, or 1 large yellow onion, sliced
* 3 lbs chicken thighs and legs, excess fat trimmed, skin ON
* 6 garlic cloves, peeled
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 cups chicken stock
* 2 cups red wine (pinot noir, burgundy, or zinfandel)
* 2 bay leaves
* Several fresh thyme sprigs
* Several fresh parsley sprigs
* 1/2 lb button mushrooms, trimmed and roughly chopped
* 2 Tbsp butter
* Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method

1 Blanch the bacon to remove some of its saltiness. Drop the bacon into a saucepan of cold water, covered by a couple of inches. Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes, drain. Rinse in cold water, pat dry with paper towels. Cut the bacon into 1 inch by 1/4 inch pieces.

2 Brown bacon on medium high heat in a dutch oven big enough to hold the chicken, about 10 minutes. Remove the cooked bacon, set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the pan. Working in batches if necessary, add onions and chicken, skin side down. Brown the chicken well, on all sides, about 10 minutes. Halfway through the browning, add the garlic and sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. (Note: it is best to add salt while cooking, not just at the very end. It brings out the flavor of the chicken.)

3 Spoon off any excess fat. Add the chicken stock, wine, and herbs. Add back the bacon. Lower heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove chicken and onions to a separate platter. Remove the bay leaves, herb sprigs, garlic, and discard.

4 Add mushrooms to the remaining liquid and turn the heat to high. Boil quickly and reduce the liquid by three fourths until it becomes thick and saucy. Lower the heat, stir in the butter. Return the chicken and onions to the pan to reheat and coat with sauce. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Serves 6. Serve with potatoes or over egg noodles. Peas make a good side for this dish.

January Thaw

Wow, we've had mid-to-high 30's this past week. Yesterday: 38 degrees. I love it! Keep it up and I'll be planting my garden by May! :)

Allergies

Dear Diary,
My DB & I to SMDC to finally get me tested for allergies. I knew from a previous blood test that I had allergic reactions to grass, birch, milk, & fish (all of course to varying degrees). This blood test was limited and so I got a referral & went to have a skin test for a clearer picture. I was having little "reactions" or "scares" more recently and I needed to know.
Results: Allergic reactions to: lobster, scallops, fish (salmon & tuna), walnuts & almonds. That explains why my almond cereal was giving me a reaction, and I thought it was the milk. Birch is related to apples, carrots, potatoes, and hazelnuts/filberts. (Less antigens if they're cooked.) I've also had reactions to some apples as well lately -- although different apples have different amounts of antigens. So, after not knowing for years and having a fear of eating anything at a potluck or at another's house, I finally know my limitations.

Jeff Dunham

Jeff Dunham - Achmed the Dead Terrorist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go&NR=1

Evolution of Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Sherlock Holmes

Dear Diary, I went out with the most handsome man the other night. We dined on Chinese cuisine & then he treated me to a movie, Sherlock Holmes (PG-13). It was more action/adventure than I would have expected from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes. Robert Downey, Jr & Jude Law had an "odd couple" relationship that really clicked and was quite comical. I highly recommend this flick, either in the theater or watch it in the comfort of your own home.
We were talking about going to Avatar, but it is 2/5 hours long and I can't sit in a theater that long. I'm also looking forward to Robert Downey, Jr's Iron Man 2 coming out this summer.
All in all, date night with my DB was a sweet night.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Beef Bake

Short on time? Hungry husband? Try this half-hour recipe for a yummy, simple, comfort-food meal!

1# Ground beef or ground turkey
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 T. Worcestershire Sauce
1 (16) oz bag veggie combination (broc, caulif,carrots)
2 C. Water
2 T. Butter
2 C. Instant Potato Flakes or Buds

Brown ground beef of turkey (I also added 1 medium onion, chopped). Stir in 1/2 can of soup and add veggies. Put on low while you make potatoes. Mix in microwave safe bowl: potato flakes, butter, water (I also added 1/4 c of dried chives). Nuke in microwave for 3 min. Mix in rest of soup mix. Place meat mixture in 11 X 8" (2 Qt) shallow baking dish. Spread potato mixture on top like icing on a cake. Bake @ 400 for 20 minutes or until hot.

Locks of Love - Ponytail #3-12.5"

http://www.locksoflove.org/

Game Night with the Kids

After Mass last night, we had our Brooks' Kids Night where the aunts and uncles have dinner & play games with the kids. We had fun with the kids playing video games and afterwards played a rousing card game: "Apples to Apples". This is their Christmas present from us. This gives us adults time to be kids and spend quality time together. Thank you all for making it another special year! (Pictured above are my "snowflake" spritz cookies.)

Krazy Kamls

01/01/2010: Friday night as we caught up with our friends at the annual get-together (Temp: -15.6). The guys even dug a huge snow fort for the kids, but spent more time in it themselves. We stayed plenty warm with lots of layers & the bon fire. It was well worth the fun!

How Can I Be Productive on a Cold Day?

Dear Diary, When the weather is like this, I cook this, take the left-overs and make this. And being the good girl I was this year, Santa left me this!

Jokes

A husband had just finished reading a new book entitled, "You Can Be THE Man of Your House."

He stormed to his wife in the kitchen and announced, "From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law. You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm done eating my meal, you will serve me a scrumptious dessert. After dinner, you are going to go upstairs with me and we will have the kind of love-making that I want! Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe. Then, you will massage my feet and hands. Then tomorrow, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?"

The wife replied, "The funeral director would be my first guess."

Prayer

Not always, but often times we recite this prayer at the beginning of church.  I really loved it from
the first time I heard it for many reasons: I am admitting that I am a sinner and have sinned in
various ways (the part that always gets me is "in what I have failed to do").  I am asking for
intercessory prayer. True intercessory prayer seeks God's glory, not our own.
After wards, I say a prayer for my brothers & sisters in the congregation that God may
reveal to them their sins (as well for myself) so that we may receive forgiveness and
realize our faults, thereby making changes for the future.  It seems to cover all the bases.
I just really like this prayer and wanted to share it.

I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers
and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault,
in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done,
and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary,
ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you,
my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

James Patterson Books

Just finished "The Quickie" & "The 5th Horseman" by James Patterson. I enjoy how eloquently the author writes and his word-usage. I recommend The Quickie. It is a face-paced read with a delightful spin on the end. The storyline to The 5th Horseman was just ok. You saw the ending from a mile away, but the epilogue had an interesting twist. He revolves his stories around detectives & PIs like John Grisham utilizes lawyers in his novels. All in all I believe James Patterson to be a skilled writer and I recommend these books.

Pictures

Just some pictures I ran into. (Jer & Stacey's wedding.)

2nd Biggest Shopping Day of the Year

Ok, so call us crazy. Jackie, Bekkah & I went shopping to hit the after-Christmas specials. Bekkah actually bought some presents for next year. We didn't leave @ 4 AM like Jackie did for Black Friday, but we had a full day of fun & discounts, spending whatever moolah we had left over. We hit the shoe sales, Christmas sales, clothes, and books. Target already has their Valentines-Day items out! I bought a new satiny chocolate brown comforter for our bed, Oooo! The roads were very snowy, but all in all a fun day with the girls.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve was with the Brooks'. David had to work so I attended Mass with Kim, Jeff, Jackie, James, Grandma Brooks, and Mark. After we split and met at Ma & Dad Brooks'. We had ham, turkey, chips with spicy dip (& chunks of carpet - inside joke), and sugary treats. We then opened gifts. Jakie & Kim were our secret Santas and Bekkah & James had us. I got a blender, knee-high socks, wine, candles, and soaps, lotions, and perfume. I left around 10 with Grandma, just to get home by 11 due to the snowy roads. Grandma keep the conversation going as I avoided the ditch, praying all the way.
Today we had Candy, Gary, James, Bekkah, Jackie, and Mark over for a Christmas dinner. We had chicken, pork loin, potatoes, corn, cranberries, and don't forget the buns in the oven! It was a beautiful day. Dave and I exchanged presents later by ourselves. We each received a present we wanted, a present we didn't expect, and a tender-hearted card. All in all it was a good day. When that was done, we spent some quality time together, plowing snow! :)
Tonight I made phone calls to family that I couldn't be with today. Unfortunately there's direct line to heaven. As I quietly sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, I wished Dad a Merry 1st Christmas in Heaven. Can you imagine what kind of celebration they have for our Savior in Heaven? Do you think they go ice skating? Bowling? Have Dairy Queen ice cream cake? That's what I would do on my birthday in Heaven. Just trying to expand your mind...think about it. Any-whoo...Merry Christmas and may our Lord and Savior bless you this day and always.

'Twas the night before Christmas

Flem dressed up for the occasion. This is my favorite Christmas poem, actually it's the only one I know. My Mom can recite it by heart in its entirety. It's exactly 23:50 (I like military time). Merry Christmas in 10 minutes!

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
or Henry Livingston

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

This Little Piggy Went into a Blanket...and then into my tummy

Kelly & I made Mom's famous Sarmas (Pigs in a Blanket) yesterday. This was our first attempt without the master cook's presence & tutelage. They turned out spectacular. We even used 2 of Troy's sourheads! Just as good as Mom's (you would have been proud, Ma). The only change was that this year we used my kitchen aide with a meat grinder attachment versus grinding everything by hand. I can't say that I was sad that we weren't able to grind 5# of ham by hand. It went so fast. Even Ruby found the whole thing entertaining, and apparently educational as Kelly explained to her what Auntie Christi was doing. Mmmm! Just the thought of those little piggies in my freezer makes my mouth water!

Caroling, Caroling

My "Young Adults" Bible study group went caroling around the neighborhood tonight. We split into 3 groups and headed for the hills...well, our group went to the nursing home. Granted, only one of us was a real singer, but we managed. And having our priest, Father Ryan, really scored points with the residents. All in all, we brought some Christmas cheer to the residents and had fun wassailing at the same time. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Brecken Edward

We brought the new family pizza last night and got to meet the newest member of the family. Pretty cute little boy...with LOTS of hair and beautiful dark eyes! Brecken was fussing in his crib so David picked him up. He was out again in a flash. Dave has that effect on babies. First time Mommy & Daddy, Stacey & Jeremy are holding up well and learning their little man more every day. Congrats guys!

"Cock-a-doodle-doo"

Dear Diary,
What time do normal people get up in the morning? David has to work 12-hour day shifts this weekend. For some reason or another, after getting up at 5 o'clock all week, I foolishly thought I would sleep in on Saturday. Huh. 4:05 came around and I poke David asking him when he was going to get up (he leaves @ 5:00). He was awake and told me he would get up in a few. So we cuddled for 10 more minutes before his alarm went off. I got up when he got up. Drank coffee together & watched the reply of the "morning" news. Who gets up @ 4:00 on a Saturday? ARG! On the other hand, I can't stand sleeping the day away when there's so much to do, but this is ridiculous. I've got 2 loads of laundry done, checked my bank accounts, email and blogged, and a 1/2 pot of coffee drank...all before 6:00!

Ahh, sweet nostalgia "Records"

I pulled out some of Dad's old records and begged David to hook up the record player. I can crank up those old tunes and listen to it throughout the whole house. It gets me dancing in my seat and puts me in to an immediate good mood. From the 1970s Jackson 5, all the old Christmas tunes of Bing Crosby and Dean Martin to Bullfrogs & Butterflies. I kept about 30 of the records from Dad's. I know you can get a lot of these on CD now, but I like the white popping noise in the background. I know, nuts. :) Actually, do you know what a turntable goes for now-a-days? Some are just stupid expensive! So I guess I'll take my inheritance and keep on grooving! Except to John Denver.

Kids & Dogs

I had to giggle as I opened our Christmas cards today. Christmas card pictures are becoming more popular and so when we're opening the card, we try to guess if the picture inside will be of kids or dogs. Not that there's anything wrong with that. We didn't do a picture greeting this year: a childless couple with a dead fish isn't very photogenic! LOL

Twinkies and Root Beer

Twinkies and Root Beer

A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of Root Beer and he started his journey. When he had gone about three blocks, he met an elderly man. The man was sitting in the park just feeding some pigeons.

The boy sat down next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the man looked hungry, so he offered him a Twinkie. The man gratefully accepted it and smiled at boy. His smile was so pleasant that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered him a root beer.

Again, the man smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.

As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave, but before he had gone more than a few steps, he turned around, ran back to the man, and gave him a hug. The man gave him his biggest smile ever.

When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, "What did you do today that made you so happy? "He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could respond, he added, "You know what? God's got the most beautiful smile I've ever seen!"

Meanwhile, the elderly man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home. His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked," Dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?" He replied, "I ate Twinkies in the park with God." However, before his son responded, he added," You know, he's much younger than I expected."

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

~author unknown~

³⁷"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' ⁴⁰"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Grandma Post & Ironing

Do you ever find yourself doing something that it brings back an automatic memory? One of mine is ironing. I was ironing today and I immediately think of my Great-Grandma Post. I used to sit in the basement of Auntie Darlene & Uncle Tommy's house and watch her iron for hours. Grandma was an animal at ironing. The olfactory glands (smell) are very close to the hippocampus (memory) of the brain. Therefore, I smell the iron, I remember Grandma. It's a nice memory to have, especially when it comes to me while I'm doing my chores!

7th Generation Products = Safe & Effective

We have started using Seventh Generation cleaning products in our home. Did you know that if every household in the U.S. replaced just one bottle of 25 oz petroleum-based dish liquid with a 25 oz bottle of Seventh Generation plant-derived dish liquid, we could save 129,000 barrels of oil? That's enough to heat and cool 7,400 U.S. homes a year! I love my Dawn for its grease-cutting ability, but this is just as good. I like knowing that whatever I wash down the drain and into my septic system is safe by the time it makes it back into my well. http://www.seventhgeneration.com/

Pretty Paper, Pretty Ribbons of Blue

David and I went to Duluth yesterday to have a bite at Olive Garden, stop in the mall, and finish up the holiday shopping. The shopping is done, the presents are wrapped, and no one will know what they're getting! Hehe. We didn't receive any Christmas lists this year, so we're shooting from the hip. So if you've dropped anything off @ Goodwill lately, you may be getting it back again...just kidding! I think David was having a little too much fun last night wrapping Jackie's gift and "decorating" it. Jackie: I apologize in advance. If you're looking for some last-minute ideas, Bath & Body Works is having awesome deals for those little add-ons for your presents. They even make shea butter socks now. Who knew? You can buy tissues with lotion, socks with lotion, what next...shirts and pants with lotion? Anyways, I digress...Christmas parties, here we come!

Dad's Flag

My Father-in-Law is a wiz with wood. For Christmas I asked him for a shadow box for Dad's flag and he was able to create one for me much sooner than Christmas. I am very impressed by his talents and am blessed to have both of my fathers represented in this work of art.

Christmas Parties

Gary, Candy, Jackie, Mark, and I Joined Grandma in listening to some good music and partaking in the yummy foods for the annual Christmas party.

Chicken Joke

Q: Why did the chicken cross the beach?
A: To get to the other tide.

Captain, My Captain by Deborah Meroff

I just finished the historical novel Captain, My Captain about a young girl in 1851 who marries a clipper ship captain she barely knew prior. She is wooed by him while on land, but learns she prefers the busy life of Boston over life on her husband's ship. She winds up maturing from a 16 year old girl into a mature, married woman. There were times when one wonders if the harsh feelings these two developed for one another will ever dissolve.The love that eventually grows between Mary & Joshua is apparent and downright palpable. At its peak, Mary finds herself nursing an ill husband, struggling to command a ship, and fighting her own gender as is bad luck for women to even be aboard a ship. It is a classic romance novel with a little adventure mixed in. This was a well written story and I recommend it. ISBN: 0310415519
Yes this is different from "O Captain! My Captain!" a poem written in 1865 by Walt Whitman. :)

November 2009

Last Post in November. What to say...no snow. Working long days and some weekends. David is on vacation this week so he is remodeling the yellow room. I'm trying to find a little time for R&R between the W&S (work and stress). David has been super helpful on his days off around the house and I greatly appreciate him, more so every day.
I just finished the book "Catholics and Ecumenism; That All May Be One" by Reverend Michael Parise. "Ecumenism" is a word derived form the Greek oikoumene, meaning universal or worldwide. It refers to the relations among different groups for whom it is possible to become united in Christ. It gives detail to the birth and beliefs of many religions or groups. The Catholic Church did a "face lift" so to say in 1545-1563 during the Council of Trent to renew the liturgy of the Mass and other sacraments. The Catholic religion hasn't seen other teachings as "schism" or "heresy" for ages. The Second Vatican Council has challenged Catholics to promote ecumenical relationships with other religions so that we may all further establish Christian unity. I liked the book and thought that it was helpful in my understandings of other faiths. But I ask myself: At times like these, why aren't we as Christians discussing what we have in common and focus together on the real problems in the world?

Twilight: New Moon

The Brooks' Girls went to New Moon yesterday. I read the books a while ago, and faintly remember which book contained what information. Therefore, I could sit back and enjoy the flick without critiquing the validity of the story line as harshly as if I had just finished the book the day prior. My opinion of this movie was positive. I thought the new producer did well at using pertinent clips from the prior film. He made the "Jacob" character come to life and Bella's internal struggle believable regarding her feeling for Jacob. The movie is a tad over 2 hours in length, so if you can't sit still for that long, wait for it to come out on DVD. It had more action than the first book. And once again, like the first movie, it followed the general story of the book very well. If you haven't read the books, I wouldn't recommend these movies because the books let you better understand the struggles and relationships in Bella's life.

Early reviews of New Moon, which released at theatres last night, are mixed.

The first reviews of New Moon are in, and many aren't exactly flattering.

Early reviews at Rotten Tomatoes give New Moon a 4.9 out of 10 on average, and just 29 percent of Approved Tomatometer Critics rated it positive.

The early consensus from Rotten Tomatoes reads, "The Twilight Saga's second installment may satisfy hardcore fans of the series, but outsiders are likely to be turned off by its slow pace, relentlessly downcast tone, and excessive length."

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving

David was working midnights Wednesday & Thursday night. I was working days all week. Not time off for Directors when staff calls in ill. When I leave at 6:00 in the morning for work, David is just coming home. Thursday I worked 8-5 and so my Sweetie came to the parking lot at work, kissed me Happy Thanksgiving, and went to work as I headed to Derik & Kelly's to stop by to say hi. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I am very thankful that we have good jobs in this economy and understanding families regarding holidays.
After work on Friday, we headed to my parents-in-law in Buck Lake. Grandma Brooks & Grandma Peterson were both there. Bekkah, Jackie & Mark, Jenny & Junior, Mom & Dad, & us (James was in Alaska for work & Kim, Jeff & kids were in the cities). The meal was deliciously huge and we got left overs. Jen also sent us home with different cuts of venison from the deer they got this year. After dinner, of course there's always room for pie; chocolate, pumpkin, or blueberry with real cream. Mmmm!
Next are the games; this year was the Game of Life and Cranium. If you're not familiar, Cranium is a board game that consists of different actions you have to do for your team to guess. You may have to hum a tune, act like a cow milker or Napoleon Dynamite, draw a "roof rack" or "buffalo wings" with your eyes closed, or sculpt a mullet out of clay and get your team to guess the correct answer. Or just know that coconut water can be used in an IV. It was really fun and brought out a lot of laughs. I also found out I cannot teach a 5 y.o. to play chess. :)
All in all, it didn't matter that we were a little late because of our jobs. We had an awesome night with the family and reminds us of all the things we're thankful for this year. Even the fact that we still don't have any snow on the ground yet! PTL!

Sick Again

Sniffling, sneezing, coughing, aching, stuffy head type of weekend.

Movie: The Proposal

This movie was hilarious. Not kid-friendly in any means (PG-13, but I'm surprised what they can get away with this rating). Sandra Bullock is one of my favorite actresses and she makes this show what it is. I think my Sister-in-law's favorite part was the chanting around the fire with Grandma (Betty White). It even got David LOL a few times. Clever on-liners and cute story. Recommend renting.

Dad's Tee

Apparently I saw myself as crafty or a potential clothing designer as a child. Or someone with too much Puffy Paint and one of her Dad's shirts. Either way, I found this hanging in Dad's closet. He saved everything sentimental.

Gifts

I received two gift certificates for JCPenny's from my Mom and my Parents-In-Law. I bought myself new flannel sheets for my bed and three pairs of Cuddl Duds. They are the best long-underwear for women. I wear mine to bed, but they fit under all clothes without being bunched up. And for being so lightweight, they really keep you warm. I recommend them. AND, everything I bought that day was 40-50% off, plus another 15% with my coupon so I spent ~$66 and saved around ~$66. Happy Girl. Thank you Mom, Candy, & Gary! You've warmed me up for the winter!

Bacon-Wrapped Weinies in Brown Sugar

My Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies were a hit last night at Bible study. Thanks for the help, Mom.

First Attempt @ Knitting

My Mother-In-Law taught me to knit. This was my first attempt and a trial run at that. This is the finished product. Too small for a blanket or even a scarf. Too big for a dishrag and too holey to use as a hot pad. So...what is it? A proud first-timer's creation, that's what it is! :)

Hi Mom

Hi Mom, Hope you're soaking up some sun for us while you're gone. Hope you are enjoying the beaches, dolphins, and cervesa. You're in my prayers. I love you!