Once Upon a Time...

there was a very different world...

One where the sun shined, the skies were brillant blue, and we had not a care in the world.

Then our world fell apart...

Our spirits seemed reduced to rubble...

But America is more than a place.  More than a name.

It is a home.

A home to the Free and the Brave...

We shall always overcome.

We shall always stand united.

Since we are America, we will always remember.

Name game

I'm a name girl. Always have been.

I love names.

Naming my own children was like running a marathon.

We had the names we'd call them everyday picked out before they were a twinkle in Big Shooter's eyes. It was the middle names that gave us problems. Since I'd taught school, every name that came into contention I had a distinct like or dislike of.

Boy Child was not near as difficult as Girl Child though.

Big Shooter and I could NOT agree.

I thought we'd come to an agreement on the way to the hospital.

So did he.

Until he went with her to the nursery and I listened intently to the anesthesiologist and my O.B. G.'s conversation... then I wanted to change my mind. I loved the anesthesiologist's daughter's name. AND it was my great-granny's maiden name to boot! Ashton. I loved it.

(Of course I loved Cody Ryan, Paxton, Merry and Yancy too.)

She (the OB) and Big Shooter would have nothing to do with it. They were tired of me and my mind changing. So, they filled out the birth certificate with all the names Big Shooter and I had previously agreed on and I signed it.

Girl Child is blessed with four names.

Poor girl. She still can't wrap her mind around it.

What brought all this up?

Well remember my sweet, new, alternative-livin', heavily tattooed and very young neighbors? Did I mention they were 7 1/2 prego?

With Juniper.

I love that name.


Love Note to my Big Shooter: Thank you for stepping in. You knew who they both were the moment you laid eyes on them. Me, on the other hand, was irrational with extremely high raging prego hormones and couldn't think clearly. You saved the day as usual. Sigh. I love you.

SS just might be stirring the pot...

Many times I watch the news and wonder "What is wrong with today's kids? Why don't they accept responsibility for anything? Where's the empathy? How do they justify their actions?"

Here's a great example. I am sure most of you have heard this story...

FINDLAY, Ohio (Associated Press) -- An Ohio teenager says he expects to be suspended from a Christian school for attending a public school prom with his girlfriend.
Officials at Heritage Christian School in Findlay had warned 17-year-old Tyler Frost that he would be suspended and prohibited from attending graduation if he went to the Saturday dance. The fundamentalist Baptist school in northwest Ohio forbids dancing, rock music and hand holding.
Frost says he went to the dance because he wanted to experience the prom and didn't think it was wrong.
School officials say he could complete his final exams separately to receive a diploma.
Frost's stepfather says the rules shouldn't apply outside of school and he may take legal action if Frost is suspended.

I have a very strong opinion about this situation...and I am sure many of you do not share it.

Here's my take: We have a parent who pays tuition to a school that holds their students to a different standard than the public schools. He knows their beliefs. I am assuming he supports them since his kid is a student there. More than likely his son has signed a Code of Conduct (standard fare in private christian schools) that states he (the son) understands their beliefs, supports them, will uphold them on and off campus in his daily life.

He decides he has been neglected his right to experience life outside his family's choice for him. The school stands their ground. He chooses to go against the rules. And then acts like he's the victim because they are going to follow through with their part of the agreement. Does Daddy-O use this opportunity as a very valuable life lesson? No. He chooses to teach his son the rules don't apply to us. We should be able to do what we want, because we want to. He teaches his boy that he doesn't have to take responsibility for his choices or actions. And he feels very justified in his actions because their strict standards and expectations are too much. Doesn't matter that he knew that going in...

He's passing on a lack of respect for authority.

He's passing on a lack of responsibility for ones' actions and choices.

He's passing on the self-indulgence that is rampant in America.

He's encouraging the distasteful habit of placing blame on others to justify oneself.

That's how I see it.

How about you?

And btw, I totally do NOT agree with the schools beliefs of no dancing, rock music and hand holding. But, that was not the point...

Love Note to my Big Shooter: When I read this the first time, it immediately raised my shackles. How dare this school tell this boy what he can and can not do! Then I thought about it and realized how very wrong I was. It embarrasses and humiliates me that my first reaction was the all too common worldly one... Will you still love me in the morning?

...and then she hung up on me.

I ordered a little some thing for Big Shooter on April 6th.

It left Sacramento on April 9th to begin it's little journey to him.

It arrived in Minneapolis, Minnesota 4 days later.

It went straight past us on it's way to Dallas on April 17th.

After a brief stay in the Big D it traveled to Northeast OK. (I know this as a fact, cause I was following it the whole time on the cool little tracker thingy.)

After another brief stay (in Northeast OK...where we live), it left on it's way to West Virgina.

It arrived in West Virgina... 4 days later... April 26th.

I called FedEx.

The first person was kind and patient. But, clueless.

The second thoughtfully told me my package had arrived safely in West Virgina.

Duh. The problem is I don't live there...I politely explained.

She was unconcerned. And unapologetic.

I was...not. Unconcerned or too thoughtful.

Now I know it is not their fault. I know accidents happen. I know they are trying their best.

But, I really had had all I could take since my package had left Sacramento 15 days prior. Had traveled from the west coast to the north, past us even further south, and then left us...on it's way to the east coast...

So I told her so.

She didn't appreciate my attitude. She told me so.

I told her I didn't appreciate her nonchalant one either.

She didn't appreciate my tone of voice either. She told me so.

I asked her if she was familiar with the geography of the U.S.?

...that's when she hung up on me.

I have this fantastic new software called Bamboo (from a certain group of fabulous friends) where I can draw on pictures. Which I did to show the route of BS's package. It is fun and funny. But, like yesterday's ignorance problem, I cannot get Blogger to upload the saved pic. So you'll just have to imagine lines drawn from the west coast, to the north, to the south, to the east, back to the south and finally to me in OK on this map...

He got his little surprise on May 1.

I tried to call her.

Just to let her know it arrived safely.


Love Note to my Big Shooter: Arrrrgh! Now I know how you feel all the live long day! Dealing with rude, unhelpful people. No wonder you get headaches! Come home to Mamacita...I'll make you forget about the idiots of the world. Wink, wink. ...right after you slay the Blue Dragon so I can share the video...since I am a member of the idiots of the world!

Nicknames, Alternative Handles or "Hey, you!"

My dear bloggy friend, Somebody Loved, asked yesterday if I called Big Shooter anything besides Sledge...

Now those of you who know me personally I politely ask you to stop snickering, cause this is supposedly a family friendly(ish) kinda blog and I'm not sharing all the nicknames Big Shooter gets called...often.

Sheila's question really got me thinking about names we are affectionately called or call others. Every time I talked to one of the Crumbs today, I thought about what I called them. I am definitely a nicknamer.

When I taught 3rd graders, I rarely called them by their names. I always called them Sweetie, Honey, Darlin', Love Child (I know, that last one is borderline weird.). Every new class took a little adjusting, then they all got used to it and didn't ask why anymore. I didn't have an answer anyway. I just did it. I still do. Everyone in my life has a nickname of some sort. They may not know it. But I do...and more than likely so do the Crumbs and Big Shooter.

Big Shooter's real life name starts with a B, so when we first dated that's all I called him. B. Now, once his fam got used to my personality and my name starts with S...you get the picture. Together, we are a bunch of BS...I know, it's corny. But, it sure is true corniness.

I really just call him Love. Or Darlin'. Or Love Monkey. Or Hunka Burnin' Love. Or Bubba. Or Dork. But mostly, Love. Sometimes I add Muffin at the end. How's that for feminine Sheila? Are any of those helping Tony feel better about Lovebug?

Now the Crumbs? They don't really know their real given names.
Boy Child gets called - Boy, Pants, Brother, First Child, Boy Child, Sweetheart, Little Love, Darlin', Bubba Boy, Sweet Boy, Sweetheart, and Doofus.
Girl Child gets called - Girl, Skirt, Sister, Sissy, MBR (her initials), Sweetness, Sugar, Love Child, Princess, Baby Cakes, Sweetie, Honey Bunch, Darlin', and Dorkus.

Even Olliver doesn't really know his name. He gets called - My Baby, Babykins, The Good Child, The Dumb Dog, The Damn Dog, The Bestest Dog, Frog Man, Salty Dog, Scrawny Legs, Dead Weight and of course, Brain Dead.

What do you call your fam, friends, loved ones...enemies?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: B, Bubba, Sledge, Love, Darlin', Sweetie-Pie-Honey-Bunch, Love of my Life, Dorkfest. Of all of them, my favorite is Survivor. Before you get all swarmy and gooey warm on the inside, I don't mean cancer survivor, I mean a survivor of me....heh, heh.

I lost my fair and balanced card.

I, shockingly, get accused of being far, faaaar right. A brain-less, evangelical follower. My most fave assumption/opinion, and of course completely unbiased, accusation is being a most fair and balanced...um, indoctrinated citizen?
I would totally agree with all those educated, unbiased and completely open minded opinions except for one thing ~ apparently my Fair and Balanced card expired.
I haven't turned on the fair and balanced in months.
I didn't ever notice before, during my crazy indoctrination days, how much make-up these people wear.
I didn't recognize any young, roving reporters.
But what did it for me is, "Where the heck is Allen?????"
Seriously.
Someone fill me in.
Please.
Is he gone? Is it really just the Sean Show w/out any checks and balances?
Did he defect to a less fair and balanced show?
Does anyone miss him besides me?
These are the questions that kept me up last night.

Change? I ain't seein' it so far...

It's been awhile since I stirred the pot, got a bee in my (or others') bonnet, or otherwise caused a ruckus with my opinions.

So here goes...

It was all about CHANGE. Wasn't it?

Well here's a change I, for one, would really like to see.

Treat the Office of the Presidency with respect, honor and humility... not a red carpeted Hollywood event.

I have been looking forward to walking through this inauguration celebration with the Crumb Snatchers. I love the fact the first big historical milestone they will remember forever is a very good one. We all have the big ones in our own lives. Where were you when Reagan was shot? Where were you on 9-11?

I am thrilled my kiddos' first will be, "Where were you the day the first black president was sworn in?"

I love the fact inauguration is like a week-long celebration of renewal. I love the feeling of cleaning house, starting fresh. (stay with me here, all you doubters) I love Washington D.C. and all it's trappings of pomp and circumstance. However, I have not been thrilled with the celebrations thus far...

Call me cranky, a kill-joy, boring, too traditional, whatever you must. I do not give a rat's ass what Bono Fido Lunatic, Sheryl Crows Non-Stop Liberalism, Tom no tHanks, or (bless his precious pea-picker I do truly love him) Tiger, George cLooney Bin, Usher, Denzel or any other celebrity has to say about the duties and responsibilities of the President of the United States. I really don't.

The last Prez we had who treated the White House like a Hollywood Hooter's turned it into a revolving door of self indulgence, celebrity entertainment and a Secret Service nightmare.

I so hope Elect does not continue on the path his planners seem to have him on...

I understand he has to give kudos, earned air time and credit to all the Hollywood Lefties who helped get him where he stands...I do.

But, I so hope he ends it there.

Please, please Mr. President-Elect do not allow Hollywood to move in with you on Tuesday. Cause, you know that other half of America that didn't want you? Well, we all feel the same about this issue and we are all watching to see what your first few decisions say about you and your loyalties.

Por Favor?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: You're suuuure it's okay to share your most embarrassing moment of the weekend with everyone tomorrow? Really sure? Cause, if you are...I'm sharing. And y'all, it has everything in common with Obama's CHANGE, and HOPE, and PROGRESSION, and ALTERNATIVES. Because I hope Big Shooter changes his progression or he will be livin' in alternative housing.

A Historical Moment, and all I could focus on was...

* 3 blue ties, 1 purplish & 1 red striped.

* Purplish? Hope that's not a Lewinski doo-dad.

* Only the two youngest have the little flag lapel. Wonder why?

* Senior looks like a very relaxed farmer/rancher shootin' the breeze with his hands in his pockets. Wonder if you can see the tell tale round shape of a can in his back pocket?

* Elect looks simply giddy. Or is that discomfort between the two Texans? I can't distinguish. Does W have Tex-Mex breath b/c Elect is leanin' towards Sr.?

* Jr., after 8 years, still cannot find it within to look comfortable in pictures. Why has someone not taken pity on the man and given him some pointers???? Reminds me of my grade school pictures, "Let your hands hang naturally at your sides." Yeah, right. They never look natural.

* Bill, what a weeny. (Sorry, that's always my first thought.) Then - Hmmm, why does he always have his hands on people? Jr., surprisingly, seems oblivious to his touch. (I know. It was said with tongue in cheek people. Don't bombard my inbox.)

* Why is Juh-immy seem so distant? Is it because Bill's trying to pull him closer? Are all the scary voices coming back? Or is he just that unbelievably uncomfortable without a hammer in his hand?

* I wonder if Elect will ever smoke in that room cause those draperies will be a !#$%@ to get the smell out of.

* And last, "Hey Crumbs, come take a look at a very cool picture..."

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Thank you for never wearing a purplish tie. I can't begin to convey my gratitude...

Love Bugs, Kings & Queens and other Traditions

I said traditions in the title, but really I don't think they are considered family traditions as much as they are considered Quirks.

While we were driving today Boy Child called out that he'd seen a yellow Volkswagen bug to which Girl Child and I immediately sang out, "I'm so happy you're my brother/son." When we see a red one it warrants a blowin kiss and an "I love you" to the finder.

When Big Shooter and I were dating we began with the familiar Slug Bug game. It quickly changed to Hug Bug and then just as rapidly evolved to Kiss Bug for obvious young hormonal love reasons. When we introduced this game to the kiddos we also quickly came to our senses and realized we did not like the Slug Bug version and the Hug version didn't seem to work out easily either. So we came up with a color coded Bug Game. Red means we show love to each other, yellow is happiness, and green is all of it. Other colors mean you can use your imagination as long as it's positive. "Old antique" bugs mean double of whatever color it is. And by old antique I mean the kind I grew up with.

Our next quirkiness comes from our habit to kiss as soon as we cross a state line. We used to just jam our foot as far under the dash as we could so we'd be "the first in the state", until we had the bright idea to kiss instead. Ahhh, again with the virtues of young, horny love...

The last one I'm sharing today is one many of you have heard us do. I don't even remember how or why it began. I will say, though, it tells a whole lot about people and their relationships. Whenever Big Shooter and I have a non-agreeing point of view on something you will hear one of us say to the other, "You know you're going to have to say it, right?" to which the other will confidently reply, "You mean you're going to have to say it!"
The it is a simple statement uttered when one or the other's point is proven incorrect. They have to say, "I was wrong. You were right. You're the King (or Queen)." Now while you smile or giggle at this I would love for you to try it with your spouse.

This is what we've learned over the years:

• Some people cannot even get out the "I was wrong" part.
• And some can't get the "You were right" part past their tongues.
• But, for some reason, naming someone your King or Queen seems to hold the most difficulty.

Try it and let me know.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I told you I wouldn't share them all...now you have to say it. It's like music to my ears. "You're the Queen."

Pregnancy Cravings

Sauerkraut.

That was mine.

For breakfast.

For lunch.

And again for dinner sometimes too.

Big Shooter and I had a little on Saturday and it reminded him of waking up to the nauseating smell in the mornings during our very first pregnancy.

I didn't have any particular, singular cravings like that in the next three pregnancies. I would think of some thing that sounded good around 3 or 4 in the afternoon and then my dinner was not complete until I'd had whatever it was. For instance, if I had a fabulous baked potato soup in the crock pot waiting at home with all the fixin's and I thought of a chicken Caesar salad around 4, I wouldn't feel like I ate dinner no matter how much yummy soup I ate until I had the salad. We just learned to go with it...after many late night runs to the grocery or late night take-out. The cravings were rarely the same from day to day like the sauerkraut had been. It would range from a grape icee in the dead of winter to acorn squash with butter and brown sugar the next day. No rhyme or reason.

I am not really sure why all this came pouring out today.

It was kinda like the cravings.

Just came outta nowhere.

Did any of you have any cravings?

Or other oddities?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Wow. What a blast from the past! I loved walking down Memory Lane with you this weekend. It was refreshing in many ways. So many years, so many unbelievable moments and experiences. I wouldn't trade a single one.

Weeell, that's stretching it a teensy weensy little bit. There might be one or two we could skipped.

Life Lessons by Amelia Ant

"Mesmerizing." ~ Girl Child age 8

"Entertaining." ~ Boy Child age 10

"Incredible Ingenuity." ~ Big Shooter age 40

"Show Stoppers." ~ Straight Shooter age almost 40

"Unbelievable, Incredible Feats of Strength." ~ All Shooter family members several times daily

At first, it may sound as if we were describing a Broadway hit or at least the Freak Sideshow at the circus, but it is not to be.

We are speaking, a-gain (say it like Forest Gump when he went to the White House...a-gain) of our industrious house guests ~ the Ants.

We have all spent so much time observing, commenting and critiquing I finally had the brilliant idea to record some of my favorites.

Before I share, I want it stated for the record, I will not be giving credit where credit is due because I don't remember where credit is due. What I do know is I will more than likely commit the first ever mistake of my life and incorrectly give credit to the incorrect person and then hear about it from the correct one. Which in turn will cause arguments amongst Big Shooter's Spaw...I mean our loving, kind and patient blessings might kindly ask me to make some minor, inconsequential post editing changes at my earliest convenience. So out of the kindness of my pea-picker, I will just state my business and move on.

I am going to title these observations: Life Lessons from an Ant's View Point.

* "Never give up! The break through is sooo close!"

* "No task is too daunting with persistence."

* "Determination will get you places...amazing places!"

* "Every little bit helps."

* "Your load may seem heavy, but someone else's is guaranteed to be heavier."

* " You can always back yourself out of tight places."

* "Diligence pays in giant rewards!"

* " Always give the right of way."

* "If the mountain in front of you seems too big, find another way or go under it."

* "It is always better to have a friend's help."

* "Together we can move whole mountains!"

* "There is light at the end of the tunnel!"

* "When disaster strikes, there is only one thing you can do - start over."

* "Team work! Team work! Team work! Rah, rah, rah!!"

* "There is always more than one way to get there."

* "Our world is fragile and must be respected."

* "Really hard work pays off!"

* "Chip, chip, chipping away gets rid of something unwanted."

* "A breakthrough is cause for great celebration!"

And my favorite observation thus far:

* "Frequent grooming is a very good thing..."

Amen Sister!! ...or Brother.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Let's play Ants. You be the Daddy Ant and I'll be the Momma Ant and I'll meet you in the shower for some "frequent grooming" 'kay?

What would be a fair turn about...

for pee on the seat?
Not from the 10 yo. male resident.
But, from the 40 yo. male resident.

I just don't get it.

Is it really that hard/heavy/difficult/whatever to lift?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Sorry for ratting you out Darlin'. Really. But, ewww.

To Lie or Not to Lie?

Here's my dilemma.

We whole-heartily jumped into the Santa Trap.

Our lie has evolved past "Yes Virgina, there really is a Santa Claus."

Waaay past.
Our lie has taken on a life of it's own.

In fact, I am embarrassed to even share all we've filled their little heads with. (By us, I mean me.)

Last night Boy Child came to me with chin trembling and asked The Question.

I didn't come right out and lie some more. But, Big Shooter did.

Another whopper.

I was ready to gently pop the bubble. He (Big Shooter) said, "Uh uh. No way. Not yet."

So my question(s) is this.

How long (if you fell into the Lie Machine too) did you pursue it? And more importantly, how did you break the truth?

Cause honestly y'all I am not looking forward to this...

P.S. The Reusable Bag Give-Away ends this evening! Be sure to enter.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: You know I love you with every fiber of my being? That I stand behind you no matter what? I've got your back at all times. But when it comes to parenting, sometimes I wonder if I need to stand behind you...and swing my frying pan.

Election Day is 1 month away...or is it?

I sat down with my notebook and Hershey bar ready to watch the debates.

This is how far I got.

...before I fell asleep. Like snorin' deep.

For my friends that are rolling their eyes right now...but will send me an email in a few minutes to ask me just what my notes said, I am just going to share them now to save you time. I am very thoughtful and generous that way. Notes in red.

1) McCain: "Not you Tom." I looked at Big Shooter and said, "WHUH?! What in the heck?" it was weird and rude.

2) Concerning Fannie & Freddie: Did he say just say Obama was the 2nd highest campaign fund benefactor? Must check that out.

3) Obama: "No one wants to hear politicians standing up here pointing fingers." Amen Brother.

4) Loved the bipartisanship points McCain made when he spoke on spending reform, spending reform, spending reform. How often have each really crossed party lines with their votes? Must look up.

5) 78 yo Fiorra ~ Loved, loved, LOVED her question. "What are you going to ask the American people to sacrifice for the good of America?"

If you're wondering about the UH in the top left with tallies: blame Girl Child. She cannot listen to Barrack without counting the "...uh(s)..." he says. I promised her I'd keep track for her. I was awake for the first and last 15 minutes. The count was 53 (in case you were wondering).

I am glad I fell asleep. Because when I woke up I was NOT a happy camper hearing this little tidbit, "Obama only needs ___ # of electoral votes to win."

Pardon Me?!

Y'all I was under the impression the election was in one month. If they already know how they are going to vote (the electoral college) then what in the heck am I wasting my time on?! I have many more things I'd rather blog, worry over and contribute $ to. Don't you?

The more I think about it, the more mad I get.

I'm just going to bed.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I am hoping some home-made chicken noodle soup, comfy quilt, your chair...and your nasty nose spray...will do the trick for you Love.

She Passed the Test, yet again.

I am truly trying to not say some really snarky things...I just don't see that happenin' though. So if you're a Barrack Buddy, please don't hold your breath or anything.

She's been on the stump running for VPOTUS for five weeks and she just stood toe to stiletto with someone who has been professionally blowin' smoke for 35 years... Just so we are clear ~ that's a 1, 815 week or 9, 075 day (I only counted weekdays) difference.

A couple highlights I enjoyed:

* "Paying higher taxes is not patriotic."

* Giving a timeline is like "waving the white flag of surrender". (Said while tapping a watch, We'll be outta you're way at noon on Feb. 20th 2009. You can save all your murderin', schemin', bombin' and head choppin' until the 21st if you don't mind. Then feel free to resume and be sure to make up for lost time...)

* "Go, look back at my comments. You'll see I agreed with Barrack." and "Barrack did not say he'd sit down with Hoobinjobin (can't think of Iranian leader's name) without pre-conditions." Whuh? Huh?! I actually felt bad for Biden with these two comments (amongst many, but these two especially). Does he really think 80,000,000 people did not hear Barrack say these things LIVE. So typical of entrenched politicos. I'll deny it, say I didn't say it, believe I didn't say it, say I didn't really mean it...until you believe me. I loved the retort she had to his first denial, "I watched that debate. I heard what you said. I'm sure the pundits will let us know tomorrow who said what, when."

Quote I wish she would have said to all the, "McCain voted against it. McCain voted against it," would have been, "Duh. Where do you think all the friggin' $$$$ was going to come from to pay for all your Do Good spending?!! Right off the backs of the Average Joe American bustin' his butt to pay for a house and food for his fam, that's where."

I guess it just boils down to the fact I like that she's an average, yocal, middle-class woman who is fed up with the bureaucracy like the rest of us and can speak her mind in non-politico language, stand her ground and not be intimidated by Washington's Finest. I find it interesting that people who don't like her, name the very same reasons. Seriously, I find that interesting.

She talked to the American public personally. He tried.

I did, however, come away with a much better opinion of him in the long run. Kinda. Okay, not much better. But, I did feel for him when he teared up and I love the fact he is so passionate about Israel and he goes home to Wilmington every night from D.C. to be with his fam. THOSE were fabulous things to find out.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Sweetie, I tried to hold back the snarkiness in the post. I really did. But, it's been driving me crazy all week so I'll say it to you ~ You know all those people that called her names, said she was an emotional train wreck, didn't have a chance or a clue? Or my fave, that she couldn't form a thought on her own? Do you think it may have been because they watched edited, pasted together versions of interviews designed to make her look bad...and (gasp) they themselves fell for it? Do ya think that coulda, maybe happened Sweetie? Nah? Me neither.

Pledge of Alligence

Back in May I received this email. Not being a particularly large McCain fan yet, I now wonder what made me save it for so long...

The Pledge of Allegiance - by Senator John McCain

"As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.

This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home.

One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.

Mike came from a small town near Selma , Alabama . He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School. Then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.

As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.

Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed it on the inside of his shirt.

Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.

I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.

One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.

That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.

The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. Four naked light bulbs hung in each corner of the room.

As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian. He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.

So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world. You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country."

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Oh. My. Word.

Liberals described her as: snarky, condescending, mean, nasty, hypocrite, vile, no substance, puppet, on and on.

Conservatives described her as: a new star, dead-on, called a spade a spade, fresh, hit it outta the park, truthful, hope, on and on.

Ma and Pa Shooter? Here were some of our descriptions: "Yes!", "(raised eyebrows) and they said she's a wall flower?"," Holy Moley! She's got some cajones!", "Now, that's a Mama Bear!"," Wow, she's tellin' it like it is...", "She's a hot-tee! (said by me)!", "I want her to be the POTUS...(said by Big Shooter)"

Obviously, we in the Shooter household are conservative. Obviously. But, I am wondering how you all feel? Any one else watch? What say you?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Oh Baby! It's gonna get hot come November. So when do you think you'll give me The Sign Nod for the lawn? I've had my master Sign Location Plan completed for some time now!

Godiva Chocolate give-away...thanks to Saucy Sashi.

Here's the deal.
It was my Other Spouse's birthday.
Happy birthday Saucy Sashi.

I was going to go kidnap/wake her up at the butt-crack of dawn and take her to IHOP to have breakfast with a whole slue of her friends this Saturday.

She ruined that idea.

Cause apparently she needs to go celebrate her marriage to Taco Bandito Out-of-Town-by-Themselves.

Love Fest.

Gag-a-Ramma.

I only say that cause I'm so unbelievably jealous. The only time we've gone Out-of-Town-by-Ourselves-without-Crumb Snatchers, Big Shooter threw up the entire time. The. entire. time. It was a real Love Fest. A real Gag-a-Ramma too.
(Here's another famous time he said, "I think I'm gonna get sick.")

Anyway, after much fly by the seat of your pants, decision making we all threw together a quick Birthday Dinner out for her. I figured we'd go to some nicer restaurant down by the river. (Plainsville's version of San Antonio's Riverwalk) But when I called Taco to ask if he'd be available and willing to do solo kid care, I figured I'd better ask his opinion just to make sure...

Now, trying to pull one over on Sashi is like trying to give a cat a bath. So I finally just said, "BTW, Girl Child and I are coming to get you for dinner tomorrow. Taco said he'd be available for kiddos and he said Yocal-Local Mexican restaurant is your fave place. We'll be there at 6:30." She was a little caught off guard and didn't say anything more about it. Until the next morning...

When she called and casually asked if we could change locations because Taco wasn't thinking clearly when he told me Yocal-Local Mexican.... "Ummm, of course. It's your birthday. We'll go where ever you want." I was so proud. I held my self together long enough to make several phone calls that divvied up the list of people to be called since we'd be meeting in less then 8hrs.

During those few hours, she:

* informed me "to be flexible" b/c she'd spoke with Taco Bandito and "wasn't sure when or if he'd be home in time tonight. We may have to change plans." (We already did that unbeknownst to her. Thankyouverymuch.)

* decided to go shopping at Wally World for groceries 45 minutes before she needed to leave her house to meet me. 45 minutes. Wally World. 3 boys in tow. (Whuuuhh? Like your boys need to eat?! Did I mention she chose to shop at Wally World - 45 minutes before she had to leave. Just makin' sure.)

* on the way home from Wally World she called to suggest 7pm instead of 6:30. (????? I came up with the fastest lie I could. I blamed it on Big Shooter. I had to be home. Big Shooter. All his fault. She fell for it.)

When we had all arrived and got to laugh at the wrinkles, gray hair and heart palpitations she'd caused me, we landed on this fact.

Taco's been married to my Other Spouse for many, many years...and he didn't know where her fave restaurant with the girls would be. Now, to his credit, his excuse was I caught him off guard, in a crunch, unawares... so to speak.

Made me wonder. What would Big Shooter say? Did he know my fave restaurant? I mean yes, he knows the faves with the fam. The ones with him. But, what would he say if Sashi had called him for his opinion with the girls?

I asked.

He failed. Mostly.

He named several I love. A couple I don't. One I really don't. Then reminded himself it was with the girls. Let it swirl around in there a while longer...and then for his final answer threw out two I wouldn't dream of going to with the girls. If it were my choice.

I totally feel for ya Sashi. I get it girl.

21 years. Years.

Do me a favor y'all. Think up what you'd say for your lover-boy's faves and ask him what he'd say for yous.

Then, let me know.
I'm giving away some fancy chocolate to someone for their honest answer. Well, I'm giving it. I'm making Sashi choose who upon her return. I figure I'll spring that on her after Love Fest cause hopefully she'll still be all starry eyed and swooning and won't remember anything. On the other hand, I've never seen Sashi starry eyed and swooning over anything.
Anyway, you have til Sunday evening to leave a comment.
Mmmmm...choc-o-late...




Love Note to my Big Shooter: I highly doubt I'd do any better with yours. How can that be after all. these. live. long. years... and years and YEARS? Maybe we need to get to know each other a little better. Hubba, hubba.

Warning Girls: Ewwww...ewwww!

I am not kidding around when I say, "Ewwww..." and then "Double Ewwww!" This post is gonna solidify the term Buy American in your mind for-evah! Guaranteed.













What is it you ask?
Condoms.
Yes, I said con-doms.
Some are new and some are thought to be...ahem...recycled.
No. I am not kiddin' around.
I checked.
snopes.com: Condom Hair Bands
It's true.
Be careful out there Girls. It really is a dangerous world.
Who in their right mind thought we could ever catch a STD from fixing our hair.
Next time Big Shooter says he's going to tell Girl Child she can get prego holding hands...well, maybe I won't scoff...quite so loudly. By that time, who knows what they'll be using to make a girl's necessities.
Now, go have a nice day knowin' I have your back.

Love Note to my Big Shooter: I am so grossed out right now I can't think of anything to say. All that keeps going through my mind is, "I am sooo glad Girl and I have short hair..." Oh yeah, and you (like always) were a fine example again today. Love you big guy.

I've really been pondering what Teddy said...

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

~ Theodore Roosevelt 1907 ~

I look at this picture and I wonder about my own ancestry. Any one of these people could be my relatives from across the pond.

Were they proud of their heritage? Unbelievably so.

Did they come to this country to find a better future for their families? Absolutely.

Did they accomplish their goals? Amazingly so.

Did they forget their proud heritages? Absolutely not.

Did hundreds of heritages melt together to become One Nation? Undeniably so.

What's changed? Why can't we continue down that path? Did it suddenly stop working? Is it not what makes America, America?

I was taught what made America so great a nation was the fact, that in essence, it was formed from all the greatest nations in the world that became one - united together.

I have been reading through and studying all the history material for the upcoming school year. It has really had me thinking about our nation.

Where we came from.

Where we are now.

Where we're going.

Where are we going?

That's the question that keeps swirling around in my head.

What do you think?

Love Note to my Big Shooter: Thank you for suggesting, encouraging, and supporting Sovereignty School (That's what we call our homeschool.) And most of all, for lifting me up when I am down for the count - those times lesson plans, laundry, cleaning, JBF, appointments and life start to blur and I need lifted out of the chaos. You timing is always impeccable. Thanks.