Something ELSE had to break!

Do you hear the screams of insane laughter? Don't worry, it's just me. This morning after typing 2 e-mails, I was going to update the blog with a prayer request and a birthday wish.

Guess what, happened? You'll never guess.

The power surged and fried my power supply. The computer is a Sony, so the power supply is an odd size. I dismantle the case and remove the power and take it to a guy here in town. He's looking for one, but sure enough it was the power supply. He was impressed that I came in disassbled and had correctly diagnosed it. That made me feel good. Now I'm on dial up, on the laptop that runs Windows 98, at 45333bps. Love it.

HERE'S WHAT I WOULD HAVE POSTED EARLIER!

Please pray for my friend Amanda, she's been sick and in and out of the hospital sine December 11th. She's had pneumonia, and some stomach trouble. Please pray for a speedy recovery and strength!

Last but certainly not least...

Happy Birthday Laura!
Now were both 27, I can't quite believe it. I hope it was great!

Posting will be light from here on. I hate the struggle to dial in, man I miss my DSL.

Something had to break

Okay, so I know it is colder other places, but seriously I am ready for a Hawaiian Island right about now.  More than just heat I desperately want to see the sun.  I am very tired of this dreary overcast winter-and it’s not officially winter yet.

As Christmas and New Years are fast approaching something has to break.  At the moment it is the car.  It still runs, but we have a clog somewhere in the power steering pump.  Now the car makes a fantastic RRRRRRRRRRRR noise every time you turn a corner.  Jonathan’s parents were more than kind and drove up last night to loan Jonathan their 1979 Triumph Spitfire (not their car, but similar).  This is a very fun car that Jonathan drove in college when we began dating.  The only problem is the thermostat is broken.  The high today was supposed to be 33.  I don’t know if it made it.  Jonathan got ready for work (slacks, nice shirt, dress shoes, very good looking) and had to put his coveralls on to drive to work.  My job is to take the grinding Lincoln to buy the new fuel pump, thermostat and a space heater.  Defiantly cheaper then a trip to the shop.

Jonathan spoiled my suprise!

I bought Jonathan’s anniversary present yesterday.  We will be married 7 years December 27th.  He wanted/needed a new watch.  I bought it and ran home and dumped my purchases in the kitchen, so I could run lunch to him and his mother and father.  They were re-plumbing one of his mother’s apartments.  

This morning Victoria was cute and said she wanted to make me breakfast in bed.  I agreed and then remembered everything on the kitchen floor and declined.  He touched nothing I bought (deodorant, bread, juice), absolutely nothing, except the bag with the watch box (under other bags mind you).  I gave it to him then instead of next Tuesday.  I guess it’s fair; I got my table weeks ago.  I was just so frustrated and I gave up breakfast in bed!

Oh, well.  My mom is considering taking the kids overnight and we may get a night off at a hotel in OKC.  I hope it works out and that this late onset of morning sickness goes away so I can enjoy it.  Currently I am VERY queasy if I’m not eating.  If I keep eating I’ll gain the 25-30 pounds (per) I gained the last 2 pregnancies in the first trimester.  No major gain yet, but it’s still a concern.

I can’t believe it’s been 7 years.  I’m glad we got married and started our family young.  We’ve grown so much together.  Jonathan is still funny, frustrating, and fascinating after all these years.  I am truly blessed.

Not a bad idea

I don’t see life as something to be taken lightly.  I have 2 kids and one on the way, and I’ve had my share of ultrasounds.  This is a bit of legislation I that I think is pretty good.  Having an ultrasound 24 hours before an abortion I think might cause some people to see and realize it is a baby.  Maybe adoption, or even keeping the baby will be a more viable option to these people, who have seen abortion as a last resort, when they see that baby.

Planned Parenthood doesn’t like it:

Anita Fream, chief executive officer at Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, says the measure will add an extra expense and one more barrier to access for women seeking abortion services.

My opinion is it’s 24 hours, it’s only one ultrasound, and it may have the potential to save a life.  I think it’s worth it.

The 80's

What 80’s movie is your life most like?



I can’t say I’m a total child of the 80’s; I was in the 5th grade in 1989-1990. I do have two older sisters who graduated high school in 1988 and 1990, so I was well versed for my age. If I could pick my least favorite 80’s movie, of the selections, to have my life most like it would be PRETTY IN PNK. It’s not that I totally dislike PRETTY IN PINK; it’s just not one I’m going to go out and buy. BREAKFAST CLUB, WEIRD SCIENCE, FERRIS BEULLER, 16 CANDLES those are ones I still watch. Take the quiz and share your score!

Prayer Request (updated) Again

Jonathan’s family is just not having luck in the car wreck category.

His cousin Pat’s son Jeremy (age 23?), who lives in Texas, had a wreck yesterday. He fell asleep driving to a final exam. He is now paralyzed from the neck down. He is married and his wife is expecting their first child January 9th. Please keep Jeremy and his family, the doctors and the hospital in your prayers. He is a large guy, and the respirator is having trouble keeping him breathing since his surgery. They are giving him a month to live, but I bet he has the will to keep going for that baby.

MIRACLES CAN HAPPEN!

*Update* 12/14/2005

The general surgeon wasn't as grim as the nero surgeon! He said Jeremy will only be in ICU for a month. They've been able to give him less oxygen! His wife Cami also saw him shrug slightly, move his arm slightly and he did put his hand around an object! CAN I HEAR A WOOWHOO?!?!

*Update*12/15/2005

Okay, Jeremy is getting 50% of his oxygen now off of the ventilator instead of 100%. Someone asked if he could move his arm and he ran is hand up his chest, and he did squeeze and object! Jeremy was very lucky. Here are some new details. He nodded off and when he pulled the wheel back he rolled. A nurse saw him roll (she never drives that road and had her schedule changed twice that day). She ran up and he was turning blue, because his neck was broken and his air was cut off. She moved him enough so he could breath until the paramedics came. WOW! His wife will be able to have the baby in the hospital he is in. Please pray for continued improvement and that he doesn't get pneumonia.    

Why Can't I Get Arrested?

Ann Coulter!  Whether you love her or hate her, this is a great article.  I find her funny and entertaining.  She’s one of those people that just riles people up.  It’s like Rush Limbaugh; I love politics, but most importantly these people are funny and entertaining.  You don’t have to agree, just laugh.

I want to go to bed.

I’m not sure if it’s pregnancy, stupidity or some combination thereof.

Yesterday my in-laws came and took me to get sheetrock for our upstairs utility project. It was going to rain, so we really needed to get it in. The best location for it was upstairs (that where the utility will be). Needless to say, being the bullhead that I am I helped. We bought a total of 6 pieces of ½” and 7 pieces of 5/8”. As it stands today every muscle in my stomach hurts, because they decided to just let go. The muscle pain isn’t helped, by a nagging catch in my low back and these to things are killing my appetite and making me feel icky. I’m not really queasy, but then again I am a little queasy.

I just really wish I could take a blasted ibuprophen. Tylenol is worthless.

Puzzling (updated)

*UPDATE*

Did I want it for $101? Heck NO! I loved that toy, but not that much. I'll just wait until Rubik's brings it back again. WOW!

*UPDATE*

Okay, so here is where I start whining like a baby.

I WANT IT! I WANT IT! I WANT IT!

Ah, much better! Yes, I am freaking out about a Rubik’s puzzle. Is there really anything geekier than that? I had one of these as a kid (before 5th grade and could do it). I loved this puzzle, that is until my older, stupid, male cousin wouldn’t listen to me when I explained it and broke it. Yes, mine was a master edition (silver) circa 1987. It had 5 rings instead of 3 to solve. You can buy the 3-ring kind, but I want the one like I had. I went to the Rubik’s site and the master is discontinued…again.

You have no idea how much I would love to be totally frivolous and bid on that ebay auction. I just can’t in good conscience justify $63.19 for one plus international shipping. That’s only the current price.

Could someone please explain why when I find one of these on ebay, they are always in England? Are these puzzles just more popular there?

I need a SALES AGENT

Does anyone have any advise on the front of finding an AGGRESSIVE realtor to sell my house in OKC. I went with a friend who worked for a great company in Norman. I made some mistakes here. This is not a company prominent in the area I lived in, and the realtors just weren’t doing what I needed to sell our NW OKC home. I need help in the search for an AGGRESSIVE NORTH OKLAHOMA CITY SELLER. Any advise would be well appreciated in the selection process.

Someone needs to turn the heater on!

I took down the snow progression pictures.  They were up just so Jonathan would have a visual of what he was driving into.  At that time it wasn’t snowing in Tulsa.  Now is another story.  It’s snowing most places.  The hospital called and cancelled our tour of the maternity ward.   I had to cancel my appointment with my Doctor in Norman tomorrow.  Leaving at 5:30AM to drop Jonathan off and arrive at my appointment with the expected ice just isn’t worth it.

I just talked to my sister.  She ran by our house in the city on her way to her Law school final.  The kitchen, and upstairs bathroom faucets aren’t frozen, but the downstairs bathroom is.  This means we get to drive down to OKC Friday, on Jonathan’s day off, so we can fix it, when it thaws.  I just wish that house would sell.  I hate having to pay for utilities we aren’t using.  Why we can’t winterize our house, I don’t know.  Paying for water and trash service you don’t use, plus the gas to try to keep things from freezing totally stinks.

I hope everyone is keeping warm and driving safe!

Germ Quiz

Maybe I’m a bit sick, but I found this interesting. I scored 8/11. 2 of the ones I got wrong I debated between the correct answer and my guess. Take the Quiz and share your score!

1,022 and counting?

Okay, so I posted earlier that 1,010 had visited my blog.  Since then 12 more have come.  I’ve had a total of 29 today.  My usual run is about 11 people a day.  I’m not sure why I’m being visited so much today, but very cool.  It must be a glitch in site meter, but it makes me feel like a stud.

Correction

I forgot one minor pregnancy symptom.  I can go from just fine, to queen of all evil in .00000001 seconds.  No, no tears or depression, just bitchies to rival even the worst case of PMS.  At moments my only way of communication is yelling and yelling loader.  Maybe it’s because the kids are a bit more whinny and destructive today, maybe not.

Oh, lotto tree. Oh, lotto tree. How ....

Oklahoma voted for a lottery.  I didn’t personally and I haven’t contributed one red cent to it, nor do I approve of it.  I found this article funny.

Isn’t it great that the schools create trees and one uses lotto tickets to make the ornaments and officials get offended and remove it?  With as big as the state is on getting our money you think they’d love it.

1,010

I can’t believe that my site has had 1,010 hits.  I know that most are repeats, but that still sounds neat.  Thanks for stopping by!

Pictures

I could use a bit of help, if anyone has any advice.  I would appreciate some picture formatting help.  I upload picture into blogger, but it just places them and I can’t seem to get them positioned where I want them.  They are always at the top and I would like to adjust them within my text.  Any tips or pointers will be great.

The Laundry Quandry

We have a very cool old house, with one major flaw (outside of bad decorating); there is no utility room. Why? Honestly I have no idea. Our neighbors said they thought there used to be a room off of the breakfast nook, that was the utility room, but it had a fire and was torn down. I’m not sure if there was, there is no real evidence of a foundation there, but this house is 105 years old. Evidence sometimes is hard to find.

They changed an upstairs bedroom into a bathroom and removed the original bathroom, but left pipes and a drain. We are currently living with our washer upstairs where a shower used to be and the dryer in the kitchen where a stove plug is. No lugging the laundry up and down isn’t fun and it’s taking over.

Saturday Jonathan took a very heavy hammer and busted out the concrete shower floor. He finished removing the concrete Sunday. I helped some, but they tell you to limit lifting when your pregnant and concrete is never light. He has also removed some of the floorboards to replace the sub floor. He also took out a wall. We forgot to take a picture before, so I hope you enjoy the current pictures.

Our kitchen ceiling has been lowered for the original 10 ft to 8 ft and we now know why. The shower leaked on the ceiling and instead of removing and fixing it they lowered it. Most things done in this house were done half way. Sheetrock was put on without removing trim, so it over laps, plugs were put in and baseboards had to be cut, because the didn’t measure before they put it in. This wouldn’t be a big deal except that it has been done over and over again. We have lots of work to do. I wish our other house would sell so we had the cash to do more work on this one.

JONATHAN IS A GREAT HANDYMAN AND I'M SO BLESSED TO HAVE HIM!

Am I really pregnant?

I must admit this pregnancy so far has been different. I just don’t feel pregnant. Am I complaining? NO! I just know at this point with V. and J. I was experiencing queasiness. My only flare-ups have been when I was too hungry or very hot. The hot one has only happened in the shower (since it’s way to cold to be hot any other time right now). I am getting a little bit more tired. My first appointment is set for Thursday in Norman, but we may have snow so I may have to cancel.

I’m not too thrilled with the hospital up here where we live. I am still waiting to tour the maternity ward, it’s like pulling eye teeth to get a tour. I’m not one to sign on to a hospital I don’t want to go to. I’ve toured wards before and it takes very little time. Especially at smaller hospitals where the wards aren’t very busy. All it takes is a free nurse and about 10-15 minutes, when the mom has few questions.

Perhaps I’m being to picky, but let me run these numbers by you. The average prices in Oklahoma are around $2,200 to the doctor for prenatal care and delivery fee, $7,000 for the hospital for a 2-day stay and no complications. This doesn’t include lab work or ultrasounds. Fortunately we have insurance, but I still get to shell out $800 out of pocket. That’s fine, I’m not complaining about what I’m paying to have a baby, but I want to have this kid where I want and delivered by whomever I choose. Jonathan understands and agrees. Some people think I’m crazy to stay with my mom the last month if I don’t like this hospital, but comfort in labor, delivery and recovery, and plenty of people to watch the kids while I’m in the hospital mean a lot to me. Right now Norman in winning the hospital debate.

I’m going to add a new photo album for pregnancy soon. We’ve taken a few pictures of my stomach and will update to watch it expand. To some that may be gross, but you don’t have to look at the pictures if you don’t want to. As of tomorrow I will be 7 weeks pregnant.

Coming Soon: THE NAME GAME!

Goblet of Fire

I know I blogged on the Harry Potter movie before it came out, but I haven’t since we went to see it. I will say I’m glad to know I’m not the only HP obsessed person out there. We had tickets to see it the day it came out the IMAX at 2:20 in the afternoon, since Jonathan’s Aunt passed we exchanged our tickets for the next Saturday.

WOW! We arrived 25 minutes early and were in the last 20 people in line! We ended up on the second row; I had wanted to sit farther back. Oh, well.

The movie did not disappoint! It was fun, a bit freaky and it remained true enough to the book to satisfy me. Did I have issues with it? Yes. Enough to not enjoy it or recommend it? No. I must admit I would have sat through 6 hours and an intermission if it would have been possible. We all must deal with things being cut from our books for the sake of time in a movie. Now I’m just getting very impatient again waiting for book 7 and movie 4 on DVD! I guess I’ll go through and check out the books on tape or CD again to listen to while I work on the house and for our Christmas and New Years road trips. I love books on tape for the car.

The Excitement of Life

I know I’ve blogged about emotional and physical exhaustion, but today I’m blogging about the excitement of life.

I have embarked on a really exiting adventure for the third time.

I’M HAVING ANOTHER BABY!

We found out Thursday morning. Could I honestly be more thankful for anything Thanksgiving Day!

I am pre-morning sickness, and I don’t feel any more tired then I do normally chasing after Victoria and Jackson. Right now I feel better then I did at this point with the last 2. If my calculations are correct the baby’s EDD is July 25th. Since I have uncommonly short labor (lighting fast, very nice) I’ll probably be induced before then. We are debating having the baby in Norman. This would require me to stay with my Mom with the kids for the last month, which can be hard on all parties involved, but I like my doctor and the hospital I’ve used. One more advantage with going back to Norman is I have about 20 people who can take me to the hospital and watch the kids.

My only complaint at this point is my face is breaking out a bit. What do I want? Of course I want a healthy baby, but I would like another girl next. I like the alternating thing. What do I think I’m having? My current guess is a boy.

Life moves by pretty fast...

I apologize for the lack of posts lately.  I am physically and emotionally tired.  I have a lovely head cold and a few people have passed way and a couple more are really ill.

As we move into the holiday’s life will not slow down.  I still need to post a picture of Jackson’s new haircut.  There were lots of tears a week and a half ago.  Victoria was my first victim and her hair turned out way cute, tears were still involved.  Jackson’s was more screaming and thrashing then crying, I used the clippers as a new tool.  I was going to cut the top longer to spike, but it took everything Jonathan and I had to hold him still and I just used a ¼” guard all over.  He looks cute, but a lot older.

Today I begin the task of baking.  I am headed to the kitchen for some good 80’s music and some bread making.  I am in charge of bread for Thursday.  I love to bake, and even though it’s time consuming, most of the time consuming part is me being patient enough to let the stuff rise.  Today’s lesson’s for Victoria will be involved in the math realm with measuring, and I found some good kids sites with history on Thanksgiving and activities.  Homeschooling a 5 year old is great, because they play to learn and you can improvise sometimes, which is very nice.

I hope you all are well and that you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Goodbye Della

**L-R Doyle, Delores, DELLA, DeEtta, Dadreon** **Dorothy- not pictured**
**those already passed-Don, Dwight, Doris and Ray**

Jonathan just called and his Aunt Della has passed away. She had a very bad wreck Saturday morning and has been in the emergency room and SICU at St. John’s in Tulsa. Please pray for Jonathan’s family, particularly his Aunt Dorothy, in this time.

Thank you,
Sara

My new table

Wednesday I spent a little time in Owasso and stopped by a place where they sell used, all wood furniture. I have been looking for a game table and I found it. The chairs need a little work, and I’ve already bought an embossed vinyl to recover them. Of course I have to finish my other project first, but I got a great deal and I am very happy.

*I still haven't mastered arranging my pictures and I can't get them lined up. I'll take any pointers I can get.

LISTING OF THE WEEK!

Our house in OKC has been selected as the “LISTING OF THE WEEK” in this Saturday’s Daily Oklahoman. We have also reduced the price to $119,900. We are hoping and praying that God brings us the right buyer soon. Please pray for our home sale and feel free to pass along this information to anyone you know who might be interested.

Halloween Fun (a week late)

I’ll be honest, I haven’t dressed up for Halloween in years, but I did for my friend Staci’s party the Saturday before! Jonathan got his Dad’s old Navy uniform (I love a man in uniform) and looked totally cute. I rented a go-go dancer costume, which was fun. Staci took the cake; she is braver than I am and went as a Playboy Bunny. She totaly rocks! It’s too bad Staci lives so far away; it’s always fun to hang out with her.

Halloween was spent at home, because Jackson was sick. I was bad and skipped upholstery. We took Victoria to the houses of people who live around us that we know, and then she got to hand out (and keep) some of the candy from our house. This was her third year as a unicorn. When we got low I turned off the porch light. I was amazed and irritated by the number of kids who rang our doorbell after the lights were off. My mother’s rule was never to go to a door that didn’t have a light. I guess it’s just a different time.

Everyday with...

…Rachel Ray! I am soooo excited! The new Rachel Ray magazine is out and I got my copy yesterday! We were watching the 3rd Star Wars movie last night (not really impressed, but glad to have some clarification), so I had to wait until today to look through it. I promised Jonathan that since I got a subscription I would cook at least 4 recipes a month from the magazine. He’s happy. I try not to over cook items, but I need to add more stuff to my standard list. I’m even considering buying her new cookbook. My current favorite recipe of hers is the Chicken Lettuce Wraps, which can also be found in her Get Real Meals cookbook. If you eat at P F Chang’s or Pei Wei, these are so close it is unreal. DELISH!

Baby Fever

No, I’m not pregnant, though I am not opposed to the idea, Jackson is sick. We were in Norman on Saturday night and Jackson didn’t sleep well, and last night was just as bad. The only real difference was when I went to change his diaper when he woke up in the middle of the night; he was boiling in his blanket sleeper. I only got one reading on the thermometer and he has over 101. He slept until 9:20 this morning and fell asleep in my lap by 11:20. I think his fever may be gone, but he still just doesn’t feel right.

I hate it when my kids are sick, thankfully that isn’t often. I’d do just about anything to make him feel better. So much for our evening plans, I’m skipping upholstery to stay home with him, and we are going to take Victoria to Wal-Mart to pick up some candy to give out to kids in the neighborhood, with the understanding that she gets to keep some. We aren’t going to let her go to a party tonight. We just don’t want to make anyone else sick, just in case.

On the RUN

The roaring adventures of the Ritchie Clan are moving on into the weekend.  We are skipping the Homecoming Walk Around in Stillwater to stay home tonight.  Then we are off to Norman for my friend Staci’s Halloween Party.  I still haven’t found the right costume, so I’m off to take on that adventure today and maybe tomorrow.  Sunday the church I grew up in turns 40, so we will be at church in Norman on Sunday and then we get to come home.

Next weekend may be just as nutty, that’s why we are staying in tonight.  I’m off to OKC for the Women of Faith conference Friday and Saturday.  On Sunday we will be in Perkins, OK, my father-in-law is subbing for the preacher and we are going to hear him and sing.  The cool thing is that it will be ALL of the family except my brother-in-law from CA.  That will make 8 of us singing together Sunday.  I’m calling it the family gospel hour.  It’ll just be nice to have us all together.

Fun and adventures abound, I hope everyone is doing well, and I hope if you are traveling that you have safe travels!

22 Days and Counting!

Okay, I have Harry Potter fever bad!  We don’t watch TV (we have rabbit ears for severe weather and the occasional PBS kids show), so I’ve only seen the trailers online and I can’t wait!  The Goblet of Fire opens on November 18th, and even cooler is the fact that it will be at the IMAX in Tulsa!  I am so pumped, I just found out I can order tickets online now!  

You must understand we don’t go to the movies.  I can’t even tell you the last one we went to see.  We have a projector in our living room so we watch all movies on the big screen.  This one I will spend the $10 a person on.  Jonathan is all for it.  Now I just have to line up a babysitter!

I do promise that I will not dress up as a wizard for the occasion; my excitement has its limits.  I may read all of the books again before it comes out though.  Hee!  Hee!  Hee!  I’m just giddy!  Does this classify as geek, freak or weirdo?  

Senator Letter

I am going to e-mail this to every Senator who voted against the Coburn Amendment:

****************
Due to the current FEDERAL restraints the light at the end of the tunnel will be turned off until further notice.

Remember Senator this is MY money you are playing with, NOT the federal governments.  Your pork is NOT important.  If I HAVE to live on a budget and control my debt you should too.  Might I suggest checking out Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, maybe then you’d see some flaws in the way you spend MY money.

I hope you change your ways, and if you choose not to, I hope a TRUE fiscally conservative person REPLACES you in your next election.  I will be sure to work against you in any way I can to insure it.

Sincerely,
Sara *****

It may not make a difference, but I’m mad.  It never hurts to try.

Grace

I must be getting old and I am unwilling to accept it, or I am just becoming so tired and clumsy it is unreal.  

Friday I fell while walking into the kitchen. This was no minor fall, this was a full-blown over the baby gate, knock it down while holding Jackson and trying not to fall on him.  I ended up dropping him about 6 inches from the ground and fell unbraced on my right side.  It hurt and I tore my khaki slacks.

Saturday not, it wasn’t so much my clumsiness as it was me tripping over a black lab, in the dark, in a pasture.  Unfortunately I landed on the same side I fell on Friday.  Last night I got home had a glass of wine for the pain and went to bed.  

Just call me grace.

BOOKS!

I thought it probably sounded crazy that I am reading 6 books, so I thought I’d give a run down.  I should warn you I was wrong, I am reading 7 books.  Fortunately most are non-fiction, so I can jump around in them, especially the one I have read before.

Here is my current list:

1. Financial Peace Revisited, by Dave Ramsey-this is a first time through.


2. The New Strong Willed Child, by Dr. James Dobson-this is a first time through, specifically fro Jackson.


3. The New Dare to Discipline, by Dr. James Dobson-this is a third time through, specifically for Victoria.


4. Night Lights, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson-this is a first, and a devotional that Jonathan and I are going through together.


5. The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman-this is a first.


6. Everyone Worth Knowing, by Lauren Weisberger author of The Devil Wears Prada, this is a first.


7. The 3 Hour Diet, by Jorge Cruise-this is a first.

I stopped for a while with Beth Moore’s Breaking Free, Brent Curtis and John Eldredge’s The Sacred Romance, Homechooling Step-By-Step, and Homeschooling for Dummies.  I just have too many going and I have to finish a few.

Is there a book that you would read over and over again?  One of my personal favorites to this day is The Westing Game, by Ellan Raskin, I have read it at least once a year since I was 11.  So, know that stands at 16 times.  Other books I will read over and over again are the Harry Potter books and The Secret Garden.  I just love fiction that paints a good picture, but that I can get through quickly and enjoy over and over and over again.  I read a lot of non-fiction so I like a break.

Dave Ramsey's FPU

Financial Peace University. I am embarking on a commitment to my family. Jonathan knows our finances, but I am the one to take care of them. It’s easier for me to juggle them right after breakfast and it gives Jonathan the chance to be with the kids and not worry about it in the evening. I update him and periodically and when he asks, if I don’t have the answer it is at my finger types.

My problem is my spending. Jonathan got a raise and I just spend more, not much more, but more. I’m not increasing our savings, I’m not focusing on retirement and I’m not paying down our debt as quickly as I possible can. Now, I am embarking on a new financial journey, one to my family’s financial peace. I decided to do this too late to join a class here in town, but I am going to work on my own until the next one starts. I’m telling you all this, so that even though I am doing it alone, I’m not completely on my own. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Maybe if I do well it will inspire others to work toward their own financial peace.

On your mark, get set, GO!

Life happenings

Okay, so I haven’t posted anything in several days. I’ve just been enjoying life and my family.

Friday, Victoria got to go to her first homeschool PE class and had a total blast. Saturday we took Jonathan for a walk around downtown and just enjoyed the day, I also bought my upholstery fabric. Sunday we were bad and skipped the church hunt, but we went to the zoo and I got some good pictures. Monday I had upholstery (parental advisory naked chair). Upholstery was after mad office reorganization, which has carried over and I finished today (this is best viewed as a slide show). Thankfully I'd already moved some books to the attic, I just don't have the shelf space for what we have.

It is amazing how unproductive I am when I look at the office and feel like the pot got stirred and I can’t accomplish anything. Things are so much better now; I may go do the dance of joy…maybe not. Tonight we are off for more adventures with dance lessons and meeting a minister from a church we visited. I’m sorry I can’t come up with anything more exciting, but now I think I may go curl up with one of the 6 books I’m reading. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not, seriously 6. Last night I almost couldn’t make up my mind when I went to bed.

My Decision

I announced my decision to Jonathan last night regarding my bachelors in engineering. I am pursuing the degree for the wrong reasons. I have been out to prove to others that I am smarter then they think I am, and also because everyone has told me I need to get a degree in something.

What I have proved is that I can, and at the top of my class if I want to. The fact is I don’t want to. I have nothing to prove to anyone anymore. I know that I am damn smart, and capable of great things. Now it is time for me to reevaluate where I am headed. My current focus is on educating my children; I know I will learn much along the way. Jonathan has plans business wise that he wants to pursue; now we need to evaluate those dreams and goals.

I have never had any intention of really using my degree. I can write patents if I want without it and Jonathan will be able to help on the technical end. I’m going to stop throwing money into that abyss. If I choose to go back later, it will still be there for me.

It all comes down to one thing. I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and dog gone it people like me. Even if the don’t I don’t really care, I like me.

Star Wars

I found this interesting.

TO MAKE THE BEST BETTER!

It’s an exciting day for me! Victoria is going to her first 4-H meeting tonight. She is 5 and will be a Clover Bud. Here’s an interesting fact for Oklahoma 4-Hers. The Clover Bud program began in Cleveland County for me and 2 other kids. We were the beginning, now I’m taking my daughter for her beginning in a fantastic youth program. Who knows, maybe she’ll be a state officer too. I hope she loves 4-H as much as I did.

No, I didn’t do livestock at all, my project were public speaking, leadership and performing arts.

4-H gave me a valuable commodity, like-minded individuals, who I had the pleasure to meet, and many of whom I still call my friends. To this day I have more friends from 4-H then I do from high school and college combined.

007

Okay, so this may totally be a girl thing, but I just saw the picture of the possible replacement for Pierce Brosnan, as James Bond.  His name is Daniel Craig.  Of Course he is British, but he’s blond, but he looks more the villain type.  I know it’s not official, but I just don’t see it.  Call me old fashioned, but you can’t do better then Sean Connery for 007.  Pardon me while I drool over his younger days…heck forget his younger days his older ones aren’t bad either.

Fun Fact

I’m not sure what to think of Harriet Mier’s. I’m not going to commentate on her as a Supreme Court Candidate, but I have an interesting fact. She attends Valley View Christian Church. Valley View has a special place in my heart even though they have built a new building and moved. I was in 4 different choirs with Dallas Christian College (as a middle and high school student) and I have been in 6 concerts there, 4 of them I even had solos. I just thought that was a neat coincidence.

I LOVE CHINESE FOOD!

I seriously miss one thing about OKC.  That is Pei Wei.  Seriously that’s about all I miss.  I wish there was one here.  I’m working my way around town; so far I’ve tried 3 of the 5 Chinese Restaurants here in town.  I hope 4 and 5 are better.

At last...

…A bumper sticker for both parties.

FINALLY, someone has come out with a 100% bipartisan political bumper sticker.

The hottest selling bumper sticker comes from New York State:

"2008 - RUN HILLARY RUN"

Democrats put it on the rear bumper.

Republicans put it on the front bumper.

My Dad just sent this to me, I’ve seen it before, but I still think it’s funny.

Sleep Deprived

It was one of those nights; believe me I love my kids, but my sleep could have been much improved.  I know Jonathan could have to and I felt great sympathy for the fact that he had to get up and go to work.  I at least managed to get the kids back down at about 6:30 and got about an hour and a half more sleep.

There was a lot of stirring, squirming and crying last night.  Naturally Jonathan and I were in hypersensitive to sound mode.  Hearing Jackson grunt made us check on him (he and Victoria were in another bed in our bedroom last night).  They both usually show up in our room between 2 and 4 anyway.  Usually Jackson is quiet and if he does fuss you can take him and cuddle and he’s out.

No such luck last night.  After the sweet naptime photo op he decided that peace and sleep weren’t necessary.    I’m totally amazed Victoria slept through it.

Upholstery

My upholstery class didn’t start last week, because the teacher had an emergency. It did begin yesterday and to make up time we are adding 30 minutes to every class. We were told when we signed up not to bring our piece the first week, but when we got there she said she wanted us to, but the school hadn’t changed the information. I ran home and Jonathan threw the chair in the trunk and tied it in.

I have posted before pictures here. I forgot to take them before class so I had to pull them off of the photos from the open house site. I had to crop them from living room shots so they aren’t very clear. I will take pictures at the beginning of next week’s class since my chair is still there. Right now I have only frame, springs and burlap left, if you can imagine it.

Life is Good.

There are moments when I wish I had a permanent video, from my own eyes of the sweetness and beauty of my family.

One example. Jackson had some rotten moments, and a few fits this morning. All were mainly, because he was getting into things he shouldn’t and got into trouble.

When he finished lunch and I put him down for his nap he showed who he really is, a sweet little teddy bear. He cuddled up when I picked him up from his booster seat and I carried him up the stairs. When I put him down he put and arm out to hold me, but he was just too tired. He struggled to look at me and blinked and squinted, but eventually resigned himself to sleep. Not a tear was shed and it was really peaceful after what wasn’t a peaceful morning.

I love my family.

Lets talk taxes.

It’s Tuesday and I was just finishing reading my Sunday paper (remember I have kids, it takes a while). I was on the 17th page of section A of The Oklahoman. There was an editorial that caught my eye.

The article was on replacing the income tax with a flat tax I am all for. I believe that being taxed based on consumption is fairer then being taxed on your income. This information from the Economist I found to be a concise bit of information.

A flat tax on personal incomes combines a threshold (that is, an exempt amount) with a single rate of tax on all income above it. The progressivity of such a system can be varied within wide limits using just these two variables. Under systems such as America's, or those operating in most of western Europe, the incentives for the rich to avoid tax (legally or otherwise) are enormous; and the opportunities to do so, which arise from the very complexity of the codes, are commensurately large. So it is unsurprising to discover, as experience suggests, that the rich usually pay about as much tax under a flat-tax regime as they do under an orthodox code.

The flat tax has proven very effective in other countries. Check these additional stats for the Economist article.

Estonia became the first country in Europe to introduce a “flat tax” on personal and corporate income. Income is taxed at a single uniform rate of 26%: no schedule of rates, no deductions. The economy has flourished. Others followed: first, Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia's Baltic neighbours; later Russia (with a rate of 13% on personal income), then Slovakia (19% on personal and corporate income). One of Poland's centre-right opposition parties is campaigning for a similar code (with a rate of 15%). So far eight countries have followed Estonia's example (see article). An old idea that for decades elicited the response, “Fine in theory, just not practical in the real world,” seems to be working as well in practice as it does on the blackboard.

Here’s my opinion on the Fair Tax.
With some of the information that Neal Boortz has been spouting about the Fair Tax I don’t think it’s that fair. It still guarantees welfare through the tax code. My mother-in-law bought his book and after reading a bit through and discussing it over dinner with my husband, father-in-law and myself, there are flaws that he just bypasses.

He swears that a $100 purchase would have $23 in tax. In essence the product is $67, not $100. He says it is a 23% tax. Simple mathematical skills show us (by dividing $67 by $23) that the tax rate is actually 34%. He’s playing a bit of a slide of hand trick in his book.

Whether you agree or disagree give this some thought before you condemn it. I want to hold on to my money longer. I’m ready for no April 15th deadlines and NO IRS!

$$$ OKLAHOMA LOTTO $$$

Whether or not you agree with the new Oklahoma lotteries that are beginning this week, I’m not in favor of it.

Here’s why.  Many years ago Oklahoma ok’d horse racing.  It was going to be the savior of the state.  Now we’ve passed gaming bills to allow gaming at the tracks to bail them out.  The information we were given regarding real gaming at casinos and tracks said that it would bring in $5.4 million a MONTH.  Now the numbers are in and it’s only going to bring in $5.4 million a YEAR.  This rubs me like the new tobacco tax we had to have.  The revenue isn’t what they said, yet they already have new programs that now they can’t fund with it.  Gee, where is the money going to come from?  I firmly believe they aren’t going to cut programs.

Looking at these things I just can’t imagine that the lotto is going to do much for us.  Maybe you disagree, but as for me I’m glad I voted no.

I LOVE FALL!

This is the best weather. I love it when I can wear short and long sleeves or shorts and a sweatshirt. It’s the kind of weather where if you hot you can shed a layer (not a summer reality) or if your cold you can add more! YEAH!

The leaves are just starting to change. Jonathan and I love to drive around in the country to check out the trees. Now that I have a digital camera I’ll take more pictures. My favorite leaf change is the poison sumac. It sounds crazy, but the bright red vine on the changing trees are just gorgeous. Crisp, clear sky and just a bite in the air, I’m not sure it gets better.

Well, maybe it does when it involves chilly bedrooms and cuddling.

They say...

…the way to a mans heart is through his stomach. Well, I’m not sure I won Jonathan that way, but today I was on the maintenance plan. I made one heck of a dinner and I was very proud, we all ate until we were almost sick.

When the front started through I started to cook. Some of you know that I love to bake, but I’ve never been a great cook. I taught myself today how to make a killer marinade for steak and made a huge batch of scalloped potatoes (one of Jonathan’s favorite foods). When he got home the grill was almost hot and the potatoes were almost done. I don’t cook like this in the summer. I may make steak, but I never run my oven if I can help it.

He was very happy and the steak was great. I am ready to continue cooking until it gets hot again. The only thing that would be better is having my old stove in the house. It’s too bad it’s in the garage still. I have to remove the drop-in and cut out some cabinet to get it in. It’s a 1940’s model Chamber type B, very similar to Rachel Ray’s on 30 minute meals. The only real difference is the back is taller on mine.

You might be an A&M Aggies if...(UPDATED)

...You put plywood on the wrong side of the glass when a hurricane is coming.

I've had an insult or joke for numerous other universities, but the one posted on Auz's Blog is great, mainly because it is true and has pictures to prove it.

Wow! College Station, TX is a sad, strange place.

UPDATED

Someone called into the Neal Boortz show and explained why this bookstore did this. They called the store to find out why. The store had very expensive aluminum windows that would have been damaged by the screws and would have cost a great deal to replace. Sincence the store had wood frames inside they determined loosing the glass, but noy destroying the frames or merchandise would be worth it. They weighed the cost and determined that glass replacement was cheaper then any other option. Now it's not quite as dumb, but it's still funny to look at.

RIDDLE

I got this in an e-mail today and it’s been a long time since I have seen it. Do you know the answer?

What is greater than God, more evil than the devil, the poor have it, the rich need it, and if you eat it, you'll die?

DING! DING! DING! We have a winner!
Check the comments for the answer!

Victoria's First Tommy Gun

Jonathan made Victoria her first Tommy gun last night, it only shoots rubber bands of course, but she thinks it’s great. She even went and showed it to the 10-year-old boy next door. He ran and got his rubber band gun and they sat and shot moths on our front porch. It was pretty funny. She’s had more fun with that stick of wood and some rubber bands then most things she’s been bought. I’m glad she appreciates the simple things.

OU Excitement (UPDATED)

Well, OU looked more solid and played an okay game, but wow, a suicide bombing. I never would have imagined.

My sisters have season tickets and called from the game to see if we heard the explosion on TV. We didn't, but the last thing I expected was a bomb. I was guessing a cooker from vendor had blown or something along those lines. All I can really say is I'm stunned.

UPDATED

I’ve been over on Cam’s site as usual, and he has linked to Michelle Malkin’s site. There is a lot of info on this there. Things are still inconclusive and I’m not willing to just agree with President Boren. Norman is my hometown and things like this shouldn’t be happening there.

THIS IS A NICE THOUGHT!

I hope this is correct!
*****************************************
I aplogize if you are offended by the profanity.

OPEN HOUSE in OKC

Jonathan and I will be back in the metro this weekend (at least until Saturday sometime) to do a little prep work. Our Realtors are having an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, October 2, 2005. If you want to check out the house, or know someone who might be interested in this Oklahoma City property, please check out the multiple pictures on the open house link!

UPDATE

I would appreciate it if you would also say a prayer for the quick sale of the house. Thanks!

System Updates

The computer will be out of commission starting this evening. Jonathan got the system recovery CDÂ’s and we will be wiping the computer again to convert to XP. I will try to post pictures of VictoriaÂ’s Dance class in her photo album, before I wipe my drive. I am going to repost the Open House to the top of the screen so it is the first thing seen, if I donÂ’t post for a couple of days.

UPDATED

Pictures of Victoria's dance class are in my photo album. Also, for those of you who might be trying to organize your contact info I would like to recommend Plaxo. I imported my e-mail address book and Plaxo sent out e-mails for people to update their contact info. I'll print off a hard copy for home, but it is very nice to have access when I'm not at home. I also like the ease of updating my contact information and others. I give it 2 thumbs up!

UPDATED (AGAIN)

Okay, it is official, I cannot install the recovery for XP over my existing 2000 Pro. The wipe of hard drive will begin as soon as I burn a few pictures off. I'll be back up as fast as I can.

Is this what Heaven looks like?

Jonathan got to go out to California when I was about 4 months pregnant with Jackson to spend a week with his brother. Ever since that time Jonathan has sworn up and down that when we take our first REAL family vacation, we are headed to California to run up and down the coast.

His favorite place was Big Sur. I don’t think he and his brother actually went to the beach there, but Jonathan says it was the prettiest. In this picture you can see the waterfall, but just around the bend is a very cool land bridge. He found this picture on the net, and all I can think is that, that beach looks like Heaven.

Realistically we may have a short version of a real vacation (when Jonathan starts getting 3 day weekends) this fall. He keeps saying we need to go to Roaring River. I think the time when the leaves are changing would be perfect.

Last night

Last night I got a minute to relax.  I actually got a minute to sit down at the piano and play.  For those of you saying, “Sara, playing the piano?”  I started lesson last August when we moved to OKC and Mom gave me her piano.  My Grandparents moved and Mom was getting the piano she raised pigs to buy as a kid.  I was the only one of three girls who didn’t get lessons, but I was the one who wanted them now and the only one who wanted the piano.  I started lessons with a woman in Forest Park and she was wonderful.  If you need a piano teacher, I have a recommendation.

When I sat down I was surprised at how little the move had affected the tuning.  Jonathan has sat down and played, his mother has sat down and played, but for some reason I hadn’t.  Actually I know one reason I haven’t, I couldn’t find my easier books and I’m not about to tackle something from a hymnal.

It was nice to just sit down and play again.  Jonathan was at the computer and was so surprised that he remarked that it had been a while since he’d heard me sit down and play.  I almost forgot how much I enjoyed sitting down and making music.  Some days I just forget how important making music is to me, some days I just forget I’m good at it.  Even if I only spend 15 minutes a day, it is 15 minutes that can bring frustration and joy at the same time.

The Counter

66…and counting.

Okay, very few people have actually posted comments on my blog. Jeremy, Eric and Ryan had done some commenting (thanks for listening to me babble), but I got curious are these the only 3 people reading my blog. Late Thursday, September 22nd I added a counter to the bottom of my blog (I’m learning so many little things). To my surprise, my blog has been viewed by 66 people as of this afternoon and are spending an average of 11.5 minutes on my blog. Wow, I seriously thought no one would really visit and read this but a few people.

Also, I am on several times a day and I am not counted nor are other viewings from other addresses on my computer (I’ve checked).

WHY?

Working out hurts! Why on earth did I do it?

We recently brought in our machine (no weights-strictly lifting your body weight) when we got the rest of the boxes out of the downstairs. I’ve been avoiding the machine (why use it, I’m skinny) and I jumped into work out mode last Friday. I did a lower body video and then used the machine Saturday. I swear when I woke up this morning I thought I had dislocated a rib or something my muscles hurt so badly.

Why did I do that to myself? I’d better get on it again today and get into a routine. I just really hate being sweaty and being sore. Check back with me in a couple of weeks, I may fall off the workout wagon again.

Scottish Games

I haven’t remarked much on our adventure last Saturday.  We went to the Oklahoma Scottish Games.  Unfortunately we saw very little of the games, because after we looked around a bit and got to the game area the kids were very tired.

I have to say; I really think the bagpipes are very cool!  The music was incredible.  If you have never heard a large drum and pipe group in person before you are missing out.  I got some photos.  Mainly I got a lot of pipe and kilts, some Clydesdale horses, hawks and a few events.

The events you will see are the distance for weight, the sheaf toss and the women’s amateur caber toss.  The caber that woman is holding was 10 ½ feet tall and 35 lbs (she was about my size, except way more muscular).  That is like stretching Victoria until she is 10 ½ feet, picking her up, running and tossing her end over end.  It was impressive to see.  Men’s cabers start at 90 lbs.

We will probably go back next year, but I think we’ll leave the kids at home so we can see more for what we paid to get in.

Have I ever mentioned…

I LOVE CHEESE FRIES!

Yes, I love cheese fries, heck I love nachos. Cover it in cheese and I would probably eat an old tire…well, maybe not.

Church Hunt

Be very, very quiet we're hunting churches (I wish I could sneak in unnoticed).

I'll tell you right now, I really don't like having to find a new church. I loved the one we went to in OKC. Cherokee Hill Christian Church was home from the 1st Sunday we stepped in. Finding a church where you feel like you belong is hard, but at CHCC it wasn't.

Well, we started our hunt Sunday (yes, I know we've been here 2 months). The church was okay, I just felt out of place. I felt like the church was trying too hard to be the popular style church instead of who they are. The minister didn't preach this Sunday, which was okay, because the President of Ozark Christian College spoke instead. I questioned how the sermon was going to go, with his fill in the blank sheet in the bulletin, but he said all of the things I needed to hear. He spoke about "doing church" in this day and age.

His key points were that their are 2 approaches:

1. The "membership approach" describes a congregation that exists to serve it's members so they can receive the benefits.

2. The "mission approach" describes a congregation that exists to fulfill God's mission in the world, whose members give of themselves unselfishly to reach those outside of membership.

His examples of churches who have stepped out were wonderful and uplifting. They gave me hope that we will find a servant filled church. Maybe this church wasn't a "mission" church, but we will eventually go back to see if they heeded this challenge to impact the community. Right now I just pray God will lead us to a church that is truly His, where we can feel His presence, instead of an emptiness in the experience. I felt very much at worship and in touch with God during that sermon on an emotional and logical level, but I was left cold for the remainder. I just need someplace where I am "in His Presence" instead of "in the show".

I now God has a place for us, I just wish right now that it was obvious and right in front of us. I'll be honest, right now I'm struggling. There are days I don't even think to pray outside of before meals and our standard goodnight prayer with the kids. I need to refocus on God and yank my Bible off the shelf for more than just Sunday morning. I think I'll go start with the book of James right now. Whenever I feel a bit lost, this always seems to be the place I start for a refocus, and to gain perspective.

Things Will Be SLOOOOW For A Bit!

Our desktop is 5 years old and needs a new power supply (the fan is out and it smells hot). The laptop is older and still runs on windows 98 and Jackson destroyed our wireless on it, now it's just a typewriter.

So, Jonathan just bought a computer from a guy at work. The computer was fine, but his hard drive was fried. We moved our hard drive and wireless card to this desktop and reinstalled the things that needed to be installed. It is so nice, faster and with more USB ports. Well, yesterday the guy gave Jonathan a Recovery CD. Since it had XP he decided he wanted to change our operating system too. We couldn't just install the XP image over 2000 Pro, so last night we wiped the hard drive to 0's and 1's. This all would have been fine except he gave us the application recovery CD and not the system recovery CD's. We only noted this after I went looking for our laptop VIAO CD's and saw there were 4, since this is a VIAO desktop I assume it has 4 also. Right now I am only installing the bare minimum to get through until we are ready to wipe it again. Yes, we get to wipe the drive again!

Posting with pictures will resume again as soon as we are up and running normal. I just don't want to take the time to reinstall everything if I'll have to do it in 2 days again. I have some really cool pictures from the Scottish Games! It was a really great event. I would have had more fun without the kids (they just get too tired). Over all I'm just a sucker for bagpipes. I'd love to learn to play, but a set runs around $500. WOW!

OUch!

For those friends of mine who aren’t OU fans, this is for you. Usually I can say it’s hard to be humble when you’re a Sooner, but right now I am rolling in meekness for my team. I am still rooting for them, and I have a lot of hope for this team. I just have to remind myself that when a team changes this much in a year it takes time, patience and a lot of work on their part and patients on mine as well. I will continue to say that in the past few years we were good, because of our defense. I will also say that Jason White only looked decent because he had really good receivers. Right now we just have got to relax on the passing on offense and we need to learn to defend it on defense.

To Austin: Regardless of where I went to school I am an OU fan, I am a Sooner. I grew up in Norman, and that is where my entire family graduated from, and had we remained in OKC that is where I would have graduated. OSU could never change that, not even for basketball. I wish your team the best this year.

It's Just Another Manic Monday

Jonathan survived having his wisdom teeth removed! He slept a lot yesterday. I’m just glad he felt well enough to go to work, because he is notorious for going even when he doesn’t. They only removed 2, and they were pulled, not cut. He ate a shake, 2 malts and some yogurt and watched Monte Python and the Holy Grail and slept. In the evening when the general started to wear off, he went and vacuumed the kitchen (of yes, we have nasty carpet in the kitchen) and loaded the dishwasher. When I asked him not to over do it and not wear himself out, he was sweet enough to listen and sat back down. Usually he will ignore me and go until he drops.

The kids behaved really well in the lobby. Our only problem was that Victoria left a Tinkerbell from a Happy Meal in the lobby. She didn’t have breakdown, but came close. Today when I picked up the mail I was wondering who would be sending us a package. Dr. Scott Harrington’s office in Tulsa sent us Tinkerbell! That was beyond sweet. They had good service (very short wait), a nice atmosphere, Jonathan feels good and they sent us Tinkerbell! What an Oral Surgeon. If he ever needs the top 2 out, I know we will go back.

We did skip giving Victoria a lesson yesterday. This is one of the things I love about home school. We work it around our schedule. We may even add a lesson this Saturday to make up for it. Even at that, since we are only in kindergarten curriculum the lessons rarely require more than 1 ½ hours!

How Smart Is Your Right Foot?

I got this in an e-mail and I had to share it.

How Smart is your right foot?

You must try this--it's amazing and takes only seconds. How Smart is Your Right Foot? This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot, but you can't.

1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction. I told you so...And there's nothing you can do about it!!

Try it with your left too, it just requires more concentration then I'm willing to give to fight it.    

Poll Question

Cam Edwards has a poll posted and I would like to recommend that any interested person visit his site and participate in.  The poll asks “Is America On a Decline?”  The post is listed as “THE DOWNFALL OF AMERICA?”.  This can be located on his sidebar more easily.  Currently the vote stands at 70% NO and 30% YES.  What do you think?

NEW LINKS

UPDATED

I have added a few new links, plus the knowledge to link my text. I’ve already mentioned the Photo Album. I have also added links to Rush Limbaugh’s web site (I know I’m crazy, but I love Rush). I’ve also added a link to Homestar Runner, Homestar is a cartoon site that is very funny and popular among Christian College students. My personal recommendations are Strong Bad Emails (check out “DRAGON” and then play the Trogdor game) and the first few Teen Girl Squad toons.

In the links I have added 2 blogs I frequently read (though I may not post often). One is Cam Edwards blog. Cam is the Host of the NRA News, the Internet news show, which is also on satellite radio. I began listening to Cam when he started filling in for Mike McCarville on KTOK in OKC. I have also added my friend Jeremy Smoot’s blog. Jeremy is an old 4-H friend and a super nice guy, with some good thoughts, questions and laughs on his blog. I even click the link to his wife Tiffany’s where I often get a smile from the things she writes( you guys are cute)!

There will be more to come!

UPDATED HERE

I have also added my 4-H friend Austin’s blog. I gave him the nickname Auz E. Moto, the hunchback of the OSU bell tower, years ago and he has run with it ever since. He has good info on the fair tax and you can laugh at his racquetball story too.

The Maxwell Family Reunion Site is also being posted for family to check back for information on next years FUN!

The Weekend

We have an exciting weekend ahead of us. There a three major things going on between now and Monday.

1. Right now we are debating going to the Scottish Games in Tulsa. If we go that will be a blast! I figured out which tartan is Jonathan’s, he think it would be really cool to have a kilt. Here is the tartan for his Mom’s side and his Dad’s. They are surprisingly similar.

2. We have to figure out which church we are going to visit this weekend.

3. Jonathan is having his wisdom teeth removed Monday around noon. This is a very recent development and he is in a lot of pain. We are pretty sure he has an abscessed tooth. Yeah! His face is swelling and it hurts. Does anyone have any wisdom teeth removal stories that I can gross or freak him out with?

John Roberts

Okay, my family gets frustrated with my obsession with politics. Perhaps it’s because my passion for politics is as sick as the fact that I think working Calculus problems can be fun. There is just a sick pleasure to both. I just want to inquire to any friends, who would like to post, what your thoughts are regarding the John Roberts hearings.

I know there is a great deal of confidence on the Republican side that he will be a constitutionalist, which is what I want. I’m personally not sold on him yet. I’m also disappointed that he is being selected to follow William H. Rehnquist, as the chief justice. I was seriously hoping for that selection to come from within the current group of justices as either Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas. I kind of thought it was a bit of a slap in the face to these fine justices.

I am also questioning why we are pandering to the democratic minority on our justice selections. The last time I checked the American people have elected more conservatives (lately I’m using that term loosely) to the House, Senate and the Presidency. If the majority of Americans want a more conservative country I think we have a right to want that in the courts too. Of course I disagree with the labeling of constitutionalist judges as conservative (even if they are). I know for a fact that their job is to interpret the law (ie. constitutioanlist) and I am tired of them legislating as a bunch of activist (on most judicial levels) from the bench. When they create law by their rulings (which they aren’t supposed to do) those rulings are almost impossible for us to overturn legislatively. It’s gotten out of control and should be stopped. Out with the activist! In with the constitutionalist! I just hope Roberts is as strict a constituionalist as they think he is.

PURPLE POWER!

I love my new glasses! They are different for me (thank you Trina for pointing them out to me). I always go the safe, slightly preppy route. Check out the old vs the new. This time I went different. Heck, I went PURPLE! I thought it was a bit funny that I chose these glasses about the same time my friend Jeremy’s wife got her new glasses. She was just as excited, she even blogged about hers too. Forget conventional go for different. I like being different; I’m not ashamed to be a little perky! These glasses are so me. It didn’t even hurt my feelings when Jonathan told me that Victoria would look at pictures of me years from now and make fun of my glasses. I accept that she will, I’m her mother, she’ll make fun of me for being alive (isn’t that what most kids do when they look back at their parents when they were young). I don’t doubt she’ll make fun of me for the spike I had during my last pregnancy too. That’s what I’m here for, ammo.

I LOVE BUBBLE WRAP

I know it’s Wednesday, and the weekend is on the horizon. Here is something fun to get you through.

NEW PHOTO ALBUM

Something new to the blog is listed in the links! We know have a web photo album! I will update it frequently with photos the family, the house or anything I find cool. A big thanks to my 4-H buddy Jeremy for telling me about http://www.photobucket.com/.

Family Update

I know I haven’t posted anything truly thought provoking or completely fascinating, but I have on first objective, to update many people on what is going on with my family.

Her is the general update since the move.

We moved at the end of July and we have moved to my own personal little heaven. Neighbors (yes, plural) have brought us cookie, rice crispy treats, flowers and a book on the history of B'Ville. Our neighborhood is beautiful, full of history and kids, and it’s very quiet. Unlike OKC it takes me 5-10 minutes to get ANYWHERE in town. How cool is that! Luckily the things I miss from OKC are in Tulsa, and if traffic is right you can get to most anything in 40-55 minutes. I’ve been stuck in OKC traffic longer than that.

We really haven’t begun our church search yet. There are 3 independent Christian Churches in B'Ville, 1 in Dewey (which is practically part of B'Ville), and 1 in Tyro, KS and 1 in Owasso (both 30 minutes for here).

We are home schooling Victoria now. We are starting her with the Kindergarten curriculum, but we may finish in the first trimester of the school year. We are using two curriculums, My Father’s World and Saxon Math. We are in the middle of week 2. It’s going well.

Jackson is cutting teeth and getting bigger. He is 29 lbs., which is 6.4 lbs less then Victoria. His vocabulary is growing really fast. If we could just get him to understand that hitting and throwing is bad and not to scream in stores, that would be great.

Jonathan’s job is going well, except for the fact that IT still hasn’t got his second terminal working right, which is inhibiting his work on one of the projects he is heading. They may be moving to 4/10’s (working 4 day-ten hours a day) the first week of October. It isn’t official, but they are trying. We would love to have 3-day weekends every week!

I am taking this year off from school, but the first week of October I am going to take an upholstery class at Tri County Tech. I have 3 chairs I want to recover and a futon I would love to build cushions for (I hate that futon mattress). I have also found a new addiction, Rachel Ray’s 30-Minute Meals! I love it! I also got new glasses this week, and they are way cute. I’ll have Jonathan take pictures to post tonight. This will also give photos for those friends of mine who can’t believe I have relatively long hair (okay, long for me).

On the house front our first major task will be putting in a utility room. Our washer is upstairs, where a shower used to be, and our dryer is downstairs in the kitchen where their had been a range (their is a drop-in in the island now). This fantastic weather is making me itch to go work in the yard, but their are more important things to do.

Keep me posted on events and activities with your families! We miss you all!

MY CUTE KIDS

Here are recent pictures of Jackson and Victoria.

Dance, Baby, Dance!

UPDATE! (Again)
Above is a picture of Victoria dancing on the street during our evening walk. This is what I mean, about dancing to the music in her head. It's just so cute.

Victoria begins dance and tumbling class tonight. She will be doing ballet, tap and tumbling. This child is desperate to have and outlet. She dances to the phone ringing, the doorbell ringing, any song that only she can hear in her head and anything on the radio or TV. She’s crazy, but tonight she get to be crazy with a whole class of 3-5 year olds. I am taking the digital camera and I emptied it. Hopefully this will be the motivation to try and post pics!

-Update-

Here is Jackson being cute in the waiting area. I'll post something of Victoria from dance in a couple of weeks, we are only allowed into class one week of each month.

This is a test, this is only a test.