Meet my newest 'son'...

It is official-I am now outnumbered 8 to 1 in my house by MALES! We have added a 7 week old golden retriever to our house! Jonathan got to name this puppy and his name is...Maynard. (BLEAH! EEK! Gag!) Maynard is the name of the lead singer of Jonathan's favorite band, Tool. His middle name is Caillou after Liam's favorite cartoon character. Maynard Caillou Cotter. Even with such a name, he is happy to be with us!

I saw Maynard on TV last Saturday as he was the featured puppy from the Animal Shelter. I had to go check him out! After spending close to 90 minutes alone in a room with him, I knew he had to leave the shelter and come home to his new family which consists of; John, Me, Jonathan, Liam , Claude, Jack and Max (all male cats) and Ronan, our 10 month old black lab. I am the only female in our household. It's good to be the queen...

Maynard is a typical puppy in that he wants to play all the time and chew on everything. Liam is probably the best disciplinarian. For those of you who know Liam, this fact does not surprise you! Maynard currently sleeps in Jonathan's room but this morning Jonathan announced that practice needed to stop. LOL Guess Maynard will have to find another place to roost at night!

We look forward to many years with our new golden retriever. Come see our newest addition-come see our entire zoo-we won't even charge admission!

Have a great weekend!

I'll post more pics of all the boys this weekend!

Growing up in the 80's

Someone sent this to me and I actually took the time to read through it all. Wow...it 'totally' brought back 'like' a lot of memories! : ) Read and enjoy the flashbacks...

1. You've ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.

2. You can sing the rap to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and can do the Carlton.

3. You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on Blossom.

4. If you ever watched "Fraggle Rock"

5. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.

6. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head.

7. You got super-excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class at school.

8. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.

9. You played the game "MASH"(Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)


10. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.

11. You know the profound meaning of " WAX ON , WAX OFF"

12. You wanted to be a Goonie.


13. You ever wore fluorescent clothing. (some of us...head-to-toe)

14. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off and his cheeks shifted.

15. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.

16. You took lunch boxes to school...and traded Garbage Pailkids in the schoolyard.

17. You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets.

18. You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence.

19. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.

21. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.

22. After you saw Pee-Wee's Big Adventure you kept saying "I know you are, but what am I?"

23. You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"

24. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.

It's a Personal Choice

Today is Halloween and there are plenty of plastic pumpkins littering the halls up here at work. Thankfully, I am not the least bit tempted by the candy. However, if you place a big, fat cupcake in my face--I am so there on scarfing it down!

A few years ago, I made the personal decision to not celebrate Halloween. I do NOT condemn or judge anyone that does. In fact, I do not know anyone who feels like I do! I do not think it is evil that kids dress up and trick or treat. Not at all...in fact some kids look adorable. I just chose to not participate in this particular 'holiday.'

We used to participate in a fall festival in Texas at the church I attended. Kids were able to dress up in appropriate costumes and there were a ton of games and food. The event was called "Light Night" and hundreds participated. It was a safe, fun experience for the kids and the focus was on Jesus.

Perhaps when Liam enters elementary there will be fall festivals to attend as well. I hope someday the church I attend now will also hold some sort of alternative gathering.

I included these pics of my nephew, Nathan. His mom and dad told him he could carve anything he wanted into the pumpkin. He stated that he wanted to carve a cross so that the light of Jesus would shine through. I couldn't have said it better myself.

I am SOOOO old.....

As an educator,it is bound to happen! Your former students grow up and become adults-not just adults-but adults that are responsible,that become parents, and sometimes (ok, often!) make more money than you! One of my former students is now a mom (to Landon Cash) and a nurse in an intense field! Yes, many more of my former students have gone on to college, the military, and who knows what?!?! However, I have kept in touch with Jennifer ever since she graduated in 2000. She has come to Nashville twice from Texas to visit! I love her to death. However, she makes me feel OLD!

She gave birth to her little munchkin in Feb. 07. I know without a doubt that she is a fabulous and devoted mother. Jenn is a wonderful human being with a sweet, tender heart but is also hell on wheels when she needs to be. She will always be in my life!

Still, I feel old. Former students are now professionals with graduate degrees! Former students who are now in their late 20's and early 30's make me FEEL ANCIENT.

I love it when they are successful and I am thrilled when they stay in touch. I just wish I didn't have to feel so old every time they do!!!!!!

12 Ways To Obsolete-Proof Yourself

One of the constant fears people face is the fear of losing their job and with it their income and status. As you get older, your fear of being replaced at work and home with a younger, cheaper model can haunt you daily. The only way to confront this fear is to make sure that you get better as you get older.

If you want to be in demand over time, you must continue to grow in character, competence, and calling.

1. Become a knowledgeable expert at something lots of people need and want to know.

2. Take care of yourself. If you look old and puffy, you’ll feel old and out of touch. Workout, maintain a healthy weight, and dress cool for you!

3. Pass on what you know to others freely, without regard to what you get out of the relationship. Love people just because you can!

4. Ask for help and include people in your life. Let people know you need them and welcome them into your space. Do not allow yourself to become invisible or aloof.

5. Forgive past hurts and slights quickly. Bitterness will make being around you too painful and draining; therefore you won’t be missed when you’re fired.

6. Stay current and up to date on the developing trends in your area of interest. Read widely as well as focused on your area of expertise.

7. Develop a network of friends and associates and keep it in good repair. Don’t wait until you need a favor to reach out to people.

8. Make plans that require you to stretch, grow, and take risks. Write them down and date them.

9. Set goals beyond goals. They will keep you focused and hungry.

10. Keep your motivation centered around your life mission and make sure your life mission is grounded in helping people, meeting needs, honoring God.

11. Think long-term investment. Avoid emotional decision-making and remember that there is no short cut to any place worth going. Act like today is the last day of your life, but think like you’ll live at least to one hundred.

12. Maintain an attitude of wonder at all times. Never become a cynic, critic, or armchair expert. Keep your words and actions positive and hopeful.