Hello My Friend,
Well, it's time for My Birthday again, so I thought I'd drop you a note.
Last year, and for many, many years past, they've had a real big party for Me, so it just seems like they probably will again this year. After all, they've been shopping and preparing for it for months now. And in the papers, on radio, and on the TV, there have been announcements and advertisements almost everyday about how, soon, it's coming! They truly do go overboard about it, don't they? But it's nice to know that at least on one day of the year some people are thinking about Me, a little, I guess.
You know, it's been many, many years now since they first started celebrating My Birthday. Back then they seemed to appreciate how important My Birthday was. Lately, it seems, most folks are missing the point of it all.
Like last year, when My Birthday came around, they threw a big party, but can you believe it? I wasn't even invited! Imagine!
The Guest of Honor, and they forgot all about Me!
They had been preparing for the festivities for months in advance, but when the big day came, here was I, left out in the cold! Well, you know, it's happened so many times in recent years, I guess I wasn't even that surprised. But, even though I wasn't invited, I thought, why not, I'll just quietly slip in, anyway. So I came in and stood off to the side.
Everyone was drinking, laughing and just having a grand time, when all of a sudden, in came this rotund fellow in a bright red suit, wearing a phony white beard. And here he was, shouting, "Ho, Ho, Ho!" He looked for all the world like he had more than enough to drink, but somehow he managed to weave his way across the floor while everyone cheered and cheered. When he collapsed into a big armchair, all the little children went running over to him, yelling, "Santa! Santa!" I mean, you'd have thought he was the guest of honor and that the whole holiday was in his honor!
Then he started telling those children the most ridiculous stories you've ever heard!. Things like, he lives at the North Pole with a crew of elves, and that every year on My Birthday he rides in his sleigh pulled by a bunch of flying reindeer, giving presents to children all over the world! I mean, I didn't hear a word of truth in anything he said! Imagine telling impressionable little kids such a far fetched story!
Look, I took all I could, but, finally I just had to leave. I walked out of the door, but, do you know something, I do not believe that anyone even noticed that I had gone. As I walked down the street afterward, I felt so lonely and forlorn I cried! I could only remember one other time I'd felt that low. Maybe you don't think I cry ...
Oh, by the way, that little manger scene you put up in the corner of your living room, now that was really nice! It's real sweet of people to commemorate My birthday like that. But did you know that today, in some places, authorities won't allow manger scenes in parks, or on sidewalks, or any public places anymore! And just forget about putting things like that in schools! I'm not talking about far-off countries! I'm talking about right here in America.
Imagine! What could be more innocent that a manger scene to remind people of My Birthday? And yet they ban it! They've actually passed laws against it and made it illegal! You know, I sometimes wonder what this world is coming to!
One nice thing about My Birthday is that people give each other presents. And that's ok, I don't mind at all, just as long as it's being done in My Name. But something that amazes Me is how, on My Birthday, most people give gifts to each other with never a mention of My Name, except, when they're cursing about this and that! And to top it all off, usually the presents they give are all kinds of stuff they don't even need!
Let Me ask you, wouldn't you find it rather strange if when your birthday came along, all your friends decided to celebrate it by giving each other presents and never gave you so much as a thought?
Another thing that really bothers Me, is this "Merry Xmas". They have taken My Name out of Christmas and replaced it with an X. How would you feel if I sent you a birthday card that read, "Happy Birthday X" Pretty degrading isn't it?
Someone once told Me, "Well, it's because You're not around like other people are, so how can we give You a present?" You should know My answer to that one, "Then give gifts of food and clothing to the poor, help those who need it. Go visit the lonely!" I said, "Listen, any gift you give to your needy fellow man, I'll count as if you gave it to Me personally!" A personal friend of Mine, name of Matthew ... he wrote that down many, many years ago.
Reminds Me of what happened just a few days ago to a friend of Mine, a sweet older fellow. He lives down in the inner city. He's been trying for years to join a big church downtown, it's close enough so he can walk to services. But it's a very exclusive church for the 'proper' kind of folks. And I guess the people at that big church don't consider My friend as being 'proper'. They just don't think he's good enough to be a member. I found him just yesterday sitting on the church steps with his head in his hands, and I asked him what was wrong. He told Me about it, and I put My arm around his shoulder and told him I knew just how he felt. I've been trying to get into that same church for years, and they've never let Me in, either!
Well I want to tell you, there's an end even to My patience. So I'm going let you in on a secret. Now this is something I've been planning on for quite sometime. The way things are going, I'm planning on having My own party! How about that? It's going to be the biggest, most fantastic feast you could possibly imagine! It might not happen this year, I just can't say right now. But I'm sending out the invitations right now. And I know you'll want to come. There's going be room for billions, for everyone who wants to come! Some really famous old-timers and celebrities are going to be there, and I'll reserve you a seat of honor right with them! I want to tell you that this is not the first announcement I've made about this party, my old friend Matthew that I told you about, he wrote that announcement down too! So hold on to your hat, because when everything is ready, I'm going to spring it as a big surprise! A lot of people are going be left out because they didn't answer my invitation.
Let Me know right away if you'd like to come, and I'll reserve you a place and, write your name in big gold letters in My great big Guest Book!
Much Love,JESUS
Oh, and P.S. Enjoy My Birthday! In My Name, that is!

for the Nacho Libre lovers

It is Nacho and Chancho (aka Nicholas) in his stretchy pants. Sometimes you wear stretchy pants in your room. It's for fun! hee hee

Nick and Katie's Christmas pic

Kneeling Santa Prayer

Contributed by Grace

The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed but
Santa still knelt by the side of his bed
'Dear Father,' he prayed,
"Be with me tonight,
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
My sack will hold toys to grant all kid's wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I can do all these things, Lord, only through you.
I just need your blessing ,then it's easy to do.
I do this only to honor the birth of the one,that was sent to redeem us,
Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest your glory I rob,
please, Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

Stories, pics, and humor is what I will be sharing up til holiday time for the most part

Why Jesus is better than Santa!

Santa lives at the North Pole ...JESUS is everywhere!

Santa rides in a sleigh ...JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water!

Santa comes but once a year ...JESUS is an ever present help!

Santa fills your stocking with goodies ...JESUS supplies all your needs!

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited ...JESUS stands at your door and knocks,And then enters your heart when invited!

You have to wait in line to see Santa ...JESUS is as close as the mention of His name!

Santa lets you sit on his lap ...JESUS lets you rest in His arms!

Santa doesn't know your name,All he can say is,"Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did!Not only does He know our name,He knows our address too,He knows our history and future, andHe even knows how many hairs are on our heads!

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly ...JESUS has a heart full of love!

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO ...JESUS offers health, hope and happiness!

Santa says, "You better not cry" ...JESUS says, "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you!"

Santa's little helpers make toys ...JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts,Repairs broken homes, and builds mansions!

Santa may make you chuckle, but ...JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree ...JESUS became our gift, and died on a tree!

It's obvious there is really no comparison!We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about!We need to put CHRIST back in Christmas!

Yes, JESUS is better!!!He is even better than Santa Claus!
~ author unknown ~

A movie for many!!!

We went and saw The Nativity this weekend. It was great! I encourage any and all to go see it. Becareful cause I think it has a PG rating but there is a birthing scene with Elizabeth and it is kind of intense. Kota was uncomfortable.

Shadow's new face mask

here we are 8 days shy of 4 months old!

weekend update pics

Shadow loved the snow last night after the parade. and shots from the xmas dance!

Happy day of gluttony........

uummmmmmm I meant HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!

Veteran's day

This weekend were sales for veteran's day and Ford let their workers have a day off. But I have to share what happened this weekend that I found quite touching. It is our anniversary today and this weekend we went out to dinner for it. The table next to us were two young ladies, one in a navy uniform. Before they started to eat, the young lady in the uniform bowed her head and said a prayer for both of them. She said her prayer so strong and with such conviction. She did not whisper it and she did not do it real quick. She took time out and you knew that it was heartfelt. Later when the bill came, her waitress came over and told her that she had some good news. The manager had noticed her uniform and due to vet's day gave her 50% off. (their table was right next to us-no eavesdropping, so easy to hear) But that was not the end of it. A gentleman noticed her uniform too and paid the rest of the bill. How cool I thought. Then an opportunity opened up where I was able to tell her how awesome it was to see a young adult as herself say a prayer in public (especially ann arbor) . Just to see her beam with pride was so cool. Had to share. :)

more ford cuts....unfortunately this time my hubby may be affected

as reported by the news (detroit free press)

Ford Motor Co. will cut one shift of production in the second quarter of 2007 at the Michigan Truck Plant, which builds Ford's largest SUVs, as part of its effort to match supply of vehicles with shrinking demand.The move will result in an untold number of layoffs.The plant located in Wayne builds the new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. While the new vehicles were launched in September, demand for the largest SUVs has been waning, leading to Ford's decision."Our business plan shows we can meet the demand with one shift, because the overall volumes are in decline," Ford spokeswoman Anne Marie Gattari said.Gattari refused to comment on media speculation that between 700 and 1,300 jobs could be cut by the move."I've heard all kinds of numbers. .. It's not been determined," she said.However, she added, "I'm told the over 1,000 number is high."In October, sales were up 41% for Expedition and 44% for Navigator. For the year-to-date, however, sales are down 30% for Expedition and 15% for the Navigator -- largely because of continuing concerns over rising and erratic fuel prices.

Football awards night

Both boys won awards at the sports banquet. Great job to both. Awesome football season. You did us all proud.

Halloween pics

a whole new meaning to have eyes in the back of your head!

happy halloween

a moment of international culture

My dad is in Macedonia and he mentioned picking and also having a lunch of medlars. What are those I thought? A fruit that is picked after the first hard frost. It is brown in color and has been compared to a persimmon. It is my understanding also that it must sit and go through a process called "bletting". I hear they are delish.... there, I have shared my cultural moment with all.

quote for the day

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
Mark Twain

Do you believe in the "paranormal"?

What do we make of ghosts and spirits? Are they real or are they our imagination? If you think they are real do you think we should be allowed to exploit the spiritual realm for entertainment? On VH1 you can watch celebs get freaked out as they go on missions in the most haunted places in the world. Also, would you go on one of these "missions" to see for yourself if there really are ghosts and spirits?

pictures of their last high school football game

the end of the beginning

Tonight is the last high school football game for seniors here at T-town. It is going to be an emotional time with the boys having to end years of traditions, tailgate parties, sleep overs, practices, swimming after 2 a days, and much more. We play Bedford and all I can say is Go Indians!!!! One of the traditions for tonight is the seniors will bury their mouth pieces in the football field. I am going to be such a bawling mess! Actually all the parents are going to be! Good luck boys!

GGOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!

Dakota at one of his soccer games. Go Kota G0! Yesterday he played Manchester. Absolutely freezing. He scored the first goal of the game, but ended in a tie!

Soo excited!!!

I am soo excited. We got tickets to La Nouba-Cirque de Soliel. Sixth row on the inside aisle close to the center of stage. I have always wanted to go and we are going to go in December. Yeah!!!!! Can't wait!

my hubby at work

getting bigger everyday! it is has just been over a week!

Would you??????

I was in a public restroom and the stall next to me was also occuppied. Her cell phone went off and for the next couple of seconds I heard her pushing buttons on her phone. She was text messaging, I am sure of it, while sitting on the pot. My question is : was it that urgent that you had to do it sitting on a public toilet? EEEWWWW! She was still pounding away while I was washing my hands cause the person she was corresponding with sent a message back (heard the beeps) and then I heard her beeping back on her key pads. Now the real question. Would you or perhaps have you, answered your phone while sitting on a public loo? Perhaps you did not answer the phone, would you text message? I vote no. Besides I thought you weren't allowed cell phones used in public bathrooms cause of the camera phones. Maybe I dreamt that though?

They won!!!! 43-6 against Lincoln

busier than ever, am i crazy?

I have not been able to post as frequently as I would like since I have a new schedule. I do however, try to check up on others and my email every couple of days at least. Let me list my excuses. I picked up another cleaning job in addition to the one I already do on Fridays. I added some part time work at the old Ford plant in Saline. Teaching T.S. Soccer 3 times a week and football once a week. Then add the baby ( not talking about the 3 I already have hee hee). What am I crazy?

Meet Shadow (8 weeks old) everyone!!!

homecoming!!!!

Senior homecoming court representative

Meet one of the four seniors to represent for homecoming this year. Next friday is homecoming. Parade starts at 2 p.m. downtown and game is at 7 p.m. Go Indians!

to teach or not to teach. that is the question!

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609210320

school spirit!?!?!?!?!?!

He's got Tecumseh Indian football spirit! It will be orange later for game time and he will be adding the numbers of his jersey later this week for homecoming! Other pic is last week after the game against Chelsea, Nick and Katie (his girlfriend).

Are you serious? This is ridiculous!

A mom (if you can even call her that) gives her son "pot" as a reward for when he finishes his homework!
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14804154/?GT1=8506

I love fall!

festivals, apple cider, pumpkins, halloween, football, and corn mazes! check out the ones in our local area!

www.mazeplay.com

The puppies!

We saw the puppies this weekend and these are the three choices that we have pretty much narrowed it down to. The family is divided on our choices! It all is going to come down to what dogs are going to be picked for show dogs and the stud owner gets to pick one pup. So we have to wait two weeks, that is when they are pretty much deciding. All of the dogs were social and playful. Lots of dogs too! It was a good time.

updates

Last weekend was the best birthday ever! No, I did not go anywhere like Las Vegas or receive diamonds. I just had a hubby who did many special things for me and it meant the world to me. Thanks again Vincent! muak!

We got our senior proofs back. He took some really good pics. Glad that is almost over with. Now we just got to pick poses and picture sizes.

Tomorrow we are going to visit the puppies! The only one not going is Nicholas cause of football. We will take some pics for him!

This weekend Kota has two soccer games (plays Clinton and Adrian) and Nicholas has his football game Friday night. It is home and we play Chelsea! come one, come all! It is parents night so it might be a little bit more crowded than usual!

Wow it will soon be middle of Sept.

Wasn't it inevitable?

We loved watching this crazy guy doing crazy things that we would never even attempt to do with animals. So it was and it was not shocking that he passed away from one of his animal adventures. Long live his episodes!

Last night's football game versus Adrian

puppy pictures

http://hometown.aol.com/araepalmer/samxtilly_melvinxashley.htm#MelvinxAshley

Tecumseh Indian football captains!