Little Ghouls & Goblins

I wish I had a scanner! ! ! I could reminise about when the boys were little and their various Halloween costumes. . .

Instead I will show you a picture of the Jack-O-Lanterns that Bud and JJ carved. They will be out front tonight as the little ghouls and goblins come trick-or-treating. . .Provided it isn't too cold, there is no way I can get enough candy. . .I remember the first year we lived here. . .Wow! ! ! Birddog turned the light off before I got back with the boys! ! ! It was a town FULL OF LITTLE madeup characters and I, in no way, shape or form, had bought enough candy. . .

For those of you who will be out with your kiddos - have fun! I miss those days. . .My boys intend to hang out with their girls (yes, Scoop now has a girl - Ali). . .Bud and JJ are handing out our candy. . .I'll try to be on standby with the camera for the best costume and get a picture. . .

Happy Halloween! ! !

LOL

This is cute. . .Happy Halloween! ! !

Winter Ball is Just Around the Corner

Wow! Winter Ball has been moved up a month! ! ! Saturday Birddog and I made a couple trips to the mall so that we could find Scoop a tie to match his date's dress. . .Boy, Ali's torquoise and my torquoise are 2 different things! ! ! This is one hard color to match! ! ! Here's some pics of both - let me know if you think we did okay. . .

Bud and JJ were easy this year! ! ! Thank goodness - we bought Bud a black shirt and he is going to wear a white tie (that we already have :) ). . .

Can't wait to show you all pictures. . .They always look so nice! ! !

It's My Quit Anniversary! ! !

I got this from QuitNet today. . .

Your Quit Date is:Friday, May 28, 2004 at 7:00:00 AM

Time Smoke-Free:883 days, 1 hour, 3 minutes and 52 seconds

Cigarettes NOT smoked:13246

Lifetime Saved:3 months, 11 days, 4 hours

Money Saved:$2,317.88



Boy Wish I Knew Where That Money Has Gone - - - lol

Digging Out The LongUnderwear! ! !

Here in about 45 minutes Birddog and I will be heading out to the High School for the last home football game. . .Right now, if the Longhorns win these next 2 games they could go into District Playoffs. . .

The season has been a rough one, but a positive one. . .for all the kids. . .(just wish Scoop hadn't had his mishap). . .We're gonna go out and fight, fight fight! ! !

It's 63 degrees out right now and the sun is shining. . .And tonight is supposed to be mostly clear. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds around 20 mph shifting to the northwest 10 to 15 mph. . . I think I'll wear my LongUnderwear! ! !

Please do a cheer for the Longhorns to Go, Fight, Win! ! ! And, all have a good time and no one get hurt. . .Hope I can post another win in the morning! ! ! I'll drink some Hot Chocolate for ya too! ! !

Bragging

I'm so proud of my boys! Tuesday night we went to the school to pick up the boys grades and visit with any teachers that we wanted. . .It was so nice. . .We got Bud's grades first and YIPPEE! He has all A's with 2 B's. . .He has a B in his Physics class right now, but I think if he continues to get 90's or better on his tests he will have an A in no time! ! ! )Remember, this is the class he moved into from Trig). . . So, HIGH FIVE BUD! ! ! AWESOME!

Scoop isn't doing as well as he has in the past, but it was expected with the first quarter in the high school. . .He has 2 C's that are teetering on a B and we were told that if he wouldn't have been visiting so much in Biology it would have been a B or possibly even and A. . .The other C was due to Scoop missing a week of school and going back and taking an Algebra test. . .All of his grades were good. . .He should be settled in now so Birddog and I expect more from him. . .we gave him a bit of a break on the first quarter (to get used to things) - Okay Scoop now it's time to get serious. . .

The school has also implemented a program that parents can get onto to check on their child's progress. . . It has some wonderful features - checking assignments and making sure that your child is turning in all assignments. Absences and tardies are also recorded. And, it shows if the child is/was eligible or ineligible (for extracurricular school activities) and for what weeks. . .The teachers weekly lesson plans are also posted so that the parents can make sure that their child has everything needed in case they miss school. . .I'm really excited about this program - now I won't have to bug the teachers to check on the boys progress.

The Countdown

I mentioned a few posts back that I am finally at the end of getting my degrees. . .YEAH! ! ! Those of you that have been here before may have noticed that I copied Julie and have added a ticker to countdown the time until May 5, 2007! ! ! I can't wait!

The Spring schedules are out and I am in the process of deciding what my last four classes will be! ! ! I need 12 elective hours and by golly - I'm gonna do the best that I can to make them as EASY AS POSSIBLE. . .I spoke with one of my professors yesterday about taking his Advanced Entrepreneurship class (by arrangement). . .This has been the easiest (with a lot of work) classes that I have taken and if I take the advanced class it should be a breeze (with a lot of work). . .So, I'm taking it! ! ! We are writing business plans right now and he told me that we would research mine further in the Advanced class (said he thought I had a good idea) - so who knows - maybe I can graduate and with his assistance have found the resources and start my own business. . .LOL - doubt the resource deal will come through, but a person never knows! ! ! LOL

So, I have chosen one class and am trying to figure out what other 3 to take. . .How does Graphics Animation sound, or Telecommunicating, and what was that other one? - oh yeah, Principles of Advertising. . .

Happy Sixteenth Birthday JJ! ! !

Today JJ is 16 years old. . .and boy oh boy, did we go on the hunt for the PERFECT birthday present. . .Actually, Bud has been looking at jewelry for her for about 3 months now (trying to find just the right thing). . .

Friday, on mom and boys day, we finally found it. . .
It came down between a ring and this necklace and we wound up calling BB to come help make the decision. . .My boy has good taste! ! ! LOL . . .Due to it just being a gift BB suggested the necklace. . .Tell ya what, by the time the decision was made - I was pooped! ! ! We went to every jewelry store in town! ! !





Last night Bud took JJ to dinner and then he brought her by the house so he could give her her present. . . (Tonight is family night and Bud isn't sure he will get to go due to football.)





He made her close her eyes. . .LOL



She was just a little surprised. . .She told me she couldn't quit smiling. . .LOL - So, I think Bud did okay choosing her 16th Birthday gift. . .

I've asked a couple of times what they will do when she starts driving herself to school. . .but still no answer. . .She has to wait until December to get her license due to the law of having to have a permit for 6 months and not being able to get a permit until they have had driver's ed. . .

Happy 16th Birthday JJ! ! !

Getting Closer

Do you remember back to July when Bud had a wreck? (I was going to link the post but I can't find it. . .UG)

Remember, we were sanding and doing a few things ourselves and our friend Mr. Hankey is going to fix the truck for us? Anyway, yesterday afternoon we FINALLY TOOK THE TRUCK TO MR. HANKEY! Yeah! It's been almost 3 months since the accident and boy oh boy are we ready to get it fixed! ! ! Birddog has been sanding his little heart out and Bud has done what he can to help. . . Now this isn't going to be a fast deal, well we've already seen that - lol. . .It will be 3 weeks EARLIEST before the truck will be done. . .

It will be worth the time that it has taken. . .Below is a picture of the paint scheme that Bud wants to do. . .I think this is just so cool! The blue will be a little different but wow! Isn't this gonna be sweet?

Mistakes

This is, but isn't about my mistakes. . .Probably the worst mistake that I make is when I have accused my boys of something and then find out that it wasn't them. . .I usually always try to tell my boys I'm sorry and that I made a mistake. . .I've done this since they were little and feel horrible if I don't admit to them that I made a mistake. . .

I've always done this to teach them that we are only human and it doesn't matter what age you are, you are going to make a mistake. . .

Carnival! ! !

Karmyn, Dreaming What If's, will be hosting the 17th Blogging Chicks Carnival on Sunday the 22nd. The theme is "Mistakes."

Yeah! ! ! Another Win! ! !

Yes, we won another football game! ! ! 21-14. . .the boys needed this really bad! ! ! They all did so good! ! ! Scoop did a wonderful job on the sidelines (LOL) :) (with his TWO new shoes. . .)

Bud played wonderful tonight. . .He got an interception and ran 30 yards. . .Unfortunately we got a flag called on us - but we got possession of the ball. . .YEAH! In the fourth quarter we were tied 14-14 and we got the ball on their 3 yard line. . .We burned over 10 minutes off the clock for our winning touchdown and field goal (21-14). . .The opposing team got down the field and we got another interception the last 40 seconds of the game. . . . .We didn't score again - but we had possession of the ball as the clock ran out! ! ! !

YEAH LONGHORNS! ! ! ! It was so fun to watch them all smile and cheer and jump up and down again! ! ! ! This was much needed. . .

Only two more football games left and then I will be giving you play by play of the boys basketball games! ! !

Drug Recall--This is not a Joke

Got this in an email and wanted to share. . .

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know.

STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.

The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Cough Medicine Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold &Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy &Fever Relief
Day &Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu &Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold &Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold &Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold &Cough Elixir
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega- 16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus &Nasal
Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest &Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold &Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold &Cough .

The 800# on the container for Triaminic was called and they informed the caller that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold &Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold &Cough Berry
3D
Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!

DO PASS ALONG so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families.

To confirm these findings please take time to check the following:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

YIPPEE! ! ! !

Scoop is sporting a BRAND NEW PAIR of white and blue Nike shocks! ! ! ! He is walking a little funny. . .throwing his leg. . .LOL. . .We both got a pretty good laugh. . .His excuse was the fact that the new shoes are so light. . .LOL

He can use a weight machine to start building his muscle back in his left leg and can begin free-weights and Basketball November 1st. . .

Another Checkup

Scoop goes in for another checkup this morning. . .He has been without his crutches for about a week now and just using his boot. . .

Please say a short prayer that doc will tell him that he can start wearing TWO shoes again. . .Poor thing, he really wants some new shoes but I have made him hold off so that he could wear THEM BOTH OUT. . .If he gets cleared we MIGHT JUST HAVE TO GO BUY some before I take him to school. . . . :)

Yeah! Short Week!

Oh I am so ready! This week is Fall Break! Now, lucky me gets to take a test on Wednesday evening before my break begins, but that's okay. . .I don't have classes Thursday or Friday! ! ! I need this break!

Friday I am going to take off work and just spend the day with my boys. . . I don't know that we will do anything special but we will get to spend much needed time together. . .We have all been so busy. . .

And, this break means that this semester is half over! ! ! I'm ready for this one to be over. . .I despise my evening class! I don't like leaving when my family is getting home. Yes, it is only for an 1 1/2 but it interrupts my family time. . .

One semester after this one and I'll be graduating. . .FINALLY! ! !

OMG! :(

Wow! It's been a long time since I've been up this late and Birddog and I are having a spat. . .I'm crying and he has no idea. . .JACK ASS

We went to a friend of ours birthday party tonight. . .Scoop is at a sleepover and Bud had plans with JJ. . .We got in just a few minutes ago and it is 2:05 a.m.

On our way home I asked Birddog how many times he grabbed SM's titties - "I don't know. . ." So, I told him not to touch me. . .According to him I am unreasonable. . .Oh I'm mad! Then he told me that if he wanted somebody else that we wouldn't be home here together tonight. . .I told him that wasn't the issue! The issue was he touched somthing he shouldn't have (YES, we've been drinking.) But, you know what that doesn't matter - I was able to keep my hands to myself and I told Birddog that. . .Now, you kinda have to know SM - she thinks that she is sexy and is over-weight. . .She had on a titty shirt and made sure everyone at the party knew it. . .She thinks she is cute when she tries to kiss you (male or female) and I DO NOT EVEN GO FOR THAT! ! !

She made a big issue out of her self tonight - so on our way home I just asked - if Birddog had told me he hadn't touched her that would have been it - but when he said he didn't know - I flat out told him that he WAS NOT TO TOUCH ME TONIGHT. . .He is now in Scoop's room. . .I asked him if I was being punished for something and told him that it was just wrong. . .Then he told me he didn't touch her - What the H? I don't get it! ! ! I asked him what the difference was - if I had been grabbing the guys crotches it would have been different? Please, please explain this to me. . .He did ask me and I told him NONE AT ALL. . .

I know that a lot of this is that he has been drinking - but I don't give a flip! You keep your hands to yourself and what is rightfully yours (spouse). . .I'm mad and jealous and told him so. . .he's playing it off like no big deal - you can tell that we don't go out much (or drink) - that's fine. . .

Just blowing off steam! ! ! It's 2:20 a.m. in the morning and my husband is in his youngest sons bed making me feel like a really bad person because I questioned him about touching another woman's boobs! ! !

I'm hurt! ! ! He had the balls to tell me that I had not had any interest in him for 3 weeks. . .What the hell does he expect? I work, go to school full-time, keep the house, cook the meals, and take care of his children. . .How am I supposed to feel about sex? Hello? I get up before he does every morning and fix his lunch, get his lazy ass out of bed and then work on myself and his children once he is off to work - I'm supposed to just be ready to go at the drop of a hat or when he is in the mood and ready?

I've been tagged.

Marnie tagged me. It's taken me a day to figure out this one out.

I am to narrow down my Most Famous Oddities to just 5 (I know I have more and you all may not think these are odd at all. I didn't have anyone to ask-LOL). Here goes:

1. Both my thumbs are double-jointed. I never thought of this as odd until I found out other people couldn't bend their thumbs backward like me. . .LOL

2. I hate taking pills. I will hardly take something if I have a headache. Birddog really get mad at me because I would rather just let it go away on its own.

3. I'm over 40 and want a belly ring. . .This isn't happening until I get a flat tummy. . .I have to get Silly to teach me Jazzercise.

4. I have never had a pedicure. . .I've wanted one because I've been told how nice and relaxing they are, but never have the time and don't think that it's important enought to make time for.

5. I cry just about everytime I get mad now. . .Since I quit smoking, I seem to cry when I get mad. . .I feel like such a wimp! I never used to be this way and it pisses me off!

I am going to tag: Silly Hily, Pamela, and Julie.

Fun thought for the day...

If you sometimes get the sudden urge to run around
naked.
Drink some Windex.
It will keep you from streaking.

Fall is Finally Here

Yea! We are getting much needed rain and viewing the beautiful colors of Fall. . .The windows are open and the AC is off. . .

Football weather is finally here! ! ! I'm digging out my extra blankets and clothes to layer for the football game Friday night. . .I'm so ready!

Birddog is biting at the bit to get out and get to hunting. . .with the boys right on his heels. . .It's so cool to see them together, laughing and cutting up, and making their plans. . .

My Fall Break is a week away and I'm actually considering taking a day off from work and making it a REAL break. . .Spend the day with my boys (theirs is the same time as mine). . .

I love this time of year!

Scoop Update

Scoop is coming right along. . .He is now allowed to put weight on his foot and he is really getting around good! ! !

I knew this would happen, he came home last night and asked if after his next doctor's appointment if he could get back into football. . .I don't think he has the whole concept that his bones are still growing back together. . .

It was funny, because Bud told him, "It's not worth it Scoop, don't even try, you won't get to." (He knows because he sat the season out last year due to a torn bicep muscle and he tried the same thing.)

They are so much alike. . .LOL. . .and they both LOVE THEIR SPORTS!

This Week'sCarnival is being hosted by Lindsey at Suspension of Disbelief.

Cajun Cheese Potatoes

Pamela wanted to know what was in the Cajun potatoes so here is how I throw them together:

Boil chunks of potatoes in Cajun (or Creole) Seasoning with Garlic Powder and Onion Powder and onions.
When potatoes are tender, drain and put in a baking dish.
Mix in grated cheese, more garlic powder, and Cajun (Creole) seasoning - to taste - with enough butter (margarine) for some juice to bake in.
Top with grated cheese and dobs of butter.
Place in oven until cheese and butter are melted.

I don't measure anything, so I'm not much help there. . .Sorry. I don't peel my potatoes, but it is personal preference.

These are super-duper good! Bud loves them and begs me to fix them and this is coming from a kid that won't eat mashed potatoes and gravy. . .

I'm Not a Restaurant Entrepreneur

Wow! Yesterday evening was the night that me and several other Football moms fed the team. . .That was a blast, once we were there and they were eating. LOL

I wound up skipping my Thursday afternoon classes due to not having the time to put my cajun-cheese potatoes together the evening before and working.

I thought I was really on a roll until I realized I was going to have to make another trip to the grocery store. Did you know that one of those big aluminium roasters will hold 10 pounds of potatoes? I knew that wasn't enough. . .So, got that roaster full and ready to go and headed off to the grocery store (my most unfavorate place). In the process of throwing the first roaster together I realized we needed deviled eggs too - Birddog hates boiled eggs - so I might as well get eggs for that too and called my friend, Bren Bren, and told her I was adding to the menu. . .LOL . . . She had done that to me a couple of times in the process of getting this pulled together.

I was gonna have to hurry now. . . Okay, ran through the grocery store, then I get in what I think is gonna be a fast lane - oh no, what was I thinking? We are digging around in the tobacco and the cashier is going into the office and then she drops the bags, please, please hurry. . .

I grabbed the eggs that weren't on sale, shoot. The man sacking the groceries was really nice offering to go back and get them, "No thank you, I wasn't paying attention, I'll just use these." It would have taken to long! I didn't have the time. . .

Okay, home now, let's get these groceries in. . .What are the dogs barking at? Flying into the hot tub room to put ice in the freezer I look up and see Woody barking at - TURKEY'S! OMG! Birddog isn't gonna believe this! They usually hang out and roost maybe 1/2 a mile from here at the creek. . .I had to call Birddog! Don't have time but by golly I'm gonna. . .He's pumped! Even text messaged the boys. . .LOL - I know pretty silly. . .

Okay, back to cooking the potatoes and throwing the deviled eggs together. . .My goodness, my kitchen looks like a bomb went off. . .Oh well, don't have time for that. . .Sure am glad I put that dish in the fridge to cool down for the eggs. . . Well, got that all slammed together and have got to change the clothes - I've got deviled egg all over me. . .We've got to go. . .Birddog has been loading the car up so we can get. . .BB is here because she is gonna follow us, she doesn't know where Bren Bren lives.

Hop in the car with BB and good grief I forgot the plastic ware and plates! Turn around go back to the house. . .oh my, BB drives slow! I'm late we need to go! ! ! I've been rushing all afternoon this is hard to take! ! ! Breathe Sha, breathe. . .Phew! We are finally here! Jump out and get to rushing around again. . .

Boy! We have a lot of food! It's time - we'll serve the boys the meat to make sure everyone gets some and decent portions. . .Everything else will be fine. . .Wow! These boys eat a lot. . .We fixed 25+ pounds of pork loin, had 20 pounds of cajun potatoes, about 4 1/2 dozen deviled eggs, potato salad, cowboy beans, salad, salad fluff, rolls, a desserts! Not much left to clean up they chowed down!

My feet are still sore from standing up all afternoon and evening. . .LOL - but it was all worth it when Bud told Birddog and I that the team and coaches said that it was the best team meal yet. . .Yeah!

Bren Bren could have us in a fix and doing this craziness again next week. . .She told the team that if they win tonight - I HOPE THEY DO - we will do this again next Thursday. . .Oh my! I'll have to do my part the night before, I can't skip class again. . .and I've still got stuff to clean up in my kitchen. . .

Just a quick note that I've joined Blogging Chicks! ! !

A Must Read for All.....

I received this in an email and felt it was worthy of sharing. . .I don't have girls but you know, this can happen to boys to. . .The email says to have your children read it to and I have printed it our for my boys. . .




After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on. She sent him an instant message:


ByAngel213:

Hi. I'm glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!


GoTo123:

LOL You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don't you live in a safe neighborhood?



ByAngel213:
Of course I do. LOL I guess it was my imagination cuz' I didn't see anybody when I looked out.



GoTo123:
Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven't done that have you?



ByAngel213:
Of course not. I'm not stupid you know.



GoTo123:
Did you have a softball game after school today?



ByAngel213:
Yes and we won!!



GoTo123:
That's great! Who did you play?



ByAngel213:
We played the Hornets. LOL. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees. LOL



GoTo123:
What is your team called?



ByAngel213:
We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really cool.



GoTo123:
Did you pitch?



ByAngel213:
No I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don't want them mad at me. Bye!



GoTo123:
Catch you later. Bye



Meanwhile... GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about Angel so far.



Her name: Shannon

Birthday: Jan. 3, 1985

Age: 13

State where she lived: North Carolina


Hobbies: softball, chorus, skating & going to the mall. Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her parents came home from work. He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats.


Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the eighth grade at the Canton Jr. High School. She had told him all this in the conversations they had on-line. He had enough information to find her now.


Shannon didn't tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ballpark that day. She didn't want them to make a scene & stop her from walking home from the softball games. Parents were always overreacting & hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child. Maybe if she had brothers & sisters, her parents wouldn't be so overprotective.



By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her. Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back. She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely.

He was leaning against the fence behind first base & he smiled when she looked at him. He didn't look scary and she quickly dismissed the sudden fear she had felt.


After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as she walked past him. He nodded & she smiled back. He noticed her name on the back of her shirt. He knew he had found her.


Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon 's home, & once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car .


Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon 's house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.


Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room.


"Shannon, come here," her father called. He sounded upset & she couldn't imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa.

"Sit down," her father began, "this man has just told us a most interesting story about you."

Shannon sat back. How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!

"Do you know who I am, Shannon?" the man asked.


"No," Shannon answered.


"I am a police officer and your online friend, GoTo123."


Shannon was stunned. "That's impossible! GoTo123is a kid my age! He's 14. And he lives in Michigan!"


The man smiled. "I know I told you all that, but it wasn't true. You see, Shannon, there are people on-line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to injure kids & hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to talk to people on-line. You told me enough about yourself to make it easy for me to find you. You named the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze."


Shannon was stunned. "You mean you don't live in Michigan ?"


He laughed. "No, I live in Raleigh. It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn't it?"


She nodded.


"I had a friend whose daughter! was like you. O nly she wasn't as lucky. The guy found her & murdered her while she was home alone. Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line. The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you've learned a lesson from this and won't do it again. Tell others about this so they will be safe too?"


"It's a promise!"


That night Shannon and her Dad and Mom all knelt down together and thanked God for protecting Shannon from what could have been a tragic situation.

Okay, it is October so I guess I can scare you all for a bit. . .This pic was taken by Bud this morning. . .

Hope I don't ruin your day. . .

Woody Update

I don't know if you remember the story of Woody and Mia, the dogs that were dumped on Julie and McD. . .

Anyway, Woody is now approximately 7 months old and onery as ever! We have taught him to sit, shake, high five, bang - and he falls over, and the funest thing yet is stick 'em up - and he sits on his rump and sticks his front paws up. . .

Woody has been pushing buttons here lately. . .he has been acting like a teenager testing his waters. . . LOL

Thanks again Julie! We've spoiled him rotten. . .

Bummer

Unfortunately our Homecoming Game was a loss. . .We did not play our game and I don't know what the coaches were thinking with some of the plays they were calling. . .Oh well, it's over and we lost. . .I can say that I didn't see any of the boys crying this time. . .Thank goodness! That bugs me. . .

I know what the coaches are thinking by having the boys out at the school at 4:15 on a home game. . .but they are having them bring pillows and blankets and have what the boys have tagged as "nap" time. . .Bud said that the first game that they did that the team looked stoned cuz their eyes were are glassy. . .

Coach was pretty upset after the game and told his wife he didn't know what to do. . .I made the suggestion, to the wife, to FEED the boys instead of having them sleep and play some pump up music, watch film and GET READY. . .These boys aren't getting anything to eat from lunch until after the game if they don't have a way to get something. . .and still that can't be much because they are lucky if they have an hour. . .I don't know that is the answer but it makes a little more sense to me. . .

Hopefully, the kids will keep their heads up and go out this Friday and play a much better game. . .