A Poem written by Judge Roy Moore

Some of you may be wondering what Judge Roy Moore has been doing since he was removed from the bench for refusing to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom wall. Please read the poem he wrote.


The following is a poem written by Judge Roy Moore from Alabama . Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama ! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges;
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~~Judge Roy Moore~~

Specifics of my surgery

I am a member of a few different forums, and some I have posted about this on, and most I have not. Some of you have heard it from me, many of you have not. If you are one of the ones to have heard or read about it all ready then you can feel guilt free about skipping this post, if not, grab a cup of something as it is quiet long! I am receiving e-mail requests about it and this is the easiest way to get it all out at once...

We flew out of Tampa Monday, arriving in the nick of time of course. It didn't help that I had forgotten something and had to turn around when we had all ready left at the last minute!! lol At least I can't blame DH! (This time)

We dropped off the car to learn that we had just missed the shuttle, but luckily, another was almost back and could run us to the airport. If you are planning a trip, I highly suggest this place for parking!

We checked in with the people who stand outside because it is faster, but when we got to the shuttle, security wouldn't let us through because the man hadn't given me my boarding pass! Oh no! Luckily (again) he saw us coming and met us halfway. We made our flight in time, but it was way to hairy an ordeal for my taste!

We arrived in Houston, but it took us longer to get to our gate than we had anticipated, and we were the last to board that flight. Then! As the plane taxied out on the runway, the tower informs the pilot that there is a weather delay. We sat on the runway for an hour and a half before we could take off, and they had to fly out in a different direction, which of course, takes longer! Yeah me!

So we arrive in McAllen not at 12:30 as had been planned, but at 2:05. Someone had walked off with DH's cell phone the week before, but a nice lady there let my use her phone to contact the shuttle service. Unfortunately, I had to leave a message, and the lady had to go. I say unfortunately because I have had trouble with leaving them messages before. I tried later to use a pay phone, but it was a long distance number, and I do not have a long distance carrier. It also happens that the LDC would not let me just put it on my Visa. Who, I ask, does not accept Visa?? AT&T, that's who!! After an hour of sitting and fretting, I remember that years ago, my Daddy had given me a phone card! It was still valid!! I left another message. We waited ten minutes or so, and I tried again. This time, AT&T decided that they were going to charge me 35 minutes off of my card because I was using a pay phone! That left me with four minutes on the card, and with a fee of 35 minutes to use it (and the fact that they do not accept Visa) this was my last chance. They Answered!! Yeah!

At this point, it is about 4:00, and we decided to go and eat at the only restaurant in the airport. I have to say that the food was good, and the prices were reasonable! The "shuttle" (it is a personal vehicle) finally arrived at 5:15 and we were off!

We went through customs, and I have to say that I was appalled at the sites! I guess it was just culture shock on my part. We saw a "shanty village" that really freaked me out. They were using tarps for walls. I'm just not used to seeing that I guess. For those of you who are planning on, or contemplating going, the back seat is very bumpy!! Take the little pillow as suggested on Dr. Perez's site. I made mine out of a piece of scrap material. It was very easy, and toooo cute!

We got to the hospital, and paid for the shuttle. It was $20 more than the website had stated because of the currant price of gas, but way worth it! The traffic was absolute chaos! People just drive where ever they feel like it it seems! I highly suggest the shuttle service! I couldn't imagine trying to get there without it, let alone getting back out again!

We sat around a little while and then Dr. Levi's little brother came in to meet us. Super nice guy! He speaks fluent English and is very friendly. As we were talking to him, Dr Levi came in and brought a little baby with him! He was so cute! He had bright blue eyes! They wanted to do my surgery that night, but couldn't since I had eaten at the airport. It was decided that we would have the surgery the following evening as originally planned.

We turned in after a stressful day of traveling, and woke the next morning when a nurse came in. She had a sweet gentle spirit, but understands about as much English as I do Spanish. Still, we communicated just fine with gestures and body language. She was there to start my IV and take some blood. This was a very different process than what I am used to here in America. Here, they start the IV and then attach a tube to the one way valve, take it off and add another. Not a very comfortable process to my mind. In Mexico, there is no valve, they let the IV "drain" into the tubes. Much better!! DH and I were thinking that 13 hours of an IV was not going to be much fun when in walks DR Levi's brother again. (I really wish I could remember his name) He was bringing DH a scrub set to wear! They had decided to do my surgery that very morning!! Yikes! All ready?!

Off we go to th OR! I walk in and there are a bunch of men in scrubs sitting around speaking to each other in Spanish, and this is when I get nervous. The nurse leads me to the table and I climb up. One of the men introduces himself and tells me that he is the anesthesiologist. He asks me if I am OK, and I tell him yes, but that I am nervous. He lets me know that he will give me medicine for that through my IV, and I was glad! At this point there are maybe three men in the OR with me, speaking to each other in Spanish. I silently prayed for God to watch over me. I have to be honest here, I was scared to death. The anesthesiologist jesters for me to turn on my side, so I did. He started pushing on my lower back and then between my shoulder blades and I'm thinking, "What is he doing?" Then it hits me that he is about to give me my epidural! Duh! So I assumed the "mad cat" position. He starts saying "Good! Good!" which makes me happy. I am a good patient! Woo Hoo!

After this, I remember very little. I know that at one point I woke up during the surgery in pain. I reached for DH who was right there for me. It meant so much to me that I can not even begin to put it into words. I guess my body metabolizes the medicines really quickly, because this is not the first time that a dr has had to use a lot of anesthetic for my body size. Hopefully it will be one of, if not the last, time I need surgery.

I woke up in bed with the epidural syringe taped to my chest. (Yet another difference between there and here) and needing to pee. This is a problem since not only can I not feel my legs, but they are not responding when I tell them to move either! I contemplate this in my foggy mind for awhile until it starts to hurt a little. (My belly, not my mind) Then I break down and tell DH about it. He says, "That's funny", to which I am overly emotional about my currant dilemma and tell him how not funny it actually is! Then he tells me that it is "funny" because I have a catheter in. OH...I guess that is funny. (Funny weird, not funny haha) In walks the nurse with lunch, and notices that the urine bag needs changed! What timing! Thank you Lord!! After that, and a dose of epidural, I slept again. (Lunch, btw, was WONDERFUL!)

I pretty much slept for the majority of 24 hours, and the next morning I could move my legs again, but had developed a sore spot on one heal from not moving it around. At that point, I think IT hurt worse then my belly! lol

When I had the all clear, they contacted the shuttle for us. DH and I used the time waiting to walk around outside and view the area surrounding the hospital. We even walked up to the little store and bought some Mexican pop to take home to the kids. This was all a little at a time mind you.

The shuttle came about 5:00 and I made sure to sit up front with my little pillow. It was a MUCH easier ride! The driver was very careful over bumps in the road. NOTE to those planning on going: You will have to have an actual passport to get into the states after June of '09! It also takes awhile to GET your passport so plan ahead!

The driver recommended La Quinta Inn in McAllen, and it was a nice place that offers a free shuttle service to the airport. It cost us $85 to stay there for the night after our Sam's club discount. The only bummer was that the room was way in the back, and I was pretty much spent after the ride. There is a good restaurant pretty much next door, so that is where we had dinner. It is supposed to have the best Mexican food around, DH agrees on the quality.

The next morning, the hotel shuttle took us straight to the airport where we acquired a wheelchair, and zipped right on over to our gate. When I had booked my ticket, I told them that I would need wheelchair assistance on the way home, and I am SO glad that I did! They wheel you in and out of the plane, and they have a cart pick you up and take you from gate to gate. I do suggest that you take a lot of singles as everyone "wants" a tip! I think it cost us 20 bucks to switch planes in Houston! lol

When we finally arrived back in Tampa, we get our bags and the shuttle was just about to leave when we got there. I think the only reason the guy stopped was because I was in a wheelchair, lol. He took us to the parking facility, and we drove home! Easy-peasy!!

All in all, with plane tickets, the surgery, eating out, everything it ran us about $3500. That includes the extra that had to be spent on the anesthetic! Not bad considering what it would have cost to have someone with less experience do it here. More hassle? Yeah, I'd say so with the traveling, but I would have had to travel to get a reputable dr. here anyway, and would have spent considerably more.

The pain was a lot more than I had anticipated. It is often compared with that of a C-Section, which I have never had. I have seen people that had one, and I think that with the section, you have a baby, and the post-birth glow to distract you. After about two weeks, I finally feel like I have turned a corner, and I am almost "normal" again. I will have to work extra hard at doing little to nothing for the next four weeks.

DH and DC are very supportive, and are taking the extra chores in stride. I am very proud of them! They all have really stepped up to help out, and I am greatful! Hopefully, Lord willing, I will be posting sometime this year about my pregnancy!

Oh, the following is a list of vitamins that I started taking after I came home, in addition to Tylenol PM and plain old ibuprofen.

1. Antibiotic (dr gave them to me, and I started them that day)
   
2. Multivitamin (just makes good sense)
   
3. Acidophilus (helps keep your intestinal tract in balance after all the meds)
4. Calcium (helps with tissue repair)
5. Garlic (natural antibiotic)
6. Vitamin C (boosts your imune system)
7. Vitamin E (tissue repair)
8. B12 (I take this to help prevent anemia)
9. A&D (helps absorb calcium, and aids tissues)
10. Co Q 10 (helps fight buggies)

It is not a fun regimen, but I'd rather not take any chances! At this point I take five vitamins four times a day! Hey, at least I'm getting in my water for the day! Speaking of vitamins, it is time for round two...

TTFN
Me

Oprah and Easter

March 19, 2008

Index to articles by Discernment Group Emphasis added in bold letters

---

"The song of Easter is the glad refrain the Son of God was never crucified."

-- "Jesus" of A Course in Miracles

---

During this Easter week, it is important to understand what Oprah Winfrey, Marianne Williamson and Eckhart Tolle are teaching about Jesus Christ and Easter.

This week and daily throughout this whole year, Oprah has enlisted Marianne Williamson to teach from A Course in Miracles on her Oprah & Friends XM Satellite Radio. A Course in Miracles is reputedly "new revelation" that was channeled from a "Jesus" through a New York psychologist by the name of Helen Schucman.

Oprah is also in the midst of a ten-week New Age Internet class that she is co-teaching with "spiritual teacher" Eckhart Tolle, which is based on his new book The New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Plume, 2006). According to Tolle, Jesus' teaching of "salvation" means "a radical transformation of human consciousness" (p. 13) and the process of "rebirth" is "reincarnation." (p. 252)

The "Jesus" of A Course in Miracles teaches the following things about the Easter story:

• "This is Palm Sunday, the celebration of victory and the acceptance of the truth. Let us not spend this holy week brooding on the crucifixion of God's Son, but happily in the celebration of his release. For Easter is the sign of peace, not pain. A slain Christ has no meaning." (ACIM Text, p. 425)
• "In you the knowledge lies, ready to be unveiled and free from all the terror that kept it hidden. There is no fear in love. The song of Easter is the glad refrain the Son of God was never crucified. Let us lift up our eyes together, not in fear but in faith." (ACIM Text, p. 428)
• "The crucifixion did not establish the atonement; the resurrection did. Many sincere Christians have misunderstood this." (ACIM Text, p. 36)
• "For the undoing of the crucifixion of God's Son is the work of redemption, in which everyone has a part of equal value." (ACIM Text, p. 209)
• "Sacrifice is a notion totally unknown to God. It arises solely from fear, and frightened people can be vicious." (ACIM Text, p. 37)
• "The journey to the cross should be the last 'useless journey.'" (ACIM Text, p. 52)
• "Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross.'" (ACIM Text, p. 52)
• "The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation." (ACIM Text, p. 237) [all emphasis added]

Are you a spiritual seeker? This is not what Easter is about. This is not what salvation is.

The Truth:

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" -John 11:25,26

Taken from here.

Easter, or Resurrection Sunday?

I copied this from my measuring stick (on the right). I've been saying this for years, and she puts it really well!


Do you celebrate Easter, or Resurrection Sunday?

Do you celebrate with Easter baskets, egg coloring, egg hunts, the Easter Bunny, etc.? Then I presume you are unknowingly celebrating part of an ancient pagan fertility festival. The name "Easter" comes from 'Ishtar,' which is a derivative from Ashtoreth. Among many things, Ashtoreth was a fertility goddess. Bunnies and eggs are serious pagan fertility symbols, and have nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus' resurrection. Have you ever wondered why the easter bunnies lay eggs? The answer of the easter bunny laying the egg lies in the sybmology of fertility cults.

The Bible has nothing nice to say about Ashtoreth. Ashtoreth, Baal, Bel, Dagon, Moloch, etc. are just a few of the many false gods that Israel committed spiritual adultery with, on leaving the one true God.

Join me this Resurrection Sunday in celebrating Jesus' resurrection from the dead - the most joyous day of the year. Leave Easter baskets, Easter eggs, and egg hunts out. Do give each of your children a gift in the morning, but it should be from YOU, not from "the Easter Bunny." It should not be a basket full of candy fertility symbols that have nothing to do with Jesus. I suggest the gifts be a nice little toy, and/or some books. This year I'm hoping to get each of my children their own piggy banks. When you give them their gifts, read scripture to them about Jesus' dying and raising from the dead. Emphasize how this is a gift from God to us, and you are now giving your children a gift, in remembrance of God's gift to us.

Let's take it a step further. When your church holds it's annual Easter Egg hunt, don't let your children participate. Instead, have something special (maybe another surprise gift) to give to your children while the others are on the pagan hunt. Explain to your children ahead of time why you will not be participating in the hunt, and how you want your children and yourself to be true to God, and not to compromise/confuse the true meaning of Resurrection Sunday by partaking in a pagan fertility event. Just because the event is hosted by a church, does not make it okay to participate in.

Go ahead and let the others see you and your children not participating. When they ask why, lovingly explain it to them. Maybe you can be instrumental in helping to open hearts, and this could begin a revival.

Stand for the truth. Even in "small" matters like church sponsored Easter Egg Hunts. Easter Egg Hunts are what the world does. We are called to be separate. Sometimes the world tries to invade even our churches. When that happens, then our separation from the world needs to occur right there in church.

The Bible, begining to end!!

The following is from a lady in Oregon . It is priceless! The Bible explained by kids - truth has been redefined!

One of our favorite jobs has been leading junior church. We try to do more than Baby-sit our church's beloved little ankle-biters during their time in our special junior church facility. We aim to give them a solid background in biblical history. At the end of each year, we give them pencils and paper and ask them to chronicle what they have learned.

This assignment never fails to elicit some intriguing responses. In case you're a little foggy on your biblical history, let our junior church students help you with his complete overview of the Bible, compiled from their essays:

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,' but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me alight!' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve.



Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.


After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.



Then He gave them His top ten commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's bottom (the Bible uses a bad word for bottom that I'm not supposed to say. But my Dad uses it sometimes when he talks about the President).. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua, who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.



After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.



After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn, too, because my Mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisee sand the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.



Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven, but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

There! Now you understand!

Pastor's Business Card

>>
>> A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it
>> seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his
>> repeated knocks at the door. ?
>>
>> Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the
>> back of it and stuck it in the door.
>>
>> When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his
>> card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."
>>
>> Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of
>> laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and
>> knock."
>> Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice i n the garden and I was afraid
>> for I was naked."
>>
>> Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?
>>
>> They still are! ? Pass it on
>>
>> "A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22)

Pastor's Business Card

>>
>> A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it
>> seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his
>> repeated knocks at the door. ?
>>
>> Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the
>> back of it and stuck it in the door.
>>
>> When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his
>> card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."
>>
>> Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of
>> laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and
>> knock."
>> Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice i n the garden and I was afraid
>> for I was naked."
>>
>> Remember when the funniest jokes were the clean ones?
>>
>> They still are! ? Pass it on
>>
>> "A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22)

Hello All!!

How are y'all in blog land today? Sorry I haven't updated much. I'm still really sore and it hurts to sit up for to long a stretch. We are taking our "spring break" from HSing this week. I am using the time to rest and recuperate, as well as get some HS stuff ready for next week. I plan to do that, and leave the house work behind. I think that is the better way to go for week 3 post surgery. The kids are starting to "itch" anyway, having been inactive all this week. I think they may have a little more understanding of what has to get done around here though, since they have to do it all, not just some. Maybe they'll think about that before complaining in the future.
(Stop laughing, it could happen!)

The other day I was talking to my BF, (I have a BF and a DF) and her DD (who is the same age as my DD1) lost another tooth! I thought they were done losing them by that age, but low and behold, this am DD1 tells me she has a loose tooth! Then, thirty minutes later, she brings it to me! LOL

Well, the injuns are restless and are in need of chores to do, so I have to go.

TTFN,
Me

Update

Hello all!! Thanks for all of the prayers and concern. We made it back late Thursday, and DH is now somewhere in AL picking up the kiddies.

The dr says everything went perfectly, and asked that we keep them updated. I am supposed to make arrangements for a test called an...HSG??? (I think that's it anyway) I think he said in a months time. Assuming it all goes well, we will start TTC in June. DH is so excited. Like a kid at CHRISTmas time I tell ya! Unfortunately, I am not as optimistic as I thought I would be. I'm afraid I'm going to let him down. I'm hoping my outlook changes soon. I honestly think that I'm purposely trying to not get to excited. The anticipation would just about kill me I'm sure!

The pain is different than I expected. I'm not sure just WHAT I expected, but this is strange. My tummy feels like it did after having the kids. "Crampy" but in a different way than AF cramps. Ibuprofen during the day takes care of it though, and Tylenol PM helps me at night. The biggest bummer of it at this point is having to sleep on my back. Ever since I was little, sleeping on my back causes nightmares. Weird huh? Makes it hard to get good rest, but it will all be worth it in the end!

The dog is really funny about the whole thing. If I stand up, she stands up and just looks up at me as if to say..."Well, now what?" If I walk in circles, she just walks right next to me. I'm not sure what she plans to do if I fall or something, I hope I don't find out! lol Oh, it hurts to laugh!!

Well, I guess I'll go turn on the TV or something. I don't know what you single people do with your time. I'm bored stiff! At least the TV will put out some noise for me. Hope you all had a wonderful week!

TTFN

Me

The Stolen Car??

>
>
> A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard.
> Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right
> thing, by stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the > red
> light by accelerating through the intersection.
>
> The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in > frustration,
> as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her > cell
> phone and makeup.
>
> As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up > into
> the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit > her
> car with her hands up.
>
> He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted,
> photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a
> policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back > to
> the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal
> belongings.
>
> He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind > your car
> while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, > and
> cussing a blue streak at him." I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper
> sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-
> School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the
> trunk; naturally...I assumed you had stolen the car."
>
> Ouch!

Back in the states

I'm sitting (rather stiffly) at a "La Quinta Inn" in McAllen TX. All went well, but I am very, very sore, and kinda puffy. The staff was very friendly and helpful. It seems that Mexicans have a different idea of what a couple minutes is though! lol I will post more sometime soon, but for now, I just want to reach my feet so that I can put my socks on.



Me

Well Peeps...

I'm off! The adventure part of our journey is shortly to begin. I hope you all do well during my absence.

Blessings to you all!


Me

How to Fly for FREE!!!!

Dumb Little Man

Airlines like money and it turns out that the best way for airlines to make money is to ensure that there are as few empty seats on a plane as possible.

When a person doesn’t show up for a flight, the seat is left empty and an empty seat is a lost opportunity for revenue. As a result of this conundrum, airlines employ fancy statisticians to figure out how many seats the airline needs to overbook just to make up for the no-shows.

Unfortunately, those statisticians aren’t fortune tellers and sometimes (ok, a lot of times), their figures are off. When the figures are off, it’s still a better deal for the airline to give you a $300 travel voucher than it is to risk letting a seat fly empty.

So how can you cash in on all of this free travel? Here are seven tips to releasing your inner Free Travel Royalty:

• Show up early
  This may sound like a no-brainer, but the early bird gets the worm. Arrive at the gate at least an hour and fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure and ask the gate agent if he needs volunteers. If he isn’t sure, give him your name just in case. This doesn’t commit you to volunteering, but it might get you first dibs on those choice ticket vouchers.
  


• Choose your flights carefully
  If you really want to scope out the overbooked flights, check out AOW (Airlines of the Web). Search for your flight of choice and then take a look at the string of numbers and letters on the side. Those letters refer to the class (First, Business, Coach, etc.) from highest to lowest and the numbers refer to the number of remaining seats in the corresponding class. Keep in mind that the highest possible number is nine, so if the number listed is nine, the real figure could be much higher. Ideally, you want to find a flight with zeros (or close to zero) all the way across.
  
  Mornings are better than evenings—airlines are more likely to overbook these early flights, knowing that they have a better chance of delaying passengers to a later flight. Holidays, Saturday mornings, and Sunday evenings are good bets, too. Similarly, popular destinations are goldmines for the flexible traveler. Las Vegas, Hawaii, and major business travel hubs like New York, Minneapolis, and Chicago are common sites of overbookings.
  
  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s February 2008 Air Travel Consumer Report, some of the best airlines for overbooking are Delta, American Eagle, and US Airways. If you fly Jet Blue or Air Tran, your chances of being bumped are practically nil.
  


• Be flexible
  Whenever possible, try to let your travel day be a travel day and avoid scheduling meetings or sightseeing trips for your first day in town. This is good advice for lowering your blood pressure on a hectic trip and it’s good advice that can allow you the time for getting bumped.
  


• Travel light
  Sometimes finding volunteers is like pulling teeth, but if the competition is fierce, airlines tend to prefer volunteers who don’t have checked baggage. On a similar note, one of the few downsides to getting bumped is the extra opportunity for the airline to lose your checked luggage. Try to stick to carry-on bags. If you can leave the turbo deluxe hair dryer and extra set of golf clubs at home, do so.
  


• Be prepared
  Before setting foot in the airport, decide how late you are willing to be delayed and the lowest dollar amount you’re willing to take. Similarly, if you’re traveling with a party, decide who will take the later flight if there aren’t enough seats for everyone. Are you willing to be split up? Overnight? For how much money? Once the agent makes an offer, you will need to be ready with an answer or she might just take the next volunteer.
  
  If possible, you should consult the flight schedule so that you can make suggestions to the agent of later flights and even alternate destinations that you prefer. I flew to New York recently to visit friends and was scheduled to arrive in Newark and then take a train into the city. When I was “bumped” the gate agent switched me to a later flight that flew directly to La Guardia, landing me in Manhattan half an hour sooner than originally scheduled.
  


• Take the travel voucher
  A free roundtrip ticket sounds like a good deal, but the travel voucher is totally the way to go. The roundtrip ticket is usually subject to blackout dates and all sorts of other restrictions which greatly limit when and where you can fly. Additionally, free roundtrip tickets are usually exempt from earning frequent flier miles. Travel vouchers, on the other hand, can be used just about any time, anywhere and the flights you purchase usually earn miles.
  


• Get what you deserve
  After making your deal, hang around within earshot of the gate (if you don’t have to run to make your next flight). If you hear another traveler negotiate a better deal, wait until the gate agent is finished and politely request to be offered the same terms. She doesn’t have to say yes, but it rarely hurts to ask.
  
  On a similar note, realize that you are often entitled to extras. If you have a long wait in the airport, ask for a meal voucher and a calling card. If you’re staying overnight, make sure that the airline is paying for your hotel and offering a shuttle to and from the airport. Request an upgrade to first class on your later flight and request a day pass to the airline’s club lounge (where you will often find free drinks, snacks, wi-fi, and sometimes even showers), particularly if your delay is long and inconvenient (such as an overnight stay, a different arrival airport, or an extra connecting flight).
  
  The airline is often desperate and you’re in a good position to bargain, but remember that there are often other volunteers who are happy to take your place, so be courteous in your requests. As the saying goes: You’ll catch more flights with honey than with vinegar.
  


• A Final Tip
  It’s not uncommon to score multiple travel vouchers on a single trip. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your level of flexibility. If you’d like to keep your delays to a minimum, ask the gate agent to confirm your seat reservation on your later flight. If your later flight is delayed or canceled, ask to see a copy of the airline’s contract of carriage to determine your rights in the case of an Involuntary Denied Boarding (IDB). The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that a copy of the contract of carriage be made available to passengers at the airline ticket counter.
  
  You may have heard of Rule 240, which originally required airlines facing delays to transfer you to another carrier if another flight with available seats could get you to your destination sooner. This rule is no longer in effect, but many airlines make similar promises to their customers and, if your airline makes such a promise, you should know about it.

Good luck and happy (free) travels!

Written by Clay Collins, creator of The Growing Life.

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

WHY GOD MADE MOMS

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of ?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she like s me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & st ronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Tips for in your Home

These are just some things that I do to help keep some of the "stressers" down. These will not be in any particular order as I will add them as I think of them!

1) I lift the lid on my stove top and put down a sheet of aluminum foil on each side. I turn up the edges in case of any "runners", and I make sure that the oven vent is uncovered. I also check that the foil is not touching any wires. (You do not want any seams under there, or the runners will find them) Then in my five week Cleaning Schedule, I have an easier time cleaning my stove top!

2) When I clean off the top of my fridge, I put down a layer of plastic wrap. I can just peal it off, wipe up any dust, and put on another layer.

3) Instead of buying expensive paper liners for the cabinets, try getting flour sacks and cutting them to size. Then when they need it, you can just trow them in the wash! This is also handy if you tend to put glasses away wet!

4) Wipe the shower down with your towel after you are finished, and the tub has drained. It will keep the dreaded "soap scum" at bay as well as mildew.

5) I have kids, and what do kids do with a whole bottle of shampoo?? Squeeze it into the tub. Even if I take it out, it happens. So, I bought those 50 cent travel bottles at the store, and put just enough in there for them to use. (I usually have the more frequent culprit go last)

OK, change in plans...

I probably will not get the chance to blog again before I get back from my reversal. I will be doing a lot of packing, and then a lot of driving to drop off the kiddies. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. I will blog if I have time, but that is going to be a VERY precious thing this week. I hope the coming weeks find you well.



Me

Week 5

This week we are in the Living Room/Family Room/Den. Don't forget to do your DCS as well!

1. Clean Cobwebs
2. Clean Windows (inside and out)
3. Wash Nik-Naks and What-Nots
4. Clean out end tables
5. Straighten Game Closet
6. Straighten Book Cases
7. Wipe Fingerprints from Walls
8. Polish furniture
9. Clean Ceiling Fan
10. Clean Phone
11. Clean under Cushions
12. Clean Out Fireplace
13. Move Furniture and Vacuum
14. Clean TV Screen
15. Wash Guest Room Bedding