Earth Day

Today is Earth Day. A day to revisit the idea of reuse, reduce and recycle. If you would take a trip to your local land fill, you will realize in short order the importance of reusing, reducing and recycling. Our local land fill has become 'affectionately' known as Mt Rushmore. It can be seen from my parents front yard. There is so much we individually can do to reduce the waste that is deposited daily.

Below are a few ideas from the Martha Stewart Living website for using items around out homes to be cost effective and reuse items.

Various bottles used as a centerpiece

Old discarded sweaters used as chair seat covers

Melting down old candle left overs to create new ones

Wash and reuse plastic baggies

Have a Happy Earth Day.....

Help to preserve this beautiful earth the Lord has given us.

Lets get this Party started. . .

Once again I had the privilege of being able to attend a Tax Day Tea Party. Knowing what the 'Party' is about is so important. I am not a "Right-Wing Radical" as represented by some in the present administration and a biased media. This is my first time being involved in anything political, besides exercising my right to vote. The Silent Majority must take a stand and take back our countries basic beliefs and not allow the liberal socialist agenda to bring our country down. Our leaders work FOR us, not the other way around. I have to balance my check book each week. I have to live within my means. Our country can be responsible and do the same. I can no longer sit and hope someone else does what I myself must be doing. It all begins with our local government. Like a rolling stone, it will gather speed and initiative.

Our representative Dan Burton. He was not able to stay for the rally, but did put in an appearance.

My sister Barbara with her 'Read my Lipstick' sign. How appropriate!

I love what the big white sign says. We had a great turn out for the rally

Me and Dragon Lady (aka:Sandy)
Georgie took a picture of me. We had a great time at the rally!

Well..... good grief.....Barbara (my sister) will do anything to get her picture in the local paper.
I want to encourage everyone to get involved regardless of political party. This is not a party issue, it is an American issue.

Birthday Madness

Although Sunday was Easter Sunday, it was also time for celebrating Dad's upcoming 88th birthday. Dad and our Uncle Hod were born April 18th. Uncle Hod was first to come into this world and Dad made his entrance a few minutes later. As far as I know, my Grandma didn't know she was having twins. Dad was a sandy blonde-blue eyed little boy while Uncle Hod was a dark haired-brown eyed rascal. We had cake, balloons, cards and lots of family for the celebration. Mom and Dad are proud parents, grandparents, great grandparents of 32 offspring. We had little ones rolling all over the floor, small ones running around shirtless, tiny ladies in toy high heels, babies trying to get a nap amidst all the commotion, people attempting to be heard over all other conversations. It was a fun, loud, exciting, happy birthday revelry.

Mom and Dad with the Great Grandkids
Front Row: Garrett, Eli, Luke, Chloe, Mallory w/ Abby, Kaleb

Back Row: Spencer w/ Malia, Dad w/ Jack, Mother w/ Matthew, Cassidy, Lauren, Sammy

Alex and Rainey weren't in the picture.

In My Easter Bonnet

Easter is a time for the Easter Bunny.

When Jane and I were young (many many years ago !) Mother always made us new dresses to wear to Grandma and Grandpa Wagoner's for the Easter get together. We got new shoes, hats and dresses. Mother sometimes even made us new coats. Mother took lots of care to make us special pretty dresses. Of course we had to have a new stuffed Easter Bunny. I actually don't remember this little happening. My memories are from the photos that Mother took of us. The last photo below is of Barbara. She was dancing with an Easter Rabbit that was just a little bit taller than she was. I added a little color into some of the photos.

He is Risen

The fun of the Easter Bunny, collecting of Easter Eggs and family meals are meaningful, but the real reason for our celebration of Easter lies in the victory over the grave. Christ defeated death for each one of us. Celebrating the fact that Jesus was willing to give His life for ours in order to give us eternal life and everlasting peace.


Luke 22:44 "And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground"

"I stand amazed in the presence

Of Jesus the Nazarene,

And wonder how He could love me,

A sinner condemned, unclean.

For me it was in the garden

He prayed, 'Not My will, but Thine;

'He had no tears for His own griefs

But sweat-drops of blood for mine.

How marvelous! how wonderful!

And my song shall ever be:

How marvelous! how wonderful!

Is my Savior's love for me!"

~Charles H. Gabriel~

Easter Sunday celebrates the day Jesus Christ was resurrected.

Acts 2:24 "But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power"

I shot the Sheriff . . .

Luke stayed with Tom and I, while his Mother and sisters did some shopping Saturday. After they left, Pawpaw, Grandma and Luke went over to Grandma and Grandpa Wagoners for a short visit. While we were there he found and wanted to take home a plastic Sheriffs badge. Of course they let him. After returning home to Grandma and Grandpa's house Luke wanted to go to McDonald's. Amanda, Cassidy, Lauren and I decided to go to the movies. When we got home, Luke and Pawpaw were playing sheriff. They had stools turned on end and were shooting at each other with the new set of guns and holster they had purchased at Wal-Mart. Grandpa said you cant have a sheriffs badge without some guns ! They showed us their fancy 'quick draw' and how to die! It was so comical to watch Luke shake his hips while he and Pawpaw were counting. Grandpa started to count to 3 but Luke didn't abide by the rules. He drew his gun on one.

PawPaw counting for the 'Quick Draw' contest

Pawpaw getting ready to shoot Luke ?????

Luke after he was "shot"

Getting ready for the contest again

Luke hit the target ......and he is celebrating

And the target is down......... wait.... the target was Pawpaw?

Tom had a great time with Luke playing sheriff. For some reason Pawpaw was very tired after Luke left. Grandma, Amanda, Cassidy and Lauren had a fun time at the movies. We went to see the new Hannah Montana movie. Needless to say, the theater was packed. It is always such fun to spend time with grandkids !

It's a Tea Party !

Yes.........Tea Party.....

Not the kind where you wear pretty dresses, gloves, hats and high heels. I am talking about a Tax Tea Party. I tend to stay away from political postings. However, it is time, we as American citizens, stand up for our rights and the free hand Congress has spending our children's future into oblivion. Dealing with the largest tax increase in American history, increased spending- again, expanding the role of government, increases in the deficit, cuts in defense spending, putting the government in charge of health care, increases in taxes: energy, oil, gas, excise, death and tobacco, we can no longer sit on the edge and watch as our country is plunged into the depths of socialism. The 'silent' majority of Americans must let our elected officials know that we do not want the 'changes' that have been, so called, promised to us. My sister, Barbara and my Mother and I attended a Tea Party rally in a city close to us. It was very inspirational and informative. There were all ages of people in attendance. Several of the people were in costumes. Below are some great photos I was able to capture of the event.

Me, Barbara, Nice Guy!, and Mother

This little guy will be seen further down

A Mom carrying the youngest in attendance

Yep....... that is tea bags on his hat !

People were sitting in windows watching the rally

The little guy here was so proud to hold the American flag. He held it so long. I was so impressed with his determination. Great Job kiddo !

This sign held by this young lady says it all. We must protect their future