THE LIZARD GAZETTE

FIRE AND HATS

2010-01-19T19:12:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends,

I think I have a Lizard story. I tell you, my kids... don't yours give you things you could write a book about? Mine do... Joshua was full of it yesterday... so this about two events in the same day.

We were going over some school stuff, YES, he is a kindergartner this year. A precious one too. So sweet and just a little sponge. We were in a book, Community Helpers, and we were discussing Fire Fighters. I knew somewhere in this discussion it would go to the 9-1-1 situation. I have never taught Josh that number on purpose. I have to much other stress in my life for him to check out that number on the phone. I said, "Josh, there is a very special number you would call if mom or a fire broke out for you to call".... and he said.... OH OH OH... I KNOW IT , I KNOW IT... just so eager for a Kindergartner to say.... precious.... I said, Okay... what is the number??? I really didn't think he knew it.... He said, with all the anticipation he could say, 9-1-1, he said. I was amazed. I said, "How did you learn that?" From Ruff Ruffman... For you non-PBS viewers, it is a great show that comes on in the afternoon with real life kids doing projects and a very funny animated dog. He has soaked in more than I knew he could. So... that leads to the subject of WHEN to call 911. You mean mom, like the other day when you fell out of the computer chair.... NO... when I can't talk Josh.... or out cold... or fire... I'm sure we will talk more about this later. The door has been opened to discuss it more. I want to make sure he really understands why you would call 911. I've heard the stories... you probably have one??

My second story goes like this:
We have always encouraged creativity with Josh... I buy probably 95% of his 'stuff' at goodwill/ thrift stores... His hats... fun stuff... He has a supply of hats he can change into and be different characters. Last night, he decided that the four of us, each needed a hat. So, he got each of us a play hat and demanded we wear it. So.. can you see it, all four of us sitting on the couch each wearing a hat. Me a baseball player, Paul a police chief, Micah a cowboy and Josh a fireman. We sat there for a time until I said, do you realize how stupid we look sitting on this couch looking like this? When the show was off, he wanted to carry out the hat mission of our hat. So, I hit the police chief, which he arrested the cowboy and Josh put out the fire. hahahah
That would be our evening entertainment.

Can't wait till Josh's next adventure.
Liz

how cold is cold?

2010-01-08T11:46:00.001-06:00

Here in the south... it's cold today.. really cold....
I think I would rather take snow than frigid temperatures...
but we get to break out the long underwear and wool socks and bundle up like snowmen.... by spring I will want to shed my clothes and not spend so much time getting dressed.

okay... stay warm america
Liz

Mouth Guards

2010-01-06T17:01:00.001-06:00

Get this... my little guy wants me to buy him a mouth guard so he can fight himself. So... on my grocery list was a mouth guard and hey were only .99 cents... he loves it.. he's been fighting himself for the past 2 hours.. at least his face will be covered when he goes at it...

How funny is this?
Liz

SNOW IN MEMPHIS

2010-01-06T17:00:00.001-06:00

Memphis is GETTING SNOW... doesn't happen to often and this soon in the month... it's going to be a cold one...

bundle up
Liz

MRS. CHAPMAN AS ARRIVED

2010-01-05T17:24:00.001-06:00

Rebekah and Tim's grandmother arrived in SC safe and sound... yeah..... time to relax and get to work!!!

Mrs. Chapman has left the building!!!

2010-01-04T13:42:00.002-06:00

My daughter is off to new adventures... traveling on to NC her new home.

The Gallina's will miss her. She is a great help and I guess i trained her well to start her new home.
At least she keeps telling me that...

Come back real soon you hear!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 200

2010-01-03T21:52:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I FOUND A NEW WAY TO POST... A NEW WIDGET

JOSH'S FIRST ART CONTEST

2009-09-08T22:21:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends and family

Here is a picture of Josh at his first Art contest we had as homeschoolers. K- is the grade... Sculpture is the category. He placed 2nd place out of three entries. He was so proud of his Lego creation. YES, he created the whole thing all by himself.
He is really good with making and placing small things. Maybe he will be an engineer one day!!

So... here are the photos of him and some he took also for fun!
Liz

Son in law Army!

2009-09-01T20:58:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

Here is a picture of Tim overseas.... if you are a friend of his, he has more posted on his Facebook!!

Just thought you would want to see him in his 'gear'.... him and Rebekah can talk more now with room internet. Jed had this while he was there too. Makes talking to your loved ones much better.

Liz

Joey and Josh

2009-08-28T16:03:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of Josh and one of Jed's buddies who came and stayed with us. Joey!!!
He was traveling down to his base in Texas. He has heard about our family and JOSH... Of course, Josh was everything he heard about.
Josh loved on him and played with him. We took him to our very favorite place, El Toros... mexican food his favorite!!

JOSH AND TUMBLING

2009-08-27T23:15:00.001-05:00

MORE ON TUMBLING

2009-08-26T22:12:00.001-05:00

JOSH AND TUMBLING

2009-08-26T12:23:00.001-05:00

Hello

Here Joshua is pictured with some of his pictures I have taken at Tumbling class. You can tell he is being at attention! There are two boys in the class and 8 little 'drama' girls! They are so precious! I will post more!

Liz

20 THINGS I WOULD RATHER NOT DO!

2009-08-25T16:54:00.003-05:00

20 THINGS I WOULD RATHER NOT DO!

1. eat mushrooms

2. confront people

3. fix dinner when I am very tired

4. go to parking garages

5. have to kill a snake

6. have to kill a wasp

7. go hungry

8. work with a contrary lawn mower

9. be nauseous with out a cause

10. go to the hospital and have a baby

11. get lost with out a map

12. get less than 8 hours of sleep each night

13. go to the airport after 10pm

14. come home late by myself

15. procrastinate

16. wash dishes without my dishwasher

17. change purses

18. walk barefoot on rocks

19. come home to an empty house
20 get a root canal

I'VE WAITED A LONG TIME TO SEND THIS OUT... BEEN COLLECTING AS THEY COME ALONG!

BURGER KING

2009-06-20T21:38:00.001-05:00

Hello Friend and Family,

Burger King? Ever been there? My husband likes to frequent there... me... no. But, when he goes and Josh is with him, he will get him a crown. Have you ever read the inside rules of a crown. One day when 9 boys were at my house and making much noise, the lone girl (the bride to be) decided to get into the act.

I was laughing up a storm, my husband was at the table and really wanted peace. NOTTA....

She took the crown from the littlest one and started reciting the inside of the crown pretty loudly. So here it goes:

In a loud voice: I am the KING in her words, she was QUEEN

THIS IS THEIR POWERS:

1. There can only be one King

2. The King always gets his/ her way.

3. The King must speak with some kind of cool accent.

4. The King makes all the important decision governing selections of TV channels, movies, radio stations , as well as popular activities like snowboarding, pool hopping and cow tipping. The King also determines who gets the remote, who rides 'shotgun' and of course, who pays.

5. Rule ends when Crown is removed for more than 3 seconds.

I dint' know there were rules. Did you know? I guess the littlest one can figure that out for himself later~ There are still many proclaimed Kings who live in this house. The Queen never gets the remote.

THE QUEEN

MY CRAZY AUNTS

2009-06-16T19:35:00.001-05:00

Hello friends and family,

Don't' you love summer? time for friends and family.... One such day last week, we got to visit with two of Paul's aunts, Aunt Tubby and Aunt Rena. Now her name is not really Tubby... but Lorraine. Ever since I married into this family, Aunt Tubby has been the name. She comes once a year to visit her family here. She is the sister of Paul's dad, Joe. I have dubbed them my crazy aunts. They are so much fun to be around. Just the the two of them span much history. They are always telling stories of their families. There is much history to learn from them two. I treasure the time we have each time they are together. I have a favorite photo of the both of them kissing on Josh when he was 6 weeks old. I can see it on my mantel in 25 years of two dear sisters loving on their great-nephew. Because I don't have a mantel, it's in my scrap book to treasure.

We met up at Taco Bell last week and shared a meal. We could sit there all day and the neither of us would get anything done except make memories. So, our visit came to an end and we took pictures which is a Gallina tradition.

Enjoy~

Thanks Aunt Rena and Aunt Tubby! We MUST do this again.

Liz

JOSH AND THE ARMY BUDDY

2009-06-13T07:12:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,

I always have something to blog because of my children. My son Jed called yesterday and said he has a Army buddy coming thru Memphis and was stopping by. This is always a stretch for me to stop what I am doing and accommodate the need. Joey arrived around 4:30 pm and just in time for a huge storm we had in Memphis. The tornado kind.... when it passed we were treated to a dinner at the Bistro. Paul made a shrimp pasta dinner for Joey. Rebekah joined us because the electricity was off in Millington. Limbs everywhere and lights out everywhere. She was not a happy camper when she joined us. Josh had a grand time playing with Joey. Of course Joey has heard all about our family and Josh. We gave Joey enough ammunition to black mail Jed when he gets back..... oh the joy of photos!! Josh loved his time playing and for a kid who stays home with his mom pretty much all the time, he has pretty good socialization skills.... sorry, for the 5th child and our lifestyle of home education, I just had to throw that in!

So.. here is a picture of Joey and Josh before both of them conked out for the night. One good thing of this trip, we will get to see how long of a drive it is from here to Ft. Drum~

Liz

Jed Fishing

2009-06-01T18:54:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends and Family

Here is a picture, hot off the text.. via my computer, of Jed fishing and what he caught...

A Northern Pike... he said he has it in his refrigerator. He said it was a 'big one'... I wonder what Pike tastes like? He has time to go fishing and loves it~! relaxing I"m sure!

Any now.... hope the meat will taste good, the drool under the mouth doesn't look appetizing! hahah

Liz

RANDOM THOUGHTS

2009-05-29T22:49:00.004-05:00

I'm trying to get back into the hang of writing. I think of thoughts all day and then need a place to put them. I really need a playback machine during my day. I'm beginning to think my 'thinker' is going bad. Right around late afternoon, all my brain cells have been used up. Ever have that problem? My friend teases me her 'rememberer' is gone. She can't remember anything anymore! I do have a family remember who falls in that category!

So here are my random thoughts:

1. When El Toros runs out of meat 45 minutes before closing, what do you do????

2. How long can you stand in a line at Walmart???

3 How fast can you mow your grass?

4. How many sticks can you constantly pick up from 50 year old oaks?

5. How many triangles can you find at Walmart? Theres a star on the front!

6. If only I could translate Osea 6:3 from Romanian to English

7. Only longing for a empty June calendar!~ NAWWWWWWW

8. What the heck is a net book?

9. Wishing Sams was in my back yard~! BIG WISHES!

10. Wishing to finish Alg 2~

A Bad Day at Walmart!

2009-05-28T23:25:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends and Family

I normally really love going shopping at Walmart. It is my place to shop in Millington. I've seen lots of people shopping. At night, different kinds of people come out to shop, early in the morning different kinds of folks shop at least for reasons. I've seen toddler triplets during Christmas time. I've seen a man shop barefooted. I've seen families, singles and seeing eye dogs. I've seen old, ugly, handsome, fat, short and women who need more clothes on!

The other day I was shopping and happened to go to the bank first. That trip normally doesn't tick me off, but it did by the rudeness of the teller this day. Then Walmart was my next stop. There was a lady with her husband or brother or someone with her in her party she was hashing her words with and had the voice of a bull horn. It started at the door and went all thru the store. I remember as I was bagging my tomatoes, looking up and seeing this 'very loud' party coming thru. I stopped and just looked at them. Why do people have to air their dirty laundry when coming into Walmart? Have you ever seen families who come in and they are so engaged in conversation they don't even look up? I try to come in and orientate myself to where I am going.

As I was shopping, this loud family was still loud even over by the meat counter. Then the expletives spilled out. Then the Walmart personnel came and told her to stop cussing. She offered no apologies, she mostly told the man to shut up and she was perfectly able to use her cussing voice when ever she pleased.

She did tone it down... she was caught! My hormones were rising and really wished I had the audacity to speak with her and tell her the loudness was not appreciative. I really was treasuring my time alone walking the isles putting food in my basket for my family and really didn't want to hear her loudness or cussing.

Anyhow....I left, then faced with this bumper sticker on a truck. Some find it disgusting or funny!

Which I will send too and you decide!

Liz

THE GALLINA MEMORIAL DAY 2009

2009-05-25T22:04:00.010-05:00

Hello Friends and Family

I'm back to blogging! I MUST! My family has noticed that I have not wrote any stories lately... yes... Facebook has consumed my time. Now that Jed is back, I can give some careful attention to my writing. My inter being loves to write and my body tells me another thing... dishes... books.. outside work...kids... You get the picture! Soon as Spring time has hit, I've been going non stop to outside work!

Anyhow! Pray your Memorial Day was great! Hope you stopped and thanked a Veteran or someone serving and told them how much you appreciate them? I noticed in the paper today, for Tn... during this war, that 91 have died and 540 wounded in Action... that was higher than Ark. or Miss. We are thankful for the men serving in our family and extended family. We have about 4-5 that are serving.

My husband was off today, which was a blessing. I've been a work horse since Friday trying to get projects done. The rain has done much to stop or prevent us from doing somethings. Today, TODAY.. was the day to put my Gazebo Tent up. Many you have been by, sat with me, swung with me and just had a good time. It's a little porch for me to retreat to. I love it!! Long story short.. we finally did late this afternoon get it up. Now I can start moving furniture around. But, not before another project had to be moved physically before the tent came up. THE TREES! We have very old and tall trees around our home. Paul decided to cut one of the very long branches that weigh down by the tent before doing the 'small' job of putting up the tent. Since we have 'big grown' kids at home, I told my #1 son to come help. Why make your daddy do ALL the work?? They went to cutting with a pruning device... one that is very long and can telescope if needed. There they are, standing on a ladder on the back of husbands truck. It took about 20 minutes of constant cutting to hear it CRACK.... only bad part about it was it still attached to the tree, very high up! What do you do?? hummmmmm...... This is where the madness of the Gallina's come in....

#1 son goes and gets a shot gun... a 12 gauge to be exactly.... they shot the branch off the tree, only took 3 tries. This gets my blood boiling though. I have all non essential personnel of the family on the back porch for safety sake. One blast, two blast, three blast... CRACK! All of it comes smashing down.

Then #1 son, notice I'm not incriminating the name, I will stay with birth order.... the two alpha males are smugly sitting on the tailgate talking about what great tree trimmers they are. I've already called them retarded and working on the 'S' word, that we are not allowed to say....
Then, #1 son gets the smart idea to shoot a 'good' not cut branch out of the tree. Now, this branch was going to be directly over my gazebo and I would of wondered about it all summer. He starts to shooting.... one blast... wood chips all over... two shots....wood chips all over- more on me.... I threw down was in my hand and walked to the house.... I'd never make a duck hunter! three tries... four tries... five tries... six tries... seven tries... eight tires... nine tries... 10 tries.... then I hear a CRACK..... down come the tree branch! HE HAD REALLY SHOT A 8-INCH DIAMETER BRANCH OUT OF THE TREE~ Now, they are really smug about what great tree trimmers they are. I seriously thought the Sheriffs would be there before the CRACK happened! Now the branches are moved out of way and progress has been put up!

My trees still need to be pruned, and if I lived out in the country, I'd say, shoot the every branch that hangs down low out of that tree!!! GO FOR IT! but, we still have neighbors and shootings can happen close enough. Don't mix up tree blast for real shootings, please!

My husband even asked if I was going to blog about this... I shouted, YES!!!

ENJOY THE PHOTOS~!
Liz

WHAT THEY DO WHEN BORED

2009-03-26T21:34:00.004-05:00

WHAT DO FOUR YEAR OLDS WANT??

2009-03-23T23:32:00.000-05:00

When I asked of a four year old what he wanted to be when he grew up he said:

A fireman and a power ranger

When asked of a four year old what kind of a truck he wanted to drive he said:

1. A ice cream truck

2. A dump truck

When asked of a four year who he wants to marry when he grows up he said:

1. his sissy and his mamma ( we will have to work on that one)

When asked a four year old who is the strongest person in the whole world he said:

1. daddy and me

When asked a four year old who made his house he said:

1. his daddy

I love four year olds!@

TWO PEAS IN A POD

2009-03-16T23:48:00.001-05:00

HELLO FRIEND AND FAMILY

here you have it.. two kids as folks say, two peas in a pod... both at 4 years old...

i really haven't stared at them much.... they do act like each other!!

Josh and Jed~!

HOMELESS BOY PART 2

2009-03-15T23:47:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends and family,

I have another story to tell. We have a joke around our house with a certain child about hobo's....

We'll Josh has decided to become one for real. We got a new TV and the box is a child's playground for at least a few days before Trash Man comes. He decided for real to sleep in it tonight. He must of been really tired, cause it didn't take long for him to conk out. I snuck back in there and took the picture. Don't worry, I took all the other 'cute' things my other kids used to do. By now, many years down the road, we cherish the 'cute' things... even the messes. That's a whole another story..... anyway....

We said to the kid who trash talks, or bandwagons around here about HOBOS.... that Josh is really doing it.. not just talking about it. It was good...

Okay.. unless you missed the first go around of homeless man.. I'll post a few of those too. I know he will have 'boxes' of fun in the next few days.... but THURSDAY IS COMING!!!!

Liz

SNOW IN MEMPHIS

2009-03-01T11:12:00.001-06:00

Hello friends and family

we'll winter was not done with us yet. It has snowed BIG time here in Memphis. Crazy snow...

My sister in Mo. didn't get any of this... crazy~~ we got much and has canceled many events.. but by Sunday night it will calm back down...

We did go out and play in it~ was fun~ I will post one picture but have many on my Facebook account.

We took one just for Jed~ Josh had fun playing in it~

We were out in the middle of it today. Normally I would of been at home digging in for a long day. But, I had my trusty driver, hubby, and we were all over today. The visibility was pretty low going towards Millington. I love the glow it gives at night. I also asked why is snow white???

The bible says, our sins are as scarlet and white as snow. See God even knew he made snow white before it at ever snowed. I think purple or yellow snow would be cool.

Okay.. we are enjoying the last day of Feb. It packed a punch~~~

Liz

RANDOM PICTURES

2009-02-26T23:09:00.007-06:00

YOUNG LOVE

2009-02-15T23:07:00.008-06:00

Hello Friends and Family

the following pictures are Rebekah and Tim on their 'Valentine' date being engaged. They are so handsome! He brought her more gifts for the big night out. They went to a movie and a restaurant all dolled up! I told him he was setting a high bar for next year!!! He even bought some heart shaped cuff links to wear. I told him to wear those at the wedding too, it would add a wonderful touch. That picture is not as clear as I would want it! You get the drift when you see them. Okay... enjoy the photos!!!

Liz

Happy Valentine

2009-02-14T00:28:00.001-06:00

A friend sent an early 'Valentine' to see if it will make it around the world by Feb. 14th.
For God so loV ed the world,

That He gA ve

his onL y

BegottE n

SoN

T hat whosoever

Believeth I n Him

Should N ot perish,

But have E verlasting life.'

John 3:16

A lizard story: homeless boy in box

2009-02-02T23:52:00.002-06:00

Hello Family and Friends,

We all need some levity in the winter to cure those winter blues. Kids will do that at any time of the day.
We now have a homeless boy living in our home. A box was brought in and the littlest one of the home, won't mention any names, JAG, found his niche. A box to a kid is a spaceship, a boat, a hideout, a place to read books or in JAG'S world it's a bed.

DAY ONE (taken with big sisters camera phone)

found box
found covers and pillows- in box
found books to read- in box
found phone to talk on -in box
found tatoo's on legs- in box

DAY TWO
is determined to sleep in box
got his shoes and lined them up, why? he can?
homeless people need shoes
We did our usual bedtime ritual and he hopped in the box to sleep, a photo for photo sakes...
we left the room... was good till commotion in kitchen over sink jammed up!
When I went back to room, in big sisters bed, he was sorry.. so back to his box (now threaten to go to HIS BED if not quiet)

DID HE OR DIDN'T HE SLEEP IN THE BOX??

I'll let you know tomorrow...

LIZ

MORE PLEASE!!

2009-01-31T21:24:00.003-06:00

The things my 'big' kids do to my four year old! He must like it!!

Liz

HOW MY LEG HURTS

2009-01-28T21:50:00.006-06:00

Hello Family and Friends,

The other day we had to do 'minor surgery' on Josh's leg. He had gone out to the back yard and fell in the brush. Apparently, he had gotten a sliver in his leg. That was not clear to us, till it was exacted from his leg. If you know little kids, getting a needle or 'medicine' out is bad news to the little kid. You also need cotton balls.... not for the surgery itself, but for your ears... it's the ear splitting screams they will admit! Josh wasn't to bad... he was protesting, with me holding all the outer extremities I could. His dad, pushed on the wound and puss came out.... then as it was open he got the tweezers and out came this fourth of an inch splinter that had been in his leg about 4 days. OUCH! Can you say OUCH!! And he wasn't even complaining about it, only when we mentioned it. Dad got Josh to doctor his own boo boo.... you can tell by the q-tip... even though he looks like a redneck little boy.. he was putting on the final touches for the wound.

I was relieved the ordeal was over and can't wait till the next 'minor surgery' event~!

Liz

LAST MAN STANDING!!

2009-01-25T20:31:00.004-06:00

Hello Friends,

This is what I look at at 4am. Yes, 4am. Once a year for the past 18 years, we have had a Stay-As-Long-As-You-Like-Night for our support group in January. This year, was no different. We had a girls game night. We came dressed in our PJ'S.... makes it really easy when you arrive home just drop your coat and head for the bed.

We had a wonderful time. Nothing better than playing great games with friends and eating a fabulous breakfast at 1:30AM. I was full till noon time on Saturday. Now staying up that late does have it's drawbacks on Saturdays. I stayed in my PJ's all day with a nap and with some peace and quiet.

Okay, I only do this on purpose once a year! When you hit 40, your body succumbs to being tired!!! or more than tired!

Liz

MY CHEST IS BURSTING!

2009-01-22T21:46:00.004-06:00

Hello Friends,

Jed had this photo posted on his Facebook account. He was able to go and hear the group,

Lonestar www.lonestar.mu this is their web site if you care to look. Jed seemed really excited being able to meet them and hear a concert! Any thing to cheer up a soldier~! You can also double click on the photo and see it larger.

Liz

WHATS IN YOUR TICKER?

2009-01-21T17:13:00.001-06:00

JUST SOME SNOW IN MEMPHIS

2009-01-20T19:53:00.004-06:00

MISS MELBA MORRIS

2009-01-11T18:02:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends and Family

Wanted to tell you about a special lunch I had on New Years Eve. One of my desires during the Christmas season was to 'invite' someone to treat them to a lunch. It was about making them feel special. When in the power of your hand to do good... then do good!

When I was newly married, I was befriended by several people, but Miss Melba Morris stands out. I was a young lady, no children and always admired older ladies. They had words of wisdom. Miss Melba was one of those 'older Titus 2 women'. She was at the time a Pastor's wife, a military wife and had raised her children. We had many chats and she encouraged me much. Time passed and I had my children. The same month my oldest was born, her husband, Ed passed away. That will be 23 years ago in April. I had more children and we came to a time where Child Evangelism was a part of our lives. Guess who the teacher was? Miss Melba Morris. Our lives reconnected and she is still a part of our lives We had many many great times listening to her soaking in God's truth in a way only children can get it. One of the songs she taught the kids, the moms too, was MY GOD IS SO GREAT. I had the privilege this summer on my mission trip to sing that in Romanian. Actually I was listening, but my heart was trying to sing in Romanian. Some songs can cross all language barriers and still find the heart of a child.

Miss Melba and I had a great lunch at a great restaurant, Neighborhood Bistro (is their another?) We actually sat and spoke with each other for 3 hours. She wanted to catch up with the Galina's and I wanted to hear what the Lord was doing with her. She is still teaching little kids at the great age of close to 8 decades. What jewels she has awaiting for her in heaven.

When we realized we had spent so much time and looked at our watches, time was up. I wore my 'Gallina' shirt so she could see all my kids (she has loved on each one). It was a great time of sharing and allowing her to encourage me yet 'again' to be a Godly mother. I want to be like her when I grow up!!!

We are not privileged to know the days on this earth. Miss Melba has lived a long and prosperous life.

She has touched hundreds of children and taught them about Jesus. She is a testimony of God's faithfulness and love. That is what I want people to say about me.

We were about the only ones left in the restaurant and got the owner to take this photo. It is near and dear to my heart

Liz

TWO LOVE BIRDS AT THE BEACH

2008-12-31T17:47:00.001-06:00

Becky sent me these photos from the beach today. What a great day to go and spend the last of 2008.

It looks like they had fun and the wind got the hair!!!! Isn't it great to be in love?

Liz

THERE'S LOVE IN THE AIR!

2008-12-22T23:41:00.004-06:00

Hello Friends and Family,

Today was an awesome day!! It's not every day your daughter gets ENGAGED@@@@@@@@@
Yes, I said, ENGAGED!!! She will at a later date be, Mrs. and Mrs. Timothy Chapman. Tim as we call him, is in the ARMY.... He is stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. A joy to have two sons in the ARMY. He has already gone to Iraq twice. Jed and him have met, but not recently. It is a bit of a juggling act to have the far away boyfriend and kids who have weird schedules also. I'm not sure we have all been under the same roof at one time. It will happen...... might be at the wedding.. but then we will all be one.

Anyhow..... today he proposed at a local park here in Millington, their park as they call it. He is a poet and is always writing poems... He had one for her today and it ended with getting on his knees with a ring.
Is that romantic or WHAT? I will at a later date, publish his poem. Oh my..... I will have fun scrapbooking that!!!!

so..... they leave tomorrow to go to his parents house in SC for Christmas. I will have just two kids home for Christmas. That will be different.

So, for now..... you will see two crazy kids in love, one 21 and the other 26. A girl staring at her ring, the other with admiring eyes. That is like looking at my marriage beginnings all over again!~ Isn't it great to be parents. We knew this day would come... just faster than we like??

LIZ

FOUR GENERATIONS OF DUCKWORTHS

2008-12-21T12:42:00.000-06:00

BOOM WHACKERS~

2008-12-18T20:55:00.001-06:00

GODS BEAUTY

2008-12-17T23:24:00.001-06:00

I would like to say I took these.. but I know the lady who took them... she got distracted from taking pictures of boys at camp this summer and found the beauty in the woods

Liz

COMMERCIAL APPEAL

2008-12-12T22:31:00.001-06:00

Hello and Friends,

I have always talked about my older kids and their doings... today, Josh made the Commercial Appeal. That is the Memphis main paper. A gal at church works for the paper and asked me to pick some kids for their paper on 'what the kids want for Christmas." Well, Josh was picked for the preschool department.

When asked what he wanted, he said, DINOSAURS...... I know what he wants now!!! Really bigggg dinosaurs....... It has to fit my budget son!!

So, here is his picture and if you get a chance, it was in the Friday section of the Millington/ Tipton appeal.

a proud mom

Liz

a lizard note: return of JED... Iraq...

2008-12-03T23:06:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends and Family

We'll our ARMY son is almost HOME... he is in Kuwait right now... he sent a FACEBOOK message to Rebekah.... I knew that would come in handy..... when he wrote it was probably around 7pm our time.. it was 3am his time, Friday morning.

He left Tues. morning... I have to admit it was hard to let him go.... harder than bootcamp! hard because we won't and can't see him till May or June. We have to wait for him to call to hear his voice... we can email or send Facebook messages.. but nothing like seeing each other in person or just picking up the phone when I feel like it and talking to him. I know my other military moms feel the same. Can I get a AMEN from them!!!!!

We so enjoyed our time with him. He was pretty 'stiff' when he came home. It took some time but he loosened up..... he never would sit down and have a conversation with me... he never wanted to 'sit' down... will have to work on a different approach next time. He was able to hunt, hunt and hunt. He did get a deer. And an 'accident' roadkill. I think he enjoyed his time.... he saw his 'chums'... saw his grandparents... saw old friends.... and church friends, took a road trip..... his time was full~

I realized what a great big help he is..... I so appreciate that about him~! He wanted to be a help too~

Okay~ He will be back to work soon... other guys will be taking their RnR.....I have a new look appreication of what he does..... I will try to get him to update monthly.

Keep praying for him..... all we can do right now.....

Liz

--
I am building my wall~!
Read Nehemiah (Bible)

JASPER AND THE UNBAKED YEAST ROLLS

2008-12-03T21:55:00.000-06:00

Jasper and the Unbaked Yeast Rolls We have a fox terrier by the name of Jasper. He came to us in the summer of 2001 from the fox terrier rescue program. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this type of adoption, imagine taking in a 10-year-old child you know nothing about and committing to doing your best to be a good parent. Five weeks ago we began remodeling our house. Although the cost of the project was downright obnoxious, it was 20 years overdue AND it got me out of cooking Thanksgiving dinner for family, extended family, and a lot of friends that I like more than family most of the time. I was assigned the task of preparing 124 of my famous yeast dinner rolls for the two Thanksgiving feasts we did attend. I am still mad at the electrician for getting the new oven hooked up so quickly. It was the only appliance in the whole house that worked, thus the assignment. I made the decision to cook the rolls on Wednesday evening and to reheat Thursday morning. Since the kitchen was freshly painted, you can imagine the odor. Not wanting the rolls to smell like Sherwin Williams latex paint #586, I put the rolls on baking sheets and set them in the living room to rise for five hours. After three hours, Perry and I decided to go out to eat, returning about an hour later. An hour after that, the rolls were ready to go into the oven. It was 8:30 p.m. When I went to the living room to retrieve the pans, much to my shock, one whole pan of 12 rolls was empty. I called out to Jasper, and my worst nightmare became a reality. He literally wobbled over to me. He looked like a combination of the Pillsbury dough boy and the Michelin Tire man wrapped up in fur. He groaned when he walked. Even his cheeks were bloated. I ran to the phone and called our vet. After a few seconds of uproarious laughter, he told me the dog would probably be OK; however, I needed to give him Pepto Bismol every two hours for the rest of the night. Who knows why I thought a dog would like Pepto Bismol any more than my kids did when they were sick. Suffice it to say that by the time we went to bed, the dog was black, white, and pink. He was so bloated we had to lift him onto the bed for the night. Naively thinking the dog would be all better by morning was very stupid on my part. We arose at 7:30 and as we always do first thing, we put the dog out to take care of his business. Well, the dog was as drunk as a sailor on his first leave. He was running into walls, falling flat on his rear. Most of the time when he was walking, his front half was going one direction and the other half was either dragging the grass or headed 90 degrees in another direction. When he ran down the small incline in our back yard, he couldn't stop himself and nearly ended up running into the fence. His pupils were dilated and he was as dizzy as a loon. I endured another few seconds of laughter from the vet (second call within 12 hours) before he explained that the yeast had fermented in his belly and that he was indeed drunk. He assured me that, not unlike most binges we humans go through, it would wear off after about four or five hours. He then told me to keep giving the dog Pepto Bismol. Afraid to leave Jasper by himself in the house, Perry and I loaded him up and took him with us to my sister's house for the first Thanksgiving meal of the day. My sister lives outside of Muskogee on a ranch (a 10- to 15-minute drive). Rolls firmly secured in the trunk (124 less 12) and drunk dog leaning from the back seat onto the console of the car between Perry and me, we took off. Now I know you probably don't believe that dogs burp, but believe me when I say that after eating a tray of risen unbaked yeast rolls, DOGS WILL BURP. These burps were pure Old Charter. They would have matched or beat any smell in a drunk tank at the police station. But that's not the worst of it. Now he was beginning to pass gas and it smelled like baked rolls. We endured this for the entire trip to Karen's. We were thankful she didn't live any farther away than she did. Once Jasper was firmly placed in my sister's garage with the door locked, we finally sat down to enjoy our first Thanksgiving meal of the day. The dog was the topic of conversation all morning long and everyone made trips to the garage to witness my drunken dog, each returning with a tale of Jasper's latest endeavor to walk without running into something. Of course, as the old adage goes, "What goes in must come out," and Jasper was no exception. Granted if it had been me that had eaten 12 risen, unbaked yeast rolls, you might as well have put a concrete block up my behind, but alas a dog's digestive system is quite different from yours or mine. I discovered this was a mixed blessing when we prepared to leave Karen's house. Having discovered his "packages" on the garage floor, we loaded him up in the car so we could hose down the floor. This was another naive decision on our part. The blast of water from the hose hit the poop on the floor, and the poop on the floor withstood the blast from the hose. It was like Portland cement beginning to set up and cure. We finally tried to remove it with a shovel. I (obviously no one else was going to offer their services) had to get on my hands and knees with a coarse brush to get the remnants off of the floor. And as if this wasn't degrading enough, the dog in his drunken state had walked through the poop and left paw prints all over the garage floor that had to be brushed too. Well, by this time the dog was sobering up nicely, so we took him home and dropped him off before we left for our second Thanksgiving dinner at Perry's sister's house. I am happy to report that as of today (Monday) the dog is back to normal, both in size and temperament. He has had a bath and is no longer tricolor. None the worse for wear, I presume. I am also happy to report that just this evening I found two risen unbaked yeast rolls hidden inside my closet door. It appears he must have come to his senses after eating ten of them but decided hiding two of them for later would not be a bad idea. Now, I'm doing research on the computer: "How to clean unbaked dough from the carpet."

WHY YOU ARE STILL FREE

2008-11-25T23:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Family and Friends,

I love the opportunities we have when we receive them. Thru our relationships with other families.... that's the short skinny story. Jed was asked to come and speak at a local Christian School here in Millington @ Faith Heritage School. He spoke to the 7- 12th graders. He was a little nervous. You tend to be when it's your first official audience talking about what you do in the war. He had his notes in front of him and made great points. He stressed many times that God is the one who watches over him and this WAR is worth fighting for. He would like his little brother to continue to speak English as a first language for the rest of his life. He was dead serious when he said that. He had a time of questions and answers. The kids came up with some good questions. These kids, this generation, 'hear' of the war, are they really in touch with whats going on? do they have loved ones going over seas and fighting for their freedoms? some do...... alot don't. They saw up close and personal of a 'real solider'. As Pastor Moe put it, a real HERO!

He was asked, has he shot his gun? killed anyone? what's in his assault pack? do you think Obama will pull us out of this war? what's the difference between the Air-Force and the Army? ...... and so on....

It was a productive day.... The pastor of the school asked the students to pray for Jed and young men like Jed. The prayer time was quiet, sweet, alive with future souls wondering what to with their lives, time for the students to contemplate their freedoms and to keep their patriotism alive. Many of the kids came up to him and spoke with him. When he returns, he is asked to come back and give a report. To God be the Glory!!!!

A proud Mom!!!

Liz

ps. This is the kid who killed a hundred rats, skinned a few deer, gave me trouble in school, was so expressive as a kid, built a casket for a dead mouse out of a toilet paper tube... Don't you like when they grow up?

EMBASSY IN IRAQ

2008-11-25T09:30:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends,

Ever wondered what the American Embassy looks like in Baghdad? Well, here it is!!

Compliments of a US soldier!
Liz

Cake, Photos and Deer

2008-11-23T20:25:00.001-06:00

Hello Friends

Wanted to tell you thank-you for the ones who came out and supported the outreach of the Bistro my son put together. There was a nice gathering.... close to a hundred people. It was good to see some friends we haven't seen in a while and making new ones, too. I have some pictures coming that someone else took, so I'll save those for later! I will post one of me kissing Jed. My little son must of drank a lot of sweet tea tonight. He is having a good time yelling and talking to his imaginary audience.

He will have to wind down soon!

I realized tonight, my children have grown into nice young men. This was my son's vision to minister to people. He used the simple tools of showing us how to cook a cake the 'wrong' way to share the gospel.

You would of had to have been there for his Rachel Ray routine. It was quite funny! You will never look at crushed pecans the same way again !!!hahaha

After he 'made' the cake, he brought out the 'real' cake and we had Jed come up and we sang happy birthday to him. He was not expecting that. Next time, I will get a 'one' and 'nine' instead of 19 candles.

He was honored though and had a good time. I will send the recipe for his cake when I can get him to slow down. It was quite tasty!

So.. the moral of the story is .... when you are in the right place at the right time..... and helping people on your road where you live...... the results end in a dead deer!! Yes... Jed was coming home from the party and they stopped to help a guy where an unfortunate deer met the metal of the front end of the car they were helping. Does it get any better than this in 'deer season'?

They now have a deer. That's two for Jed and company this time. Hunting is his passion!

I tell you.... my kids just keep rolling out the material.... and I keep typing.....

Have a great day!

Give kisses to your children freely!

Liz

COFFEE CAKE THAT MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH

2008-11-22T15:35:00.005-06:00

Hello Friends and Family,

Everyone likes a good recipe every now and then. Here's one I received as a new bride ...mmmmany years ago..... My good friend Karen liked it so much she named it in her honor because I know she loves to cook!!! Seriously, Karen, where did you get the recipe?... Karen's coffee Cake. Here is her blog --you might like to check it out. I am inspired by people who love to cook. Me? I would rather be out on the lawn mower being in deep thought. But, when I come in, the cooking routine stares me in the face and something must be done. So... after looking for a recipe for Jed last night, I decided to clean out my recipe box. I saw the card, 'Karen's Coffee Cake' and remembered how good it was, so I made it. Turned out pretty good!

Here is the recipe in case you get hungry: Correct Karen??

Karen's (Liz's friend) Coffee Cake

Mix Together
3 1/2 cups flour
1 cup br. sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt

Then add 7/8 cups oil. Mix together until crumbly. Reserve 2 cups for top of cake.
To the remainder add:
1 egg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk (2 tsp. vinegar and 1 cup milk)

Beat well. Pour into well greased 13 x 9 pan. Sprinkle crumbs on top. Bake at 350*, 40-45 minutes. Test with wooden pick in the center. Eat! and enjoy with a glass of cold milk!!!

A recap of Jed

2008-11-20T22:28:00.002-06:00

Hello Friends and Family

Here is a recap on Jed since he has been home. The photo is one I took over the weekend in Mo.

He arrived home last Thursday. Hard to believe it's been one week, 7 days of his 18 days leave.

We were concerned he wouldn't make it home in time to go to MO. for our annual Thanksgiving dinner there, but he did. When he was here that night, he was just walking around touching things, observing life around here. I have tried to tell him on email over the past 6 months the goings on of the household so he would feel a part of it. Still, there is time to adjust to everything around the household. The next morning, as we fixed breakfast he was amazed at the real silverware. They eat everything on disposable plates and silverware. Just think, we take for granted the privilege to wash and dry our forks, knives and spoons.

We had a great time in Mo. Having three boys in the back seat was like old times. Only they are older!

Josh and Jed has a great time snuggling and telling stories. They were pretty funny.

The boys have been watching movies in the living room. It's funny to watch them interact with each other and just the joy of watching them from afar.

Jed is petty much relaxed right now. He still eats very fast, takes no crap from his brothers and demands for compliance especially for one brother. Every occasion I get, I ask him questions. I have thought of many over the past 6 months and wanted to make sure I get them out now! And especially how we can help him with 'supplies' in the future.

He is doing great! We are having a party this Sunday. Many will get to see him and wish him encouragement as he prepares to go back.

Liz

FAMILY

2008-11-18T08:46:00.001-06:00

This is what family looks like.....

Had fun in Mo. with my family over the weekend. Some of us are missing, they were unable to come.

Liz

Pv 2 JED GALLINA

2008-11-13T21:23:00.001-06:00

Hello family and friends,

Here is the long lost soldier!! I finally caught up with him at my very favorite store!! WALMART!

Wasn't that sweet!!! He is fine.. a little tired.... so if he looks tired... HE IS... takes a few days to get your bearings back after flying thru four countries, Iraq, Kuwait, Germany and Ireland!! wow!

We are thankful!!!!

Liz

THE TUNNEL LIGHT

2008-11-10T23:05:00.001-06:00

DUE TO RECENT BUDGET CUTS, THE STOCK MARKET CRASH, AND THE RISING COST OF ELECTRICITY, GAS AND OIL, THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL HAS BEEN TURNED OFF.

WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE

Sincerely,
The Government

ONE YEAR AGO!

2008-11-08T21:56:00.001-06:00

Jed reminded me today that he left for the Army one year ago!!!

wow.. you never know where your year will go!!

He is coming home for a visit for 18 days..... starting on Monday!!!

Next week can't come soon enough!

Liz

OUR NEW PRESIDENT

2008-11-05T16:46:00.001-06:00

Top 10 predictions no matter who wins the election:

The Bible will still have all the answers.
Prayer will still work.
The Holy Spirit will still move.
God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
There will still be God-anointed preaching.
There will still be singing of praise to God.
God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
There will still be room at the Cross.
Jesus will still love you.
Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

And God approves this message!

Isn't it great to know who is really in charge!?

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-2

JEDS ROOM

2008-10-31T13:20:00.002-05:00

I had asked Jed to send me some pictures of his room. This might help you with clues to send to him as presents. Where a person lives. It gave me some ideas. It was good to see our family pictures on his cabinet. A piece of us in Iraq~

Liz

MY FRIEND BARBARA TIMBS

2008-10-30T22:11:00.001-05:00

Friends,

Our home school group lost a dear friend last year on this day, OCT. 31ST. Barbara Timbs passed away one year ago. We have thought much about her family and I know her family misses her. Please continue to pray for her husband, David and five children.

This photo was taken just two months before she got so sick. She is pictured in the red shirt to the right.

We will always treasure the photo and all the wonderful memorties we have her over the years.

Never take life for granted!

Liz

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-28T22:35:00.004-05:00

WHEN YOUR CHILDREN GROW UP TO BE SOLDIERS!

MAKE THOSE BIGGER

2008-10-28T14:32:00.001-05:00

HELLO FRIENDS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PICTURES POSTED ON THE BLOG, JUST DOUBLE CLICK ON THE PHOTO. MUCH BETTER BIGGER!

LIZ

--Remember the most beautiful things
we can wear are a loving heart and
a smiling face.

JED HAS STRUCK AGAIN

2008-10-27T18:55:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends and Family

I'm so excited!

Jed has sent more pictures! Quite striking ones too!

I will post some till I can upload them to a program where you can see all of them.

He is coming home the first part of November. I'm excited! We have not seen him since March. The weekend of boot-camp. Now here he is in Iraq~

We will be having a get to gether for you that live in the Memphis/ Millington Area at the Bistro!

Come help me eat the biggest cake I can get!

Keep praying! Lots of soldiers over there with families

Liz

GO ARMY!

CAN YOU DANCE?

2008-10-25T00:02:00.002-05:00

TENTS

2008-10-20T23:39:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

It's been a slow week.

The days of tent playing will soon be over till spring time. Josh hasn't played to much in his tent. I think I'm to big to fit into it. A playmate would be nice~ HIS OWN SIZE!

anyhow.... He likes to play, and caught him in the act!

Enjoy!
Liz

THE BABY REINDEER HAVE LANDED

2008-10-18T10:58:00.002-05:00

Hello Friends,
I know it's too early, but they are so cute!!!

The baby reindeer have landed at walmart!!!!

Thats what you get for going into that section at Walmart late at night!!!

Liz

WHEN NOT TO GO BAREFOOTED

2008-10-17T22:30:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

I have a passion about life out side. GO BAREFOOTED as much as possible. I can remember has a kid going barefooted and loving it. Adulthood had come and I still love going barefooted. I would go all year except for the cold weather that comes our way every year. No wonder my feet look the way they do. Nothing like cutting grass barefooted and your feet turning green. Ever done that?

There is one time of year around my house that makes going barefooted very painful. Fall time!!! My very favorite time of the year. Those pesky acorns are falling now and you have to walk on at least a zillion just going to the cars or playing outside. I looked out this week and lo and behold, FALL TIME HAD COME. The leaves have started to fall and acorns are every where. So, my little collage of a picture shows what is happening around here. I was amazed and astonished. Should I? It happens every year! Every year, the painful walking on acorns is there. I wonder what walking on coals is like?

Have you listened to the Acorns falling? Go to a quiet place and IF you have the correct trees, you will hear them.

So, if you haven't noticed, FALL HAS COME!! I have found my turtle neck sweaters and I'm good to go!

A wearing shoes/ socks Lizard

MY CRITTER NAME

2008-10-15T17:46:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,
remember that colorful grass hopper looking thing I posted a week or so ago...
here is the name for it. I submitted it to the Memphis Zoo and got this email back!

Now you know, you can sleep better!
Liz

It looks like you found an Eastern lubber grasshopper, Romalea microptera. Look here for more information:
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/lubber.htm
Enter the scientific name into a search engine to find more information.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-14T22:26:00.000-05:00

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

2008-10-11T14:34:00.003-05:00

HEY FRIENDS,

I was going down hwy 51 the other day, for you out of town folks, thats the main drag in Millington. Kroger now sports a new gas station at the corner of shelby and 51. I looked at the sign and just about fainted. 2.84 a gallon.. WOW WOW WOW... I wanted take a picture then, but had to wait till today. When I went back last night, just 3 hours later, it went up to 2.89 a gallon. This time I did pull over and take a picture. It pays to have your camera always in your purse. I am in season at ALL TIMES. So... we pulled over and shot the pictures.

I was able to get in on any pump. That is what I like about my old car. The gas receptacle is in the very back of the car behind the licence plate. I can go on any pump no matter which side.

So, some lines are longer because they are waiting.... last night they had a police officer directing traffic at the gas station. IS THAT IN SANE OR WHAT? It is the busiest place at all times and really insane during rush hour.

So... I was encouraged about the gas prices.... 2.50 would be nice... think it will go down?

Liz

LIONS TIGERS AND BEARS!

2008-10-09T08:15:00.013-05:00

Hello Friends and Family,

Yesterday was a first for Joshua. He went to the Memphis Zoo for the first time. My friend says she took him there as a baby, but I know he doesn't remember that. I barely remembered it.

He was a little hesitant in going. We got closer and closer to the entrance and he wanted me to hold him.
He starts out with ANYTHING new with great hesitancy. We had to talk him thru the process of having fun. Since we are doing animals in his class at church, the Zoo was a great start in cementing what the 'real' thing looks like. The day didn't start out good, but got better. We really thought rest of the day would be rain free. NOT!~ We went anyway. It is such a short time for the free day, 2-5pm. We thought the rain would stay away. NOT! But, we had fun anyway. The Memphis Zoo has grown much in the past 5 years. It has been that long since we have gone. I'm sure we will go now more often. At least now I have a child who WANTS to go and see more animals. It's not boring to him~

I took pictures of Josh when I could get him to stay put long enough. Matter of fact, my Wordless Wednesday was in the Polar Bear exhibit as he was standing there. I saw the look, and snapped~
He was so close, up and personal with some of the critters. It's so fun to watch a child discover the 'animal kingdom' for the very first time.
We really enjoyed the time there. When the rain did fall, we were on our way to the sea lions. We did get a little wet, but it was worth it. We stayed in that area for the duration of the rain then we left.
One thing you do at a Zoo is walk and walk and walk. Josh, by this time, was at the head of the pack, yelling and saying un-intelligent things and having the time of his life. We did catch him saying, whose your daddy a few times? Why at the zoo and why that??? He was having a 'zoo' of a time~!~~~
It was fun!!!

Enjoy pictures!~
Liz

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-10-07T21:45:00.001-05:00

WHAT A FACE~~

Blood is thicker, Photos

2008-10-06T22:38:00.001-05:00

So Sorry Friends,

Here are the pictures that should be in the below blog~

Liz

BLOOD IS THICKER

2008-10-06T17:47:00.005-05:00

Hey friends,

Thanks for stopping by.... my family always gives me things to blog...or I have to tell you a secret in the blogging world, sometimes we create those opportunities. But, when family is together, I'm there taking pictures and using them. I want people to see family as normal and healthy.

We had the opportunity to visit with an aunt that comes once a year to Memphis. This would be on my husbands side, his dads sister. There are just three of them left, now. I have always loved them and they truly have been my aunts too. They are always encouraging and they tell the funniest stories. I call Aunt Rena and Aunt Tubby (yes Tubby) must of been a left over childhood name, Josh's crazy aunts. There is an age difference between the three siblings that are left, they are 71, 80, and 82. Aunt Rena was the baby of the family. I always enjoy seeing the age differences later in life and the dynamics of family. That will be my children later in life.

So... Here is Aunt Tubby, Joe (Paul's dad) and Aunt Tubby. Even though they are not near to spend lots of time, they are still siblings and enjoy the time given to them.

Liz

LOOK What I WON!

2008-10-02T22:57:00.001-05:00

WHAT IS THIS???? PLEASE TELL ME

2008-09-30T23:52:00.001-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY~

More on Isabella

2008-09-25T11:51:00.001-05:00

Friends

What's a blog if you can't toot your own horn~~~ Here are are some photos of my new 'grand niece'....

She's a cutie~ Mom and baby are coming home today~ The real work starts today!! How much sleep can you get in 24 hours?

Enjoy~

Liz

ANNOUNCING A NEW BABY!!

2008-09-23T22:33:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

I'm a great aunt today~~ for the first time~~!!

My niece, Lauren, had her first baby today, ISABELLA NICOLE SMITH!

She weighed in at 6lbs, 12 ozs and 21 inches long...

I've never been a great aunt!~ My aunt Pam, is a great, great aunt~ Is there such a thing? Lauren was the first to make her a Great Aunt, now she is double~

Anyhow... my sisters family is relieved now the baby is here and life can be put on GO... instead of STOP AND WAIT~

Babies are precious~

THIS IS FOR LAUREN~~

LOVE YA~ YOUR A TROOPER~

Love,

Your Aunt Liz

NEW YORK~ HERE JED COMES

2008-09-21T17:24:00.010-05:00

Jed went to the Statue of Liberty back over Memorial Day weekend. They were on the disk with the rest of the Army pictures. Though you would enjoy them. I've never been, but this gives me a great view~

Enjoy~
Liz

JUNIOR SAMPLES

2008-09-18T22:14:00.000-05:00

LITTLE BOYS AND BIG BOYS

2008-09-15T23:23:00.007-05:00

Hello Friend,

I have a four year old. I think four year olds are the funniest creatures!~ They love everything~

Josh gets excited when he finds 'treasures' in his drawer~ The pants he hasn't wore in 3 months are all new to him. He is in this 'dressing up phase', and I hope it is a phase. He is driving me crazy. BUT, I should be thankful~ He changes clothes about 4 times a day. Today he did manage to make it till tonight, but then it was for two professions. He has decided to dress ARMY. Remember the camies that Jed bought for him at Christmas. Now, it's the real ARMY boots, the camies, the helmet and the gun. My husband even brought him to Walmart dressed in such gear. I wish I could of heard the comments. I can tell he is dressing the part because he loves his brother and sees pictures of him. So.. here is my little ARMY man dressing the part.

THIS IS FOR YOU JED~~~~

MOM AND LIZ

AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET

2008-09-11T12:15:00.002-05:00

HOW CAN WE FORGET~

What does Iraq look like?

2008-09-07T22:45:00.011-05:00

Hello Friends,

I've posted some pictures thru the eye of a soldier there in person. Where ever he roams, I'm sure his camera does to. Enjoy~

Liz

ARMY GUNS

2008-09-05T11:29:00.008-05:00

Hello Friends,

We were again blessed by having Jed call us this morning. Twice in one week. His Friday has ended and ours was beginning. That time warp gets me every time~ He got to speak more to his daddy. Important at different times for the various family members to get to speak in length to him. We talked about the speeches last night. They are able to watch TV there. They do get news.

Personally, I was impressed with McCain's speech and his wife Cindy. I realized last night if they are elected, our nations Capitol will be inundated with children. Probably not seen since Roosevelt. Between the both, they have 12 children. That's a lot of secret service protection. It would be refreshing to see a younger generation take the reins. I'm sure the children all have mixed emotions and what that would mean for them. The McCain's have two sons who are serving in the military. a NAVY and MARINE son. WOW... I can't even imagine how they do that with the rivalry and good nature joking. They will both been deployed to IRAQ. Her heart must be full.

Here are some pictures I finally got straight of just Jed and his gun. They take it EVERYWHERE. Church, bathrooms, chow hall. His accommodations is a short trailer. There are no bathrooms in the trailer but a common bathroom. I told Jed to send me a cleaned up picture of the living space so we can see where he 'lives'.

Enjoy~
Liz

When the Sun rises and sets- WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-09-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

LABORING IN OUR FREEDOM

2008-09-01T00:02:00.000-05:00

Friends,

Thankyou for stopping by. I try to post things that are uplifting and encouraging. Jed's safe return to us in the Good OL' USA is important and we do miss him. He is there to do a job! So while he is there, I will post pictures to keep you in touch. Been over seas? Nothing like coming home and sleeping in your own bed, and sipping cold ice tea (with sugar). While you do that today, remember guys like Jed, who are there defending us from the bad guys and making sure the good guys are doing what they need to do~~

Liz

JED AND IRAQ

2008-08-29T21:35:00.001-05:00

Hello friends,

we received a box from Jed yesterday. Didn't take but about a week. Not bad. He sent his CD of pictures he has been taking. I will post some every day. Very good~~

Nothing like getting first hand information from someone there RIGHT NOW.

the more I see these, I pray harder.

Thanks Jed for sending them, so I can share with rest of our family and friends who love you~~~~~

LOVE MOM...

I know Jed reads my blog, so I did that for him. We do miss him, and want his safe return soon~

Here are just a few~

Liz

--
Life is too short to wake up with
regrets. Make the most of your
days.

FABULOUS THURSDAYS

2008-08-28T23:50:00.000-05:00

MY DEAR FRIENDS, VICKI WEST AND HER GIRLS

BACK PACKS

2008-08-28T16:32:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

We'll my family always gives me plenty to write about... they know when something big comes up, it will be blogged about. I have much sitting on the blog stump just dying to write about.. all in good time.

My son Jed sent a package today. It was for the youngest child in the family and he sent us a cd of pictures. I will post those when I know its safe to do so.

So here is Josh sporting his new back pack. By the way, he LOVES back packs.. he calls them back backs. This one that Jed got was the grand daddy of them all~ I almost cried. Very sweet~

Liz

--
Life is too short to wake up with
regrets. Make the most of your
days.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY'S

2008-08-27T05:38:00.002-05:00

SAND ART THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND~!

Put in all perspective

2008-08-26T16:28:00.001-05:00

There was
a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She
hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always
there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see
the world, I will marry you.'

One day,
someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages
came off, she was able to see everything, including her
boyfriend.

He asked
her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The
girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The
sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected
that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life
led her to refuse to marry him.

Her
boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her
saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before
they were yours, they were mine.'

This is
how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who
was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a
Gift

Today
before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't
speak.

Before
you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone
who has nothing to eat.

Before
you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone
who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today
before you complain about life - Think of someone who went
too early to heaven.

Before
whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who
walks the same distance with their feet.

And when
you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your
job.

And when
depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on
your face and think: you're alive and still
around.

FABULOUS THURSDAYS

2008-08-21T20:25:00.000-05:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-08-20T00:37:00.001-05:00

WHY SIGNS ARE BETTER IN BRITISH!~

FAMILY

2008-08-18T00:29:00.003-05:00

Hello Friends,

There is nothing better than to be with family. I was up in Mo. with my family celebrating a milestone of a coming child to be born in the Smith Family this past weekend. My oldest niece is having her first in Sept. and the 'girls' got together and threw her a shower. I wonder who thought of this concept... of showering someone with gifts. It almost seems like we should throw them at her...

But, I know a pregnant woman 'great' with child would not appreciate that...

Do you know how many Mn'Ms can fit in a baby bottle, plain type I might add??? I let you think on that one.... might surprise you...

My mom loves to take pictures. You thought I was the nut of the family... oh no.... I know my mom is reading this.... but she does love photography... I know I got that love from her... I had a camera at an early age... Actually, she was my first subject with a Minute Rice box with my 110 camera. Remember those kinds? We've come a long way, babyyyyyyyyyyyy!!

Anyhow... she got all the girl grandchildren together... they vary from 25 down to 3.... those three year olds you have to watch... they wander off at a moments notice...

We snapped this one.... with the 'great with child' lady.... We will welcome Isabella Nicole soon...

We know she will have a sparkly outlook on life~~

Have a great day~

Don't hesitate to take those 'family' moments seriously~

Liz

ps. 290

WHY WE HAVE FREEDOM- FABULOUS THURSDAYS

2008-08-14T15:23:00.001-05:00

HAMBURGER MEAT

2008-08-12T22:03:00.002-05:00

Hello friends,

I made a big leap of faith tonight. I asked my sweet husband tonight to put color on my hair. My normal hair colorist, daughter, was gone tonight and I couldn't wait any longer.
I was desperate. You know you do desperate things when you are in desperate measures. Tonight was one of those nights. I got everything ready for him, he squeezed into the gloves. Already not a good sign. I told him where to put the liquid first, the roots.... then rub it in..... then we were going to use the WHOLE bottle on my head. Then he would pick my hair up and pound it again.....oh.....ouch.....tylenol....ouch..... He put the liquid in, then the fun started. It was like he was making meatloaf on my head. There was no softness about it. But, it had to be done. I rather think, I will not go back to him and learn to do it myself. When you get the color in you have to wait. Then the process begins again. My head over the sink and rinsing out the 'chocolate mess' as he said. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse..... HUSBAND SAYS: wouldn't this be better out side with the garden hose....WIFE SAYS: no... get rinsing..... HUSBAND SAYS: you could get down on your knees in the tub...... WIFE SAYS: it's been done for million of years in a chair in a beauty salon. RINSE!! I was a little frustrated at this point. I told him he will make great blogging material.

So..... I'm good for another month~!~ We will renegotiate at that point. My memory might fail me and I will be back at the computer again.......

:):):)

Liz

MY LAST POST FOR ROMANIA

2008-08-10T22:14:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends,

I've been trying to wind up all that I have wrote about Romania. When it is your very first mission trip, I will treasure all I have learned and experienced.

I jotted these thoughts down about Mission trips: My DO'S and DON'TS...

DO'S:
1. Do all things with cheerfulness
2. Compliment people
3. Encourage folks
4. Be a doer of the word
5. Be willing to get the job done, all the way
6. Organize your own possessions

DON'TS
1. Don't complain
2. Don't complain of the food
3. Don't be selfish
4. Don't demand
5. Don't be lazy
6. Don't do your own thing

Here are some pictures I will leave you with~~~

My son will be going back in November, I can't wait~~

Liz

Ps. I'm in the very back

KETCHUP VS MUSTARD

2008-08-07T22:34:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends,

I was cleaning out the ref. tonight and discovered I have to much~~~ I live in the land of to much ketchup and mustard. Personally I'm a ketchup girl. Mustard is nasty!! sorry!~ Just my personal feelings.

I brought out all the bottles and told my husband to come look. It's all his fault. Every time they go on a new camp out, new Ketchup and Mustard is bought. So, the picture is the result of to MUCH CAMPING... or to little planning. I did what every wise food buyer does, I condensed. The next picture is a result of that condensing. And of course, mister the 4 yr. old has to be in the picture too.

So.... I said to my husband, bring those in the kitchen, I'm blogging~~~

Have a great day~

If my Army son was here, we would be less on mustard. I do miss that memory~

Liz

I BET YOU CAN'T DO THIS?

2008-08-06T22:04:00.002-05:00

I have decided on Thursdays I will feature some You Tube site I have run arcoss...
this week is a doooooozzy...... wow..... the first part features what she can do... then what he can do.... then...oh wait for the finale~~ i won't spoil it for you... you will be gritting your teeth... oh my..

enjoy
Liz

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2008-08-06T01:00:00.001-05:00

I LOVE MY KIDS... HOW CAN I COMPLAIN

The real ER

2008-08-02T21:37:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends,

Nothing is to small to blog around here. Someone asked me just this week, while looking at unusual photos in my album, DO YOU KEEP YOUR CAMERA IN YOUR PURSE? To that I said with a resounding YES, I DO. I can whip it out any time I need to take those great pictures. So... here is one of those odd moments I would. Not really odd, but different!

A lizard story of course!

I was away at camp this week with my boys. By the way, IT WAS AWESOME. If boys don't have fun, it's because they must be boring. There are tons of activities for them to do. My great friends and my awesome daughter took care of Josh. While at a friends house, he did the number of getting sick. Josh NEVER gets sick. He was sick when he was 8 months old. He is generally a healthy child. I'm very thankful for my kids health. Needless to say, he was throwing up all day. He really never stopped till we got home. When it was all said and done, we had to take him to the ER. He was pitiful looking. He didn't have a fever, nothing really wrong except, throwing up! I left camp and made it home just as they got a ER room. I'm sure 3 hours spent in the waiting room is mind-wracking enough with the sunderly of folks piling in on a Friday night.. I do thank Becky, Teresa and Kim for taking great care of my son. He was dismissed about 10ish pm and we made it home to put a sleeping child in bed. I was ready to crawl into a bed that won't hit you from above and the mattress had more give, know what I mean? You know those camp mattress/bunk-beds are made for kids under 70 pounds!!!

He woke today with a little fever, nothing Motrin couldn't cure, back to sleep and he was good as new.

He begged us for McDonald land food. Where he got that I don't know. To cute when you are puking your guts and asking for food. We obliged this afternoon, he has kept everything down today he has eaten. When folks who had heard asked how he was doing, I would say, YOU MEAN THE KID ON THE FLOOR PLAYING WITH HIS CARS MAKING LOTS OF NOISE. He's doing GREAT!!

I'm sure he had the touch of the BUG and his little tummy just reacted!!! Could his tummy react to a few hundred dollars too!!! :) We might need that!!

So... AFTER I checked on him, I backed up and took the pictures!!! I have my priorities straight you know!! I had to document the moment!! GOD IS GOOD@!@

I'm thankful for wonderful friends and a wonderful sissy who loves Josh!!!

Liz

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSHUA

2008-07-26T22:56:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOSHUA

can you believe it? He's 4 years old. July 4th...

He is almost at the point of knowing the fireworks aren't for him... maybe one more year!!!

Those two for one birthday's~~~

He had two birthdays.... one at my friends and then one at home. He had much fun.

Due to me being in Romania, my good friend held one for him. He got lots of presents!

THANKS TERESA!

This little guy has grown up.

I will post his 'SHIRT' picture soon. Every year on or around his birthday we take a picture of him wearing the shirt and one day he will wear it! the pictures will be worth it!! We can see the progression of his height with this shirt!

He is already counting next years birthday... thats easy... one whole hand!!

Summer Classes for Men

2008-07-25T19:59:00.001-05:00

Summer Classes for Men at

  THE
ADULT LEARNING CENTER

REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED
by Friday, July 25, 2008
NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL
OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM

Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?--Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5
Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?
Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning
at 7:00 PM

Class 6
Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups.
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things--Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8
Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9
Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost--Real Life Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined

Class 10
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations.
4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11
Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM , location to be determined

Class 12
How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion
Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14
The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used.
Live Demonstration.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

Send this to all the guys that you think can stand the heat, and to all the ladies for the best chuckle