One of my biggest fans - Sharon...

If you have been reading my blog, you probably have noticed a Sharon that has commented from time to time. Sharon is one of a kind and one of the biggest fans of my blog. As you can tell by her picture, Sharon loves M&M's. She also loves my girls and is big on life. I wanted to introduce her to all of my readers. She told me today that she knows everyone I talk about on my blog. She said she has never met Mike, but prayed for him every day.

Today, we worked pretty hard. It did not start out too bad. Kelley's dad, Morgan and I played a little golf this morning. After an eye-opening round of golf we headed to Mickey D's (McDonald's) to eat and let my girls play in the play area. Then the fun began...Kelley's dad and I moved tables and chairs. Later that night we helped set up for Lexie and John's Rehearsal Dinner. We carried chairs, dishes, glasses, and pumpkins...yes pumpkins!

Well, I better go to bed in a little while and recharge my batteries. I know I am going to need some energy tomorrow.

Remember, buy a couple of bags of Gardettos and help the economy.

I'm a little past Little Rock...

Tonight I feel a little like Dick Cheney as I greet you from a undisclosed secret location. As Lee Ann Womack would say, "I'm a little past Little Rock, but a long way from over you." I am on the road attending my sister-in-law Lexie's wedding.

Lighting should not be an issue at this wedding. I am sure they will be able to see the church from the space shuttle with so many candles burning. I have never seen so many candles.

Today started off interesting. As many of you know, Kelley is driving a school bus this year. So, now I am more attentive as to who is driving the banana buses in our town. That being said, I swear I saw someone that looked exactly like the Captain of the Titanic driving one this morning. I am pretty sure it was not him though.

Well, I better get to bed. Who knows what adventure lies ahead for me tomorrow.

Till next time...help the economy...go buy a couple bags of Gardettos.

It's Like Deja Vu All Over Again...

Have you ever had something happen to you that seems to happen over and over and over again? Well, you can put me in that category. I have had something strange happen to me that I have only shared with a few people. My wife Kelley was the first, and she has experienced it as well. So, listen my children and you shall hear, oops, wrong story...Or as Old Rose on the movie Titanic said, "Do you want to hear this story or not Mr. Lovett?"

Ok, enough of the shenanigans...on with the story. What I am about to tell you has happened to me since 9/11/01, or 911. I am not trying to make light of that tragic day in history, but since that day I have seen something so many numerous times it is not funny. I will be at work and wonder what time it is...9:11. I will be at home watching TV and wonder what time it is...9:11. I will be driving in the car going through town, take a look at the time on the bank's sign...9:11. I have no idea why or how this has occurred so many times. It really is puzzling.

My witnesses? Ask my wife...she will tell you I am not lying. We also shared this story with Kelley's sister Lexie. I remember hearing her tell us once..."I hate you guys for telling me that...now I see it (9:11) all the time."

Oh well, that is my story...and yes, I am sticking to it. Anyone else have any stories of crazy things that happen or have happened to you? Feel free to unload on comments.

I will fill you in on the pictures I have supplied for you. The clock with the blue 9:11 on it is from our stove. I was in the bedroom at the time, looked at our bedroom clock and it read...you guessed it, 9:11. I ran into the kitchen to get my cell phone to take a picture of the clock. By the time I got back it read 9:12. So, I ran back into the kitchen and took the picture of the clock on the stove. I have also supplied a picture of the counter on my blog. I took this picture when I logged in once to look at my blog. The counter at that time read...001911! That figures.

Last night we had church...

Last night we had singin' at our church. We heard many types of music. I told someone that it reminded me of my days at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. I loved that church when I lived in Little Rock. They have always had great music and their pianist can really tickle the ivories. I just thought Geyer Springs had a great Spirit for a big church.

I wish more people would go to church on Sunday nights. People just do not know what they are missing. You will hear some of the best sermons on Sunday night. There is just something about fellowshipping with other fellow believers. I can't understand why more people don't take advantage of meeting in God's House on Sunday nights after the world beats you up through the week. Oh well, that is just me.

Last night was just a great way to get your batteries recharged before hitting the work week. We are hit with so much in this world today. Pray for someone this week. Pray for each other. Look for somewhere or someone you can serve.

October 24, 1959...

Today I am revisiting a very important date in history...October 24, 1959. Today would have been my parents 49th Wedding Anniversary. Weddings are special days, but I am extremely glad this wedding took place since I am a result of this union. Thank you mom and dad and Happy Anniversary!

The picture I have supplied is from their wedding. It may not be the best quality picture, but I guess that is all you can ask for when you take a picture of a picture with your cell phone.

I Googled songs from 1959, and the only ones that rang a bell with me were, "Put Your Head on my Shoulder" by Paul Anka, and "I Only Have Eyes for You" by the Flamingos. I added them to my play list for nostalgia purposes.

Why did I feel like "Potsie" Weber sang "Put Your Head on my Shoulders"?

Oh well, Back to the Future.

If you win one game you gotta beat...

Anyone following football this year should know that the Arkansas Razorbacks are not at their best this year. This has been a transition year. A new coach, a new philosophy, new uniforms and a different style is in place. But, guess who's coming to town? No, it is not Santa Claus...it's Houston Nutt. Houston Nutt is coming to town this Saturday. Razorback fans could care less that Ole Miss is the team in this skirmish. Hog fans are saying...if we win one game, just let us beat Houston Nutt! Easier said than done!

In other matters...We took mom out for her birthday last night. Mom seemed to have a good time. We went to Red Lobster. I had the "Admiral Feast." Normally I have not been eating all of those fried foods, but I love clam strips and that is the only choice they offer with those yummy morsels. I love me some clam strips! Clam strips rank right up there with Gardetto's in my opinion.

Now...Page 2...(As Paul Harvey says) If you remember, I gave a presentation yesterday. My boss stopped me in the hall today and said we did a great job. She also liked our use of pictures in our PowerPoint presentation. My counterpart Ashley and I can stay another week. I will give her a shout out for her blog. It is http://justkidding-ashley.blogspot.com/.

Page 3...I will leave you with a quote from one Cliff Clavin on "Cheers." I know, I'm a Baptist boy and I should not watch shows about drinking...oh anyway...do you want to hear it? Here it goes. I think it is very pertinent with us going through the political season...

- If you were to go back in history and take every president, you'll find that the numerical value of each letter in their name was equally divisible into the year in which they were elected. By my calculations, our next president has to be named Yellnick McWawa.

Cliff Clavin

"Good Day!"

Today...time to break out the suit...

We had a new man in our office today. Well, that is probably what people were thinking. See, I was wearing my suit. I would compare this to going somewhere and eagle watching. You just don't it very often. What was the occasion? Yours truly had a bit in our Group Administrator Training Meeting. My topic was "Who to Call."

If I wore a suit any other day to work, they would probably think I was looking for a job. Also, if you do dress up, there is always someone that unleashes the old standby comment..."Who died?" That one is always good for laughs.

Well, I faced my fears and tried my best to give the best presentation I could give. I think it went ok. I did not see anyone rushing out the room, and to my knowledge no vegetables were thrown!

And now a shout out to my mom...My mom is celebrating her 74th Birthday today!!! My family will take her out to eat tonight to celebrate. Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Finally...a Mike spotting...

As many of my rabid readers know, I have spent a lot of energy in my blogs talking about Mike. Pray 4 Mike I said. Well, he came back from Spain on the 14th. So, I decide to give him his space, let him get acclimated...let him spend time with the fam. Well, it was the 19th and still no communication from Mike. No calls, no emails, no smoke signals...nothing.

Last night I am driving home and who do I see? You guessed it, Mike. I chase him down all the while making visual with his son looking out the sliding glass window of Mike's truck. Mike finally pulls over. After a short greeting, I said..."How have you been? Good to see you!" Then I confront him. I say to Mike..."Man, I have to chase you down just to talk to you! I thought you might have got another man!" Now, that brought a laugh, especially from his wife Andria (I think I spelled her name right). She knows how I like to joke...you do know that don't you Andria?

I knew he had been busy. He has been doing the family thing, been in a wedding and just went the full circuit. I took a picture of Mike with my cell phone, holding it up through my sun roof. Sorry the picture seems dark. The sun was going down...but, not on our friendship! Good to see you Mike!

Fall is in the air...

If you took a poll or a survey of people, you would probably find that Fall is one of their favorite times of the year. And why shouldn't it be. Speaking for the guys, how can you beat watching a good football game on a fine crisp Fall afternoon? I must be getting older...no comments please...because I am starting to notice leaves and all their pretty colors. Yes, I know I said pretty. My goodness. I will never hear the end of this from the guys.

But Fall also brings us Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie, turkey and dressing. I am gaining weight as I write this. Now, I am really speaking for the guys. I know we love to eat.

Well, I am going to let you go. I am sooooooooooo glad it is Friday.

I am going to leave you with a game I found...Halloween Bowling. I hope you enjoy!

http://www.itsga.com/fun/cat_new.swf

What is going on here?

No, these pictures are not of a Hurricane Evacuation Route...these are pictures of the traffic problems we experience every morning in our city. I know we do not live in Houston, but it seems like there is one way out and one way in every day. I am truly amazed there have not been rampant reports of road rage.

My kids hear me muttering every morning..."We're going to be late. We're going to be late!" How many of you talk to yourself every morning? More than likely you do if you live in my city.

I have sent emails to the Arkansas Highway Department pleading for relief...Basically saying...HELP US!!!!!! In their response I was assured that they were aware of the problem, but it would require the approval of funding. Oh well, I tried. And now that the economy has hit the tank, we will probably see the improvement we are looking for sometime in the next 20 to 30 years.

Happy Motoring!

Mike is Back!

Good sources are telling me that Mike is back safe and sound. Not sure if Mike has been "debriefed" on his return by the military yet, but I hear he made it home minus one bag. I know...just a poor attempt at humor.

Mike's blog http://hereswhatigot.blogspot.com/ gave us a good snapshot of Spain while he served there, but something tells me he has more to share. I am sure he still has a few rounds left in the chamber. He probably is saving the majority of his experiences for a tell-all lucrative book deal if I know Mike.

Well, Mike we are glad you are back in the good old U.S. of A. Welcome Back!

Tomorrow Mike Comes Home!

If I am looking at my calendar right, Mike will be coming home tomorrow. For some of us the three months has really flown by quick. But, for him and his family it has probably felt like an eternity.

I know I for one have enjoyed his blogging from Spain. Mike made you feel like you were really there. I said he was like our foreign correspondent. Mike Francis...Fox News. No one covered Spain like he has.

Keep him in your prayers as he travels home and give him a great homecoming as he reunites with his family!

See you soon Mike!

A Special Date to Remember...

Today I am filled with special thoughts and memories of my Dad. This would have been his 74th birthday. I miss him.

I thank God for giving me such a great father. I have so many great memories of him. First of all just him being dad. I think of the many sacrifices both he and mom made for us kids. We were blessed.

Almost every morning I would see my Dad reading his Bible at the kitchen table. He not only talked the talk, he walked the walk.

The one thing I wish is that my two kids would have got to meet him. He was the typical grandpa...he loved kids. They would have loved him too.

My dad went to Heaven on May 8th, 2001. There is a scripture on his Headstone that was chosen by my sister and Mom. The scripture is Matthew 5:8...

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

They did not make the choice of scripture based on the date. They liked the words. Some may think the choice of scripture and the date corresponding was a coincidence. I do not.

Now that I look back on it, I think God was comforting us with the words of Matthew 5:8 (May 8th). Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Happy Birthday Dad!

The New Target is Open! I am there!

Yes, it is Breaking News time again to you from yours truly. I leave no stone unturned to bring you breaking developments as they take place. The new Target store does not officially open until October 12th. Well, guess what? I have already been there and have the pictures to prove it.

Our area has been waiting for this Target store to open for a long time. It looks like the long wait is over. It really is a nice store. I think everyone will love it. I had no problem getting a parking space, checked out in a timely manner, while making my first purchase at the new store.

My first purchase you ask...a couple of bags of Gardetto's and a few other items for a total of $6.06. Target can stay open another day.

Remember...Target Dog!

Fun with Paint...

Many of you probably know by now that I try to have fun every now and then with "Paint" on the computer. You have probably seen my Razorback, my Jesus Fish, and even the American Flag I have linked up with Mike's Blog, http://hereswhatigot.blogspot.com.

Well, I decided to take it a little bit further. I stepped out to see how "Paint" looked on actual photographs. I think you will be as pleased as I am with the finished product. (See picture above) Give it a try yourself...amaze your friends. Have fun with it. Be creative. I may try to paint a pirate hat later, and possibly put a parrot on my shoulder. The fun seems to be endless!

The Hogs...Some Pizza...and Church

Saturday I got to attend the Arkansas/Florida football game. Of course this year the Hogs were a huge underdog. Even though the Hogs lost 38-7, I did see improvement. The game was actually close through three quarters. In the fourth quarter reality set in for the Razorbacks. The defense played tough, and the offense could move the ball. They just could not score enough. I appreciate Darin for taking me to the game and being able to meet a lot of his friends. We really had a good time. The picture you see was taken with my cellphone.

After the game I went home...then believe it or not, I headed back up "The Hill" to MAD Pizza. I had to have my fix. It was really great pizza as always. My brother didn't even put me to work...that was a plus.

Sunday we went to church. I really love our church and the people that are there. We had a great time in our Life Group. Our lesson dealt on marriage. There was a lot of interesting talk on that subject, especially when we split up in tables for men and women.

Well, better go. I know this post may not have been as good as the Sonic order board post, but it will have to do.

Take care...C-Ya!

Thoughts on Sonic..."America's Drive-In"

In life it seems like we spend most of our time at work. You know, that four-letter word place where you get a paycheck? Anyway, the way I figure it, the local Sonic Drive-In is a close third to your home.

Yes, Sonic..."America's Drive-In" boasts that they have 168,894 drink combinations. I think my wife has visited Sonic that many times. Maybe she is trying to sample every combination. Just kidding. I have been there as many times as she has I am sure. I have a Route 44 Diet Coke in front of me as I speak.

When looking at the Sonic menu board it looks like people are being creative by what trash they leave behind. I have seen paper from straws, and stickers with receipts attached. I saw something left once that I have never seen before. This person had to be creative. They left a top that was pulled from a Buttermilk Ranch container. I am sure it was stuck to the board by the Ranch dressing residue that was on the underside. Brilliant. I am just reporting what I see...not condoning this in any way.

It seems like I have seen Sonic advertise on their menu boards that if they fail to offer you a combo, larger drink, cheese on your tater tots etc., that you would get a coupon for $2.00 off of your next order. I would probably pay them $2.00 if I knew it would keep them from asking me if I wanted something I did not order in the first place. The other day they failed to offer me anything extra. Dollar signs lit up in my eyes. I thought...should I say something? Then I got thinking would someone lose their job in there for not offering me mozzarella cheese sticks or jalapeno cheddar bites? I bit my tongue and said nothing. Someone kept their job that day. Don't call me mean or vindictive ever again.

The best thing I like about Sonic is going through the Drive-thru with my brother. He changes his voice when ordering. My favorite is his Ted Kennedy voice. It is hilarious. He orders like Ted, but uses his regular or a new voice when he gets to the window to get his order. Have him take you sometime. You will get the laugh of your life.

Oh well, I guess I have talked enough about Sonic. Anyone else got any ideas on what to put on Sonic menu order boards or funny stories at Sonic?

Operation Firefly...Case Solved!

Now for the big news I have been promising you. I have not been able to share the big news with you because I have been waiting for Kelley to take a picture of the crime scene. Plus, I think it is sweeps week and I had to drag the news out for as long as I could for ratings.

A mystery has been solved in our household. Yesterday morning Kelley was in the process of putting a pair of Morgan's tennis shoes on her. What they found solved a long running mystery...Morgan's cell phone was inside. Lizzie Kate said, "I put it in there." The shoes were in Morgan's closet. More than likely my cell phone case is also in that closet. I will be doing a more intense search soon.

If you had seen me searching for these items, you would have thought that I was looking for Jimmy Hoffa or Amelia Earhart's plane. Now, that the phone has been found, maybe I can lend my services to those endeavors.

I have looked for many things before, but never was I so dumbfounded as to where something was hidden. I have met my match with Lizzie Kate. I think Lizzie Kate will be my partner the next time I hide Easter eggs.

Now, the next thing I have to say to Caker is..."Where is my cell phone case?!!"

Sorry to Keep you hanging...

Kelley is holding me up on releasing the Breaking News. I promise I will release the Big News as soon as I can. The news won't be as big as Who shot J.R. on "Dallas"? Nor would it equal the reaction of the public if Baskin Robbins were to decide to release a 32nd flavor. But, it is big news to us. Stay tuned!

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.