It's Time for Football...Razorback Football!!!!!

Can you believe the day is finally here? How long has this state been talking about Bobby Petrino and how the Hogs will do under his coaching? If you have been listening to local sports call-in shows, you know the answer to that...It has been at a fever pitch. The Houston Nutt era is over and now we begin the Bobby Petrino portion of your program. I for one am glad that all of that talk is over from the past years and we can move on with the team. The Razorback Nation now seems united.

No one seems to know how many games the Hogs will win this year. You hear anywhere from 3 to 8. One thing is for sure, the Hogs have a murderous schedule ahead of them. The SEC is always tough, and this year is not expected to be an exception. The much-hated Texas Longhorns are also on the schedule. So, the fans need to be patient and give this coaching staff a chance to build their program.

To get in the Razorback Spirit, I have added some favorites from the University of Arkansas Marching Band on my player. Enjoy and GO HOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One More Conversation from the Backseat...

You will probably think after reading this post and my last post that we have sophisticated listening equipment in our backseat to eavesdrop on our children's conversations. That being said, Kelley overheard another classic conversation between our two girls...

Caker: "Hey, Morgan. I'm getting a cell phone of my own when my birthday comes around again."

Morgan: "Whatever."


One thing I have figured out by these last two conversations...Morgan loves the word, "Whatever!"

Conversations from the Back Seat...

Kelley heard the following conversation from our girls in the back seat of our car:


Morgan: "Liz, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

Liz: "I don't know Morgan. What do you want to be?"

Morgan: "I want to be a doctor."

Liz: "I want to be a doctor too."

Morgan: "Do you want to be a people doctor like Sissy, or an animal doctor?"

Liz: "What do you want to be Morgan?"

Morgan: "I want to be an animal doctor for dogs and cats and horses."

Liz: "OK. I want to be an animal doctor too then......For chipmunks."

Morgan: "Whatever."

If only adults could communicate this good. The world would be a better place!

My Life Group has a new teacher...

It looks like John Ciesla is going to be the new teacher in the Life Group (Sunday School Class) that I attend. I know many have been praying that God would send someone to our class after Tony Scantling was led in a different direction. We definitely appreciated everything Tony and his wife Gina did for us. We appreciated their faithfulness and their service.

Pray for our class as we move forward. Sunday our class studied our strengths, our weaknesses and the importance of our Life Group. We had a good open discussion, and I think everyone sees areas in which we can improve.

How important is music to our worship? There are so many times that I have a tune stuck in my head...no jokes please! Well, I had a song on my mind today. It was our song of invitation this past Sunday. The name of the song is Rescue. I really like the words. I am posting it today. Turn down the sound of my player in my Blog below and enjoy!

Tis the Season...

No, it is not Christmas yet. It is the political season. A time to spread good tidings of great joy to all people. A time to uplift your fellow man or woman, whichever may it may be. The Democratic Convention convenes tonight. All I have to say is...Thank goodness for TV Land and DirecTv! I am not picking sides, because I will feel the same way during the Republican Convention. Forgive me for not being stationed in my easy chair while soaking in both conventions. I feel like I will have plenty of time hearing each side as they volley their ideas back and forth over the airwaves in the next few months. So, let's see which candidate can spend $50 million dollars first.

Sorry, that I have not posted as much lately. Since school has started, i have needed a little kick start.

Good to see my friend Mike has made an enhancement to his column. He is now allowing literary geniuses to make comments. Post one there today...www.hereswhatigot.blogspot.com. Mike is on an adventure, and I am sure he would like for you to keep in touch. Let him know how much you appreciate him for his sacrifice and service to our country!

Also, keep a little boy by the name of Mason in your prayers. He has had some health issues that we are just going to turn over to the Lord! Pray for him today and often.

I will have more later I promise. I know I have to keep feeding the monster I have created here. The public hungers for more, and it is up to us Hemingway's to fill their hearts with joy. OK, you can quit laughing now.

"Mr. Watson! Come here! I need you!"

Yesterday our area revisited the past. I felt like Alexander Graham Bell before he invented the telephone. I could not talk to anyone after work on my cell phone, let alone Watson! What in the world was going on? Kelley and Morgan were both trying to call me...I would try to call them...and back and forth we went. Later that night on the news, there was a story about some glitch my cell phone carrier had disrupting coverage. Isn't that the way things go? You never hear about glitches keeping you from receiving your bill! That you will never see.

How reliant are we with our cell phones? Some of us would buy a cell phone just to hear cool ring tones. We can surf the Internet on our phones, email, link up with someone...come to think of it what can you not do with a cell phone?

Once, Kelley and I tried to get by with one cell phone. No problem, right? It just does not work that way in today's world. Keep in mind years ago we did not have a cell phone, and then when they were introduced many said..."I will just use it for an emergency." Those days are over. In fact, we like many do not have a home phone. We only have cell phones. Hasn't our world changed?

You probably can think of other gadgets that have been invented that you cannot live without. But, yesterday the invention of choice for me would have been the cell phone. Where is Alexander Graham Bell when you needed him?

The Big Mac Turns 40...I'm older than the Big Mac!

Driving down the road one day I noticed a McDonald's marquee proclaiming the 40th birthday of the Big Mac. Some of us remember the Big Mac commercials..."Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun." Two questions come to mind. Why do we remember that stuff, and what is the special sauce?

Really, I mean we as individuals, why do we remember these things? Burger King wants us to have it "Your Way." Nike tells us, "Just Do It." I know it has been told that more people can remember the words to the Brady Bunch Theme as opposed to the words to The National Anthem. Are you on that list? How many of you have sang "Amazing Grace" to the "Theme to Gilligan's Island?" Try it...it works.

Totally off the subject, but to give you an update...Kelley's bus route is going better. She is doing better time-wise. And so far yours truly is doing pretty good at being "Mr. Mom." Thanks for your prayers.

Well, gotta run. As Craig Cannon says..."Make it count."

A Little Tougher in the Afternoon for Kelley...

The afternoon was not as kind to Kelley on the bus yesterday. It seems that more people ride the bus home, as opposed to catching it to ride to school. You do not know where to let people off unless they tell you. She said many told her at almost the last instant. So, the afternoon was a little tougher on her. She also had to sweep out her bus. Keep her in your prayers!

This morning I had both girls to take to school. I think everything went pretty well. Lizzie was a little more tired this morning and wanted me to hold her a little longer before I left her at Preschool. I am happy to report that she did not cry...so, maybe things are OK there.

Then we headed to Morgan's school for her first day in First Grade. I introduced her to her teacher. Morgan saw many of her friends, so I think Morgan will be glad to be back in school. After talking to a few of her friends, we went back to her room and once Morgan seemed acclimated, she said, "Bye!" I knew that was my cue to leave. Morgan gave me a hug. When I asked her for a kiss, she looked around, (looked to see who was looking I am sure) then gave me a quick peck. I mean come on, she is growing up! She can't kiss her dad in front of everyone!

No visual of Kelley this morning. She said she saw Morgan and I. Oh well, everyone should be so lucky as to see me! Just kidding!

I am going to leave you with what I think is a funny clip of one of my heroes...Uncle Arthur from Bewitched. Remember to turn the sound down on my player at the bottom of my blog. Enjoy!!!

All present and accounted for sir!

We all know Kelley started driving a school bus today. God has probably not had a busier day listening and answering prayers from people in our city. More on her morning further down this post.

My morning went pretty good. Tomorrow is my challenge. Instead of taking Morgan to Memaw’s, I will have to take her over to first grade for her first day. I was proud of Lizzie Kate. She went inside without crying and we exchanged kisses for her first day of school. I hope she has a great day.

Now, I will fill you in the details on Kelley’s morning. I was hoping I would see Kelley in her bus as I drove to work this morning. I saw a bus broke down on the side of the road. I prayed real hard hoping it was not Kelley’s bus! It wasn’t her bus…thank goodness. I met bus after bus…still no Kelley. Did I finally see her? I’ll let you read a little further to find out. I received the following email today from Kelley:

“Everything went pretty well. I ran late, but I think that is to be expected on the first day. I had two mothers flag me down because their kids forgot lunches. Also, a met a convoy of gas well trucks, very Scary. I had to pull over and sit and wait on them to pass. Other than that, it was not too bad. Oh, and I saw some crazy loon on Denver hanging out of his car.”

That loon was me. I made visual at 7:44 a.m., and wanted to make sure Kelley saw me. I gave her a wave that would have made Richard Nixon proud.

So, it looks like all students are present and accounted for off of Kelley’s bus. I will let you know how the return trip goes. I will not give bus updates every morning. I want to keep my readership by keeping my posts fresh. But, this is the big news in our city today. It had to be covered!

The Day has come!!!

School is starting today and it is official...Kelley is driving a school bus near you. She just went out the front door. Once I figure out her entire route, I will be sure to let everyone know that has driving concerns. Just kidding. I have heard that she is not that bad of driver. Keep her in your prayers. I think she is a little nervous, but she will do fine.

Now, as I finish this post, I need to get ready...get two girls up and dressed...head to Memaw's to drop off Morgan, then take Lizzie Kate to her first day of Preschool. Morgan's first day of school is tomorrow. Sounds like fun, huh? I will be sure to let you know how Kelley's first day of driving went. I know everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting to hear how her day goes. I will also give you the details of my fate today - like anyone really cares. I know Kelley is the drawing card here.

I hear Lizzie coming around...I am outta here! I am ready to roll!

School begins tomorrow...

A new day is dawning tomorrow. Kelley will be driving a school bus this year, and I will turn into Michael Keaton - a.k.a., Mr. Mom. Hey, if Michael Keaton can do, I can do it. I will prove all the naysayers wrong. I have seen the movie, I have the blueprint for success in front of me. Here it is 8:16 p.m., the night before the first day of school and I have no idea how to fix a ponytail. Piece of cake.

Kelley has no idea what I am blogging about...right on cue she said, "It's time. Time to learn to fix a ponytail." I told her give me a second, I have important things to do. Nothing should interrupt you while you are blogging. I mean come on, where are your priorities?

Tonight we went to church and had a prayer dedication for the new E.D.G.E. Student Ministry Building. I think it will be a good tool that God can use to reach youth in our city. Both Lizzie Kate and Morgan fell asleep during the service. As you can probably guess, they did not take a nap today.

I know many of you have children going to school. Lizzie Kate is in preschool tomorrow for the first time. Morgan starts the first grade on Tuesday. Well, I better go. I have a few details to go over before tomorrow. If you meet me driving on the road tomorrow and I do not see you, just realize I am on a mission and must stay focused! Later!

A Night at the Movies!

Tonight the whole family went to see the movie, "Fly Me to the Moon." The movie was not too bad, but I had more fun watching Lizzie Kate. The movie is a 3-D animation film for kids and for those that want to be that night. For the longest, Lizzie would not wear her glasses. I was determined to get her to wear them. I kept putting them up to her face, but she would not wear them. She told Kelley..."I don't want to wear those ugly glasses." Liz then kept saying, "I want popcorn. I want popcorn!" Then she got louder. I told her if she would put the 3-D glasses on, that I would go get her popcorn. She agreed and I went for popcorn. From that point on the movie got better for me.

The movie is about 3 flies that hitch a ride to the moon aboard Apollo 11. So, the kids get a little history lesson with the movie. After Lizzie put on the glasses, the 3-D animation had her reaching for everything on the screen. It was really funny. She had all of us laughing. She kept saying, "Get it! Get it! Pick it up." It was hilarious. It made the movie for me.

The movie also triggered a childhood memory for me. For some reason I remember having a paper model of the space module that landed on the moon. I think it was from a Gulf station. Funny how you remember things like that.

You can bet if there is another child 3-D movie, I will be taking Lizzie Kate. I enjoy laughing.

We live in troubled times...

James 4:14 (New American Standard Bible)

14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. (A)You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

Most people know that I love to have fun. I love to laugh. I love to be with friends and family. Most of my posts reflect that side of me. But, after yesterday, how can we not think about our life here on Earth?

You have probably heard it said that you should live life today like it is your last day on earth. That being said, it is hard to make sense out of yesterday’s tragic shooting death of Arkansas Democratic Party Chairman, Bill Gwatney. For all we know, he was shot and killed by a man that never met him. What possesses the heart and mind of an individual to do such senseless things?

It does not matter if you are a Democrat or Republican. None of this matters here. Now there is a wife without a husband. There are children without a father. What a tragedy! My heart and prayers go out to the Gwatney Family.

Yes, we need to live life like it is our last day on Earth. Be prepared. Pray for your family’s safety. Tell them you love them.

New Lead Singer for Boston! Unbelievable story...

What are the chances of someone becoming the lead singer for the group Boston from someone seeing your Facebook page? See video below. Remember to lower the volume on the player at the bottom of my blog.

What about you? Do you just sing in the shower? What group did you want to be the lead singer for?

The Firefly...

I know, I have not posted for a few days...I am sorry. But, all literary geniuses need time off every now and then.

You might remember I said that Morgan got a few presents for her birthday? Well, one in particular has stood out, and not necessarily for the better. Morgan got a cell phone called the "Firefly". I guess it is cute as far as kid standards go. You purchase minutes in advance, and there is no contract to buy. Then you program the numbers you want your child to call on the phone. Luckily (inject sarcasm here), one of those numbers is for me. I bet she called me over ten times Friday!

I will now list how some of her most important calls to me started out:

"Whatcha doin?"

"If you need us send me a text message, ok?"

"Daddy, tell some of the people at work I have a cell phone, ok?"

Well, I did tell Ashley who works in the cubicle next to me. I must say I did get a few laughs from her calls.

Now, to bigger issues. I always heard there would be times you would need to talk to your children. But, I did not know it would be over the issue of minutes of use!

I ask for your prayers!

Weather turned out great for party...

It had not rained in forever around here until yesterday. We knew we were supposed to get rain yesterday, but we were hoping it would rain some early, clear off, then we would be able to have the swimming party. Well, it did just that. It cleared off and we were able to have the swimming party.

Why do we worry so much about rain when we have swimming parties? Does that make much sense? I mean, you are going to get wet anyway. Oh well, I guess that is just one of the many mysteries in life.

My brother Mark and I were on burger and grilling detail. I usually like to patty my own hamburger meat. But, since I had so many to cook, I bowed to the pressure of time, and bought a couple of boxes of meat patties from a store that ends in Mart. I will not mention them on this blog unless they want to pay a sponsor fee. If they want to open up negotiations, and we come to terms, I would then be more than happy to plaster their name all over my blog!

I will mention that I use Dale's Seasoning on my burgers. I recommend Dale's to anyone that wants their burgers to be more tasty. Well, we got the burgers going on the grill, and for some reason the fire just took off! I think we violated a couple of county burn bans in the process. After battling the fire, the burgers did not turn out too bad! I could not believe it! I really thought Mark and I were practicing our Old Testament skills by offering up burnt offerings! Well, to make a long story short, we finished the burgers and there was little if any structural damage.

The swimming, the food and the cake were great. Morgan got a lot of presents. A good time was had by all.

Till next time...Enjoy Life...Smile!

Happy Birthday Morgan!

Today my little girl Morgan is turning 6! She has been talking about her birthday for about half a year now. She is having a Hannah Montana swim party tonight at our house. Morgan loves to swim. Many on the A-list will be there in attendance. I believe yours truly is designated to be the head griller tonight.

It is hard to believe Morgan is already 6. She has good looks like her father! Hey we are all getting older. Oh, how the years go by. But, my girls keep me young, most of the time. Like I said, most of the time.

So Morgan, this is your special day! We all love you and wish you the best birthday in the world!

We love you!

Dad, Mom, Lizzie Kate and Zack

What does a bus driver look like? Have you seen my wife?

Yes, that's right. My wife is going to drive a bus this year for the school district. If all bus drivers looked like my wife, we would have more people riding buses and freeing up some of the congestion off of our nation's highway system. Gas prices would drop as well. We may be on to something here.

She has worked real hard to get her Commercial Driver's License. She had to pass numerous tests, and also pass a field exam. I doubt if I could do that. I am proud of her. It reminds me of a story that I will share with you now. When I was in grade school, we were asked by our teacher what our father did for a living. I said, "He is a bus driver." Now, that was not a lie, but he was also a Baptist preacher. My teacher knew this and both her and my parents got a kick out of my answer. The truth be known, I was proud he was a bus driver. Maybe, I didn't want to admit then I was also a preacher's kid. Oh well - kids!

I am proud of my wife passing all of those tests. Give her a big pat on the back when you see her next!

Enjoy life...smile!

Christmas in August?

Today is August 5th. It is two days before Morgan's birthday. You would think by the way she is acting that Good ole' St. Nick will soon be here. But, since we have had about eight days in a roll of 100+ degree temperatures, that is a pretty good clue that he is not due anytime soon.

Morgan has been peeking in closets, and going from room to room looking for presents. She cannot wait. She loves her birthdays! And why not if you are a kid? A kid comes away with a pretty big haul on their birthday these days. No, I am not jealous...I'm really not. So, yes she will have Christmas in August. Then the countdown will be on for the real Christmas. At this writing, there is only 142 days, 9 Hours, 43 Minutes, and 7 Seconds remaining to Christmas 2008! Aren't you excited?!

Well, I better run...there are only two more shopping days till Christmas...I mean Morgan's birthday!

Smile...Enjoy life!

Rules to live by...

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be called out on the sign, "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service!" Well, especially the "No Shirt" part of it. But, there we were getting ready to eat breakfast at the hotel in Little Rock, when we were told, "Oh, they (the girls) are going to need to wear their shoes!" My girls ages 3 and 5, were being treated like lepers I thought. "Unclean...Unclean!" By the ladies tone you would have thought there was a major security breach and that a HazMat team would need to be deployed. Of course Kelley and I were wearing flip-flops. I am sure that made it more sanitary and acceptable. So, I guess if you had a newborn there, you would have had to have shoes on their feet according to the commander in charge. Oh well, I went upstairs, got their shoes and all was well. No need for a HazMat team to be deployed. "Move along. Move along...nothing to see here."

I got the last laugh in though. While eating at the table, I slipped my flip-flops off once and had my bare feet on the floor. The lady or commander never saw me. I did it for my girls. Yes, I showed her.

Taking it to The Rock!

Well, I am blogging tonight from Little Rock. Heat seems to follow me. Little Rock broke a record today. It was 104 degrees! Can you believe it? I guess it could be worse. I could be the polar bear at the Little Rock Zoo.

Kelley's sister Lexie, met us at Larry's Pizza West (my brother's restaurant) to eat. The girls then went to try on dresses for Lexie's upcoming wedding. While they did this, yours truly went to Academy Sports and dreamed about owning some better golf equipment. Maybe some day that dream will come true.

Later that evening we ate at Buffalo Grill. They have great burgers and it has always been a favorite haunt of mine. For some that did not know, I used to live in Little Rock.

I am putting all this in my blog as Lizzie Kate is singing..."Twinkle, twinkle, little star", and her A, B, C's! I love it. Morgan is also here for moral support.

I will write more later! Remember to enjoy life...smile!

If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will...

Someone shared this with me. It is only right to pass it on to you my loyal readers. To hear the video, you may have to turn down the player at the bottom of my blog!

Wow! My blog is getting International attention!

Yes, my blog is getting international attention. It is not everyday one gets mentioned on the Mike Francis blog from Spain. I especially enjoyed his July 31st post. You need to check out his blog at www.hereswhatigot.blogspot.com. He has his laptop now and I am sure we will see some Pulitzer Award winning journalism coming each and every day.

Like Mike said, blogging is addictive, but it is also a lot of fun. I think everyone should try it. The best thing about it, is that it does not cost you a dime! Everyone has a story to tell, and you need to tell it.

My co-worker has a blog as well. She has some great insight on everyday life and raising a family. See Ashley's blog at www.justkidding-ashley.blogspot.com.

Well, until next time...Take care of yourself - my gosh, I am starting to sound like Jerry Springer! Remember to enjoy life...smile!