What is a Boy?
Oh heck...I might as well just post the whole thing. For all you scrapbookers, there is great stuff to use on your pages!
Between the innocence of babyhood and the dignity of manhood, we find a delightful creature of a boy.
Boys come in assorted sizes, weights and colors. But all boys have the same creed: to enjoy every second of every minute of every day and to protest with noise (their only weapon) when their last minute is finished and the adult males pack them off to bed at night!
Boys are found everywhere: on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them and adults ignore them. A boy is truth with dirt on its face, beauty with a cut on its finger, wisdom with bubble gum in its hair, and the hope of the future with a frog in its pocket. When you are busy, a boy is an inconsiderate, bothersome, intruding jungle of noise.
When you want him to make an impression, his brain turns into jelly or else he becomes a jungle creature, bound on destroying the world, and himself with it. A boy is a composite. He has the appetite of a horse, the digestion of a sword swallower, the imagination of Paul Bunyan, the energy of a pocket-size atomic bomb, the curiosity of a cat, the shyness of a violet, the audacity of a steel trap, the enthusiasm of a fire cracker, and when he make something, he has five thumbs on each hand. He likes ice cream, movies, Christmas, comic books, the boy across the street, woods, water in its natural habitat, large animals, trains, Saturday mornings, and fire engines. He is not much for Sunday school, composing, music lessons, neckties, barbers, girls, overcoats, adults or bedtime.
Nobody else is so early to rise or so late to supper. Nobody else gets so much fun out of trees, dogs, and breezes. Nobody else can cram into one pocket a rusty knife, a half-eaten apple, 3 feet of string, 2 gumdrops, a five-cent slingshot, a chunk of unknown substance, and one supersonic code ring with a secret compartment. A boy is a magical creature--you can lock him out of your workshop, but you can't lock him out of your heart! You can get him out of your study, but you can't lock him out of your mind! Might as well give up! He is your captor, your jailer, your boss, and your master. But when your dreams tumble down and the world is a mess, he can put together the broken pieces in just a twinkle with a few magic words...I LOVE YOU!!
What is a Boy? by Alan Beck
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Boys!
Being the mom of two boys, I love quotes about boys and sons. I must warn you that I cannot read this aloud because it always makes me cry! ;)
"Boys are found everywhere: on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them and adults ignore them. A boy is truth with dirt on its face, beauty with a cut on its finger, wisdom with bubble gum in its hair, and the hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."
-From What is a Boy? by Alan Beck
Being the mom of two boys, I love quotes about boys and sons. I must warn you that I cannot read this aloud because it always makes me cry! ;)
"Boys are found everywhere: on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping to. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older sisters and brothers tolerate them and adults ignore them. A boy is truth with dirt on its face, beauty with a cut on its finger, wisdom with bubble gum in its hair, and the hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."
-From What is a Boy? by Alan Beck
Quotes I Like
This is from one of my favorite books, To Kill a Mockingbird. If you haven't read it, do it NOW! For some unknown reason, I never read this book until I was in my early 20's. I didn't ever have to read it for English class like most kids do. I don't even remember where I got the book or what inspired me to read it. All I remember is that once I started it, I couldn't put it down. It truly is one of the best books ever written. It is filled with beautiful images as well as the ugly images of the south. It has wonderful characters that you would love to meet and some you would just as soon not ever know. I usually reread the book at least once a year. (Yes, I am one of those people who likes to reread great books.) Anyway, with no further rambling here is the quote:
"Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into that tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad."
-From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is from one of my favorite books, To Kill a Mockingbird. If you haven't read it, do it NOW! For some unknown reason, I never read this book until I was in my early 20's. I didn't ever have to read it for English class like most kids do. I don't even remember where I got the book or what inspired me to read it. All I remember is that once I started it, I couldn't put it down. It truly is one of the best books ever written. It is filled with beautiful images as well as the ugly images of the south. It has wonderful characters that you would love to meet and some you would just as soon not ever know. I usually reread the book at least once a year. (Yes, I am one of those people who likes to reread great books.) Anyway, with no further rambling here is the quote:
"Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into that tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad."
-From To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Monday, March 29, 2004
New Book Alert
One of my favorite children's authors, E.L. Konigsburg, has a new book out called
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place. I cannot wait to read it! This lady has been writing since I was in elementary school, at least. The first book I ever read of hers was From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. From then on, I was hooked. The Mixed-Up Files book is the wonderful story of a brother and a sister who run away from home and stay in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I'd love to go there someday just to find the spots mentioned in the book.
One of my favorite children's authors, E.L. Konigsburg, has a new book out called
The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place. I cannot wait to read it! This lady has been writing since I was in elementary school, at least. The first book I ever read of hers was From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. From then on, I was hooked. The Mixed-Up Files book is the wonderful story of a brother and a sister who run away from home and stay in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I'd love to go there someday just to find the spots mentioned in the book.
My Points
This is one of my favorite places to earn free stuff. Over the course of a couple of years, I've earned gift certicates to the movie theater and gift cards to Barnes/Noble, Toys R Us, and other places. All I do is click to earn points. My Points sends out email and for each one you read, you get 5 points. Amazingly, those 5 points just keep accumulating until you have enough to get something free. If you do much shopping on the web, you can also earn points for your purchases. If you end up signing on, please use me as your referral so I can get more points! ;) When you sign up, use my User Name (KRKLIEWER) in the box labeled REFERRED BY A FRIEND. (That way I'll get Points for referring you.)
This is one of my favorite places to earn free stuff. Over the course of a couple of years, I've earned gift certicates to the movie theater and gift cards to Barnes/Noble, Toys R Us, and other places. All I do is click to earn points. My Points sends out email and for each one you read, you get 5 points. Amazingly, those 5 points just keep accumulating until you have enough to get something free. If you do much shopping on the web, you can also earn points for your purchases. If you end up signing on, please use me as your referral so I can get more points! ;) When you sign up, use my User Name (KRKLIEWER) in the box labeled REFERRED BY A FRIEND. (That way I'll get Points for referring you.)
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Lamentations 3:22-26
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Saturday, March 27, 2004
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
The Velveteen Rabbit
This is a great children's book. I always think of it around Easter time, I guess because of the rabbit in the title. It doesn't really have anything to do with Easter other than that. Love this quote...
The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery than any of the others. He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else. For nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it.
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
From The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
This is a great children's book. I always think of it around Easter time, I guess because of the rabbit in the title. It doesn't really have anything to do with Easter other than that. Love this quote...
The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery than any of the others. He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else. For nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it.
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
From The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Monday, March 22, 2004
Humorous Verse
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 11:22 "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion." I ran across this verse in high school and started laughing my head off. I immediately memorized it and have often quoted it as a favorite verse, which cracks people up. I have always loved this verse, because first of all it is so true and second of all it shows God has a sense of humor. :)
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 11:22 "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion." I ran across this verse in high school and started laughing my head off. I immediately memorized it and have often quoted it as a favorite verse, which cracks people up. I have always loved this verse, because first of all it is so true and second of all it shows God has a sense of humor. :)
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Cool Sites
Crosswalk Try this site for online Bible searches in many different versions, interesting articles and general information. Fantastic!
Christian Women Today I found this site thanks to Jan. Great articles and practical suggestions. I especially like the email daily devotional.
Crosswalk Try this site for online Bible searches in many different versions, interesting articles and general information. Fantastic!
Christian Women Today I found this site thanks to Jan. Great articles and practical suggestions. I especially like the email daily devotional.
Wonderful Promise
"All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1: 3-9 (New Living Translation)
"All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. For God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And God, in his mighty power, will protect you until you receive this salvation, because you are trusting him. It will be revealed on the last day for all to see.
So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1: 3-9 (New Living Translation)
A House Divided
This post will be on a more serious note. I am deeply saddened and disappointed at the behavior of people in my church. After a meeting which they set up, controlled and ramrodded, they succeeded in getting what they wanted...rid of the pastor. On such a note, Chris and I have decided to find a new church home. Throughout this whole situation, I have continually been reminded of Eph 3:20 which says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." I must focus on God and His plan and not what I want. God always knows the big picture, and we just get a glimpse of little pieces of the plan. I pray that through this situation, I will become a better person and have a stronger faith.
This post will be on a more serious note. I am deeply saddened and disappointed at the behavior of people in my church. After a meeting which they set up, controlled and ramrodded, they succeeded in getting what they wanted...rid of the pastor. On such a note, Chris and I have decided to find a new church home. Throughout this whole situation, I have continually been reminded of Eph 3:20 which says "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." I must focus on God and His plan and not what I want. God always knows the big picture, and we just get a glimpse of little pieces of the plan. I pray that through this situation, I will become a better person and have a stronger faith.
Friday, March 19, 2004
Hong Kong Phooey
I used to love this cartoon when I was a kid. In fact, I'll confess that I discovered it on Cartoon Network a few years ago and tried to watch it whenever I could. I always loved how the cat really did all the work, but Hong Kong Phooey was the "superhero." Hilarious!
I used to love this cartoon when I was a kid. In fact, I'll confess that I discovered it on Cartoon Network a few years ago and tried to watch it whenever I could. I always loved how the cat really did all the work, but Hong Kong Phooey was the "superhero." Hilarious!
Gadgets Galore
Check out this blog for the latest, greatest electronic gadgets. Isn't technology amazing?
Check out this blog for the latest, greatest electronic gadgets. Isn't technology amazing?
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Book Sites for Kids
Here are some great sites to help find good books to read to your kids or for your kids to read.
Kidsreads.com This site features new books, old books and books for age/reading levels. Hey, I just noticed one of my favorite authors E.L. Konigsburg has a new book. I'm headed to Amazon to order it.
Lots of Lists
Books for Kids
The Read Alound Handbook by Jim Trelease. I highly recommend this book. It shows you all the benefits of reading aloud to your kids and has an extensive list of books arranged by children's ages along with a short review. This book is a must-have for anyone with kids!
Here are some great sites to help find good books to read to your kids or for your kids to read.
Kidsreads.com This site features new books, old books and books for age/reading levels. Hey, I just noticed one of my favorite authors E.L. Konigsburg has a new book. I'm headed to Amazon to order it.
Lots of Lists
Books for Kids
The Read Alound Handbook by Jim Trelease. I highly recommend this book. It shows you all the benefits of reading aloud to your kids and has an extensive list of books arranged by children's ages along with a short review. This book is a must-have for anyone with kids!
Lake Bum
We have a place at Lake Tenkiller and this spring weather makes me ready to go there and spend time in the great outdoors. We have an acre lot with lots of trees where the boys are free to roam and play. Chris' mom and dad have a house right next door and our good friends have a place right down the road. We ride four wheelers, make campfires, boat and just enjoy life. Every Saturday night we charcoal some delicious steaks! Mmm...If you want to know more about Tenkiller, you can go here or here.
We have a place at Lake Tenkiller and this spring weather makes me ready to go there and spend time in the great outdoors. We have an acre lot with lots of trees where the boys are free to roam and play. Chris' mom and dad have a house right next door and our good friends have a place right down the road. We ride four wheelers, make campfires, boat and just enjoy life. Every Saturday night we charcoal some delicious steaks! Mmm...If you want to know more about Tenkiller, you can go here or here.
On My Nightstand
The ever-evolving stack on my nighstand continues:
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell - I've read this one before and am rereading part of it now. Excellent book. There is also another book simply called The Five Love Languages which focuses on adult relationships including marriage. I highly recommend both.
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman - Interesting book about "realitity discipline" which means allowing children to experience the normal consequences of the decisions they make. I'll keep you posted if any of his ideas work.
The One Year Bible - Yep, I'm still reading it. This is the longest I've stuck with it, I hope to make it all the way through this year!
Hmmm...no fiction this week. I need to pick up a new novel to read.
The ever-evolving stack on my nighstand continues:
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman & Ross Campbell - I've read this one before and am rereading part of it now. Excellent book. There is also another book simply called The Five Love Languages which focuses on adult relationships including marriage. I highly recommend both.
Making Children Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman - Interesting book about "realitity discipline" which means allowing children to experience the normal consequences of the decisions they make. I'll keep you posted if any of his ideas work.
The One Year Bible - Yep, I'm still reading it. This is the longest I've stuck with it, I hope to make it all the way through this year!
Hmmm...no fiction this week. I need to pick up a new novel to read.
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Tools for Serious Readers
I love this site and its catalog. If only I could afford to buy anything they sell. LOL Levenger has great accessories for readers and writers and for anyone who just likes pens and paper. If you ever need to find a gift for me, here's your site. ;)
I love this site and its catalog. If only I could afford to buy anything they sell. LOL Levenger has great accessories for readers and writers and for anyone who just likes pens and paper. If you ever need to find a gift for me, here's your site. ;)
New Magazine for Booklovers
Just picked up the latest copy of a magazine called Bookmarks. It looks really neat. Features new books with short reviews. The stack on my nightstand will be getting bigger in the near future. :)
Just picked up the latest copy of a magazine called Bookmarks. It looks really neat. Features new books with short reviews. The stack on my nightstand will be getting bigger in the near future. :)
Just One Look
Harlan Coben's new book is coming out April 27th. I can hardly wait!! I'm already on the list at the library to get it.
Harlan Coben's new book is coming out April 27th. I can hardly wait!! I'm already on the list at the library to get it.
Friday, March 12, 2004
Recipes Galore
Looking for a recipe or a new dinner idea. Try Allrecipes.com This site has a zillion recipes and a nice search engine so you can find what you are looking for. It even features low carb recipes, weight watcher recipes, and full-fat recipes. (unfortunately these are my favorite! ;) )
Looking for a recipe or a new dinner idea. Try Allrecipes.com This site has a zillion recipes and a nice search engine so you can find what you are looking for. It even features low carb recipes, weight watcher recipes, and full-fat recipes. (unfortunately these are my favorite! ;) )
Bible Maps
This may be a bit geeky for a lot of you, but I admit it...I love maps! Last year for my birthday, my sister, Kristen, bought me one of the best presents ever. Yes, it was a collection of Bible maps with overlays so that you can see what it looked like then and now. Awesome! Anyway, this site has about any Bible map you can think of. So for all you BSF'ers...here's a good way to get those geography questions right.
This may be a bit geeky for a lot of you, but I admit it...I love maps! Last year for my birthday, my sister, Kristen, bought me one of the best presents ever. Yes, it was a collection of Bible maps with overlays so that you can see what it looked like then and now. Awesome! Anyway, this site has about any Bible map you can think of. So for all you BSF'ers...here's a good way to get those geography questions right.
Tort Reform
My friend, Jan, just posted this entry about tort reform on her blog. I liked it so much I'm reposting it here. Thanks, Jan!
This just in from Oklahomans For Lawsuit Reform:
On Tuesday, March 9, HB2661 was passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives with 37 amendments – making it the strongest piece of lawsuit reform legislation ever to pass out of a chamber in the Oklahoma Legislature. The fate of this important legislation is now with the Oklahoma Senate when the bill is heard in committee meetings next week. It will go first to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is very important that this bill pass out of committee and the Senate without being watered down or made ineffective. There is a strong movement on the part of Oklahoma’s trial lawyers – who have deep pockets - to do just that. They are putting thousands of dollars toward an advertising campaign and calling in political favors to kill HB2661 and our state’s chance for meaningful reform. But we can stop them.
Here are some things you can do right now to have a voice in this process and make a difference:
Most importantly, send e-mails or make phone calls today to the Senate Judiciary Committee members listed below. Ask your friends and relatives to do the same. Tell the committee members that Oklahomans have had enough of the high price of lawsuit abuse and you want them to pass HB2661 out of their committee in its current form - with no changes.
Let your local Senator know you support HB2661 and expect him or her to do the same.
Senator Judiciary Committee Members
Senator Jerry Smith
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 533C
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5620
smith@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Bernest Cain
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 413A
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5610
cain@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Maxine Horner
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 428B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5598
horner@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Charlie Laster
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 413
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5539
laster@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Richard C. Lerblance
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 513B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5604
bell@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Mike Morgan
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 519
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5572
bard@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Scott Pruitt
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 529A
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5602
pruitt@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Stratton Taylor
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 522
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5555
garlick@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator James A. Williamson
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 531
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5624
williamson@lsb.state.ok.us
# posted by Jan : 3:16 PM
My friend, Jan, just posted this entry about tort reform on her blog. I liked it so much I'm reposting it here. Thanks, Jan!
This just in from Oklahomans For Lawsuit Reform:
On Tuesday, March 9, HB2661 was passed by the Oklahoma House of Representatives with 37 amendments – making it the strongest piece of lawsuit reform legislation ever to pass out of a chamber in the Oklahoma Legislature. The fate of this important legislation is now with the Oklahoma Senate when the bill is heard in committee meetings next week. It will go first to the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is very important that this bill pass out of committee and the Senate without being watered down or made ineffective. There is a strong movement on the part of Oklahoma’s trial lawyers – who have deep pockets - to do just that. They are putting thousands of dollars toward an advertising campaign and calling in political favors to kill HB2661 and our state’s chance for meaningful reform. But we can stop them.
Here are some things you can do right now to have a voice in this process and make a difference:
Most importantly, send e-mails or make phone calls today to the Senate Judiciary Committee members listed below. Ask your friends and relatives to do the same. Tell the committee members that Oklahomans have had enough of the high price of lawsuit abuse and you want them to pass HB2661 out of their committee in its current form - with no changes.
Let your local Senator know you support HB2661 and expect him or her to do the same.
Senator Judiciary Committee Members
Senator Jerry Smith
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 533C
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5620
smith@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Bernest Cain
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 413A
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5610
cain@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Maxine Horner
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 428B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5598
horner@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Charlie Laster
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 413
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5539
laster@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Richard C. Lerblance
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 513B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5604
bell@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Mike Morgan
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 519
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5572
bard@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Scott Pruitt
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 529A
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5602
pruitt@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator Stratton Taylor
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 522
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5555
garlick@lsb.state.ok.us
Senator James A. Williamson
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 531
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5624
williamson@lsb.state.ok.us
# posted by Jan : 3:16 PM
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Dining Express Delivery
I just found out about this fabulous delivery service. All of my neighbors were outside this evening enjoying the sunshine and we started talking about what we were having for dinner. One of my neighbors just happened to mention that she wanted to get Maggie Moos (ice cream) delivered. She said it costs $4.95 for the delivery plus the cost of your food. I asked her where she had been all my life??? Anyway, apparently this place will deliver from many metro restaurants for a mere fee of $4.95 plus a tip. My neighbors informed me that they even wear a chef hat and set everything up for you. I can't wait to try it out! Just remember this number 858-TOGO. Click here for their website and a complete listing of restaurants and menus. Let me know if you try it.
I just found out about this fabulous delivery service. All of my neighbors were outside this evening enjoying the sunshine and we started talking about what we were having for dinner. One of my neighbors just happened to mention that she wanted to get Maggie Moos (ice cream) delivered. She said it costs $4.95 for the delivery plus the cost of your food. I asked her where she had been all my life??? Anyway, apparently this place will deliver from many metro restaurants for a mere fee of $4.95 plus a tip. My neighbors informed me that they even wear a chef hat and set everything up for you. I can't wait to try it out! Just remember this number 858-TOGO. Click here for their website and a complete listing of restaurants and menus. Let me know if you try it.
Trading Spaces
I love to watch Trading Spaces on TLC. You never know what crazy idea one of the designers will come up with. Now they are having a special contest where you can get your home mortgage paid off. Now that would be sweet! When you cast your vote each Sunday night, you are entered in the contest for viewers.
Click here for more information.
I love to watch Trading Spaces on TLC. You never know what crazy idea one of the designers will come up with. Now they are having a special contest where you can get your home mortgage paid off. Now that would be sweet! When you cast your vote each Sunday night, you are entered in the contest for viewers.
Click here for more information.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Wednesday with Sonja
I went to visit Chris' aunt today. She is dying of cancer, so I was dreading going to see her. What a surprise I got. We had a wonderful visit. Sonja looked good and I ended up staying over two hours. I plan to go see her next week and take her the new Grisham book. We talked about life, death, pets, jobs she had done, grandkids and kids. I guess I'm writing all this with a point in mind...sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do just because we know it is the right thing to do.
God richly blesses us when we reach out to show others we care.
I went to visit Chris' aunt today. She is dying of cancer, so I was dreading going to see her. What a surprise I got. We had a wonderful visit. Sonja looked good and I ended up staying over two hours. I plan to go see her next week and take her the new Grisham book. We talked about life, death, pets, jobs she had done, grandkids and kids. I guess I'm writing all this with a point in mind...sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do just because we know it is the right thing to do.
God richly blesses us when we reach out to show others we care.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Bible Study Fellowship
BSF is an interdenominational in-depth Bible study. I have been involved in many Bible studies and BSF is the best, hands down. It is interesting, inspiring, challenging and practical. Next year's study is on Acts of the Apostles. I can't wait! If anyone is interested in coming, let me know. I'd be glad to give you more information. We have an introduction class the first Tuesday morning of every month. There is also an evening class on Mondays. Not only is the Bible Study fantastic, there are tons of wonderful people there, too. Our next introduction is on April 6th and we will have several more in May to enroll for the following year. The study is from September to May and we take off during the summers. They also have a children's program which I highly recommend. If you are in the day program, it is for kids 2 - 6 years old. The night program has kids from 1st-12th grade.
Also, for you friends not in Oklahoma, check out their website for classes in your area. BSF has classes all over the world!
BSF is an interdenominational in-depth Bible study. I have been involved in many Bible studies and BSF is the best, hands down. It is interesting, inspiring, challenging and practical. Next year's study is on Acts of the Apostles. I can't wait! If anyone is interested in coming, let me know. I'd be glad to give you more information. We have an introduction class the first Tuesday morning of every month. There is also an evening class on Mondays. Not only is the Bible Study fantastic, there are tons of wonderful people there, too. Our next introduction is on April 6th and we will have several more in May to enroll for the following year. The study is from September to May and we take off during the summers. They also have a children's program which I highly recommend. If you are in the day program, it is for kids 2 - 6 years old. The night program has kids from 1st-12th grade.
Also, for you friends not in Oklahoma, check out their website for classes in your area. BSF has classes all over the world!
Monday, March 08, 2004
Wealth of Information
Looking for a dictionary or encyclopedia online. Trying to find a quote. Check out Bartleby.com. It is amazing how much information this site has! It also has tons of literature including novels and poetry. A must-see for all you bibliophiles!
Looking for a dictionary or encyclopedia online. Trying to find a quote. Check out Bartleby.com. It is amazing how much information this site has! It also has tons of literature including novels and poetry. A must-see for all you bibliophiles!
Sunday, March 07, 2004
The Passion of the Christ
I had a few questions regarding some of the symbolism in the movie. I don't want to give anything away in case people haven't seen it. Here is a site that explains a lot of the symbolism.
Here are some other neat sites about the movie. Click here, here or here.
I had a few questions regarding some of the symbolism in the movie. I don't want to give anything away in case people haven't seen it. Here is a site that explains a lot of the symbolism.
Here are some other neat sites about the movie. Click here, here or here.
Saturday, March 06, 2004
Friday, March 05, 2004
Top 10 Kid's Books
(These books are for older kids. You should have seen me the year I taught 4th grade and was in a reading contest with my class. They could barely keep up! Actually, I had a few that outread me that year.) Anyway, these books are wonderful for any adult to pick up and read. Some of the children's books I have read are better than any adult book!
1. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
2. Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White
3. A View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
4. Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls
5. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
6. Holes by Louis Sachar
7. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
8. Frindle by Andrew Clements
9. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
10. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
(These books are for older kids. You should have seen me the year I taught 4th grade and was in a reading contest with my class. They could barely keep up! Actually, I had a few that outread me that year.) Anyway, these books are wonderful for any adult to pick up and read. Some of the children's books I have read are better than any adult book!
1. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
2. Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White
3. A View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
4. Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls
5. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
6. Holes by Louis Sachar
7. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
8. Frindle by Andrew Clements
9. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
10. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Top Ten Favorite Books
Look out! I love Top Ten Lists. I'm going to start with books. Here are my top ten favorite books in no particular order: *
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Southern Sister Mysteries by Anne George ( I think there are 8 in the series. These books will make you laugh out loud. The first one is Murder on a Girl's Night Out)
Gone for Good by Harlan Coben (one of my new favorite authors)
The Shellseekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
1984 by George Orwell
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
*This list is subject to change at any given time!
Email me your list and I'll post it on my blog. I'd love to see what other people like to read.
Look out! I love Top Ten Lists. I'm going to start with books. Here are my top ten favorite books in no particular order: *
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
Southern Sister Mysteries by Anne George ( I think there are 8 in the series. These books will make you laugh out loud. The first one is Murder on a Girl's Night Out)
Gone for Good by Harlan Coben (one of my new favorite authors)
The Shellseekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
1984 by George Orwell
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
*This list is subject to change at any given time!
Email me your list and I'll post it on my blog. I'd love to see what other people like to read.
Tea for Two
I had lunch today with my dear friend, Mary. We hadn't seen each other all winter. We met at one of our favorite places, A Spot for Tea. My friend, Tammy, owns the tearoom. They have delicious food including the best chicken salad in town. They also have soup, salad, quiche and desserts. Delicious! Tammy also does tea parties for birthday parties and whatever else you want to celebrate. If you go to A Spot for Tea, be sure to tell her "hi" for me. Also, A Spot for Tea is located just west of Council on the NW Highway in the OKC Market Square. (Right by TJ Maxx)
I had lunch today with my dear friend, Mary. We hadn't seen each other all winter. We met at one of our favorite places, A Spot for Tea. My friend, Tammy, owns the tearoom. They have delicious food including the best chicken salad in town. They also have soup, salad, quiche and desserts. Delicious! Tammy also does tea parties for birthday parties and whatever else you want to celebrate. If you go to A Spot for Tea, be sure to tell her "hi" for me. Also, A Spot for Tea is located just west of Council on the NW Highway in the OKC Market Square. (Right by TJ Maxx)
Pink Eye
I apparently have now caught the pink eye from my boys. Yuck! It is only in one eye so far. Hopefully, it will stay that way. Thankfully, we already have the drops, so I didn't have to call the doctor. The thing I dislike the most is having to wear glasses. They are always sliding off my nose and always dirty. LOL
I apparently have now caught the pink eye from my boys. Yuck! It is only in one eye so far. Hopefully, it will stay that way. Thankfully, we already have the drops, so I didn't have to call the doctor. The thing I dislike the most is having to wear glasses. They are always sliding off my nose and always dirty. LOL
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Online Bargains
I love to find good bargains and I especially love to find them online since it means I can click and shop without ever leaving the house. Check out these sites for listings of bargains and discounts galore. Funtasia and Dealhunting
I love to find good bargains and I especially love to find them online since it means I can click and shop without ever leaving the house. Check out these sites for listings of bargains and discounts galore. Funtasia and Dealhunting
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
RSS Readers
Ok, this one is new for me, but it looks like it could really be fun as well as useful. Scour the web using an RSS reader like Pluck. Try it out and let me know what you think. Or if you have any helpful tips, let me know.
Ok, this one is new for me, but it looks like it could really be fun as well as useful. Scour the web using an RSS reader like Pluck. Try it out and let me know what you think. Or if you have any helpful tips, let me know.
Looking for a new browser
I'm always trying out new programs for fun. Ran across a review of this one in one of my favorite e-mail newsletters Lockergnome. Actually, I'm currently using Firefox and I love it. It features tabbed browsing. If you haven't used tabbed browsing, you are missing out. My favorite part is that you can set up as many tabbed windows as you like as your homepage. In other words, you can have your web browser open up those webpages you check everyday all at one time!
I'm always trying out new programs for fun. Ran across a review of this one in one of my favorite e-mail newsletters Lockergnome. Actually, I'm currently using Firefox and I love it. It features tabbed browsing. If you haven't used tabbed browsing, you are missing out. My favorite part is that you can set up as many tabbed windows as you like as your homepage. In other words, you can have your web browser open up those webpages you check everyday all at one time!
Sites for Bibliophiles
Here are some of my favorite book sites. Just click below to go to the site.
Here are some of my favorite book sites. Just click below to go to the site.
- Bookbrowse One of my absolute favorites. Tons of reviews, a weekly email newsletter and a chance to win free books in the weekly contest!
- Whichbook A fun site to help you decide what to read next.
- Reading Group Guides A good place for reviews and discussion questions for book clubs.
- Bookcrossing A unique site where you can learn to "release" books for others to read. I left one book on an airplance, but never got a followup. Still a cool idea!
On My Nightstand
I absolutely love to read and always have a stack of things on my nightstand that I am reading or that I am going to read. Here's what I have on my nightstand right now:
I absolutely love to read and always have a stack of things on my nightstand that I am reading or that I am going to read. Here's what I have on my nightstand right now:
- The One Year Bible (I've been trying to read it everyday, but some days I miss. I just skip that day and move on. No need to get bogged down trying to catch up. ;) )
- The Last Juror by John Grisham (I love this book so far. Lots of interesting characters...in fact Harry Rex from A Time to Kill appears in this book. I just hope this one has a good ending. Grisham is notorious for ending badly, in my humble opinion.)
- The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier (I started this one, but got sidetracked when I picked up The Last Juror at the library. I'm always reserving books and picking them up at the front desk. Much easier when you are trying to drag two kids to the library with you. Click here to go to the Metropolitan Library's website. You can renew books, reserve books and search for books, all from the comfort of home.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
First Entry
Well this is my very first blog entry. I don't know why I think I need to blog...it just looks fun. My friend, Jan, started her own blog and inspired me. So, here we go. It is sure to be a wild ride as my interests are many and varied.
Well this is my very first blog entry. I don't know why I think I need to blog...it just looks fun. My friend, Jan, started her own blog and inspired me. So, here we go. It is sure to be a wild ride as my interests are many and varied.
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