Read a "SPOOKY" Book

As Halloween approaches I'm reminded of the many "spooky" books I've enjoyed reading to the girls over the years. I love reading so it's natural to have found some favorites for this time of the year. Perhaps you may find these fun to share with your little ones.
And for the younger "ghostlings" there's these to pick from.
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Nature's Going to Bed

My favorite season of the year is upon us. It's such a beautiful time to rejoice in the summer we enjoyed and look to the upcoming holidays and winter.Farmers start bringing in the hay.... dried cornstalks appear everywhere.This year I saw several fields of sunflowers. They were so pretty to watch as they swayed in the breeze.And who can resist a visit to the pumpkin stands?

Yes there is something truly special about this time of the year. As the days get shorter we seem to reflect on what is most important in our lives... at least I do. I'm thankful for the beauty of the earth... of the bounty it provides for us. I'm thankful for my family, for my home, for my employment... for all the things I have. Most of all, I'm thankful for the knowledge I have that as nature goes to bed for the winter, it will awaken in the spring and renew itself again. Our loving Father has truly blessed us.

My Beautiful Girl!

Here she is... my little Emile on the day of her birth. Looks like she had a rough night at Lumpy's Pool Hall, doesn't it?? Actually she had. Em's birth was very stressful and potentially life threatening to say the least, but we both made it through. Hard to believe she's 15 today!

It's been an interesting journey so far. What a beautiful young lady she's becoming.

To help her celebrate, Em had a sleepover with some of her friends. From left to right... Em, Tara, Sara, Kara, Carley, and Jenna in front. What a group!

"Happy Birthday dear Emile, Happy Birthday to you.. and many more!"

The wheels on the bus go round and round... all over Brown's Orchards.

Get out of the fields!!

We're pretty, oh so pretty.

How do we get out of this maze???

Her favorite birthday present??? Finally getting to meet her new friend, Rick.

Oh yes, my baby is growing up before my eyes. From the love of my life 15 years ago, to the love of my life today, I can't imagine life without her. Emile is strong, intelligent, outgoing, generous when need be, and radient. Happy Birthday, sweetheart! I LOVE YOU.... for always and forever, my baby you'll be.

In The Beginning

Here is a copy of my great-grandparent's, (Elam Shoemaker & Maud Eberly) wedding certificate. Cousin Steve emailed it to me (thanks Steve). Elam and Maud were the parents of Pappy (Thaddeus Shoemaker), and he was my mother's father. I'd never seen the certificate before, and unfortunately I don't have any pictures of them (at that time) to go with it. As I get more information about the "old folks" I'll be posting it. I feel driven to share their stories. Who knows what we may learn.

Lest We Forget

For those who may not remember the intensity of September 11, 2001, here's a reminder. The events of that day are still as fresh in my mind... I clearly remember every tear I shed, every disbelief I felt, the utter rage I experienced. I hope I never forget how I felt that day! It reminds me of the importance of being an American... of the freedoms I enjoy... and of how fragile life truly is.
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There's nothing else to say.

Yikes!

I thought I'd better do an update just so people don't think I've run away from home (even though that's not a bad idea). The past couple weeks have gone by so fast... I can't believe it's September.

The girls are back in school. Em's in marching band again this year. She's also decided to give tennis a try and is on the West York team. She played her first doubles match 2 weeks ago, and while she and her partner lost the match (6-4) they were competitive! Not bad for someone just starting out. Way to go!

Brie is in Middle School this year. It's so hard to grasp that my girls are growing up so fast. She has a loaded schedule which includes computer ed, band, chorus, the "typical" core subjects, and advanced placement math. She's adjusting to her new environment really well.

I received news about a new client to add to my schedule. I will see this person 3 times a week for an indefinate period of time. It's an ALS (Lou Gehrig's) case so it's difficult to predict how long the person will do well and/or survive. I've gone in twice and we're off to a good start.

Just a little info for the time being. I should "slow down" in the next week as things get back into a routine. I love this time of year!

Let's HATE America!!!

Ok, now that I have your attention, may I PLEASE ask a question? Why do citizens of the United States of America hate this nation so much? May I follow this question with another? If said citizens hate the United States of America so much, why don't they get the hell out of said county? There are plenty of other nations on the planet. Why don't they go somewhere else.... somewhere where they would have more and be happier? Just a few questions I've been thinking about the last few days.Does burning the flag really make one feel better? Do flag burners truly know what the flag represents? Do they care? I suppose the answer is obvious!And do we really believe this MORON really knows what he's doing? Is he helping build up this nation or tearing it down even more? I guess he does see a LOSER when he looks in the mirror every day!Speaking of LOSERS, what about "The Reverend" Jeremiah Wright and his hate filled teachings? "God bless America, NO, God #@%* America." What's up with that? Do we REALLY want God's damnation upon our country? I surely hope not. Hard to believe such hatred is being "preached" in a church.Does anyone question the intentions of a political candidate for President of the United States who objects to putting his hand over his heart as a sign of respect for our flag? Come on people! Shame on us if this doesn't bother us a tiny bit!I don't even know what to say about this except if the people wearing these costumes lived in... oh say.... IRAQ a few years ago, they'd have been "disposed of" without mercy. Freedom does have its benefits.Maybe I should illegally enter another country and live off their citizens! I can't even get reasonable insurance as an American, however, illegals can get free healthcare. That's just scratching the surface. The problems not going away. I suppose the way I feel makes me a racist, right? Oh wait, my children are MEXICAN. There great-grandparents came here LEGALLY. They learned the language (English), worked hard and made a good life for themselves. They became AMERICANS! My children have a proud heritage. They come from good stock!Ok so I'm on an obvious rant. I just so tired of everyone hating this country. Seriously, if it's so bad, leave. Period. Stop complaining and go somewhere better. Take your venom with you. Negativity will not improve anything. Do we have everything right all the time? Of course not. Do we make mistakes? Sure we do.... ALL OF US! Hatred doesn't solve problems. I don't remember living in a time where there was so much anger... so much ugliness. It's tiring. It makes one weary
Here is my position. I LOVE this country. It is my home. It will always be my home. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN! I support the right to bear arms. I support the war in Iraq. I am against abortion, same sex marriage, illegal immigration, and taking "In God We Trust" off our currency. I am a more and more conservative the older I get. I am certain there isn't another place any better than right here. Perfect? No. Worth fighting for? Absolutely without question! I can't think of anything more worth fighting for. This is my country.

Who'd Have Guessed?

I came across this show a couple weeks ago. For the record, I'm not a huge KISS fan, nor have I ever really been. There are a few songs I like, however, overall it's way too much for me. I was curious as to what I may see from someone like Gene Simmons. I was surprised. While I don't agree with his view of marriage (so far he opposes it even though he's been in a relationship for over 20 years and has two children), I wasn't expecting him to be pretty much "normal." The show is actually interesting. His children are really nice, responsible kids.... well as much as I've seen of them.As usual, my perspective of life changes again. Here's this hard rocker guy... way out there in my view, who is just an everyday guy in "real life." He's not at all what I thought. He's an extremely savvy business man, he doesn't smoke, drink, or gamble (because he hates the idea of not knowing where his money is or how easily it can be lost). He cares deeply for his children and his "life partner," Shannon.

Interesting. Who knew?

What To Do??

I'm having a terrible time deciding what to do about the upcoming elections. For the first time in my life I truly don't know who I'm going to vote for. There are SO many things at stake. Is it only me, or are there more people feeling the same way as I am? Here's how I feel about things at this point.......

PLUS

EQUALS

The person I used to think I'd vote for isn't proving to be the person I thought he was. I remain concerned about national security more now than ever before. The economy struggles. Fuel prices (and prices of everything else because of fuel costs) have had a HUGE impact on my finances. Lots of people are struggling more.

Who will lead us best? Who has the "most" integrity? And what about experience? Does it matter or is the answer in "new blood" rather than established politics? Does pride in one's country matter? What about religious convictions and personal values? So many questions remain unanswered.

What say you?

Nice Surprise

Yesterday I received a phone call from my aunt asking for my sister's phone number. I thought perhaps Aunt Betty was trying to call Cindy to relay some information about one of our uncles whose health is declining. Instead she told me that one of my cousins was in town and they were going over to see Cindy for a little while before he headed back to California. I couldn't pass by the chance to see him too.

Steve is the second born son of my Uncle Gene (who is my mother's brother). He is such a sweetheart! Uncle Gene passed away in 1991 and the last time I saw Steve was at his funeral in Utah. It's hard to believe how many years have passed. Anyway, Steve lives close to Sacramento, is a podiatrist, and the married father of three sons and one daughter.... ranging in age from 23 to 14.

We only got to visit for about an hour but it was great. It's so much fun seeing relatives and being able to talk as equals. I truly enjoyed seeing him and hope to keep in touch with him. I gave him all my "contact" info.... now it's up to him to get in touch when "time" permits. Steve, it you're reading this, don't think for a second that I'm pressuring you.... I'd NEVER do such an underhanded thing like put a challenge on the internet or anything like that. Ok, maybe I would.
Here we all are.... Aunt Betty, Cindy, Uncle Don, Steve, and me. What a great looking group of people! Isn't family the best!!

Breaking Dawn

I have it.... and I'm reading it!! WooHoo! Here it is....So far so good.

Just for the record, I didn't go to the Borders Bookstore party Friday night. I went last year for the release of Harry Potter and that was enough for me. One of Emile's friends wanted to get hers so I gave her a ride and we picked them up... along with another friends copy.

Happy reading!