Wonder if this will work for ME?

Did you hear about the 83-year-old woman who talked herself out of a speeding ticket by telling the young officer that she had to get there before she forgot where she was going?

Makes perfectly good sense to me.....

an email I would never send to my honey...

because HE'D DO THEM ALL AND MORE! he definitely keeps life interesting and fun.

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.

2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice! (ok, I've DONE this, but only as a test. You know...NO SERIOUSLY, I really was! Stop laughing!)

3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that. !

4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, ! Switch to Espresso.

5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Mar*ju*na". (ok, maybe not!)

6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get. (only ONE problem with this one. All my extra skin flaps. NOT a pretty sight and it sounds funny, too!)

7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

8. Specify That Your Drive-thru Order Is 'To Go'.

9. Sing Along At The Opera.

10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache. (except don't do it to me. I'd cry)

11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!' (Me? I'd scream "It's a MIRACLE!")

12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'(wouldn't do this one either...but it kinda makes you giggle to think about it.)

Now to TOTALLY destroy your positive image of me...

Oh Baby!

Lizzie and I are friends over on Fa*eBo*k now. It's VERY cool!

Anyway, she did a post with some of her baby pictures in it. Said she had seen a couple other posts floating around the webberworld on that subject and thought it was cool.
I AGREE!! And I enjoyed seeing hers'. In the spirit of "Turn-about's-fair-play"...

Here's mine!

Two hours old...1966

Four Months old

you buy your coffee...WHERE?

WOW...
I thought I lived in the smallest town in America.

OK...not quite the SMALLEST...but awful dern close!

That's why it seemed a little odd that this just struck me so funny I laughed until I had to lean against the beverage case in the little multi-roomed, dust-encrusted general store.

Was over visiting my darling sweet amazing handsome LB a couple of weeks ago.
**Whispers - Sowwies, I get carried away. Tee Hee**

We took advantage of his dad home working on a puzzle to run to the local Itty Bitty Country Town Market for soda for the kids and somethin' fer dinner. And..of course...bein' the big city gal that I am, I NEEEEDEEDD a Latte'! Seriously. Badly. But figured, Hey, it is just an Itty Bitty Country Town. So I'll grab a refrigerated-in-a-bottle Starcow SuperCaffiene Mocha with Happy Vitamins and call it good.

As I surreptitiously start lookin' around, LB says "Hunny, Whatcha lookin for?"
I batted my eyelashes and said "civilized coffee, my luv". Although he couldn't understand me very well through gritted teeth and the facial tic that was threatening to become a full body seizure soon if I didn't get some Coffee with a CAPITAL "C".
He drawls "Ya mean, like the drive-thru fancy stuff?... Well, we got that here 'bouts!"
Saliva starts to flow and a wild look glazes my eyes as I screech "REEALLLY?!? But, but, I didn't see one on the drive in!"

Wait for it...this is hilarious.

at least to me...

humor me, here...

He says, "Course not! You wouldn't see it out by the highway. It's in the Hardware store next to the LIQUOR counter."

Then he had to stand there like a gentleman while I giggled, guffawed and staggered around the little grocery store until I caught my breath. Goodness! Look at that RUDE city slicker!
After all, where else would you expect to find a Barista who can sell Jack Daniels? Behind the counter ringing up the hammer sale and throwin in a pound o' nails fer free, of course! Silly me!

Ummm, but she actually did make excellent coffee. I had a 24 oz sugar free toffee Latte' with FOUR SHOTS...yes, four shots, my friends! Add whipped cream, an insulating sleeve and TWO chocolate covered coffee beans and you have one HAPPY mama!

I was very tempted to duck into the insurance agents office to see if I could get a manicure or pop over to the gas station for a home cooked meal and a haircut, but I was running short of time.

TRUCK DRAG PHOTO SHOW

This is the first time I have ever created a slide show.

It was cool! Kinda fun! But nowhere NEAR the FUN I had Saturday!

So many words to describe the day...Awesome, amazing, exciting, fascinating, fun, incredible, BLAST, interesting, refreshing, the shot-in-the-butt I needed. Yet nothing covers it all.

So THANK YOU, Double E (Escort Extraordinaire). I am honored and blessed!

Stress-free Thanksgiving

Got this by email from a girlfriend...

Had to share.

Hope you aren't offended...

Funny Photos and an apology

Cat T.V. (aka Microwave)

Brother's door note - "Danger: enter at your own risk. I have eyes and ears in this room so I'll KNOW!"
The girls answer to that..."Enter is you DARE ! If you have any questions, read this (insert arrow here)"
"Don't enter only if you are my mommy, baby sitter, little sister, friend...you may come in." NOTE - the word "brother" is conspicuously ABSENT!
OH and wait...we have to let the cats in, too!

But not brother! Ohhhhh, Nooooo! Came home last night after class to find these notes on the bedroom doors.

I was throwing a major "pity party", too, when I came home after doing prenatal clinic all day, a test on the respiratory system in class that night and at 9pm, facing a pile of homework, find dirty dishes, garbage to pick up and four loads of laundry that apparently no one except MOTHER is allowed to TOUCH.

Then I saw the notes on the doors and smiled. Kinda gave me a reality check on the poopy attitude, ya' know. I have SO many blessings - and here I am going "Poor Me".

For the record, I'm sorry. Sorry, God. Sorry, Kids. Sorry, MG. I hope you all know how much I love you. My human side was showing.

I GOT JANGLE BELLS!

I GOT IT!

My dad found an old recording of Jangle Bells! He burned me a CD - So I have a copy of it.

For those of you who are interested, I'm going to try to figure out how to post it on You Tube. Give me a couple of days. And a few hints?

My dad ROCKS!

Autumn Goody Swap?! GOODY GOODY

Christy at "Are We There Yet, Mom?" is hostessing a gift chain. I LOVE THESE THINGS. Last day is October 16th.

I adore being able to encourage someone else and make their day brighter. Go check it out and sign up. It looks like alot of fun!

She asks some questions in the blog post about fall...here's my answers -
What do you like best about Fall?
My birthday! That and the pretty leaves.

Do you have any family traditions for this time of year?
We decorate outside the house and carve our pumpkins. WE have one pumpkin for each family member. Have even been known to get a couple little two-inchers for the cats. And we go trick or treating around our neighborhood. Last year, MG followed us in the car so when the kids got cold they could hop in with him.

What’s your favorite Halloween chocolate?
Three Musketeers

Is there any Halloween treat you do not like?
I'm not big on the candy corn either, but I don't do hard candy at all.

What has been the best Halloween costume you’ve ever dressed up in?
I've done some pretty elaborate ones for the kids, but I never really took that much time on my own. I was usually a gypsy or a hobo. Whatever was easy and fast. :D

Drumroll, Please.........

OH MAN! She did it again!!

Donetta gave me another present!

And JUST when I deserve it the LEAST. I've been doing nothin' but whining over here and she still blesses me.

Thank you, Dear Friend! I am humbled and honored.

And NOW, I get to pass it on to some of the stars in my sky...
Because I can't give it back to Donetta. Wish I could!
So here's my list.
1) Connie! Where would I be without your love and support?
2) DeeDee never fails to make me laugh when I am down.
3) Lizzie for being brave when life gets so tough. And for sharing her challenges with us even when it's hard to say how much things hurt.
4) Rebekah for showing herself a friend and for making me think.
AND 5) CJ at Crazy Hip Blog Mamas. It's got good friends, good info and Great contests. I appreciate her and what she does for us CHBM's.

Carnival

"They" host a free carnival once a year. For "at-risk" kids. Kids in therapy or who are clients of the Illustrious Department Of Human Resources. (better known as the department of "we're-watching-you-so-don't-screw-up-or-we'll-take-your-kids-away").

Don't ask me who "they" is cuz I don't know. But I know we got invited. Cowboy theme this year.

And I do know that the kids had a blast on the huge slide and the bouncy castle. The petting zoo and the horsie rides and the calf roping. And the face painting and the game booths and ALL the free food, drink, popcorn, ice cream, candy, and soft pretzels you could stuff in your face.

Mommy enjoyed the cloggers. Even got up and danced with them a couple of times. TOO much fun. Too bad they practice an hour away. I might have considered joining up.

Anyway, here's some photos. I wish I had a scanner because we got a family pic done and the kids each got a "Wanted" poster. I hung them on the wall where the school portraits go. Just till we get school portraits.

Or maybe longer...

I know it's hard to see...but she's face-painted like a skeleton. The paint came off in the pool about 2 hours later. #3's shirt says "I can only please on person a day. Today is not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look good either." I wanted THAT shirt...but alas, it was too small.The ponies were a big hit. You can't see it, but #2's shirt says "If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling". No, I didn't buy it for her! Hand-me-down, oK?The dude. Usually I try to limit his food intake. Cuz I'm a little worried about his size. But I "let him go" at the carnival. Said "pig out, Dude. It's free!" He actually did well, though. I was proud of him.

#4 in the petting zoo. I took alot of pictures of her...mainly because she was attached to me at the hip. She is too cute for her own good.#3 on the ponies. Sometimes the camera phone takes pictures SoooSoooo teeny, you can't even tell what they look like. Aaarg! Shouldn't complain. At least I have A camera.
#2 had a skull and crossbones on one cheek. Hey, I thought this was a "Cowboy Thing"!?!He's ropin'! He actually did very well. The "teachers" were surprised!"Take the picture, Mom! I think I'm gonna fall off this thing!"

Parade fun

Spent the day with family in the Dory Parade!

It was an adventure! When it came time to join the parade, the truck wouldn't start. Minor panic ensued and we finally got it running so we were last.

Saved the best for last!

I drove the truck and pulled the entry with the 2007 Dory Princesses on it. We also featured four kids in Learneds Boat Shop T-shirts and a "captain" in a baseball hat and rain slicker.

Everyone else was jealous of his rain slicker...cuz it drizzled the entire time. The princesses were really thrilled. They had to wear tank tops and "Oregon" hairdos. But they were beautiful anyway.

'course I'm prejudiced. They are my sisters.

Here's some pics to share...

My family boat, princesses on the bow, crabpots on the stern.

My Number 2 as a Mermaid with her bucket of candy to throw...She had a blast! The little kids called her Ariel and she flipped her tail for them.

Number three and number four in the boat ready to go. Mommy brought lots of snacks to keep them occupied at the staging ground for an hour and a half!

Don't know if you can see this entry real clearly but the dragon head has half a surfboard and the rest of the board with the surfer is under the front of the boat. Some of the dory fisherman have issues with surfers as we run in through the surf and it is hard to dodge them on the way in jumping waves at fifty miles an hour, ya' know? Anyway...
LOVED the paint job on this boat! Gorgeous airbrushed flag.
We were in line next to this amazing, bigger-than-life elk sculpture. The artist had his name on the truck...but I forgot to get it. The thing looked SO real! I'd be afraid to put it in my front yard during hunting season for sure!

Last, but definitely not least, the Grand Marshals this year were shirt-tail relatives Ann and George Bodyfelt. Good people! The driver of the 'Vette turned out to be an old girlfriend I hadn't seen in probably 18 years! We had a good time catching up.
If you're in Oregon next year in July, come on down to the coast and I'll show you my Parade Wave (lead with the elbow, ya' know!)

And I know of a hand-crafted wooden dory for sale all ready to paint in your choice of colors. In case you're interested...

Better than I thought!

My girlfriend B treated me to a concert last night.

I still can't hear well.

Outdoor concert.

80's Rock Legend Rick Springfield.

Very good show. A couple of times he came down off the stage and walked "among us". He signed posters and albums. Showered us with rose petals several times. I had a front row seat.

THANKS, B! YOU ROCK, GIRL!!

Well, everyone rushed the stage and I was thinking, "Music's not bad. I'm just gonna sit here and enjoy."

Had to keep people from sitting in my lap while they were dancing a couple of times and got elbowed in the head by a local radio personality who was trying to make it to the Port-A-Potty in a timely manner.

Not once, but TWICE. He got me on the way back, too!

I'm still trying to decide whether or not to tease him about it.

Anyway, about the end of the concert and Rick comes down off the stage again. The crowd is blocking my view of him, but that's ok. I can still hear the music. All of a sudden...

WHOA! I actually screamed. He jumped up on the chair right next to me. Here's the pictures to prove it.

Then he fell off. Which is the second picture. The crowd caught him and set him back upright. He's not too bad looking for a guy who was in his prime when I graduated from high school in 1984.
It was a major kick. Only the second concert I have EVER gone to in my life. Less than 500 people there probably.

I overheard one lady in the bathrooms. She had been widowed recently and it was her dream to see Rick Springfield. She was so happy to have finally made it to one of his concerts at 45 years of age and she knew her husband was happy for her.

She was right in front of me once. Rick threw a guitar pick into the crowd.

She caught it.

I thought she was going to faint.

She danced in place and screamed so hard her face turned red. It was so cool. I thought about how her husband might have helped out with that. Or at least asked her guardian angel to make that guitar pick fly about 30 feet right into her hands.


Anyway, just wanted to share my cool fun last night. I went into it thinking I'd just hang out and have some "me time" with my girlfriend. It turned out to be quite the experience.

Much better than I thought.

MG, Might Warrior Fisherman

THE GREAT AMAZING FISHING TRIP

This fishing trip was SO cool. I got a chance to go out in the ocean with my Dad as Captain, My sister as first mate and MG and me as...uhhh, I dunno, Deckhands? Of course, there isn't alot of "deck" to "hand" in a 22 foot boat.

ANYWAY, here's some pictures to share and a fish story!

This one is the view from the beach before we launched into that surf to head out. The day was BEAUTIFUL! It's about 7:30 in the morning.

We "ran" for awhile up next to this cape and the ocean was flat. Just like glass. Looked like you could get out and walk on it.

Here's a picture of the captain just driving along. He is SO in his element here! He would live on the water if he could. He's been doing this for 50 years and he built this boat we are in.

We fished for awhile around in a kelp bed and brought in quite a few bass and a couple of ling cod. Actually, I caught the very first fish and it was a NICE ling cod. So I was all like "Nah, nah, nah, I'm the master fisherman!" MG was starting to think he was never going to hear the end of it. Cuz I'm like that. Sometimes...

OK, no comments about the Johnson.

And here's "the rest of the catch". Sorry these pictures are so small. It was my first attempt at cell phone picture taking.

And here is my handsome guy just after we pulled the crab pots and were heading back toward the beach.

AND HERE is the catch of the day! We were just bobbing around near that rock you see in the background and trying to hook up a few more bass when - all of a sudden....

WHAM!

It hit his little bitty trout pole with 10 lb test line and a BARBLESS hook! He fought it for about 15 minutes. As soon as the fish saw the boat it would TAKE off, peeling line off the reel. He would pull it back in little by little. It jumped and flashed in the sun. WHAT a gorgeous fish. I actually took a picture of the water while he was fighting it because I NEVER in a MILLION years thought he would get that thing in the boat.

BUT here she is. Laying on the floorboards! Right at the last second, the line snapped. The looks on all of our faces was just pure and simple OH CRAP! But Dad had his gaff hook ready and just wildly swung at the stunned fish as it lay near the surface. And he caught it.

When he brought that gorgeous fish up over the side and dropped her on the floor we all just cheered! Could not believe it! My dad said there were just SO many things he could not believe about the way that that fish was caught. It was pretty much a miracle.

The best part about it for me was seeing the look on MG's face. His grin and chuckle, shaking his head and smiling over and over. He was KING FISHERMAN of the day. It was worth it to lose my "crown" of the best fish for the trip just to watch him be so tickled over that fish.

Too much fun!

I got a present! HooooWEEEE! Check it out!!

Ya'll...this is SO COOL! I got a present in the mail today. Check it out!

Beautiful black box wrapped in fuschia ribbon with a red "Hello Kitty" card on top.

And HoooYAH! It says MY NAME!

Inside I find this sweet red candy dish, a beautiful silver and red votive glass with swirling hearts on it and...

Lots and lots and lots of C H O C O L A T E! Local Girl at Island Life lined up the GREAT Valentine's day Treat Swap. I sent mine off to Patent Princess and today I got my turn! Stephanie at stefr.net was SO sweet. I really appreciate her generosity.

I did have to hide the Dove Dark Chocolate hearts from MG, though, before I went to work. He ADORED them...and I want to have some left when I get home tonight!

Thank you SO MUCH, Stephanie. I loved it all!

** Sorry for the off-color, weird pictures. $19.99 digital cam from Wally World. It only works outside. Sometimes. When it feels like it.

Question of the century...

Courtesy of my little #4...

From the backseat (thank GOODNESS, so she couldn't see that "Deer in the headlights" look that mother's get when they get asked a question that requires "creative thought")

"Mooooom, Does Jesus live at the North Pole?"

Uhhhh...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

No, dear. But Jesus' friend Saint Nicholas lives there!
Jesus lives in Heaven now with His Daddy, God.

Then I sit cringing in fear...what question is coming next?

#4 - "Ok, Mommy. Thanks!"

Whew!

The Christmas Program

You know, I thought the whole Christmas program was a great idea.
We haven't had a "Christmas Program" in years in our town due to "budget cuts". But this year, some enterprising parents got together and decided we needed one. A wonderful lady with the patience of Job (hereafter referred to as "Job-ette") volunteered to lead it.

Now, I don't know how many kids attend our local elementary school (K - 5) but I'd take a wild stab at about 250. I had a momentary lapse in sanity and thought, "HEY, I'll go help my daughter's 3rd grade teacher herd her class to the practice Monday morning."

And I don't know how many of you have ever been in a high school gymnasium with 250 elementary age kids at one time with one adult per every 25 kids, but it can get pretty loud.

After about an hour and a half, I had to leave. The teacher looked at me and said "GEE, you REALLY don't wanna STAY? HMMMM?"

I think she was being sarcastic.

That night, for the actual program Monday night, it was mahem. Standing room only. Parked about 5 blocks away. 250 kids with at least one parent, some grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins.

OK, this was a BIIIIIIG deal in backwater NorthWest Oregon, ya'll! I thought there was going to be a fist fight when the kindergarten class started singing and there were so many adults standing on the sidelines that unless your Kinder was on the top two bleachers, he or she could not be seen. I heard a couple parents yelling at the standees to "SIT DOWN PLEASE! WE can't SEE!"
SIT WHERE?
Thank God it was quick. The little five-year-olds only did 2 songs.

WHew!

It actually made me kind of misty...to think my baby kid will be up there with them next year.

That is, if anyone has the GUTS to try to gather about 700 people in the high school gym again next year.

Another thing that amazed me was that people were constantly TALKING!
While the kids were singing...
While the little fifth grade narrators were talking...
While Job-ette was trying to announce...

And can you BELIEVE I actually turned my head to the left and said "SHHHHHHH!" one time...
like ANYONE in that group of 500 adults was going to listen to ME!
I still can't believe I did that. What was I thinking? Too many years as a mommy, I guess.
Do I have delusions of grandeur or what?

And to Job-ette's credit, she didn't let all the visiting bug her! She just cranked up the microphone, fired up her little portable CD player, flung her arms wide and directed the 200 "not-kindergarteners" in about 5 more songs; Three of which were done in rounds!

I was awed and amazed. I wanted to shake her hand after the production, but ended up standing in line for 30 minutes to see Santa (he had black duct tape around barn boots...but he had kind eyes).

Besides, some of the other parents loaded Job-ette up with so many flowers, she couldn't hold them all! She wouldn't have had a free hand to shake. And let me tell you, she deserved every single stem.
The teachers deserve lots of credit, as well. Each teacher practiced with his/her class every single day. Those kids knew the words to those songs BACKWARD and foreward! Hand motions, too.

And the thing that endeared me forever to Job-ette was this...
During practice Monday morning, her little boy (about 4) was there. This little blonde kid in a red sweatshirt followed her every step she took. Rolled on the floor behind her where I was sure she would step back right onto him and fall. A couple of times, he locked both his arms around her thigh and held on for dear life as she was desperately trying to direct 150 feet of bleachers full of 250 elementary school kids.
You know how little ones are when they feel they need attention...and 250 other people have that attention.
Finally, another parent peeled him off her and took him to the far corner of the gym.

But not once did she speak crossly to him or thump him upside his head or grit her teeth and give him that "Knock it off or I'm going to kill you when we get home" look.

Wanted to give her a round of applause just for that!

Job-ette, you're my hero. You Rock.

And that Christmas program was one of the greatest things I've ever seen. I had my doubts...but Job-ette, the teachers, the helper-parents and our principal created a Christmas miracle. Thank you!!

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, hear that roar of applause in the distance...

And PRAISE GOD IT'S OVER!

Santa, Explained

I don't usually do this because it drives me CRAZY when people just "repost emails" or other people's writings. But I read this story today in an email sent to me by a dear friend and it got me to thinking...YAH! This is how you explain "Santa Claus" to your kids. This is how I explain Santa Claus to MYSELF, for Pete's Sake!

I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so.It had to be true.Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me.

"No Santa Claus?" She snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go.""Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun."Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.

As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars.That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car. "Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself.The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church.I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class.Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!

I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that."Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down."Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby."

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it.

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers.Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk.Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open.

Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes.That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care...And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Author Unknown

NOW, my friends...please share the joy. I know it's hard to "toot your own horn" so to speak, but have you ever done something for "Santa's Team?" Have you ever SEEN someone do something that was just SO cool you wanted to tell everyone...but, being on Santa's team, you couldn't tell - TILL NOW?!?

OR..
have you ever been the recipient of "Santa's Team" sneakin' up on your porch, like I have?

Now's your chance to share...please, leave a comment or share on your own blog and leave a link. Warm the hearts of your blogger buddies!

**PS..."Santa" means "Saint"... He and Jesus are buddies. Trust me on this. God bless all the "angels on this earth" who do wonderful things at the holidays in the name of Santa.

Ooooooo, Isn't it PRETTY??

OK, it may not look all that different to you...but I found Blogger Beta and got it "figured out".
It was fun.
Do I sound like I'm five?
It was TOO MuEY MUCHO fun putting in all the cool links and fonts and stuff.

Ummmm, maybe I haven't got it QUITE all figured out yet. What's this "Label" stuff anyway?

My brain hurts now.

FLYING

Hey, Friends! Hope you had a good weekend. Mine was O.K. I guess.

Seems I have PMS or something close to it. Been feeling really stressed and getting torqued way too easily. Just ask MG. He's about ready to haul me off to the funny farm.

Anyway, we took the girls to the park Sunday night. Gorgeous weather for this time of year in Oregon and we waited till evening so it wasn't too hot or crowded.

The girls had a fabulous time. And it was SO fun to be able to run with them and push them on the swings or rock the wooden space ship without feeling out of breath. Sat with MG for awhile and held hands, hugged his arm like he likes me to do, did some talkin'.

Then it dawns on me...WOW, what they are doing looks like fun. Couldn't do that stuff when I weighed 400 lb.s. But now? Hmmmmmm...

And I get up, start walking over to the...SWINGS. MG says "WHAT are you DOING?" I just smile over my shoulder...gotta do this...Holy COW, how long has it been!?!

No one's looking as I settle my hiney on the seat and push off. A couple of quick pumps and I'm FLYYYYING!

GREAT GOBS OF GOOSE GREASE!! Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!

I don't EVER remember it being this FRIGGIN' FUN when I was a kid. I could do this forever. It felt AMAZING! I was giggling out loud...people thought I was half a bubble off plumb. HeeeHeeHeee.

Crud, it's making me smile right now just WRITING about it. YEEEHAAAW!

Well, I'd better get off the thing cuz some little kid wants it. But wait!

What about the slide?

MG is just shaking his head as I start up the tire ladder leading to the smallest slide. I seriously cannot remember the last time I swang (is that a word?) or slid down the slide. Let me tell you, polyester slacks on a plastic slide is a recipe for SPEED! I just about SHOT off the end of the slide.

YAAAHHHHOOOOOOO!

OH LOOKY! A tire swing...and monkey bars! Well, you can pretty much tell how the rest of the playground trip went. BIGGG SMILE! We went to the local DQ and got ice cream afterward.

And yes, I did sneak another turn on the swings...