Thankful

I posted about how lucky we are here in the good old US of A a few days ago and then I had an even bigger yup moment. We lost water at our house. The mainline broke. That's right no water. Dear husband had to take a day off of work, yesterday to get it all fixed and well I hate not having water. So today I thanked the Lord for running water in my house, when ever I want it it is there....I take it for granted. What are you thankful for today?

VOTE

Look at that boy, yes I say boy even though he is my husband. At 18 and just enlisted in the US Army, he was a boy.

He is one that has fought for our freedoms, for our rights, for my ability to write this message. I pray for these people daily.

Please remember that part of our freedom comes from the freedom to Vote, so on Tuesday November 4th, go to the polls and cast you vote and then thank the men and woman who fight for our rights every day by their choice.

May God Bless us All.

Here she is!

Introducing Annie. We made it home Monday afternoon at about 3 pm. She is shy and scared, but the tail is already up and wagging and she loves her new home. The jury is still out on Ralf. There have been no fights or anything, but I think they are still learning how to function in the same house together. Ralf has been REALLY great. Annie wanted his bed last night and he had no problem letting her have it, he just slept next to her. We are making progress!!

Such a sweet face!

She really loves her Daddy already!!

Love at first sight

A Must Read

I received this following information in an email from my Aunt. Supposedly David Letterman said or wrote all of this, whomever did, Thank You! We need to be more grateful of what we have! It is a bit long, but WORTH the time to read it!

No matter what your political convictions are this is an eye opener....What a thankless people we are!!! David Letterman, on President Bush. (Surprising)

David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....

'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.'

'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?' A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either. H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings. K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers. M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' discharge after a few days in the brig. So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the NewYork Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' 'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?' -David Letterman

We're Expecting!!

I got you!

No, not a baby, but a new 4 legged baby!!! Yes, we are crazy and adding another dog to our family. This is part of my family plan, husband, then two dogs, then two babies in a year or two!!

Annie is a 9 month old pure bread English Springer Spaniel. I wasn't looking for a dog really yet, just sending out emails hoping we could find a puppy to come home in the spring, but Annie was found and she needs a home and loves male dogs and is so feminine and sweet and darling and well house broke!
That sealed the deal. No potty training! We pick her up on Monday and were able to visit with her last Monday, so love is in the air!

Welcome Home Annie Boyles, we can't wait to have you here!!

FFA

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

As many of you now, I was an FFA (Future Farmers of America) girl in High School. I loved FFA and my FFA teacher Ken Watje. I owe Mr. Watje so much. He helped to teach and shape me into the person I am today. Other then my parents, he is who I owe the most too. I have to thank him for the intoduction to the Fair which I am now the President of the Board at. I am so blessed in life and I have to thank FFA and Ken for that......so if you would be interested, join Campbells and help FFA!

Campbell Soup Company has pledged up to a quarter of a million dollars to help expand the future of American farming.

When you visit HelpGrowYourSoup.com and click on the red barn from 09/29/08 to 06/21/09, Campbell will donate $1 on your behalf—up to $250,000—to the National FFA Organization, which is dedicated to developing our future leaders through agricultural education.

Click here <http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com> to make a difference today!

A Sad Lonely Night

My husband is working tonight (4 pm to 3 am). He worked 25 hours starting Saturday at 7 pm and finally got home Sunday at 8 pm....crazy! I hate being alone at night. I should be fine with it, but my house seems lonely without him and so quiet and I really hate quiet. I need to work on a wedding shower gift, so maybe I will do that to keep my mind busy...oh and I need to go and get the garbage cans in, forgot that one until just now...oooppppps.....thanks for reading my complaints, I just miss him lots :-(............

Why did you marry him???

One of the few pictures I have of my husband as a child....I hope our children are that beautiful!

On Wednesday of last week I was able to go to the San Benito County Fair and watch my dear friends son show his hog. Yes I know I am a little weird, but I love a good hog show. I miss the days of showing and the competitive nature still lies with me.



I was sitting in the stands with Taylor, the sister of Trent who was showing and she asked me one of those profound, only a five year old could come up with it questions (and yes she was one of my three flower girls) " Why did you marry Bandon?" (Note - In the world of Taylor, Brandon has no r and is Bandon)......I had to think for a minute, how do you answer that to a 5 year old girl? Said answer was " Well Tay, because I love him with all my heart and I wanted to spend my life with him" .....Tay thinks...."but you love me too, right?" Courtney....."Yes, but you are a little young for me so I married Brandon".....Tay...."Okay" End of conversation! Out of the mouth of babes....I love that age.



But, that got me thinking, it has been 2 years since we married, how are things....well may I say perfect! Yes, we all have are issues and our problems and our spats, but really truly, I have married the man of my dreams and I couldn't be happier in the life I have. I think one more dog and well then a baby in a year or two and life will be truly, truly perfect or at least perfect in my eyes.

So Tay, thanks for making me think and Brandon.....Happy Anniversary "Babe"

New Favorite Lasagna!!

My mom made this for Sunday night family dinner.....it was AMAZING!

Classic Two Sauce Lasagna
By Judy Leonard



12 Lasagna Noodles Cooked
1 15 oz. Precious Ricotta Cheese
1 10 oz. Frozen Spinach Thawed & Well drained
2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese
2 eggs
1 lb. Bulk Italian Sausage or Ground Beef
1 26 oz. Jar Classic Red Sauce
1 17 oz. Jar Any Alfredo or White Sauce

Preheat oven to 350. In large bowl combine Ricotta, Spinach, 2 Tbls Parmesan and eggs. Mix Well; Cook and Drain Sausage. In 9x13 Baking Dish spread 1 cup Red Sauce. Layer 4 Lasagna Noodles over Sauce. Top with half cheese mixture, 1 cup Red Sauce and Half cooked sausage. Repeat Layers. Top with Remaining 4 noodles. Spread Alfredo Sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Cover baked at 350 for 45 minutes; uncover and bake for 15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.


SIDE NOTES –

I used Francesco Rinaldi Super Mushroom Sauce and Classico 4 Cheese Alfredo.

Also, I doubled the Mozzarella cheese and didn’t measure the Parmesan.

I used 2 lbs of Sausage, but it’s your discretion.