More Sadness

Robin just called to tell me that Tad Register was stabbed Thursday night outside of Buffalo's in Warner Robbins and died. When I taught at Central Fellowship Tad's grandmother was our bookkeeper. Wonderful family. Then I taught Tad's brother Kyle, who has Down's Syndrome. That year my children learned more about real life and loving other than any group I've ever taught. Tad and Kyle's mother Rebecca is a precious woman. When I first got pregnant with Gabe the young doctor told me I should have an abortion, because I was too old (36). (That's when I started seeing Old Dr. Brown.) Well Rebecca was such an encouragement during my pregnancy.

Wonderful people and I am so sad that they are having to deal with this horrible tragedy.

After Christmas Blues!

Realized this morning as F and I were talking that the "Happy Holiday" season is behind me and the "Let's Get to Work and Change the World" season is approaching fast. I've got a ton of work to get posted for college this weekend. Also, need to write some lesson plans before school resumes. I need Matt to help me make a couple of power points. Then there is the matter of Gabe having a project due, that he hasn't looked at. Plus, I need to run by the funeral home and sign the book for Mr. Maddox.

As if all that wasn't enough, Nicole has a birthday on January 8th, so I need to get a birthday gift. This would be okay, if I had written down sizes and ideas and didn't need to talk to Drew again. This seems to slow me down!

Special Christmas Story

In the Monticello News there is the sweetest rememberence of Christmas past. Check it out, it will warm your heart.

http://www.themonticellonews.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=94&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=4455&wpage=&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1096&hn=themonticellonews&he=.com

Mr. Maddox

Mr. Maddox died yesterday. I saw him at school on Friday. I wondered what did I say to him. Did he know that he had an important job and that we appreciated everything he did for us? Mr. Maddox never married, no children. Yet, his existance meant something to all of us! Mr. Maddox I hope you knew that we all cared.

It was FUN!

I could go into the catering business, but I would be VERY expensive! Last night was Dan's party and I didn't know that the little house could hold so many folks.

Dan, his Dad, and the boys were ready to start the party when they got in from Horsetown. Dan's parents got him a new pair of boots for his birthday. They are really nice.There was enough food! Can anyone ever accuse me of not having enough food! We had Artichoke and Spinach dip, Cowpokes, Hot bean dip, Fiesta Dip, Pepper Dip, Pimento Cheese sandwiches, hot ham and cheese sandwiches, and brownie trifle. Everyone seemed to enjoy all the food.
Russ and Rhonda dropped in!
This is a picture Freda took facing the dining room and kitchen.

Freda and Ricky were there!

Norris and Denitia drove over from Peachtree City. I loved you guys in Colorado, Pennsylvania and now here. (They probably could have never imagined Dan at 50 either!)



Steven Reese, Mr. Phillip, Russ, and Dewayne Brannan enjoyed visiting. (Tracie had gone to YEC)

Notice Stephen is sporting his FAVORITE team's t-shirt. Boomer Sooner!

Mom and Mrs. Martha had a nice visit.

No party would have been complete withour Dan and Martha Phariss. We so enjoyed them coming.

So there you go. That was Dan's 50th Birthday Party. We were blessed to have so many good friends show up.

Happy Birthday Cowboy!

Today, this man is 50 years old! Hard to believe. I can remember the first time I saw him and to me he looks the same. This man was born in Hawaii before it was even a state! He was born 2 months premature at a Navy base hospital. He can still ski black diamonds, ride bucking horses, and outwork his sons. As a matter of fact he got up this morning and wanted to go ride...just for a bit.

Tonight we are having a birthday open house and boy do I hope people show up! I'll be hurt someone doesn't show up to eat all the food. Plus, I don't want to clean the house for nothing. So everybody drop by between 7:00 and whenever. The menu is as follows:

Pepper Dip

Cowpokes

Layered Mexican Dip

Hot Bean Dip

fiesta salsa dip

artichoke and spinach dip

Party Ham and Cheese sandwiches

Pimento cheese sandwiches

grape salad

pecan trifle

strawberry trifle

It is still to be determined if I will bake a cake or not, depends on my scheduling.

Pioneer Woman Mystery Solved!

Yesterday, I read that pioneer woman had an article in the January issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, so I bought it. I knew she was from Oklahoma. I'd figured that out when the cousin had on the OU hoodie. But who had that much land and cattle, enough to raise wild mustangs too? Well her last name is on the article and the pieces fell together. Drummond. Well there is only one Drummond Land and Cattle Company, and they are located outside Tulsa near Pawhuska. The NCHA gives out a youth award every year called, "The Todd Drummond Award". Rae isn't living like most people that farm and ranch....(barely making it), but she is great reading and her pictures are wonderful. Anyway mystery solved.

PS. Further investigations have uncovered... it does not hurt that your father-in-law is very well diversified and is part owner in a mid-size oil company! Isn't the internet grand once you know what you are looking for.

PSS Monkey, I think the best place to be is with those who love you. Even without money! Since we are all in education we won't be pocketing that million anytime soon. This time I really looked at my check and $1,300 per month goes out to taxes and insurance!