My New Cruet

Okay, so the title already has you bewildered. Right? Well, my Mom bought me a new Cruet.
I know everyone has some weird obsessions. Well, ONE of mine is my Cruet. And during
the summer some little kids (I wont mention any names, LOL) broke mine. We keep vinegar in
ours. And we use vinegar on almost everything we eat and I clean with it too. So it's a well used item.

Why post a story about it? Well, apparently Cruet's are a special obsession in my family. My Mom, my Aunts
and Grandma's all have one. Now, I know...most families have them. But we hit panic mode when ours is
out of commission. So when my Mom surprised me with this, I was so excited and I felt like my little friend
was back on my kitchen counter waiting to be used. So I went to the store bought red leaf and green leaf
lettuce so I could make lettuce salad with our home made dressing using vinegar, of course. Thanks Mom,
I love it!!

So what's an obsession you have? I also have a big obsession with baskets and paper. I have an
abundance of both! Share your normal and/or weird obsessions with us. I know my friend Sally from church on her blog shares that she loves animal crackers. Come on, share with us!!

Prayers For My Dad

My Dad left for the Ukraine this morning for a Missions trip. He is a "Building Missionary", he helps rebuild churches and some homes due to natural disasters. He's spent most his time in Mississippi rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina, most recently in Iowa from floods. Now he's on his way to Ukraine to help build churches.

I'm asking everyone to pray for his safety and all the people traveling with him. My Dad is a Christian and faithfully let's God direct his path.

Praying for you Dad!! Thank you to everyone who prays for him and his friends.

I'm Glad I'm Not A Teenager Again

I'm so glad I'm not a teenager again. The things teenagers go through, I'm so happy I'm married with kids. I'm around teenagers all the time, I have a teenage son and I have a teenage niece. In one week they can go through tears, fights, anger, happiness, big mood swings and than start back over again. Whoohooo, I'm so glad I'm not a teenager again. Ummm, did I already say that?

As Youth Director at our church and than various other youth ministries I do at our church, I am constantly confronted with "teenage issues". I have learned that when teen guys get mad at each other, they usually fight it out and become best of friends again the next day. Now the teen ladies, that's a whole other issue. Usually tears and screaming are involved. And then they hold grudges for a long time.

Now I'm not saying I was any different when I was a teen, because I'm sure if you ask my parents....they'll have that same dazed look that I have on my face all the time now. And as much as I shake my head in confusion, I'm surprised I haven't knocked a few important brain cells loose up there. God bless my parents for tolerating us. And by God's Grace they "survived" our teen years.

My advice to parents; just keep smiling and look as though you actually understand what your teen is talking about. And just remember the teen years don't last forever. ((we hope and pray))

My advice to teens; please enjoy these years, they'll go by too fast. Than you'll join the "real world." Your parents may be confused during the entire duration of your teen years, but we still love you!!

Another Favorite Site....

Evan Dyson is an awesome photojournalist. His site is filled with stories and photos of events that happen in this area. And I have to say that 90% of the time, he has the photos and stories before the Daily News Record and WHSV does.

Please go visit his site and dig through all the older articles and of course the new ones. I know you'll enjoy
your visit.

www.valleyobserver.com

Alex Owah...........I Saw His Face

In our area, there has been a problem with one of the local high school football teams and a few players. They broke the law and basically only one got in trouble for it. And one of the players that are out of jail and playing football, should not (in my opinion) be playing football. But in this area, football and especially this team....football is everything. A "take no prisoners" sort of deal, just win, win, win. So an opinion of alot of people is, he got off because of his "big name" football player status.

I personally have been very adamant about him not playing. I still feel that way, but...........

I saw his face, I saw him up close and personal. I've seen him play before, I've heard and read a tremendous amount of news about him. But this time was different. I didn't see him in a way of spoiled athlete, the "almighty" player alot portray him as or how the high school acts like he's the only player.

I saw him as a teenager that still has a future, as I want my kids to have. I saw him as a young man that could some day grow up to be a corporate lawyer, a Dad, a teacher, a Pro-football player and maybe a Pastor.
I saw him in a way any Mom would want other's to see their kids. I saw the teenager that messed up, but plans on going to a good university and make something of himself.

I saw myself as a person that is far from perfect and a person that hopes other's will forgive me when I make mistakes. Alex and I are alot alike....we're both human. And if we ask, God will forgive us. I do hope Alex straightens up and makes a good life for himself. Alex use your talents God gave you for good. Tim Tebow is one of my favorite football players, I pray his life is an inspiration to you as it has been for me.

I apologize to Alex for the coldness and harshness that I've presented towards you. I pray you do good and make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Virginia proud.

I'm still a Broadway High School fan, but I know Alex will do what's best for the Harrisonburg High School football team.