Hewell Happenings

Today I met my good friend Susan in town for a little shopping. We then met Kailee for lunch. Had a good time. Kailee ended up riding back home with me. We had to go pick up Bossy Boston from the groomers and he never barked at Kailee. I guess he figured if she was going to take him home then he better be nice. LOL. We then went to pick Landy up at school. He was shocked to see Kailee in the front seat. I wish I had a picture of his face. He was excited to see her. We then went to get Logan. He was as excited as well. While we were waiting on Logan, James called. He is on 3rd, so he is usually grumpy. Anyway, I told him that I was bringing a surprise home. He knew I had met Kailee for lunch, but he thought she had to go from lunch to work. So imagine his surprise when he walked in the living room and seen her. He actually had a smile on his face, quite a feat during the third shift week.

Landon's team played the Mets again tonight. Landon got a single. He advanced to second and stole third. He then went on to steal home which tied the score at 2-2. Second time at bat he got thrown out at first. Tense game with the Mets winning 5-4 in 5 innings.

Sorry no pictures of tonight's game, but here is the update.

Landon had a single with his first at bat and advanced to second on an error. He then stole third and was walked in. This brought the score to Rays 3 and the D-Backs 2. Landon's second at bat garnered a single. He was barely safe. He then went on to steal second and then stole third. No one could bring him in so he was left stranded on third.

The end of 4 innings (because of time) the Rays were 4 and the D-Backs were 7. First loss of the season, but this was a very good travel team out of Cheddar. (For those who don't know, Cheddar is like a suburb of Belton)

We play the Mets again tomorrow night. Hopefully we can pull off another win against them.

I was looking at my blog today and scrolled down to read the Verse of the Day. ( John 3:20-21) It was amazing for me to read it because I had been thinking about the past year. How far I have come in my on walk with God and how far I have come from separating myself from some of the misdeeds of the past year. God was really showing me thru that verse the evil will be exposed. So much evil has been done over this past year. I sometimes wondered how I would ever get through the pain and wrongness that was done. I am not asking for a pity party, I don't need company in that. I had enough crying sessions to last me a lifetime. I just know that when I started to really feel better was when I finally gave it all to God. He took it from me, He allowed for me to forgive so many people that this time last year, I wouldn't have cared to ever speak to again. (Some I have not, but I know that is because it is God's plan for now.) He keeps showing me in scripture and in small voices I hear in my heart that it is all going to be ok. I have also found that I truly have a friend in my brother. He has talked so much to me about things and has tried to be nonjudgemental about people. He has told me that he supports me 100%. That means more than anything. I can't believe that last year I was allowing people who obviously felt the need to lie and embellish truths for their own benefit (out of their own guilt) caused me to seek out a divorce lawyer. Caused me to want to leave my husband, even though he knew the truth. James and I didn't and still don't have a "perfect" marriage, ( I don't know of anyone who does) but he is my best friend. He knows me better than anyone. He got tore down himself. He tried hard to be what everybody wanted at the time and by his own admission, felt that due to my strengths, he didn't have to stand so solidly beside me. He felt that I would be ok because he and I knew the truths about our lives, our family and all that was going on. He thought I would ignore people like I can do. He didn't know that I really needed him. He was so blinded by his own grief he didn't see me. Thankfully, that has all changed. We are both thankful for God showing us that He was there and by that, He has brought us closer together and tighter than ever. No one will ever be able to do to one that the other doesn't feel or see. I look back over the year and shake my head. I just don't know why I ever let people bother me. I refuse to ever let that happen again.

I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a God who knows the truth, (all the time), I have a husband who only puts God before me, I have kids who love me more than I ever knew. I have some really awesome friends (Kelley, Debra, Susan, Allyson, Jenn, Sandra T. and Cheryl) who would cross the ocean for me and always have my back. Amazing Godparents, who helped raise me to be the person I am. I am thankful for all of my family. I thank God everyday for allowing me to come thru this. He strengthens us in our trials. (2 Timothy 4:17)

Amazing is He.

Http://WWW.heraldleaderphoto.Com/2008/05/31/Adam-bender/

Pics of Boston going outside to do his business and taking his towel with him. I guess you never know when you might need it.

School is out for the day because of a teacher workday. Look how my two precious boys spend a free Friday. Playing the Gameboy Micro, watching TV and eating brownies. All in their pajamas. They did have a bath though, but put their pajamas back on. I asked them to go to Target with me today but they opted to stay at home and obviously do nothing. I remember those days. I never thought I would miss them.

Well, Boston did it again. He royally pissed James off. It happened last night. Well, technically early this morning at 2 a.m. James got a little too close to me in the bed and woke Boston up from his restful slumber at the foot of the bed. Boston usually growls and then eases his little body between us, but having figured that he had done that so many times before, he needed to show James how upset he makes him. He starts to make a circle between us, just casually walking around til James moves back to his side of the bed. Then, because, HEAVEN FORBID, James leaves his leg towards the middle of the bed, he squats and PEES. We had to change sheets, comforter and blanket in the middle of the night. (Here I was thinking I was done with laundry for the rest of the week.) James, really riles into Boston. Just short of completely nutting up. He orders Boston to sleep in the floor and dares him to come up on the bed again. Boston is regulated to the floor and I hear him more or less whine a bit after the lights are turned off. I hate it when he is bad because I feel guilty. I think he is going to be miserable on the floor but then again, I have to go along with James because he shouldn't pee on the bed to make his point. James and Boston have been getting along really well here lately. Obviously, it couldn't last. And of course, I couldn't be done with all the laundry on a Thursday.

isthmus

PRONUNCIATION:

(IS-muhs)

MEANING:

noun: 1. A narrow strip of land with water on each side, joining two larger land masses, for example, the Isthmus of Panama. 2. A narrow strip of tissue joining two large organs or cavities.

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me." -
-- Carol Burnett

Creamy Tortellini Soup

1 1.8-ounce envelope white sauce mix (recommended Knorr)
4 cups water
1 14-ounce can vegetable broth
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 7- to 8-ounce package dried cheese tortellini (about 2 cups)
1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves or torn spinach
Ground black pepper (optional)
Finely shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
1. Place dry white sauce mix in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Gradually add the water to the white sauce mix, stirring until smooth. Stir in broth, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil, salt, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high-heat setting for 2-1/2 to 3 hours.
3. Stir in dried tortellini. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 1 hour more or high-heat setting for 45 minutes more.
4. Stir in evaporated milk and fresh spinach. If desired, sprinkle individual servings with black pepper and Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.

consigliere • \kohn-sil-YEH-reh\ • noun
: counselor, adviser

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Bible, New Testament, I Thessalonians

Four generations. This is a picture of me, Landon, Logan, my dad, (JOE) and my great nephew Christian. This was taken at Myrtle Beach, July 2008.

numismatics \noo-miz-MAT-iks; -mis-; nyoo-\, noun:
the collection and study of money (and coins in particular).

"If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'Good morning' at total strangers." Maya Angelou

monadnock
PRONUNCIATION:(muh-NAD-nok)
MEANING:noun: An isolated hill or mountain that, having resisted erosion, rises above a plain.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the fine line between sanity and madness gotten finer?
George Price

Me and Landy Bug. We are so awesome...LOL.

James and Logan at Texas Roadhouse. Do you see a resemblance?

The team was excited that they came back to win in the bottom of the third inning. Parents of the other team wanted another inning, but due to the time factor, we couldn't get in another inning. The first pic is of Landon just being himself. Team huddle. Coach Bull told them that they had an awesome comeback.
Landon downing his Gatorade. It gets hot out there. Look at the curls.

Landon and his team had their second game tonight. They played the Mets. They were losing in the first two innings but came back in the third to win 6-3. The first picture I have up here is of Landon playing second. This next picture is Landon at bat. He was walked twice.
Here is Landon on second. He is looking at his Coach waiting for the sign to steal. The sun was in his eyes.
Landon is on third (he stole it!) and waiting for the chance to score. He ended up being stranded on third that time.

Need a laugh? I suggest you check out Augusten Burroughs Possible Side Effects. It will have you laughing til your sides hurt. This is a collection of essays. (I will be listing my copy on ebay one day this week.)

Read a good book lately? If you have, let me know and I will post it on here.

The best way to keep one's word is not to give it.
Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821)

infelicity(noun) [in'-fi-LIS-i-tee]
1. inappropriate and unpleasing manner or style (especially manner or style of expression):
2. something inappropriate

This picture is so old. This was taken at the place Ansley had her reception. I can't remember if the year is 2002 or 2003. Help me out on that Ansley or Cindi. I am thinking it is May 2003. I am pretty sure it was just a couple of months after Landon had surgery and had started to talk a bit more. I can't remember the name of the place, but that it was in Chesnee, SC. It was pretty.

misprize \mis-PRYZ\, transitive verb:1. To hold in contempt.2. To undervalue.

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.— Albert Camus

Here is pics of my Boston and Jiggeroo. I hate to admit it, but I think Boston is racist. He barks and growls at anything black. It can be people, dogs, cats, a shirt laying on the floor; if it's black, he is going to growl. I seen this cute little toy at Old Navy and bought it for him. Logan named it Jiggeroo and when you tell Boston to get Jiggeroo, he knows exactly what to get. Here is Boston modeling with Jiggeroo. I personally like the last picture, as you can see, he is over it.

Just a few pictures of my porch. I am getting ready for fall even though it is not really here yet. I always think fall begins when I can no longer stand to be in the pool. I haven't been in the pool in about a month. Our pool never got really warm this year, but after the first week of August, when we started having milder weather, our pool was too chilly to really enjoy. So come on Fall. I am ready!

tintinnabulation \tin-tih-nab-yuh-LAY-shuhn\, noun:A tinkling sound, as of a bell or bells.

(dang, that is a mouthful. I would hate to say that ten times fast. Make yourself sound smart the next time you walk into the quick stop and the bells ring and just say "Hark, did you hear the tintinnabulation?" to anyone near by)

'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
Abraham Lincoln, (attributed)16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

A lot of people should take that advice.

vociferous \voh-SIF-uhr-uhs\, adjective:Making a loud outcry; clamorous; noisy.

There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness.
Josh Billings (1818 - 1885)

That quote is so true. It doesn't matter who does you wrong, it tears them up more if you forgive them. This shows them that what they have done to you is of little importance. I would rather forgive someone and walk with my head held high then lower myself to their level. It takes awhile to forgive and a whole lot of prayer, but if you do it, you not only receive God's blessing, but you will find peace.

Here is the recipe of the week from James' sister Cindi. I am definetly going to try this one. Logan loves this and always gets the shrimp version at Olive Garden.

Capellini Caprese

1/2 lb. capellini or spaghetti, uncooked ( I get the capellini noodles in the specialty grocery stores)
1/2 cup KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing and Marinade
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups halved grape or cherry tomatoes
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/3 cup fresh basil, finely sliced (I grow my own basil but you can find fresh basil in the veggie department)
COOK pasta as directed on package. MEANWHILE, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 min. Do not allow garlic to burn. Add tomatoes; cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. DRAIN pasta. Add to tomato mixture; mix lightly. Sprinkle with cheese and basil. Sometimes I marinate some chicken strips in the Italian Dressing over night and then bake or grill them. I add the stips to the Capellini. This makes a meal for 4.

Landon went out to check on Miss Cleo on Friday. I took the first picture through the door in our living room. I didn't want to disturb the talk they were having. Cleo is missing Chloe. Her hair is starting to fall out in handfuls. She doesn't eat unless Logan is out there with her talking "her into it". She really needs a bath and a trim, but Cleo isn't in to all that. She loves laying under the deck (that is why she had that muddy look to her) and doing her own thing. She will sometimes let Logan or Landon brush her, but not much. Chloe loved to be brushed and now that I think about it, that was the only time Cleo wanted to be brushed. Logan and I was walking Boston in the side yard Monday night and I noticed all of this white stuff. I thought that Cleo had found some paper and started shredding it. Logan got closer to the fence so he could see and it was her hair. Cleo is not a fan of Boston, in fact, I think she would love to sink her teeth in him. We never let him out into the backyard or near the fence if she is up close to it. Chloe liked Boston and he could go up to the fence and Chloe would sniff at him. Cleo would bare her teeth. We noticed this past Monday that Cleo is starting to be ok with Boston. I walked closer to the fence when I was walking him and she didn't snarl or bark. I told Logan either Cleo is just so tore up about Chloe that she sees Boston as an insignificant twit or she figures that she may need to be nice to him so that she will have another friend. We'll see. Today was the first day that Cleo came out to the fence when the boys and I got home from school. She always did that prior to Chloe passing, but all last week she didn't. Today she came out and sat beside the fence and waited for the boys to come to her. Maybe she is trying in her own way to get back to normal. She still needed Logan as her dinner companion, but she tried to eat more than usual. Chloe always stayed on the deck when we were home. That way she could look in the windows and see us. Cleo would come up and lay down but she still preferred her place under the deck. Since Chloe passed, she seldom will come up unless the boys are there to pet her or Logan is there to sit with her while she eats. Today, I was cooking dinner and looked out onto the deck and there she was. Laying in Chloe's spot where she could see me in the kitchen. Hopefully, she will be back to herself soon. We know how she feels, we miss Chloe Belle too.

disconcert \dis-kuhn-SURT\, transitive verb:1. To disturb the composure of.2. To throw into disorder or confusion; as, "the emperor disconcerted the plans of his enemy."

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop (620 BC - 560 BC), The Lion and the Mouse

Landon at bat for his first game this fall baseball season. He now plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His team won 7-4. Good way to start the season!

suffuse \suh-FYOOZ\, transitive verb:To spread through or over in the manner of fluid or light; to flush.

Have you learned the lessons only of those who admired you, and were tender with you, and stood aside for you? Have you not learned great lessons from those who braced themselves against you, and disputed passage with you?
Walt Whitman (1819 - 1892)

Landon is student of the week this week. He was so excited to tell us. We are very proud of him.

kitsch \KICH\, noun:1. Art characterized by pretentious bad taste.
adjective:1. Relating to, or characterized by, kitsch.

One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.
Sir William Osler (1849 - 1919)

Think of life as a terminal illness, because, if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived.
Anna Quindlen (1953 - ), A Short Guide to a Happy Life, 2000

hoary \HOR-ee\, adjective:1. White or gray with age; as, "hoary hairs."2. Ancient; extremely old; remote in time past.

The Bible verse of the day is now at the end of the blog. It updates itself everyday.

Today would have been my grandmother's 97th birthday. Just wanted to take the time to mention her on the blog. I miss her so much.

I loved her so much that I named Chloe Belle after her. She loved dogs so I think she would have been ok with it!

My friend Debra suggested that I put up a Recipe of the Week. I thought about it and I think it's a great idea. So, if you have any favorite recipes that you don't mind me putting on the blog, just shoot me an e-mail and I will post it.

Hawaiin BBQ

(Many thanks to G.W. for sharing this one-I made it Tuesday night and it was a hit!)

Here is what you need to start:

2 pork loins (I used 4 because I had 2 guests for supper)

1 large can of chunk pineapple in juice

Liquid smoke

1-2 bottles of your favorite BBQ sauce (Regular, not smoked or spicy)

salt and pepper

And the best thing of all:

Your Crockpot

Place pork loins in crock pot. Salt and pepper them well. Open up your pineapple and drain just the juice into the crockpot on the pork loins. Drop about 3 or 4 shakes of liquid smoke (as many as you like) in and cover. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

After cooking, drain the juice out of the crockpot. Shred your pork. Place your pork back into the crockpot and then pour your BBQ sauce in. Cook on low for about 10-20 minutes to heat the sauce thru. Serve.

Suggestions:

I shredded my pork (Logan helped and ended up snacking as he shredded) and placed it back in the pot. I poured one bottle in and looked to see if all was coated. I had a lot of pork so I ended up using 1/2 of the other bottle. I turned my crockpot to "warm" because we had something to do. By the time we got back, about 2 hours, the BBQ was warmed thru on the pork. Very good.

Those left over pineapple pieces would be good on the sandwich as well. If you want some more texture to it.

I am not a big fan of BBQ, but this was awesome. James (who loves BBQ) said it was very good. Everyone enjoyed it because we only had a little bit left for James to have for his lunch the next day.

Send me your recipes thru my e-mail or post them on a comment here. I will post them (and give you the credit you deserve).

Try this recipe soon and let me know your take on it.

Psalm 145:8 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 - 1945)

evanescent \ev-uh-NES-unt\, adjective:Liable to vanish or pass away like vapor; fleeting.

**George Sand (1804 - 1876)**

Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.: George Sand (1804 - 1876)

This is one of my very favorite quotes. If you always give of yourself without hesitation, you have nothing to ever regret.

It is so sad that in our present time most people judge kindness and generosity as a way to gain something, either monetarily or materially. Most people refuse to believe that human kindness is just true. If we all are followers of Christ, then we should be able to see kindness in ourselves and others without judgment. We should all be able to live our lives without regret. Since my own walk with the Lord has been strengthened in this past year, I have accepted the fact that people are going to find fault with what they most lack. It is my desire that I live the rest of my life without regret, with plenty laughter and plenty of love.

kvell • \KVEL\ • verb

: to be extraordinarily proud : rejoice

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

We love you, Chloe. You were such a good dog. It's hard to believe you are gone, but your memory will stay with us forever.

We had to have our dog Chloe put down on Tuesday, Sept. 9th. She had become paralyzed in her back legs and couldn't move at all. She was having to drag herself around. This came on quite suddenly. Back in 2000, Chloe was hit by a car and her left hind leg was badly broken. My father in law and I took her to the animal hospital and had it casted. She was in this cast for about 3 weeks. She had to live in the garage, and let's just say, she wasn't too happy about it. The doctor told us then that she may end up having problems with her hip and leg. At the beginning of this summer she started favoring that leg and we naturally assumed that she was developing arthritis in that leg. She still ran around and did pretty much what she wanted. Sunday, Landon noticed Chloe trying to go down the steps on the deck and her back legs were shaking. He really didn't think too much about it because she had begun, as the summer passed on, to get slower in her walking and getting up. When James came home that evening from work he sent the boys out to check the food and water for Chloe and Cleo. It's not unusual for the girls to lie on the deck, so the boys thought nothing of them being up there. Just when Logan put the food down did he notice that Chloe couldn't stand. He got James immediately. When I got home from work, I went out with James to pet her and look at her. She wouldn't stand, but when we mashed on her legs, she didn't cry either. I at first thought that maybe she had dislocated that bad leg. James and I took her to the vet on Monday and Dr. Fuller told us he thought that she had either a slipped disc in her back causing the paralysis or she had an embolism. He thought by her symptoms that it was most probably an embolism. He said what happens is a piece of cartlidge breaks off from the disc and then travels up the spinal cord finally blocking a nerve. This results in the paralysis. He said that since she had virtually no feeling in the back of her legs, it was less likely to be a slipped disc but we could still have a myleogram to rule it out. He said for the embolism we needed to have a MRI and surgery. The success of surgery being successful was virtually nothing. He felt that too much time had elapsed. He did give her a steroid shot and told us that maybe it would reduce the swelling around the spinal cord. If it didn't, we could have the MRI and surgery (very expensive) or we could take the alternate route which was to put her down. We prayed that there would be improvement, but sadly, there was none. Just a steady progression of paralysis thru the night. It was hard to call Dr. Fuller and tell him we had to choose the other method, but what could we do. If we let her stay like she was, she would have many sores and most likely become impacted. She couldn't hunch to pee or evacuate her bowels. If we laid her out she could evacuate, but she didn't know that she was. It was so sad to see her this way. We all agreed we had to do what was best for Chloe and let her go. After James came home from work today, we took her to Dr. Fuller. Logan and Landon stayed at home. They were pitiful. I hated to leave them, but James had to sit in the back with Chloe and somebody had to drive. Logan told me he knew we were doing the right thing, but it hurt so bad. Chloe, as you can see in the pictures I will post on here, loved Logan. She would always stand on the deck and look in the windows to see him. She loved us all, but Logan was special. Landon has had a hard time with it because of the fact that Chloe was going to be cremated. Landon is against it based on Biblical reasoning. He was also questioning would Chloe get to go into heaven. Nothing we really told him would ease his mind. My godmother told me a story of a mom who had written Billy Graham a letter about her son losing his pet. The son stated he didn't want to go to heaven if his dog wasn't there. Billy Graham told her to let her son know that he would be there. Mama Jo told me to tell Landon this and to tell him that in heaven there is no disappointments. Landon prayed that God would accept Chloe into heaven and let her go live with his nina and pops. When James and I got back, those kids were different. They had a peace about them and they are convinced that Chloe is in heaven, waiting for when they come. Landon told me that he asked God, because God is a good God, and he knows the desires of our heart. He also tries to give us those desires. Since there will be no disappointment in heaven, surely that means that Chloe is there.

Logan took his driver's permit test today at Crescent. He passed!! I don't think he even studied too much (so look out!) They have to hold the papers until Oct. 18th, (his 15th birthday) then we can take him to the DMV to get his picture taken. Wow, I am going to have my very own chauffeur soon!!!

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51:1-2

If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. Men will believe what they see.
Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862)

camaraderie(noun) [kaw'-mah-RAW-dah-ree, kam'-ah-RAD-ah-ree]
1. close friendship in a group of friends or teammates: "I love having dessert with friends and basking in sugar and camaraderie."

I recently finished reading David Sedaris' When You are Engulfed in Flames. It was by far my favorite of his books. I am telling you all, even if you don't think that you will enjoy a memoir/essay book, give one a try. He is funny, engaging and just completely entertaining.

I also completed the book Fractured by Karin Slaughter. This was my first book by her and I really enjoyed it. I found it difficult to put down. I will be looking to buy some more of her books. Her books are mystery, crime and thriller all mixed up.

You will probably NEVER find any romance book recommendations on this blog. I hardly ever will read them. I find that a lot of these type of books are so far fetched (I know, I read vampire books so how can I say that!) I just can't get into them. I guess is that I know that romance is real. Bridges of Madison County is one book I just despise. I find it too unrealistic in that someone would give up their life for someone they just met.

Know of any good mystery writers? Read a great memoir? Leave a comment on here and I will check it out.

By the way, Fractured and When You are Engulfed in Flames will be listed on Ebay on Tuesday.

The election results are in! Connor is the new president of Starr Elementary. Landon was defeated by a girl (which we knew would probably happen) but he is really cool about it. He said that it was ok he didn't win, it just meant God had something else for him in store. He did have an upside today (that he forgot and Connor had to remind him to tell me!). He found out that he scored Advanced in all areas of PACT again. Last year he was one of three recognized by the district from Starr Elementary. This is a good thing. He should really be proud of himself.

This is an old photo of Connor and Landon, I was going to take a new one tonight since Connor is here spending the night, but some people went and jumped in the pool.

People always ask what my brother looks like and do we favor. Well, here he is people. Do you think we look alike? Not many people do. The cute little dog in the picture with him (but not as cute as my Boston) is Hershey. He is a chocolate cocker spaniel. He is so loved by my brother. This picture was taken at Myrtle Beach in July 2008. He doesn't board his dog like I have to mine, because his wife understands that Hershey needs a vacation too. (Hint to James: Maybe Boston needs one?)

Obviously this blog is going to undergo changes just like my hair color does month to every other month. Ya'll let me know if you like the new changes. I love butterflies.

This is what Landon looked like after delivering his "speech" and handing out his 170 bags of candy. Poor thing was so sleepy he fell asleep on his dad's boxers.

Man, we didn't realize that campainging cost so much. Let me tell you people, candy is not cheap. We couldn't just give out 1 piece of candy either. We had to make BAGS! Over 170 bags just for the 4th and 5th grade. We actually did about 200 bags. All with labels that said Landon Hewell for Vice President. I started bagging all the candy and doing the labels by myself when I figured I might need some help to actually make a dent in the 200 that we needed. As you can see from the pics, some people weren't too happy about helping. James dared me to take his picture. He was stuffing bags and was not thrilled. I had a system with the candy, but when it came time for James to stuff the bags, well, let's just say that some kids probably ended up with 7 tootsie rolls and 1 piece of gum than the variety I had planned. You know, sucker, bubble gum, tootsie roll, sweet tarts, sour tarts, now and laters, jawbreaker and etc. Towards the end, we ended up having lots of gum left so James started doing what he liked to refer to as "MOTIVATION BAGS". I can hear some parent really cussing us now when their kid shows up with 25 pieces of hubble bubble.

Posters: $40.00 plus $10 more for expedited shipping

Candy: $35.00

Bags and labels : $8.00

The look on his face if he wins: PRICELESS

Self Improvement Month? International Square Dance Month? And my personal favorite...National Bed Check Month. Every day in September has some type of bizarre holiday to it. Here are my favorites:
Sept. 2 National Beheading Day (Man, does that make it legal cause I am sure there is a couple of people around here I could behead...I JEST!)
Sept. 5 Is Be Late for Something Day (I would just call that James Hewell Day)
Sept. 7 Neither Rain nor Snow (No Kidding--However, we may get Rain because of the Hurricane)
Sept. 11 No News is Good News Day
Sept. 12 National Chocolate Milkshake Day (A reason to cheat on a diet)
Sept. 14 National Cream Filled Donut Day
Sept. 16 Stay Away from Seattle Day and Collect Rocks Day (Sounds like a plan)
Sept. 20 National Punch Day (there are some I would like to punch, but i bet it's referring to the kind you drink)
Sept. 23 Checkers Day and DOGS IN POLITICS DAY (they really need to move that one to November--especially this year!)
Sept. 26 National Good Neighbor Day (I am that everyday!)
Sept. 27 Crush a Can Day (that would be better if it said "against your head or against your neighbor's head")
Sept. 28 Ask a Stupid Question Day (That is everyday for some people)

Really though, on a serious note, the government has designated September as National Preparedness Month- So get prepared because if you vote for Obama in November you're gonna need them supplies.

I got this great e-mail from a friend (thanks Ms. Dove) and I thought I would publish it here. Comment me on it and feel free to copy, paste and send it in e-mails. This was in a nice two column form, but it didn't work on here. Just know that McCain's answer is first then Obama's

Subject: Presidential Candidate Comparisons -- Important Information for all
For those of you for Obama, let me know what here is not true.

Interesting comparison -- You decide
SIMPLE MATH:

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS
ISSUE
JOHN McCAIN
BARAK OBAMA
Favors new drilling offshore US
Yes
No
Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it
Yes
No
Served in the US Armed Forces
Yes
No
Amount of time served in the US Senate
22 YEARS
173 DAYS
Will institute a socialized national health care plan
No
Yes
Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy
No
Yes
Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately
No
Yes
Supports gun ownership rights
Yes
No
Supports homosexual marriage
No
Yes
Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase
No
Yes
Voted against making English the official language
No
Yes
Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals
No
Yes
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN
15% (no change)
OBAMA
39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN
(no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500Single making 50K - tax $12,500Single making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 60K- tax $9,000Married making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400Single making 50K - tax $14,000Single making 75K - tax $23,250Married making 60K - tax $16,800Married making 75K - tax $21,000Married making 125K - tax $38,750Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN
- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

You can verify the above at the following web sites:
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

I have had so many people ask me what books are good or not, I decided to put up some of my recommendations. I read a good bit, but since they decided to limit (END) our internet activity at work, I have been reading more. I should be reading Continuing Education stuff, but I like reading books, trashy gossip magazines and anything that may humor me.

Logan and I just finished the Twilight series. This is really geared towards teenagers, but hey, I read Gossip Girl (LOVED IT!) and I figured why not. There are 4 books in this series. Twilight was awesome, New Moon was the second, Eclipse was the third (I think maybe this was my favorite) and the final was Breaking Dawn. I tell you, if you read the first one, you will continue on. I fell in love, really, with Edward. He wasn't too much in the second book that is why I probably didn't like it so much. Edward rocks. The first book is coming to theaters on NOV. 21 (Don't forget Kailee!!!). It was supposed to come out on Dec. 12 but they moved it up. Can't wait til they start showing the previews to it.

I am a HUGE James Patterson fan. Just finished reading (read it Sunday at work) You've Been Warned. It is almost like the movie Premonition. I liked it, but not one of his best. I also finished on Saturday James Patterson's Double Cross. Loved it. I am a huge fan of his Alex Cross character.

Started Saturday (after Double Cross was done) and finished Sunday morning Nicholas Spark's Three Weeks with my Brother. I absolutely loved this book. This is one everyone should read.

I am a big fan of David Sedaris. If you don't know who Sedaris is, you need to Google him. He is a gay man that really pokes fun at his life and that of his family. He will have you in tears. Most of his books are more like memoirs. I have read Dress Your Family in Courdory and Denim, Me Talk Pretty One Day (FUNNY!!!!) and Barrel Fever. Barrel Fever is more essays and stuff. So not all of it is true. Up next for my reading enjoyment is When You are Engulfed in Flames. Really, if you ever have a bad day and you think your life is crazy and so are the people in it, David Sedaris lets you know that you are not alone. I will let you all know how When You are Engulfed in Flames turns out.

I have also finished Sloane Crosley's essays in I Was Told There'd Be Cake. She is funny. She is on her way to being a David Sedaris in my book.
I also just finished (see, I read ALL OF THE TIME!) Stop Dressing your Six Year Old like a Skank. This was too funny and it's in essay form.

Here are a few more:
James Patterson: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas (and any of his Alex Cross series)
James Patterson: Sail
Jonathan Kellerman: Compulsion (really any of his Alex Delaware stories)
Chelsea Handler: My Horizontal Life (memoir) and her latest Are You There Vodka, it's Me Chelsea. I have laughed til I cried with these.
Janet Evanovich: All of the Stephanie Plum series. You must read them in order. You will love her.
Logan and I really love all of the Harry Potter books too. They really are good, better than the movies.
Augusten Burroughs Running with Scissors is awesome. It is a memoir and even though they made a movie about it, it does the book NO JUSTICE. This is really good.

Logan and I have started a new series of books by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. They are the House of Night Series. They are also geared towards teenagers. The first one is Marked. Usually I read the book then pass it on to Logan to make sure it's ok for him to read. I didn't do that with the Twilight series and I didn't do it with this one either. I started Marked last night at work and it has some trashy stuff in it (Logan told me before I started reading it) but I think the series is going to be good. It's funny, it talks about sex but then the main character comes up and says that is something she knows she shouldn't do right now so she doesn't. I guess it is just putting it out there that kids (at 14,15) talk about it and some actually do it, but she is saying that it isn't ok for her right now.

Comment me back on any good books YOU have read recently!

Oh, some of my books are on Ebay so feel free to check out my page. I usually always sell my books because I have nowhere to keep them. Although, I did give Double Cross to a nurse I work with. See, I am nice too!

My ebay ID is zingerflinger. Just go to advanced search, click on items by seller and then type in zingerflinger. That easy.

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isthmus

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