America, Thank You for Your Time

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and fun Labor Day weekend. I did a little research as to how and why Labor Day came to be. It is basically to honor the working force sowing what keeps America successfully productive so that we, citizens, may reap the benefits. This force ranges from the humble and meek farmers and "farm hands" who do not work for fame nor fortune to the high profile government officials in Washington. If you ponder every job there is, you realize that it takes the whole working force to keep America going.

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have posted a song by Alabama that humbly honors the working force in America. It's oldie but goodie. If you don't feel like reading it, well, it's playing on my "juke box".


Forty Hour Week (for a livin')~Alabama

There are people in this country who work hard every day.
Not for fame or fortune do they strive.
But the fruits of their labor are worth more than their pay.
And it's time a few of them were recognized.
Hello, Detroit, auto workers, let me thank you for your time.
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line.
Hello Pittsburgh steel mill workers, let me thank you for your time.
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line.
This is for the one who swings the hammer, driving home the nail.
Or the one behind the counter, ringing up the sale.
Or the one who fights the fires,
the one who brings the mail.
For everyone who works behind the scenes.
You can see them every morning in the factories and the fields.
In the city streets and the quiet country towns.
Working together like spokes inside a wheel.
They keep this country turning around.
Hello, Kansas, wheat field farmer, let me thank you for your time.
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line.
Hello West Virginia coal miner, let me thank you for your time.
You work a forty hour week for a livin', just to send it on down the line.
This one is for the one who drives the big rig, up and down the road.
Or the one out in the warehouse, bringing in the load.
Or the waitress, the mechanic, the policeman on patrol.
For everyone who works behind the scenes.
With a spirit you can't replace with no machine.
Hello, America,
Let me thank you for your time.

Everyday is a New Challenge

As moms of toddlers know, everyday can bring on new challenges. Some are easily defeated and you find victory in them and then there are those that seem to keep defeating you and your efforts.

The boys have recently learned the "Art of Aggravation". No matter how much BB doesn't want to be tackled by his brother with pillows, CB continues do it as a form of entertainment for himself. And as loud as BB may protest, CB finds no reprieve in his activity. Then mamma has to step in because now it has turned into a war. Although, it can be quite entertaining to myself as I watch how they handle each other.

CB now likes to show what authority he thinks he has by telling BB "no-no", "what did mamma just say", "time-out BB". To which I reply, "CB, mamma can handle it" knowing all along I might be at a loss on how he should be disciplined. In a way, CB reminds me of myself trying to take care of my sister when we were younger.

BB has learned that when he takes something away from CB, he gets a reaction. And usually no amount of hollering and screaming CB does, BB thinks it's a form of entertainment for himself.

They both think that the best way to stay cool during these oppressing days of heat is to stand in front of the fridge with the door wide open. As they stand there absorbing all the cool air as if it were life saving oxygen...I find myself quoting my mother when we would do the same-- "I can't cool this whole house with the fridge, now, shut the door."

In spite of the everyday challenges, I am so blessed to be the one facing them...I am the one who is disciplining, I am the one teaching them right from wrong and I am the one instilling in them the values I believe they should be learning during the day. I know I am not a perfect parent and never will be nor are my children perfect and they never will be. But blessed am I to be able to stay home and do what JB and I think is best for our children.

I have friends who so desperately want to stay home with their children. Some are even doing what it takes to financially get to that point....and to them I say, keep trying...it is so worth it.

“I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging as any honorable profession in the world and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it.” ~Rose F. Kennedy

Until next time, HB

Moving on Up...To the Top--Priorities and All

Well we have moved up a little in this world. We have upgraded our cable from the lowest tier to one that includes JB's beloved ESPN. He has his priorities and this time of the year, SEC football with a strong following of University of Alabama football is at the top. So as football season has begun so has the season for me to become a temporary football widow. If you see me wearing black, you will now understand.

Here's to the men who eat, breathe and live football:
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that". ~Scott Shankly

Here's to the women who have to live with them:
"If a man watches three football games in a row, he should be declared legally dead" ~ Erma Bombeck

Until next time, speaking for JB..."Roll Tide", HB

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Bow tie pasta (16 oz)
2 T. butter
1 lb. peeled and clean shrimp
1 T. minced garlic
Tony's seasoning
1 T. dried parsley
fresh Parmesan cheese

Prepare and drain bow tie pasta; set aside. In a skillet, melt the butter. Add shrimp; saute until almost done. Near the end of the cooking time add minced garlic, a liberal sprinkling of Tony's seasoning and dried parsley. Add pasta to skillet and toss. Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese, if desired. If after cooking the shrimp, there is a liquid in the skillet, drain before adding the last ingredients. If the mixture is too dry, add a little olive oil when tossing the pasta and shrimp.

Note: I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese. I also use frozen shrimp that can be found in the freezers with other frozen seafood. And remember, the more Tony's you add, the spicier the dish.

Rate:* * * * * (5 stars)

Until next time, yum-yum, HB

When I Say I am a Christian...

When I say..."I am a Christian" I'm not shouting, I'm saved by my own deeds-- I'm whispering, I get lost! That is why I chose this way.

When I say ... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide.

When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say ... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are way too visible but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say ... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek His Name.

When I say ... "I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge. I have no authority-- I only know I'm loved!

I think this gives a very humble and simple description of how Christians too suffer the pains, hardships, and consequences of this world. Only, we find hope in Christ and not from the temporary pleasures this world advertises as an eternal answer.

Until next time, we are in the world but not of it...HB

It's all about the Eyes

“It's the eyes that make me fall deeper for him. The more I look into them, the deeper I fall.” ~author unknown

All in the Family

I have been meaning to blog this incident for awhile. It will give you a glimpse into the humor we find in our family.

Earlier this summer, my dad and his brother, Uncle Mickey, went to an aunt and uncle's 50th wedding anniversary.

Now to know my dad and his brother, you know they do not like to dress up in suit and ties but they did feel the need to dress a little more dressier than the casual khaki pants or jeans with a polo shirt.

After being there for a while, they began to visit and reminisce with family they had not seen for quite some time. While visiting with one particular cousin, this cousin noticed and mentioned that he should have dressed a little more appropriate other than his blue jeans and polo shirt. As he told them, he didn't realize that this was a dressy occasion. My uncle then replied, "Don't worry...that lady and little girl over there isn't dressed up." To which the cousin replied, "I know...that's my wife and daughter."

I asked my dad what did he do. He said that he just turned around and laughed, thankful that it wasn't he that stuck his foot in his mouth this time.

Until next time, we keep a bucket of water handy just in case, HB

PS. there are 2 more posting after this one